What Self-Advocacy Skills Should I Develop as an NDIS Participant?

Self-advocacy represents your ability to speak up for yourself and communicate your needs effectively within the NDIS system. Research shows that only 38% of NDIS participants currently feel able to advocate for themselves. Building these skills empowers you to take control of your NDIS journey and achieve better outcomes.

Understanding Self-Advocacy as an NDIS Participant

Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself and knowing your rights about the things that matter to you. Within the NDIS context, this involves understanding your entitlements and actively participating in decisions about your support and services.

The NDIS operates on principles of choice and control. You make the choices about:

• Types of services you access

• Which providers you use

• How your plan gets managed

• How you receive important information

You also have control to:

• Stop supports that don't benefit you

• Decide who enters your home or views your plan

• Request additional information

• Challenge decisions you disagree with

Identifying Your Personal Needs and Goals

Effective self-advocacy starts with understanding yourself. The Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) developed a proven 6-step model that begins with identifying issues clearly.

Step 1: Identify the Issue

Ask yourself these questions:

• What specific problem needs addressing?

• Why does this matter to me?

• How urgent is this issue?

• What do I want to change?

Write down your concerns. This helps clarify your thoughts and prepares you for conversations with providers or NDIS staff.

Step 2: Know Your Rights

Understanding your NDIS rights gives you confidence to speak up. You have the right to:

• Choose who delivers your supports

• Refuse providers who don't act in your best interests

• Ask about conflicts of interest

• Avoid pressure to buy unwanted services

• Pay fair and reasonable rates

• Control what personal information you share

Developing Effective Communication Techniques

Clear communication forms the foundation of successful self-advocacy. Research from IMHA shows that people who develop these skills report improved confidence and greater control over their treatment and recovery.

Prepare for Meetings

Before meeting with coordinators or providers:

• List your questions and concerns

• Gather relevant documents

• Set clear goals for the discussion

• Practice explaining your needs

Use Direct Communication

• Speak in "I" statements

• Be specific about what you need

• Ask questions when you don't understand

• Request clarification on complex topics

Take Notes

Document important conversations. This helps you:

• Remember key information

• Track promises made by providers

• Prepare for future meetings

• Build evidence if issues arise

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills

Self-advocacy requires systematic thinking about solutions. The IMHA model provides a clear framework:

Step 3: Identify Solutions

• Write down your ideal outcome

• Consider alternative options

• Talk with trusted people about possibilities

• Research available resources

Step 4: Make a Plan

• Decide how to express your views (meeting, phone, email)

• Choose who to contact and when

• Identify people who can support you

• Plan next steps if your first approach fails

Step 5: Enact the Plan

• Follow through on your planned approach

• Document what happens during interactions

• Stay focused on your main goals

• Remain persistent but respectful

Step 6: Review and Learn

• Assess what worked well

• Identify areas for improvement

• Plan future actions if needed

• Celebrate your successes

Setting and Maintaining Boundaries

People with disabilities face regular boundary intrusions that others wouldn't experience. Learning to set appropriate boundaries protects your wellbeing and commands respect.

Recognise Boundary Issues

Common boundary violations include:

• Invasive personal questions from strangers

• Physical contact without permission

• Unwanted comments about your disability

• Pressure to accept unsuitable supports

Practice Boundary Setting

• Use polite but firm language

• State your preferences clearly

• Don't feel obligated to explain personal choices

• Remove yourself from uncomfortable situations when possible

Effective boundary setting creates respect and prevents future violations.

Seeking Support When Needed

Self-advocacy doesn't mean handling everything alone. The NDIS recognises that everyone needs support with decisions at different times.

Professional Support Options

• Disability advocates through the National Disability Advocacy Program

• NDIS coordinators and planners

• Mental health advocacy services

• Legal assistance when required

Personal Support Networks

• Family members and friends

• Peer support groups

• Community organisations

• Trusted service providers

When to Seek Help

Request support when you:

• Face complex NDIS processes

• Experience conflicts with providers

• Need help understanding your rights

• Feel overwhelmed by decisions

Building Skills Through Practice

Self-advocacy improves with regular practice. Start with smaller issues before tackling major concerns. Each successful interaction builds confidence for future challenges.

The supported decision-making approach recognises that building these skills takes time. Focus on developing your abilities gradually while accessing appropriate support when needed.

Your voice matters in the NDIS system. By developing strong self-advocacy skills, you ensure your needs are heard and your rights are respected. This leads to better outcomes and greater satisfaction with your NDIS experience.

Remember that learning to advocate for yourself benefits not just you, but other NDIS participants who see your example and gain courage to speak up for their own needs.