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Understanding people with psychosocial disability as choice-makers in the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Overview

This 2018 research by Deakin University and Mind Australia examined how 22 people with psychosocial disabilities exercise choice within the NDIS. The study found that while participants valued choice as essential to wellbeing, they faced significant barriers including inadequate plans, poor communication, lack of information, and trauma histories that affected decision-making capacity. Despite challenges, many reported the NDIS improved their lives and enhanced control.

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Individual authors

  • Erin Wilson (Deakin University)
  • Robert Campain (Deakin University)
  • Sarah Pollock (Mind Australia Limited)
  • Anthony Stratford (Mind Australia Limited)
  • Lisa Brophy (University of Melbourne)

Key insights

Key Insights:

  1. Choice is essential for wellbeing and recovery in psychosocial disability

  2. Personal trauma history significantly impacts current choice-making abilities

  3. NDIS plans are often inadequate and don't address real needs

  4. Lack of clear information about entitlements undermines informed decisions

  5. Staff need better training to understand psychosocial disability complexities

  6. Face-to-face planning processes with advocates should be standard practice

  7. More funding flexibility required beyond current rigid spending categories

  8. Quality support workers are crucial enablers for successful choice-making

Did this resource draw on transformative evidence?

<p>The document was heavily based on experiential expertise. The research interviewed 22 people with psychosocial disabilities who had direct lived experience with NDIS individual funding packages. Participants shared their personal experiences of choice-making, barriers faced, and strategies used across all stages of the NDIS process. The study used grounded textual analysis to let categories emerge directly from participants&#39; experiential accounts and perspectives.</p>

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<p>The document incorporated some practice wisdom through its expert advisory group, which included practitioners from mental health organisations, universities, and advocacy bodies with professional experience in disability services. However, the primary focus was on lived experience rather than practice wisdom. The research methodology centred on participants&#39; personal accounts, with professional expertise serving mainly in an advisory capacity to guide the research design and interpretation.</p>
<p>The document was based on research and evaluation insights. It employed rigorous qualitative research methodology including structured interviews with 22 NDIS participants, grounded textual analysis allowing themes to emerge from data, and systematic evaluation across multiple trial sites. The study analysed participants&#39; experiences to identify barriers, enablers, and the "labour of choice" involved in NDIS processes, providing evidence-based findings and recommendations.</p>

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Resource type

Evidence Summary