Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be challenging—especially when you’re new to the system or supporting a loved one. Between the acronyms, guidelines, and changing policies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Empower Care Services, we believe that clarity is power. This article breaks down the core principles of the NDIS, including what “choice and control” really mean, and offers practical guidance to help participants and carers feel more confident engaging with the system.
What Does “Choice and Control” Really Mean?
At the heart of the NDIS is a powerful concept: choice and control. These aren’t just buzzwords—they represent a participant’s legal right to:
- Choose their own service providers
- Direct how their supports are delivered
- Set personal goals and review them regularly
- Decide how to manage their funding (self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA managed)
Choice is about the freedom to select what works best for your needs and goals. Control is about making decisions—big or small—about your supports and your future. This principle is enshrined in the NDIS Act 2013 and supported by the NDIS Participant Service Charter, which outlines that participants should be treated with dignity and respect
and given every opportunity to make their own decisions.
“It was important for me to feel like I wasn’t just being ‘looked after’ I wanted to be involved. With Empower, I was able to direct how my support was structured around my daily life.”
— Daniel, NDIS participant
Why It Matters for Carers
For carers, understanding the NDIS framework is just as vital. It allows you to better advocate for your loved one, communicate with support coordinators, and guide goal-setting conversations during plan reviews.
Carers Australia notes that carers often take on the role of informal advocates and require clear, reliable information to support the people they care for. Knowing the difference between funded supports, mainstream services, and informal care helps clarify where your responsibilities begin and end. When carers are empowered with knowledge, the entire support network becomes more effective.
Key Components of the NDIS Plan
Every NDIS participant has a personalised plan that includes:
- Participant goals: What the individual wants to achieve, e.g., increasing
independence, learning a new skill, or improving social participation. - Funded supports: Services and items that are considered ‘reasonable and
necessary’ to help meet those goals. - Support budgets: Divided into three categories—Core, Capital, and Capacity
Building—to structure the type of assistance received.
Each component is interconnected. For example, a goal to gain employment might involve capacity-building supports like job coaching or assistive technology (capital support). Understanding how to align services with these goals ensures that participants get the most value from their plan.
The Role of Providers (And How to Choose One)
Choosing the right provider is a key part of exercising choice and control. A quality provider should:
- Offer flexibility in service delivery
- Be transparent about costs and availability
- Understand the NDIS guidelines
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
At Empower Care Services, we take pride in being more than just a provider. We’re a team of professionals dedicated to person-centred support that respects each client’s preferences and autonomy. Our services are tailored, evidence-based, and guided by the principles of dignity, inclusion, and empowerment.
Common Challenges—and How to Overcome Them
Jargon overload is one of the biggest hurdles for participants and carers. Terms like “support coordination,” “plan management,” and “capacity building” can be confusing. Using resources like the NDIS Glossary helps clarify definitions.
Plan underutilisation is another issue. According to the NDIS Quarterly Report (Q1 2024), up to 40% of participants don’t use their full funding. This often stems from a lack of clarity about available supports. A support coordinator or provider like Empower Care Services can help bridge that gap by offering personalised guidance.
A Note on Advocacy and Rights
Participants have the right to question decisions, request plan reviews, and lodge complaints. If you feel something isn’t working, you don’t have to accept it. There are several avenues for advocacy, including:
- Independent Advocacy groups (Disability Advocacy Finder)
- Community legal centres
- Local area coordinators and support coordinators
Your voice is powerful—and supported by law.
Where to From Here?
The NDIS has its complexities, but with the right support and knowledge, it can be a transformative tool. Whether you’re a participant learning how to take charge, or a carer helping someone navigate the system, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential.
At Empower Care Services, we’re here to help every step of the way. From personalised care plans to navigation assistance, our team is committed to empowering individuals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive.
Ready to Feel More Empowered?
If you have questions about your plan or just need some clarity, reach out to our team. We’re here to help you make the most of your NDIS journey—with compassion, professionalism, and care.
Contact us today or connect with us on LinkedIn to keep the conversation going.
