Rights in Practice: Consent, Privacy & Choice at Every Step

What consent, privacy & choice mean in the NDIS

Consent means you agree to supports before they happen. This includes big decisions (like personal care, sharing information, changing supports) and everyday choices (like when a support worker visits or how you’d like help). You can say yes, no, or “not like that”. If something changes, the provider should ask again. In a good support relationship, consent is ongoing, not just a one-time form.

Privacy means your personal information is protected. Your provider should only use your details to deliver your supports and should explain how information is stored, shared and kept secure. They should also ask before recording your images or sharing your plans with others. If you’re using plan management, your financial information should also be handled responsibly. If you’re comparing options, you can use My Care Finders to help you compare providers and ask the right questions about privacy and how they communicate.

Choice means you can make decisions about how, when and who supports you (within your reasonable goals and funded supports). You should be supported to understand your options, not pressured into a service. If something isn’t working, you can request changes, including different staffing, different times, or different ways of doing a task. If you use plan management through MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au), you can still choose your providers and supports—you’re not locked into a single service style.

Key takeaway: In the NDIS, you have the right to be asked, the right to understand, and the right to change your mind—your consent and choices should be respected every time.

• Ask: “Can you explain what you’ll do and why?”
• Request options: “What are my choices for times, staff and methods?”
• Set boundaries: “Do not share my information without asking me first.”
• Use support: Talk with your provider, your nominee/support coordinator (if you have one), or a trusted person to help you decide.