Choosing disability providers: a carer’s early NDIS perspective
From Hostage to Consumer
By Sue Dymond · Originally published 20 July 2016
Original article
For the past 24 plus years, I have had only limited control over the choices that I am able to make for my daughter with a disability and my family.
When I suggest something that will be useful for Chloe to become more independent, I have usually been met with one of the below:
No, you can’t do that
No, we have never done that before
No, there is an OC Health & Safety issue
No, if you teach your child to tie her shoelaces – her benefits may be affected.
No. No. No. Usually without a good reason as to why not. No is not a word that works well with me, so I have spent many hours fighting for a good reason or until I end up getting what I requested and everyone is happy.
I am aware that not everyone is like me when it comes to being persistent. Over the years, many carers have been worn down by the consistent blocking.
With the advent of the NDIS, we are being told that we need to say what our loved ones want and need.
This is fabulous – but wait – is it a trick? What if they are just tricking and when I say what we need, they say we can’t have it? No. No. No…
I don’t think so, because we’re becoming consumers, instead of being hostages.
It is wonderful that once the NDIS is in full swing, we will be able to choose who and what businesses or organisations suit our circumstances and needs. As a consumer, we will have the option of finding another business or organisation if the one we are with isn’t fitting into our needs or desires.
What a turnaround for us! Although this is amazing, I believe it will take time for carers and people with a disability to become confident with this new role.
We will need to realize that true empowerment begins with self-empowerment.
Yes, this means we need to learn how to not only take responsibility of our own lives and choices but that we also deserve to have our needs met – and yes, even some of our wants!
To be able to fully embrace and encompass the NDIS and its philosophy, we first need to achieve the above.
Many more choices will become available through the new system as it settles down. These choices won’t be restricted to disability or not-for-profits; we will also be able to choose from businesses from the for-profit world and businesses without a background in disability.
I, for one, already use many businesses without a disability background, as I find they have much higher expectations of Miss Chloe’s capabilities – but this is only my choice and the beauty of the new system is this:
There is no set and rigid right way. The way that suits you is the right way for you!
I love that we are moving into a whole new world of choice, innovation and control, where at last I am the consumer and no longer the hostage.
Sue Dymond
Sue is a carer, author and the CEO of iDareU. iDareU hosts ½ day workshops about this exact topic. We teach carers and people with a disability how to take baby steps to create their own flourishing community. This workshop is called ‘Creating and Maintaining Your Belonging’. For more visit, her website: www.suedymond.com
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Say what you want changed in the service
Describe which routines or tasks are not working and what you would prefer. Ask for the reason behind a refusal and information about alternatives. You can involve a supporter without making their preference the automatic answer.
If considering a change, check your agreement, notice terms and continuity arrangements. Current NDIA guidance on changing providers provides a practical pathway. Choosing a business outside the disability sector does not itself establish that the purchase is an eligible support.
Help make the person’s preference clear, not just the family’s
Ask how the person wants you involved and use their preferred communication. Record practical barriers and seek clear reasons for service decisions. A historical remark about tying shoelaces and benefits should not be relied on as current payment advice; confirm any benefits question with the relevant agency.
Questions readers ask
Does provider choice mean unrestricted NDIS purchases?
No. Current support rules and applicable requirements still apply. Official guidance
Find another provider that fits your preferences
Tell Clickability what you want from your support. Compare providers and plan any change with clear notice and continuity arrangements.
