Note: This article is general in nature and is not legal or policy advice.
Knowing your NDIS rights helps you make choices that feel right for you, stay safe, and get the most from your supports. When you understand your rights as an NDIS participant, it is easier to ask questions, say what is important to you and shape supports around your goals, culture and daily routines.
It also helps you notice when something doesn’t feel okay and know what to do next. In this guide, we’ll cover your NDIS rights and responsibilities in everyday situations, simple ways to speak up and be heard, and where to find extra support if you need it.
At A Glance
- NDIS participant rights protect choice, control, dignity, privacy, and safety.
- Rights show up in everyday moments like planning meetings, service agreements, and in-home visits.
- NDIS participant rights and responsibilities work together for better outcomes.
- There are simple ways to speak up and be heard, and clear places to go for help if something is not right.
What are NDIS Participant Rights?
NDIS rights are the things you are entitled to when you use the scheme. They protect your dignity, safety and privacy, and support informed decisions.
Your rights as an NDIS participant include:
- being treated with respect
- receiving information you can understand
- making choices about your supports
- giving feedback if something is not working
These rights also support inclusion and respect. They help ensure you can access information, ask questions and make decisions that suit your needs and goals.
Australia is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
This international agreement recognises the rights of people with disability to be treated with dignity, to make decisions about their lives, and to be included in the community on an equal basis with others.
You can also read more about your rights and responsibilities on the official NDIS website. We recommend referencing this when managing any NDIS-related matters.
Your Rights in Everyday Situations
Planning meetings and reviews
You can ask questions, understand decisions and request changes. You can bring a trusted person. You can ask for information in formats that work for you.
Service agreements
You are entitled to clear terms and consent. You have the right to negotiate, to understand fees and to switch providers if the arrangement is not right for you.
In-home and community supports
You have the right to safety, privacy and respectful behaviour. Your cultural needs and preferences should be recognised and considered.
Health and allied health
You have the right to informed consent. You can ask why a support is recommended, what it involves and what the options are. You can request a second opinion. Information should be accessible so you can decide with confidence.
Transport, outings and programs
You have the right to dignity and choice. You can set boundaries and choose activities that feel safe and meaningful to you.
How Do Rights and Responsibilities Work Together?
Rights work best when paired with responsibilities. These help everyone work together safely and respectfully.
As an NDIS participant, your responsibilities include:
- Giving accurate information about your needs and goals
- Using funding as intended
- Treating workers with respect
- Letting your provider know if your situation changes
Everyday examples
- You can ask for a different worker if something doesn’t feel right. You’re also encouraged to explain what’s not working so your provider can respond.
- You can ask for clear invoices and service details. You’re also responsible for checking them and speaking up if something seems off.
How to Speak Up and Be Heard
Self-advocacy is about using your voice and knowing you can speak up. If something doesn’t feel right, there are steps you can take:
- Write down what happened and what you’d like to change
- List any questions you want to ask
- Bring someone you trust to support you
- Ask for written or plain-English explanations
- Confirm any agreed changes in writing
Start by speaking to your provider. They should have a process for listening and responding. If your concern is about a provider or worker, you can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission directly via phone or an online complaint form.
If it’s about NDIA processes, you can give feedback directly to the NDIA.
You have the right to make a complaint and to be treated fairly.
Recognising and Responding to Unsafe Situations
You have the right to be safe and free from abuse, neglect or exploitation. Warning signs can include pressure to agree to services, changes to your NDIS plan you did not authorise, a worker ignoring boundaries, or breaches of privacy.
Steps you can take:
- Put your immediate safety first. Contact a trusted person or emergency services if you are at risk.
- When safe, write down what happened with dates and details.
- Tell your provider, seek an independent advocate, or contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
- Remember, speaking up is your right.
Building Respectful Relationships with Providers and Workers
Respectful, person-centred disability support is built on clear communication and regular check-ins. Share your preferences, routines and goals. Set boundaries about what is okay and what is not. Ask for adjustments when something is not working. Good NDIS providers welcome feedback and work with you to make changes.
What respectful support looks like:
- Workers explain what they are doing and listen to your choices
- Your preferences are acted on wherever possible
- You can pause, ask questions or say no
- There are agreed-upon ways to make changes and follow up
Learn More and Build Your Confidence
Understanding your NDIS rights is an important step toward feeling safe, confident and in control of your supports.
If you want to keep building those skills, Woodville Alliance’s learning module, My Rights, is a great next step. It covers self-advocacy, safety and respectful relationships through practical, everyday examples.
This is part of Life Essentials, our skills-based program that supports people with disability to build confidence, independence and everyday life skills.
If you ever have questions about your rights, responsibilities or NDIS supports, our team is here to help.
Get in touch to learn more or to talk through the options available to you.