Making decisions about your life matters.

Choosing where you live, who supports you, and how you spend your funding shapes your independence and wellbeing. For many people living with disability, support from trusted people helps make these decisions easier. That is where NDIS supported decision making plays an important role.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme focuses strongly on choice and control. Participants should remain at the centre of decisions about their supports, goals, and daily lives. Sometimes, people need extra guidance to understand information, weigh options, or communicate decisions clearly.

Support does not mean losing independence. In many cases, the right support strengthens independence.

Here’s how supported decision making works, when an NDIS nominee may become involved, and how participants maintain control throughout the process.

What Is NDIS Supported Decision Making?

NDIS supported decision making refers to helping participants make their own decisions with appropriate assistance.

This approach recognises that people with disability have the right to direct their own lives. Some participants may require help understanding information, comparing choices, or communicating preferences, but they should still remain involved in decisions wherever possible.

Support may come from:

• Family members
• Friends
• Support workers
• Advocates
• Carers
• Professionals

The goal is simple. Provide the right decision making support without removing the participant’s voice.

For example, a participant may need someone to explain service agreements in simpler language before choosing a provider. Another person may require communication tools to express preferences during a planning meeting.

In both situations, the participant still makes the final decision.

Why Supported Decision Making Matters

Choice and control sit at the core of the NDIS.

Supported decision making protects a participant’s independence while ensuring they receive guidance suited to their communication style, cognitive needs, or personal circumstances.

This approach also helps participants:

• Build confidence
• Increase independence
• Understand rights and responsibilities
• Participate in planning meetings
• Make informed choices about providers and supports

Without proper support, participants risk feeling excluded from decisions affecting their own lives.

The NDIS aims to avoid this by encouraging active participation wherever possible.

What Is an NDIS Nominee?

Sometimes, participants need someone to act on their behalf for specific NDIS matters. This person is known as an NDIS nominee.

A nominee helps make decisions or complete actions connected to the participant’s NDIS plan.

The NDIA only appoints a nominee when necessary. The focus always remains on supporting the participant to make their own decisions first.

There are two main types of nominees.

1. Plan Nominee NDIS

A plan nominee NDIS arrangement allows someone to help with tasks related to the participant’s plan.

This may include:

• Managing funding decisions
• Choosing providers
• Organising services
• Monitoring budgets
• Communicating with the NDIA

A plan nominee only handles matters connected to the participant’s NDIS plan.

2. Correspondence Nominee

A correspondence nominee manages communication with the NDIA.

This person receives:

• Letters
• Notices
• Emails
• Important updates

They help ensure the participant stays informed about NDIS processes and requirements.

Does Having an NDIS Nominee Remove Choice and Control?

No. An NDIS nominee should support the participant’s preferences and wishes wherever possible.

The role exists to assist, not take over.

The NDIA expects nominees to:

• Consult with the participant
• Respect their preferences
• Act in their best interests
• Encourage participation in decisions

Participants still maintain rights within the process.

For example, someone with complex communication needs may use a nominee to assist during meetings while continuing to express personal goals and service preferences.

The focus stays on partnership and participation.

Understanding Consent NDIS Requirements

Consent NDIS processes are an important part of supported decision making.

Consent means the participant understands and agrees to share information or receive support from another person.

Before providers, family members, or support coordinators access sensitive information, proper consent should be obtained wherever possible.

Consent helps protect:

• Privacy
• Personal information
• Participant rights
• Decision making authority

Participants may provide consent verbally, in writing, or through communication supports depending on their circumstances.

Clear communication matters during this process.

Support workers and providers should explain:

• What information will be shared
• Why access is needed
• Who will receive the information
• What choices the participant has

Respecting consent strengthens trust and promotes independence.

When Might Someone Need Decision Making Support?

Every participant’s situation differs.

Some people require occasional guidance. Others need ongoing support due to communication, cognitive, or psychosocial challenges.

Common situations include:

• Understanding funding categories
• Comparing service providers
• Reviewing service agreements
• Preparing for plan reviews
• Managing complex health decisions
• Communicating during meetings

Decision making support should always match the participant’s individual needs.

The support provided should also encourage skill development over time.

Real Life Example of Supported Decision Making

Consider a participant named Sarah.

Sarah lives independently and manages most daily tasks well. During her annual NDIS review, she struggles to understand complex funding language and provider contracts.

Her sister attends meetings with her and helps explain information in simpler terms. Sarah asks questions, discusses options, and chooses the providers she prefers.

Sarah remains in control of decisions. Her sister provides support, not direction.

This reflects the purpose of NDIS supported decision making.

How Families and Providers Can Encourage Choice and Control

Families and providers play a major role in promoting participant independence.

Practical ways to support choice and control include:

Use Clear Communication

Avoid complicated language.

Break information into smaller parts and check understanding regularly.

Offer Choices

Provide options rather than making assumptions.

For example:

• Which support worker do you prefer?
• What goals matter most to you this year?
• Would you like support attending community activities?

Small choices build confidence.

Respect the Participant’s Pace

Some people need more time to process information and make decisions.

Allow space for discussion without pressure.

Encourage Participation

Participants should attend meetings and discussions whenever possible.

Even limited participation strengthens confidence and independence.

Finding the Right Balance

Balancing support and independence takes care and understanding.

Too little support creates confusion and stress. Too much control from others limits personal choice.

The best outcomes happen when participants feel heard, respected, and involved in decisions affecting their lives.

At Arise Community Support Services, we believe every participant deserves support that protects dignity, independence, and personal choice. Our team works closely with participants and families to encourage meaningful participation, informed decision making, and greater confidence throughout the NDIS journey.

The right support should strengthen your voice, not replace it.