The Importance of Choice & Control for Individuals with a Disability

In recent years, the disability space in Australia has seen significant changes, with a strong emphasis on empowering individuals with disabilities. Central to this empowerment is the concept of choice and control. These principles are fundamental in ensuring that people with disabilities have the autonomy and agency to lead lives that are meaningful and fulfilling. Let's explore why choice and control are so important to individuals with disabilities.

Understanding Choice and Control

Choice refers to the ability of individuals to make decisions about their own lives, including the services and supports they receive. Control means having the power to direct those decisions and manage their outcomes. Together, these concepts enable individuals with disabilities to take charge of their own lives, rather than being passive recipients of care.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) marked a significant shift towards a more person-centred approach. The NDIS is designed to provide support tailored to the individual needs and goals of people with disabilities, rather than a one-size-fits-all model. This shift has placed choice and control at the forefront of disability support in Australia.

Benefits of Choice and Control

1. Enhanced Quality of Life

   • When individuals can choose their own services and supports, they are more likely to find options that align with their preferences and needs. This leads to greater satisfaction and an improved quality of life.

2. Increased Independence

   • Control over their own lives enables individuals with disabilities to develop skills, pursue education and employment opportunities, and engage more fully in their communities.

3. Empowerment

   • Having the ability to make decisions builds confidence and self-esteem. It empowers people with disabilities to advocate for themselves and take an active role in their own lives.

4. Personalised Support

   • Choice and control ensure that support is tailored to the unique needs of each individual. This personalised approach can lead to better outcomes in terms of health, well-being, and social participation.

Challenges to Achieving Choice and Control

While the principles of choice and control are widely supported, there are challenges to their full implementation:

1. Access to Information

   • To make informed choices, individuals need access to comprehensive and understandable information about their options. This includes details about available services, providers, and funding.

2. Support for Decision-Making

   • Some individuals may need assistance in making decisions. This can come from family members, carers, or professional advocates. Ensuring that this support is available and effective is crucial.

3. Systemic Barriers

   • There can be systemic barriers within the healthcare and support services that limit choice and control. These include bureaucratic processes, funding limitations, and a lack of service diversity.

Moving Forward

To continue advancing choice and control in the disability space, several key steps are necessary:

1. Education and Training

   • Providing education and training for individuals with disabilities, their families, and support workers about the principles and practicalities of choice and control.

2. Policy and Advocacy

   • We need ongoing advocacy for policies that promote and protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to make their own choices and control their own lives.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation

   • Regularly monitoring and evaluating the implementation of choice and control within the NDIS and other support systems to identify areas for improvement and ensure accountability is crucial.

Choice and control are not just buzzwords; they are essential components of a disability support system that respects and upholds the dignity and rights of individuals. By prioritising these principles, Australia can continue to lead the way in creating a more inclusive and empowering environment for people with disabilities. The journey towards full choice and control is ongoing, but with commitment and collaboration, it is a goal within reach.