Self Direction

Self direction is the opportunity to have control over your decisions to determine the course of your own life. For people with disability this includes directing how they are supported and by whom. This resource page provides examples of people managing their own supports, hiring their own staff and shaping their own futures.

Building a Good Life Through Self Management - Webinar 1: Vision

In this webinar, parent Linda Hughes speaks about Self Managing, having a Positive Vision and Living Your Best Life. (Opens in YouTube)

Building a Good Life Through Self Management - Webinar 2: Supports

In this webinar, Catherine Mahony, who has lived experience of disability, and parent Linda Hughes share ideas on how to find your own supports as well as managing your support team effectively. (Opens in YouTube)

Building a Good Life Through Self Management - Webinar 3: Community

Parent Linda Hughes looks at how you can use your supports to connect with your community, and increase freely given relationships and friendships. (Opens in YouTube)

Team Karim

"He must have done a dozen shows in the last 12 months." Karim is a performance artist, business operator and student. In this video, Karim works with his team to present his motivational message and go deeper into dance and Indigenous culture through his small business and studies at university. We hear from support staff Kamran, Sean and Ben. (Opens on Self-Managed Supports website)

Rachael

"I’m watching my daughter thrive, doing what she wants to do.” In this video, Rachael is discovering her passions and strength as a pole dancer. Her mum Jo talks about her Vision for Rachael, how it was to start and maintain Self Management, and how she selects and works with Rachael's support staff. Her support team Sarah, Kelly and Luci talk about their work. (Opens on Self-Managed Supports website)

Seven Steps to Self Direction

Support can be complex with lots of people involved. In this 64 page workbook, learn seven steps to help everyone to work together effectively towards the goals of the person being supported, such as starting with the person, and developing the vision and plan. (PDF)

Workforce innovation through self-managed supports

Website on self-managing your (or your family member’s) supports under the NDIS. Personal stories; experiences in self-managed employment relationships; tips and traps on self-management, recruitment and training; and the NDIS Self-management Guide. (Opens in new window)

Self direction in Australia

In this video of a 2018 conference presentation, parent Belinda Epstein-Frisch on self-directing in Australia. The opportunity to direct individualised supports has been a hard won victory through the vigorous advocacy of people with disability, their families and allies. (Opens in YouTube)

NDIS self management webinar

In this webinar, a panel discusses the opportunities that self managing NDIS supports can provide for choice, flexibility and quality of life and what it takes to implement.The panelists are Dr Sam Bennett, Marita Walker, Jan Kruger, parent of Jack, NDIS Self-Managed Participant and Kristie McCarthy, NDIS Self-Managed Participant. (Opens on NDIS website)