7 Ways to Exercise Your Choice and Control Under the NDIS
Your rights as an NDIS participant — and how to use them
Choice and control are not just slogans. It is a legal right built into the NDIS framework. It means you can make choices about your supports, providers, and goals within the funding and supports approved under your NDIS plan.
But many participants do not fully exercise these rights, often because they do not know exactly what is available to them. Whether you need daily assistance, therapy, or mental health services, understanding your options can help you make more confident decisions. Here are seven practical ways to put choice and control into action in 2026.
7 Practical Ways To Exercise Your Control Under the NDS
1. Choose Your Own Providers
You are not locked into any specific provider. Whether your plan is NDIA-managed or plan-managed, you can research, interview, and select the providers that best match your needs and preferences.
If a provider is not meeting your expectations, you have the right to switch. Check out your service agreement for any notice periods before making a change.
2. Choose How Your Plan Is Managed
Your plan management type determines how your funding is accessed and who pays your providers. You have three options:
| Self-Managed You pay providers directly and claim reimbursements. Maximum flexibility, including unregistered providers. |
| Plan-Managed A registered plan manager handles invoices and payment processing on your behalf. Plan-managed participants generally retain flexibility in provider choice; however, all funding must be used in accordance with NDIS rules and approved supports. Claims that fall outside approved support may be rejected. |
| NDIA-Managed The NDIA pays providers directly. Simpler administration but restricted to registered providers. |
You can request a change to your funding management arrangements during a plan reassessment, or earlier if your circumstances change significantly, subject to NDIA approval.
Set Goals That Reflect Your Life
Your NDIS plan is built around your goals, not a predetermined list. Goals can cover employment, relationships, independence, mental health, education, and community participation. NDIS services in Australia are designed to support these individual outcomes, which is why clear goal setting matters.
The more clearly you articulate your goals at a planning meeting, the more accurately your plan will reflect what actually matters to you. Bring someone you trust to your planning meeting if it helps, and make sure you discuss the types of NDIS services in Australia that align with your personal needs and long-term aspirations.
Access Community Participation on Your Terms
Community participation support may assist you to engage in social, recreational, cultural, and community-based activities that relate to your disability goals.
These supports may include:
- Group-based community activities
• Social participation programmes
• Volunteering with support
• Accessing cultural, recreational, or community programs with assistance
In 2026, these supports sit within more structured funding categories, meaning budgets are clearly defined and must be used in line with approved supports.
You can still choose activities that align with your goals, while your provider or support coordinator can help identify suitable opportunities.
Involve Family and Carers in Decision-Making
You have the right to include family members, carers, or advocates in your planning meetings and ongoing decisions. This is particularly important for participants who need additional support to communicate their preferences.
Informal supports are recognised within the NDIS and may complement funded supports. Family members, carers, and advocates are not funded through the scheme but can play an important role in helping participants understand their plan and make informed decisions.
Request a Plan Review When Your Needs Change
The NDIS is progressively introducing a more assessment-based planning framework from mid-2026. Planning processes may become more structured and based on evidence of support needs.
If your circumstances change significantly before your scheduled review, you can request a plan reassessment. All reassessment requests are considered by the NDIA and require supporting evidence.
Reasons to request a reassessment may include:
- Changes in disability-related support needs
- Hospitalisation or major life transitions
- Increased support requirements
- Current funding is no longer sufficient
- Significant changes to personal goals
7. Access Support Coordination to Navigate the System
Support coordination is designed to strengthen your ability to understand and implement your NDIS plan effectively. A support coordinator can help you:
Understand funded support
Connect with suitable providers
• Build confidence managing supports over time
• Navigate service agreements and funding categories
Senami offers NDIS-aligned counselling and therapeutic services that complement support coordination for participants managing mental health alongside disability support needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to change providers?
You can change providers if your current supports are not meeting your needs. This is usually done in accordance with your service agreement, which may include notice requirements.
Can I use my NDIS funding at unregistered providers?
Yes, if you are self-managed or plan-managed. NDIA-managed participants generally need to use registered providers. All providers, registered or not, are expected to comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct.
What is the difference between a support coordinator and a plan manager?
A support coordinator helps you navigate your plan and connect with the right services. A plan manager handles the financial administration of your plan, paying invoices and tracking spending. They are different roles and can both be funded in your plan simultaneously.
Can I change my goals mid-plan?
Your goals are reviewed at each plan review, but you can discuss adjustments with your support coordinator or NDIA planner if there has been a significant change in your circumstances that makes current goals no longer relevant.
Does Senami offer support coordination?
Senami offers a range of disability support services in South Australia, including counselling and therapeutic services that work alongside formal support coordination. Contact us to discuss which services best match your current plan and goals.
Are You Fully Using the Rights Your NDIS Plan Gives You?
Choice and control means your plan should work for your life, not the other way around. If something is not working, you have the right to change it.
Not sure if you are making the most of your plan, funding, or support options? Schedule a 1:1 call with our team to discuss your goals, questions, and the changes that could help you get more from your NDIS journey in 2026.