Self-directed support
All disability services in Victoria are based on a self-directed approach, which aims to make sure that the services focus on people’s needs, aspirations and the choices they make about their lives.
This approach has three components:
- Self-directed planning – Planning that is directed by the person (or is family-centred for children)
- Self-directed funding – Funding that is tied to the person and portable
- Self-directed support – Supports that are flexible and tailored to individual needs.
Self-directed support is the primary means to achieve the goals identified in a person’s plan. They can be a combination of informal support, supports provided through generic or community services access by the whole community or funded disability supports.
Self-directed support gives individuals and their families a greater voice and recognises that individuals and their families know what will best meet their support needs.
Examples of self-directed support
Help with self-direction
Supporting decision making
A key component of self-direction is to recognise that people can and should be able to make decisions about the important things in their lives to the best of their ability and wishes. For people with a disability, this can be made more difficult by the people around them inadvertently denying them a voice through, for example, not being aware of a person’s right to make decisions, or by not appreciating the way in which the person communicates their decisions.
Guidance based on seven decision-making principles has been developed for use by disability service providers and their staff, and other supporters to create an environment where people with a disability can make decisions to the extent that they are able.
Please note: Additional documents written specifically for people with a disability and their supporters will be added to this section over the coming months.
Who to contact for further information
For people with a disability and their families:
The Disability Intake and Response Service is the key point of contact.
This service will connect you to your regional office and is available Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm on 1800 783 783 or TTY 1800 008 149.
For disability service providers:
Contact your regional departmental program and service advisor.
Contact information
Phone: 1300 650 172
(local call fee within Australia, except mobile phones)
Fax: (03) 9096 9140
Email: sdsupport@dhs.vic.gov.au
TTY: (03) 9096 0133
(for people who are deaf or have a hearing, speech or communication impairment)
