Your Life, Your Way: How Person-Centred Support Empowers People.

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When we think about the NDIS and disability services, the term ‘person-centred support’ is often used and for good reason. It's more than a buzzword; it's a powerful approach that places people who need support at the centre of their own care.

Whether you're exploring NDIS-funded services or looking for a provider that truly listens, understanding what person-centred support is and what it should look like, can make a huge difference in someones journey.

What Is Person-Centred Support?

Person-centred support means designing care and services around your goals, needs, and preferences — not around a checklist or one-size-fits-all model.

It’s about empowering the people we support to take the lead in their support planning, with a team of people that listens, respects choices, and works alongside them to achieve the life they want.

At Community Connections Australia, we believe every person should have the right to choose, the freedom to direct their supports, and the dignity of being heard.

► Key Principles of Person-Centred Support

Here are the core ideas that guide true person-centred care:

◦ Choice and Control

You decide what’s important. Your goals, your routines, your life. Your decisions are supported and your support works with you to achieve them.

◦ Respect and Dignity

Support should always come with care, understanding and deep respect for your values and identity. Your needs and wants are at the centre of every support decision.

◦ Strengths-Based Approach

The focus is on what makes you the best you can be. Your skills, talents, and aspirations are the foundation for your growth.

◦ Partnership and Collaboration

You’re the expert in your own life. Your support should walk with you, not in front of you. They should ask questions and find out about you from the very first meeting. You are the centre of your support.

► How CCA Delivers Person-Centred Support

At CCA, we’re deeply committed to person-centred care. Our approach starts by getting to know you, not just your plan.

From day one, we work with you to understand:

• Your goals and values.

• The types of support that matter most to you.

• How we can help you feel seen, heard, and supported.

Whether it’s Support Coordination, Community Connections, or in-home support, we tailor everything to meet your needs and vision of the life you want.

We prioritise a person-centred approach in all our services and organisational philosophy. This focus is reflected in several essential aspects of how CCA does things:

1. Individualised Service Planning

CCA supports people in planning their services through a 'Build Your Own Service' approach, ensuring that services are customised to each person's individual needs and preferences, rather than applying a 'one size fits all' model. ​

2. Commitment to Autonomy and Choice

CCA is dedicated to promoting people's independence and autonomy, recognising that each person is different and has unique aspirations. Services are therefore personalised to each individual, allowing them to determine what they would like from CCA to achieve their dreams and goals.

3. Collaborative Staff Selection

CCA acknowledges the importance of having the right staff in an person’s life and works with the people we support to ensure they are involved in the recruitment, selection, employment, training, and supervision of staff in the way that they prefer.

4. Flexible and Responsive Services

CCA offers flexible support options, ranging from as little as two hours per day to 24-hour coverage, depending on individual needs and approved funding packages. This flexibility allows people to take control of their lives with CCA's support. ​

5. Emphasis on Participation and Inclusion

CCA believes that every person receiving support should be active, visible, and independent within their community and society in general. They encourage and support individuals to contribute to social and community life in the way they choose. ​

These practices demonstrate CCA's commitment to a person-centred approach, ensuring that services are tailored to individual needs, preferences, and goals, thereby promoting autonomy, inclusion, and quality of life for the people we support.

► What A Person-Centred Approach Looks Like in Real Life

So what does person-centred support actually look like? Here are a few examples:

• Emma*, wanted to see snow so her care team organised for a weekend trip with 24/7 care to Canberra and the Snowy Mountains so she could build a snowman.

• Liam*, wants to remain living in his own home. Despite pressures to move into shared living, Liam’s support team worked to support him, his family and the NDIA to allow him to remain in his home.

• Maya* wanted to get herself a job that allowed her to do something meaningful. With support from her team, she's now creating designs and printing mugs that she can sell at a local market, something that brings her real joy.

These are not just activities — they’re choices that reflect each person’s goals, values, and identity. That’s person-centred in action.

(*Actual names have not been used)

► Why It Matters

When support is personalised to your life it leads to:

• Increased confidence and autonomy

• A stronger sense of purpose and identity

• Better community connections and wellbeing

• More meaningful progress toward personal life goals

This approach also builds trust between you and your support team and that’s essential for long-term success and happiness. The NDIS also aims to use a person-centred approach and you can learn more on the NDIS website.

► How to Know If You're Receiving Person-Centred Support

Not all disability service providers work the same way. Here are a few questions you can ask your current provide to check if you are at the centre of the services you receive:

• “How do you include me in decisions about my supports?”

• “Can I choose or change my support workers?”

• “How do you help me work towards my personal goals?”

• “Are my preferences about time, place, and routine respected?”

• “How can I give feedback about the services I am receiving?”

If the answer is unclear or unsatisfying — it might be time to explore other options. If you’d like more information about Supported Decision Making, there are many resources you can refer to.

Person-centred support isn’t just a model — it’s a mindset. It’s about listening, respect and collaborating and above all, putting you first. When you have choice and control over your support, the results are powerful and that’s exactly what we’re here to support at CCA.