What Is Disability? Understand Your Rights and Support Options
Have you ever wondered, what is disability and how it affects people’s daily lives? Understanding disability is more than just a definition, it’s the first step to knowing your rights and accessing the right support to live confidently and independently.
This post will guide you through what disability means, explain your legal protections, and explore the practical support options available, including disability support, disability support work, and how to choose a trusted disability services provider. By the end, you’ll feel more informed and empowered to navigate your NDIS journey with confidence.
What Is Disability? A Clear and Compassionate Explanation
Disability is not a one-size-fits-all definition, it looks different for everyone. Simply put, a disability is any condition that makes it harder for a person to do everyday tasks, participate in community life, or live independently without support. It can be physical, intellectual, sensory, or psychosocial, and it may be present from birth or acquired later in life.
At Selective Support, we believe it’s important to see the person before the disability. Every individual has unique strengths, and understanding what disability truly means helps open the door to personalised support and a more inclusive life.
Types of Disability (Recognised by the NDIS):
- Physical Disability – Affects mobility or physical capacity (e.g. cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy).
- Intellectual Disability – Impacts thinking, learning, or problem-solving skills (e.g. Down syndrome).
- Sensory Disability – Involves hearing, vision, or speech difficulties (e.g. hearing loss, blindness).
- Psychosocial Disability – Arises from mental health conditions that impact everyday functioning (e.g. schizophrenia, PTSD).
Disabilities can be:
- Visible or invisible – Not all disabilities can be seen.
- Temporary, permanent, or episodic – Conditions like chronic illness or mental health issues may vary in how they affect someone day to day.
Rather than focusing on what someone “can’t do,” it’s more helpful to ask, what supports can help this person thrive? That’s where the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) comes in. The NDIS recognises a wide range of disabilities and is designed to give individuals more choice and control over the services they access.
Understanding what qualifies as a disability within the NDIS framework is essential when applying for funding or reviewing a plan. It also helps families, carers, and support coordinators advocate more effectively and ensure the right services are in place.
At its core, disability is about how someone experiences the world, not just the medical diagnosis they have. With the right understanding and support, every person has the potential to lead a fulfilling, independent life. Whether you’re just starting your NDIS journey or reassessing your plan, knowing what disability means is the first step to accessing the help that’s right for you or your loved one.
Your Rights and How They Protect You
Understanding your rights is one of the most powerful steps you can take as a person living with disability or as someone supporting a loved one. In Australia, people with disabilities are protected by strong laws and systems designed to ensure fair treatment, dignity, and access to the support they need.
These rights are more than words on paper. They help you advocate for yourself, make confident decisions, and feel empowered on your NDIS journey.
Key Rights You Should Know:
- Equal Access and Non-Discrimination
- Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, it’s illegal to treat someone unfairly because of their disability. This includes access to public spaces, employment, education, and services.
- Right to NDIS Support
- If you meet the eligibility criteria, you have the right to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which provides funding for supports that help you reach your goals and live independently.
- Right to Choose and Control
- The NDIS empowers you with choice over who delivers your services, how they’re delivered, and what goals you want to work toward.
- Right to Be Safe and Respected
- Every person has the right to feel safe and be treated with respect and dignity in all settings, including in their home, community, and when receiving support services.
“Experienced, professional team providing individuals and families with the support they need to make the most of their NDIS plan.” – Amanda Lyn, Selective Support client
When you know these rights, it becomes easier to speak up, ask questions, and expect high-quality support from your providers.
How Disability Support Helps You Exercise Your Rights
Disability support plays a vital role in turning your rights into lived realities. This includes assistance with daily living, social participation, and achieving your personal goals.
Here are some ways support services can make a difference:
- Daily living: Help with personal care, household tasks, and meal preparation.
- Community access: Support to attend events, appointments, or engage socially.
- Assistive technology: Tools like mobility aids, communication devices, or sensory supports.
When delivered with care and compassion, disability support not only builds independence, it helps you stand tall in your rights and thrive.
Understanding Disability Support Work
Disability support workers are more than just carers, they’re your partners in independence. Their role includes:
- Helping with personal care and routines.
- Supporting you to achieve goals outlined in your NDIS plan.
- Advocating for your needs in different settings (e.g. schools, workplaces).
The best support workers are compassionate, reliable, and respectful, people you can trust to support you with dignity.
“Whether you’re a young adult trying to find your rhythm again or a parent juggling paperwork and care, the right provider makes all the difference.”
When you understand your rights and surround yourself with the right support, you’re in a stronger position to shape the life you want.
Choosing the Right Disability Services Provider for You
Finding the right disability services provider can make all the difference in your NDIS journey. It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about finding someone who truly understands your needs, listens to you, and works with you to build a life of independence and purpose.
A quality provider will do more than deliver services. They’ll walk beside you, help navigate the NDIS, and tailor supports to your unique goals, lifestyle, and values.
What to Look for in a Disability Services Provider
When you’re comparing providers, keep these key qualities in mind:
- Compassion: Do they treat you with empathy and respect?
- Reliability: Can you count on them to be consistent and responsive?
- Flexibility: Are they willing to adjust to your schedule and preferences?
- Personalised support: Do they take time to understand your goals?
- Experience and training: Are their staff skilled and well-supported?
Great providers don’t just meet NDIS requirements, they focus on what matters to you. At Selective Support we’re passionate about offering personalised, flexible, and compassionate support that puts you first. Whether you’re just starting with the NDIS or looking for a provider who truly listens, our team is ready to walk the journey with you step by step.
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Disability Services Provider
Asking the right questions helps you feel confident and in control. Here are a few to get you started:
- What types of disability support do you offer?
- How do you match support workers with clients?
- How do you handle feedback or concerns?
- Are your staff trained in working with my specific needs?
- Can I change services or staff if needed?
Choosing a provider is a personal decision. Take your time, trust your instincts, and remember, you deserve support that feels right for you. When you find a provider who listens, understands, and supports you with care, the whole journey becomes easier and more empowering.
Take the Next Step Toward Confident, Supported Living
Understanding disability is the first step to unlocking the support, services, and confidence you deserve. From knowing your rights to finding the right disability support and working with a provider who truly listens, each part of the journey matters. At Selective Support, we believe in walking beside you with compassion, clarity, and care. If you’re ready to take control of your NDIS journey and get the support that’s built around you, we’re here to help. Reach out today to chat with our friendly team and start building a plan that works for your life.
FAQs About Disability: What You Need to Know
1. What is considered a disability?
- A disability is any condition that limits a person’s physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychosocial functioning. This can include visible conditions like mobility issues, as well as invisible ones such as mental health challenges or neurological disorders. Under the NDIS and Australian law, a disability is considered permanent and likely to affect your ability to take part in everyday activities without support.
2. Are disability benefits taxable?
- Most disability-related payments, including the NDIS funding and Disability Support Pension (DSP), are not considered taxable income. However, if you receive other payments—such as through insurance or employment—you may need to declare these depending on your situation. It’s best to speak with a financial adviser or the ATO for personalised advice.
3. When are disability payment dates in 2025?
- Disability Support Pension payments are usually made every fortnight. In 2025, the exact dates depend on your Centrelink payment schedule. If your payment falls on a public holiday, it may be issued earlier. You can check upcoming payment dates anytime via your Centrelink online account or the Express Plus Centrelink app.
