COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Managing Resistance to Support in NDIS Participants course. This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools to effectively address resistance to support among participants.
Resistance can arise for various psychological, emotional, and cultural reasons, and it often impacts the outcomes of care and support. In this course, we will explore the definition and scope of resistance, the underlying factors that contribute to it, and its effects on both participants and service delivery. Understanding and addressing resistance is crucial for fostering trust and improving engagement, ultimately enhancing the participant’s experience within the NDIS framework.
Recognising resistance early is essential for developing appropriate strategies. This section will guide you in identifying verbal and non-verbal indicators of resistance, understanding its varying levels—mild, moderate, and severe—and interpreting these cues to inform your approach to support.
The causes of resistance can be deeply rooted in personal beliefs, previous experiences, or systemic mistrust. You will explore common reasons such as fear of losing independence, mistrust of service providers, cultural perceptions of disability, and negative past interactions. By understanding these causes, support workers can adopt more empathetic and participant-centred approaches.
Support workers play a vital role in addressing resistance. This section will emphasise the importance of building trust and rapport, maintaining professional boundaries, and using empathy as a tool to reduce resistance while preserving the participant’s autonomy and dignity.
Effective communication is central to managing resistance. You will develop skills in active listening, using open-ended questions to explore concerns, and managing conflict with empathy and validation. These techniques foster meaningful conversations that can help uncover and address the root causes of resistance.
Cultural sensitivity is essential in providing inclusive support. This section will explore the impact of cultural beliefs on resistance, strategies for adapting support approaches to meet the needs of culturally diverse participants, and techniques to overcome language barriers and misunderstandings.
Tailored strategies are needed for different participant groups. You will learn specific techniques for managing resistance in children, adults, elderly individuals, and those with sensory impairments, intellectual disabilities, or mental health challenges. These sections provide insights into building trust, respecting preferences, and gradually introducing support to reduce resistance effectively.
Participants with co-morbid conditions often face unique challenges, requiring a customised approach to support. You will explore the interplay between physical and mental health issues, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and gradually building engagement to avoid overwhelming participants.
General techniques for de-escalating resistance, such as calm communication, offering choices, and providing continuous positive reinforcement, are applicable across all groups. These strategies empower participants to feel more in control and build confidence in the support they receive.
Developing personalised support plans is a cornerstone of overcoming resistance. This section will teach you how to conduct participant-centred assessments, set achievable goals, and review and update plans regularly to ensure they remain effective and aligned with the participant’s evolving needs.
Ethical and legal considerations are integral to managing resistance. You will learn how to uphold participant rights under the NDIS Code of Conduct, balance duty of care with respect for autonomy, and document resistance and support actions to maintain compliance and transparency.
Monitoring and reviewing progress ensures that strategies remain effective and adaptive. You will gain skills in setting realistic goals, evaluating the success of interventions, and incorporating participant feedback to refine your approach continuously.
By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to manage resistance to support effectively, fostering trust, promoting engagement, and ensuring that NDIS participants receive respectful, person-centred care that aligns with their preferences and needs.
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. Introduction to Resistance to Support
- Definition and Scope of Resistance to Support
- Importance of Addressing Resistance Effectively
- Psychological and Emotional Factors Behind Resistance
- Impact of Resistance on Support Outcomes
2. Identifying Resistance in NDIS Participants
- Recognising Verbal Indicators of Resistance
- Understanding Non-Verbal Cues Suggesting Resistance
- Levels of Resistance: Mild, Moderate, and Severe
3. Causes of Resistance to Support
- Fear of Losing Independence or Autonomy
- Mistrust of Service Providers or the NDIS System
- Cultural and Personal Beliefs About Disability and Support
- Previous Negative Experiences with Support Services
4. Role of Support Workers in Addressing Resistance
- Building Trust and Rapport with Participants
- Maintaining Professional Boundaries While Supporting Autonomy
- Role of Empathy in Reducing Resistance
5. Effective Communication Strategies
- Active Listening Skills for Understanding Concerns
- Using Open-Ended Questions to Explore Participant Needs
- Managing Conflict Through Empathy and Validation
6. Cultural Sensitivity in Managing Resistance
- Recognising the Impact of Cultural Beliefs on Resistance
- Adapting Support Approaches for Culturally Diverse Participants
- Addressing Language Barriers and Misunderstandings
7. Strategies for Managing Resistance in Children with Disabilities
- Building Trust Through Play and Activities
- Engaging with Parents and Families to Address Concerns
- Using Visual Aids and Communication Tools
- Encouraging Gradual Acceptance of Support
8. Techniques for Managing Resistance in Adults with Physical Disabilities
- Addressing Fear of Losing Independence
- Adapting Support Plans to Respect Personal Preferences
- Empowering Adults Through Skill Development
- Providing Peer Support Opportunities
9. Managing Resistance in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
- Simplifying Communication to Match Cognitive Levels
- Reassuring Participants Through Consistent Routines
- Using Positive Reinforcement to Encourage Engagement
- Adapting Support Techniques Based on Individual Learning Styles
10. Addressing Resistance in Individuals with Mental Health Issues
- Recognising the Role of Anxiety and Fear in Resistance
- Employing Trauma-Informed Care Practices
- Collaborating with Mental Health Professionals
- Gradually Introducing Support to Avoid Overwhelm
11. Strategies for Managing Resistance in Elderly Participants with Disabilities
- Addressing Concerns About Losing Control or Privacy
- Respecting Long-Established Routines and Preferences
- Providing Emotional Support to Address Age-Related Fears
- Building Trust by Involving Family and Close Friends
12. Techniques for Managing Resistance in Participants with Sensory Impairments
- Simplifying Communication to Accommodate Sensory Impairments
- Addressing Fear of Assistive Devices
- Creating Sensory-Friendly Environments
- Encouraging Gradual Acceptance of Support
13. Managing Resistance in Participants Experiencing Co-Morbid Conditions
- Recognising the Interplay Between Physical and Mental Health Issues
- Customising Support Plans to Address Multiple Needs
- Collaborating with Multidisciplinary Teams for Comprehensive Care
- Gradually Building Engagement to Avoid Overwhelming Participants
14. General Techniques for De-Escalating Resistance Across All Groups
- Using Calm and Reassuring Communication Styles
- Offering Choices to Empower Participants
- Building Gradual Exposure to New Support Services
- Providing Continuous Positive Reinforcement
15. Developing Personalised Support Plans to Overcome Resistance
- Conducting Participant-Centred Assessments
- Setting Small, Achievable Goals for Engagement
- Regularly Reviewing and Updating Support Plans
- Collaborating with Participants and Families to Encourage Buy-In
16. Ethical and Legal Considerations
- Upholding Participant Rights Under the NDIS Code of Conduct
- Balancing Duty of Care with Respect for Autonomy
- Documenting Instances of Resistance and Support Actions
17. Monitoring and Reviewing Progress
- Setting Realistic Goals for Overcoming Resistance
- Regularly Evaluating the Effectiveness of Strategies
- Adapting Approaches Based on Participant Feedback
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”.