What Makes a Good Disability Support Provider? 6 Things to Look For

In relation to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a disability support provider is an individual or organisation that offers funded services to participants. 

A search for the right disability support provider can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. For those living with a physical or psychosocial disability, finding a provider that suits your situation can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 6 things to look for, which can help you on your journey to making the right decision.

#1 Support Provider Based Nearby or in a Convenient Location

One of the first things that NDIS participants can consider when trying to identify a suitable disability support provider is location. By researching providers who are based nearby or in a convenient location, you can narrow down options before factoring in any other needs.

Finding disability support services in convenient areas, whether it’s near home, work, family or activities, will ensure you can access support easily when it’s needed, as well as minimize any travel charges from your support providers. 

For example, if you’re living in Western Australia and living in the capital city or metro area, you’re able to access Ark’s services in Perth. But if you live more regionally in the South West and the Kimberley, you’re more likely to access our services through our team in Bunbury, Broome and Kununurra.

#2 Trained and Experienced Disability Support Professionals

A good disability support provider should be able to offer services delivered by trained and experienced professionals. Not only can trained and experienced workers help participants to feel comfortable and at ease, but they can also ensure that participants are receiving high-quality care under their NDIS plan.

While the training and experience of disability support professionals is extremely important, another sign of a good disability support provider is one that has the knowledge and expertise to help you access the right support services and provide guidance to help you navigate the NDIS.

#3 Availability and Capacity That Suits Your Needs

Whether you’re needing immediate assistance, or you’re weighing up your options, availability and capacity of disability support providers is paramount. 

While this doesn’t necessarily indicate whether or not a provider is good, it’s a great consideration to make as it can be the difference between whether or not a provider is right for you and your situation. Disability support providers who are available when needed and have the capacity to onboard participants can help to ensure you’re receiving the right ongoing support and can help enhance quality of life. For those living with more complex physical and mental health needs, availability and capacity can be considered one of the most important factors in finding the right fit.

#4 Person-Centred and Values-Driven Support

Providers that are person-centred and values-driven can be the difference between good and great support. Through showing empathy and being part of the journey every step of the way, as well as building strong relationships and trust, providers that put participants first and lead with their values and goals are committed to achieving positive outcomes for every participant. 

From empowering participants to achieve independence, to facilitating inclusivity and making a meaningful difference to participants’ lives, it’s important to ensure your search leads you to person-centred and values-driven support providers.

#5 Proactive NDIS Plan Managers

Plan management is a great way to access assistance with the financial aspects of a participant’s NDIS plan. At its core, plan management helps participants make payments to providers and regularly track their spending. This helps to maximise the efficiency of NDIS plans.

Disability support providers that offer this service should establish a network of plan managers that are effective and proactive. A good plan manager will stay on top of NDIS plans and keep participants informed, ensuring budget breakdowns are sent every month and communication is frequent.

#6 Providers That Go Above and Beyond

Some providers will work to meet expectations when it comes to their communication, support systems and services while others are driven by something more, and aim to exceed these expectations for participants. 

At Ark, we’re guided by empathy, relationships, excellence, integrity and innovation. With foundations in social work, we not only strive to achieve strong outcomes for participants, but also push to come up with new ideas and think outside of the box to help you get there.

Choosing the Right Disability Support Provider

While these are just some of the important considerations to make when narrowing down your selection of disability support providers, there’s still a decision to make. Ultimately, this will be dependent on the needs of participants, as well as disability support providers’ ability to meet your needs.
At Ark, we’re proud to be able to service Western Australians through both our city and regional offices, offering trained, experienced and proactive professionals with availability and capacity that suits your needs. Through person-centred and values-driven support, we are passionate about going above and beyond, as well as thinking creatively to achieve the best outcomes to help you reach your goals.

Contact us online or over the phone at (08) 6373 7500 to talk through any questions and to learn more about Ark’s offering and service delivery.