COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Empowering NDIS Participants to Make Informed Choices course. This course is designed for professionals who play a critical role in assisting NDIS participants to navigate the scheme, understand their options, and make informed decisions about their supports and services.
Under the NDIS, participants have the right to exercise choice and control over their plans, but many face barriers that can make decision-making complex. This course begins by providing a foundational understanding of the NDIS, its purpose, key principles, and the responsibilities of both participants and support professionals in promoting informed choice.
Helping participants make informed decisions requires a strong understanding of the decision-making process. This section explores what informed choice means in the NDIS context, how empowerment leads to better participant outcomes, and the common barriers—such as lack of information or confidence—that may prevent participants from making fully informed decisions.
Understanding NDIS plans and funding structures is essential for guiding participants effectively. This section provides an overview of the three support categories—Core, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports—along with the differences between self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed funding. Support professionals will also learn how to assist participants in reviewing and adjusting their plans as their needs evolve.
Accessing and interpreting NDIS information is a key skill for support professionals. This section focuses on helping participants navigate the NDIS website and official resources, understand policies and funding categories, and seek clarification from NDIS representatives to ensure accurate and relevant information is provided.
Identifying personal goals and needs is fundamental to aligning supports with a participant’s aspirations. This section explores how to facilitate discussions on short-term and long-term goals, match available supports to individual preferences, and create personalised support plans that reflect a participant’s lifestyle and ambitions.
Assisting participants in exploring service providers is crucial for ensuring high-quality support. This section provides guidance on explaining the differences between registered and unregistered providers, researching and comparing service options, and evaluating service quality to help participants make confident choices.
Support Coordinators and Local Area Coordinators (LACs) play an integral role in participant decision-making. This section clarifies the responsibilities of each role, how they can support participants in making informed decisions, and when and how to assist participants in changing coordinators if needed.
Understanding different NDIS plan management options allows support professionals to advise participants effectively. This section examines the benefits and challenges of self-management, plan management, and NDIA management, and how participants can transition between these options based on their needs and capabilities.
Advocacy and self-advocacy skills empower participants to take control of their support arrangements. This section provides strategies for supporting participants in self-advocacy, connecting them with advocacy services, and building their confidence to express their needs and make requests independently.
Service agreements and contracts outline the rights and expectations between participants and providers. This section explains the key elements of service agreements, how to assist participants in negotiating terms, setting clear expectations, and ending or modifying agreements when necessary.
Guiding participants in making informed choices about support workers ensures high-quality and compatible care. This section explores how to assist participants in selecting between agency and independent support workers, key questions to consider during the hiring process, and strategies for maintaining effective working relationships.
Understanding participant rights and safeguards helps support professionals protect participants from unethical practices. This section outlines the NDIS Code of Conduct, recognising signs of poor service delivery or neglect, and the steps to take when supporting participants in making complaints or addressing service concerns.
Financial literacy and budgeting skills are critical for participants managing their NDIS funding. This section equips support professionals with the knowledge to assist participants in tracking their spending, avoiding overspending, and ensuring funds are allocated appropriately to meet their needs.
Technology and assistive devices play a crucial role in supporting participant independence. This section provides guidance on identifying suitable assistive technology, ensuring participants understand their options, and assisting with the process of accessing funding for necessary equipment.
Developing communication and negotiation skills helps support professionals facilitate discussions that empower participants. This section covers how to effectively communicate options, assist participants in negotiating service adjustments, and provide guidance in handling challenging conversations.
Encouraging participants to build networks and engage with their communities enhances their independence and support systems. This section explores how support professionals can connect participants with peer groups, community-based services, and opportunities for social inclusion.
Navigating complaints, appeals, and plan reviews is an important part of participant support. This section outlines the NDIS review and appeal process, how to assist participants in challenging decisions or requesting plan changes, and seeking external advocacy support when needed.
By the end of this course, you will have the tools and knowledge to effectively empower NDIS participants, ensuring they have the confidence, resources, and guidance needed to make informed choices and take control of their support journey.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Understanding the NDIS and Its Purpose
- Overview of the NDIS: Goals and Objectives
- Key Principles of Participant Choice and Control
- Rights and Responsibilities of NDIS Participants
2. The Importance of Informed Decision-Making
- Defining Informed Choice in the NDIS Context
- The Impact of Empowerment on Participant Well-being
- Barriers to Making Informed Decisions
3. Understanding NDIS Plans and Funding
- Core, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports Explained
- Understanding Plan-Managed, Self-Managed, and NDIA-Managed Funding
- Reviewing and Adjusting NDIS Plans for Changing Needs
4. Accessing and Interpreting NDIS Information
- Navigating the NDIS Website and Resources
- Understanding NDIS Policies, Guidelines, and Support Categories
- Seeking Clarification from NDIS Representatives
5. Identifying Personal Goals and Needs
- Defining Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
- Aligning NDIS Supports with Personal Aspirations
- Creating a Personalised Support Plan
6. Exploring Available Services and Providers
- Understanding the Role of Registered and Unregistered Providers
- Researching and Comparing Service Providers
- Evaluating Quality and Suitability of Services
7. The Role of Support Coordinators and Local Area Coordinators
- Differences Between Support Coordinators and LACs
- How Coordinators Help Participants Make Informed Decisions
- When and How to Change Coordinators
8. Self-Management vs. Plan Management vs. NDIA Management
- Pros and Cons of Each Management Type
- Skills Needed for Self-Managing an NDIS Plan
- Transitioning Between Different Management Options
9. Advocacy and Self-Advocacy in the NDIS
- Understanding the Importance of Self-Advocacy
- Accessing Advocacy Services for Assistance
- Developing Confidence to Speak Up and Make Requests
10. Understanding Service Agreements and Contracts
- Key Elements of an NDIS Service Agreement
- Negotiating Terms and Setting Clear Expectations
- Ending or Changing Service Agreements
11. Making Informed Choices About Support Workers
- Choosing Between Agency and Independent Support Workers
- Questions to Ask When Selecting a Support Worker
- Managing Support Worker Relationships Effectively
12. Understanding Participant Rights and Safeguards
- The NDIS Code of Conduct and Participant Rights
- Recognising and Reporting Unethical Practices
- Steps to Take in Cases of Service Complaints or Neglect
13. Financial Literacy and Budgeting for NDIS Funding
- Tracking NDIS Expenditures and Avoiding Overspending
- Budgeting for Different Support Categories
- Seeking Financial Guidance for NDIS Management
14. Technology and Assistive Devices in Decision-Making
- How Assistive Technology Supports Independence
- Choosing the Right Technology for Individual Needs
- Funding and Accessing Assistive Technology Through the NDIS
15. Developing Communication and Negotiation Skills
- Communicating Preferences Effectively with Providers
- Negotiating Service Adjustments Based on Evolving Needs
- Handling Difficult Conversations with Confidence
16. Building Networks and Community Engagement
- Connecting with Peer Support Groups and Networks
- Accessing Community-Based Supports and Services
- Encouraging Social Inclusion and Participation
17. Handling Complaints, Appeals, and Reviews
- Understanding the NDIS Review and Appeal Process
- Steps to Take When a Plan or Decision is Unsatisfactory
- Seeking External Support for Dispute Resolution
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.