If you’re eligible for an NDIS plan, you might be looking for support to get the most out of your funding. Here are our top tips on what to look out for when choosing a disability service provider that meets your unique needs.
What is a disability service provider?
A disability service provider supports people with physical and intellectual disability. They can assist with everyday tasks, with community access, social activities, and with other specific supports individuals with disability may need. There are many service providers that offer a range of different service options to suit a person’s needs and interests.
What to expect when working with a disability service provider
A disability service provider can give you tools that will help you in your everyday life. They can help with things like gaining employment, making new friends and building your confidence and independence. They can also help you join social and interest activities such as sports, social events and other things you are interested in.
Here are our tips for choosing your disability service provider.
1. Know exactly what you need
It is helpful to think about exactly what assistance you need before contacting a provider. Make a list of all the things you want to do or receive support with. This way, they will get a clearer idea of whether their services match your needs. But don’t worry if the first provider you contact can’t match your needs, there are plenty of providers out there!
You might want support to build practical skills like cooking
2. Have a look at their service agreement
When contacting a disability service provider, ask them to provide you with a service agreement. This should clearly explain how the provider will support you and will give you an idea of whether they are the best match for your needs. In the service agreement, they will also provide cost details, which will help you to make sure you have sufficient funding in your NDIS plan.
3. Never be afraid to ask
Disability service providers specialise in different areas, and it is helpful to know exactly what they are good at. For example, some might focus their support on people of a certain age, while others might specialise in supporting people at home. When contacting providers, make sure that they can provide the services you want or need.
4. Can they explain how they will provide support?
A good way of knowing you are dealing with a great provider is if they can explain their role clearly. Call the support team at your prospective provider and ask all about the kinds of services they provide, and how they provide them. If they can give clear answers and examples of the kind of support they offer, you are off to a good start!
5. Use more than one provider if you need to
You might find a provider who can give you great support for one of your needs, and a different provider who can help with other interests. One of the benefits of the NDIS is that the scheme gives you the choice to use more than one provider. This is a good way to make sure you are getting the best support in each area you want or need.
6. Do they have a good reputation?
Another effective way to choose a disability service provider is to find out if other people are happy with the support they’ve provided. Reviews on Google and social media often explain whether certain providers are successful in what they do, and also the kinds of things they are good at. You can also ask friends, family and other support people if they have heard positive things about particular providers. They may even know of someone well-suited to your needs.
7. Do they have a COVIDSafe Plan?
Your disability support provider should have a COVIDSafe Plan in place. Providers are required to have a plan to prevent COVID entering their workplaces, as well as when they are in your home. Check if they have an effective COVIDSafe Plan that can help reduce infection and protect the people they support. You can find some examples of the things Mambourin has in place to keep our community safe on our COVID-19 updates page.
8. Are they an NDIS registered provider?
Understanding the NDIS planning and review processes and pricing can be confusing for many people. If you select a provider who is NDIS registered, they will be able to support you to navigate the system. When contacting providers, ask them if they are registered and if they provide NDIS support services.
Different service providers can support people with varying needs and interests
9. Disability support service providers in Victoria
If you don’t know where to start your search, take a look at the register of disability providers in Victoria. It is a very long list, and there is sure to be one that suits your needs! The list also provides the locations of each provider, so you can easily find one in your area.
10. Mambourin can help!
Are you ready to talk to a friendly disability service provider? You can contact our team at Mambourin to organise a meet and greet. Our team are extremely knowledgeable with all things NDIS and would love to hear from you!