Your Rights as an NDIS Participant

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to give you choice, control, and freedom to live life on your own terms. As an NDIS participant, you have important rights that protect your safety, privacy, and dignity — and ensure you’re always treated with fairness and respect.

Knowing your rights empowers you to make informed decisions, speak up when something doesn’t feel right, and receive the quality of care you deserve.

Your Fundamental Rights Under the NDIS

Every participant in the NDIS has the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

• Make your own choices about the supports and services you use.

• Have your privacy and personal information protected.

• Feel safe and free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

• Be included and participate fully in your community.

• Be listened to and have your voice heard.

• Access services that are fair, culturally appropriate, and free from discrimination.

• Receive quality supports from trained and professional workers.

• Complain without fear of punishment or disadvantage.

These rights are backed by the NDIS Act 2013 and the NDIS Code of Conduct (2024 update), which all registered providers and workers must follow.

1. Right to Choice and Control

The NDIS is built around you — your goals, your values, and your lifestyle.

You have the right to:

• Choose your service providers and how your supports are delivered.

• Decide whether to self-manage, plan-manage, or have your plan NDIA-managed.

• Change providers if you’re unhappy with the service you’re receiving.

• Have a say in your support plan and review process.

Under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s latest framework (2025), participants must be included in all decisions about their care and support — not just consulted, but genuinely heard.

️ 2. Right to Safety and Protection

You have the right to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
Your providers are legally required to:

• Keep you safe from physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.

• Maintain a secure and respectful environment.

• Respond quickly and appropriately to any safety concerns or incidents.

• Follow incident management and reportable conduct procedures as outlined by the NDIS Commission.

If you ever feel unsafe, you can contact:

• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: 1800 035 544

• Police or emergency services: 000 (if urgent)

• A trusted advocate or family member

You are never alone when it comes to your safety.

3. Right to Dignity, Respect and Inclusion

Your disability does not define you — it is part of your experience, not your identity.
You have the right to:

• Be treated as an equal member of society.

• Access public spaces, services, and opportunities without discrimination.

• Receive supports that respect your culture, religion, language, and background.

• Build meaningful connections and participate in community activities.

At [Your Business Name], we embrace diversity and inclusion. We celebrate your individuality and support your goals with compassion and understanding.

️ 4. Right to Speak Up and Be Heard

You have the right to express your views, preferences, and concerns about your care — and to be taken seriously.
That means:

• You can make a complaint directly to your provider without fear of retaliation.

• You can contact the NDIS Commission if the issue isn’t resolved.

• You can use an advocate or support person to speak on your behalf.

• You can request plain language or accessible communication to understand information clearly.

The NDIS Code of Conduct requires providers to act with integrity, honesty, and transparency — and to actively support participants who raise concerns.

5. Right to Privacy and Confidentiality

Your personal and health information is private.
NDIS providers must:

• Handle all records securely.

• Only share your information with your consent or when legally required.

• Explain how your data is collected and used.

You can request access to your personal information at any time under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

6. Right to Quality and Professional Support

All NDIS-registered workers and organisations are bound by the NDIS Practice Standards (2025), which ensure that services are:

• Safe and evidence-based

• Delivered by qualified, trained professionals

• Regularly reviewed and audited for quality compliance

This means you can expect reliable, consistent, and person-centred support at all times.

7. Right to Complain and Seek Resolution

You have the right to raise concerns about your services — whether big or small.
Making a complaint helps improve the system for everyone.

You can make a complaint by:

• Speaking directly with your provider

• Contacting the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission at www.ndiscommission.gov.au or 1800 035 544

• Asking an independent advocate for help

All complaints are taken seriously and handled confidentially.

8. Right to Access Advocacy and Support

If you need help understanding your rights or speaking up, you can get free, independent advocacy from organisations such as:

• Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)

• Your local NDIS Participant Advocate Service

• Public Guardian or Community Legal Centre

Advocates can help you navigate challenges, attend meetings, and ensure your voice is heard throughout the NDIS process.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge

Understanding your rights is the first step toward independence and self-advocacy.
Keep copies of your plan, service agreements, and communication with providers.
Stay informed about NDIS policy updates through ndis.gov.au.

If something doesn’t feel right — speak up, ask questions, and seek help. You have the right to live safely, confidently, and with respect.