Finding a disability service Sydney provider is more than just a service—it’s about building a partnership that helps empower people to live their best lives. This decision is based on individual needs, and it can shape the way a person with disability can live and enjoy a life of their choice.
When you’re selecting a disability service provider, you’re not just hiring someone to support your daily tasks. Instead, you’re choosing a team that will be there to help support, encourage, and champion your journey towards greater independence.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to select a suitable Disability Service provider in Sydney, that will help support you every step of the way.
What to Look for in a Disability Service Provider?
Person-Centred Approach
An ideal disability service providers in NSW will offer a person-centred approach, which means placing your needs at the heart of all decisions. Ideally, they take the time to get to know you and understand your preferences, goals, and aspirations, and then recommend services to meet your individual needs.
We recommend asking potential providers the following questions:
- How do you involve people with disability in understanding their needs?
- How will you ensure that my preferences and goals are respected and understood?
Moreover, it is a good idea to look for service providers who are flexible and can adapt as your needs change. A person-centered approach is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it evolves alongside your journey.
Professional and Compassionate Support Workers
Working with professional and compassionate Support Workers who can support your needs helps create a positive experience. Support Workers need to meet all minimum industry training standards and have a professional approach. Other important qualities include patience, respect, and empathy.
Here are some additional questions you may want to ask:
- What are the minimum standards of qualifications for your Support Workers?
- How do you ensure they are up-to-date with best practice industry standards in providing disability support services in NSW?
- What ongoing training do your Support Workers receive?
Help from Support Workers is varied and their goal is to support and empower you to live independently while respecting your autonomy.
Commitment to Accessibility
Support of accessibility is another important aspect when choosing a disability service provider in Australia. This includes not only physical accessibility in spaces, but also accessible communication and resources available. Your provider should support your access to all aspects of their services.
It is a good idea to check if the provider:
- Supports a range of services tailored to meet varying needs, such as mobility aids, sign language interpreters, or accessible online tools.
- Has physical offices or facilities that are wheelchair-accessible and support accessibility regulations.
- Utilises accessible communication methods such as braille, large print, or video relay services.
Overall, accessibility should be an important consideration in their approach, ensuring that people have the opportunity to participate fully in their programs and services.
Focus on Independence
A disability service provider helps people living with disability build skills for greater independence. Whether this involves assistance with daily living activities or more specialised support, the focus should always be on supporting and empowering you to take control of your life.
Providers should offer support that help you:
- Help develop skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing finances.
- Help support and pursue employment opportunities or education.
- Participate actively in social and community activities.
- Provide safe and quality complex care services
Furthermore, it is important to ask providers how they foster independence and what kind of support they offer to help people achieve their goals.
Reputation and Reviews
Professional reputation and experience is important, when choosing disability support and care. It’s a good idea to research potential providers and read reviews or testimonials from other people with disability. Positive reviews from people can offer valuable insights to help evaluate your decision.
Questions to ask:
- Are references from previous or current participants available?
- What is your history in providing disability services in Australia?
Moreover, it is important to look for providers who have a reputation for reliability, trustworthiness, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of their clients.
Management and Support
Unexpected challenges can arise, and it’s important to choose a provider who is ready to support in these situations effectively. As such, the disability service provider should have clear processes for helping to address emergencies or unforeseen events, ensuring that you receive continuous support even during difficult times.
Make sure to ask:
- What processes do you have in place to support an emergency or crisis?
- How will you help ensure that I continue receiving support during unexpected circumstances?
- How do you help manage unexpected changes in health or living circumstances?
All in all, a disability service provider should have a processes in place to help support you during unexpected or crises while ideally helping to reduce disruption to daily life.
Transparent Communication
Open, transparent communication is an important part of disability support services. You should feel comfortable discussing your needs and concerns with the disability service provider, and they should aim to always maintain a responsive, respectful and clear line of communication. A professional provider will communicate regularly, , take time to understand and respond to your questions efficiently, and help you understand all aspects of your NDIS Plan.
Here are some things to consider:
- How can I contact the disability service provider in case of questions or issues?
- Who are the key contacts within the team for ongoing support?
In addition, it is important to make sure that the disability service provider always listens and works together with you to make changes and support you.
Living My Way: Guiding You to a Life of Independence
Choosing the right disability service provider is an important decision that can impact how you live your life. At Living My Way, we understand the value of individualised care and are committed to empowering you to live life on your terms. For over 30 years, we have provided disability services including Support Coordination in Western Sydney, throughout Greater Sydney, including Western Sydney, Sutherland Shire, and St George. Our dedicated team takes a professional approach to help ensure that your unique needs and goals are at the heart of our services. We also encourage active involvement and feedback from our participants so you can feel involved.
