Speaking Up About Your Care: A Guide for NDIS Disability Participants
When you’re living with a disability, the support you receive can make a huge difference in your daily life. But no matter how much help you get, one thing should always be at the forefront.
Your voice.
You deserve to be heard, understood, and respected by your care team. After all, it’s your life, your goals, and your choices that matter most.
This article is designed to help NDIS participants, and their loved ones feel more confident in speaking up, asking for what they need, and shaping support that truly meets their needs.
Why does speaking up in care matter?
Support should never be one-size-fits-all. Everyone is different with things such as:
Routines
Likes
Dislikes
Cultural values
Communication styles
Comfort zones
When you’re supported in a way that reflects you, things tend to run more smoothly.
Telling your care team how you like things done isn’t being fussy; it’s being empowered. Whether it’s small things, like what time you prefer to shower, or bigger decisions, like who provides your care or how you want to work toward your goals, your preferences matter.
Good support starts with a choice.
What kind of preferences can I discuss?
Anything that helps you feel more comfortable, safe, or respected in your day-to-day life is worth raising.
Some more common examples include:
What time of day do you like support visits
Your preferred support worker (or if you’d rather change workers)
The pace and tone of communication (e.g. slow, clear, plain language)
Whether you like to be involved in decisions or prefer a loved one to help
Gender or cultural background of your support worker
Food, music, or activities that are meaningful to you
How much independence do you want in your daily routines?
You can also share things that make you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
Support works best when it’s built on trust.
How can I start the conversation?
It can feel awkward at first, especially if you’re not used to speaking up, or you’re worried about seeming ungrateful. But remember, your support team is there to work with you.
Here are a few tips that might help:
Be specific: Instead of ‘I don’t like mornings,’ try ‘I’d feel more comfortable if my support visits started after 10am.’
Use examples: Share what’s worked well (or not so well) in the past.
Write it down: Jot down your thoughts beforehand so you don’t forget anything important.
Bring support: If you feel nervous, bring a trusted friend, family member or advocate to help you speak up.
Use your plan: The NDIS is designed to be person-centred. Your plan should reflect your voice.
Remember, good providers want to know how to support you better.
What if I feel like I’m not being heard?
It’s ok to speak up more than once. And it’s ok to expect changes when something isn’t working for you.
If you’re not feeling heard:
Ask to speak to a different staff member or team leader.
Put your feedback in writing if that is easier.
Use a formal complaint process if needed (you have every right to do so)
Reach out to an advocate or support coordinator for help
You should never feel like your needs are too much or that your voice doesn’t matter.
How does Caspian Care support your preferences?
At Caspian Care, we believe the best support starts with a conversation.
We take the time to listen and adjust our approach so that care always fits your lifestyle, personality, and goals.
That might mean sending the same support worker each week, adjusting your schedule to suit your routine, or checking in regularly to see how things are going.
We know that feeling comfortable and in control makes all the difference.
Need help shaping your care your way?
Whether you’re an NDIS participant or a family member looking out for a loved one, Caspian Care is here to support you with warmth, flexibility, and respect.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Always consult with your support coordinator or healthcare provider before making any changes to your care plan.