Developing a comprehensive NDIS Participant Risk Assessment is essential for ensuring safety, wellbeing, and high-quality support for people with disabilities. This guide explores every aspect you need to know, whether you’re an NDIS participant, a family member, a carer, or a disability support professional.

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What is an NDIS Participant Risk Assessment?

An NDIS Participant Risk Assessment is a systematic process used to identify, evaluate, and manage risks associated with delivering supports and services to individuals funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia. It ensures that the person with disability—and those around them—remain safe, their needs are met, and supports are delivered responsibly. [object Object]

Why is it Important?

Risk assessments are important because they: [object Object]

• Safeguard the rights, dignity, and safety of NDIS participants.
• Help providers comply with the NDIS Practice Standards and relevant legal obligations. [object Object]
• Protect staff, families, and communities involved in care delivery.
• Support a person-centred and strength-based approach, balancing choice and control with safety.
• Are often required by law or NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. [object Object]

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How to Develop an NDIS Participant Risk Assessment

Developing an NDIS Participant Risk Assessment involves several structured steps. These steps align with both industry best practice and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s requirements.

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1. Gathering Information

• Collect personal data: Review the NDIS participant’s plan, support needs, health reports, communication methods, and living circumstances.
• Involve people who know the participant well—family, carers, therapists, support coordinators. [object Object]

2. Identifying Hazards & Risks

• Pinpoint all activities, environments, behaviours, and medical needs that might present a risk. [object Object]
• Use checklists for common risk types:
  • Physical risks: Falls, medication errors, mobility challenges.
  • Behavioural risks: Self-harm, aggression, absconding. [object Object]
  • Environmental risks: Home safety, transport, community engagement.
  • Health risks: Seizures, allergies, choking, mental health episodes.
  • Social risks: Financial exploitation, bullying, isolation. [object Object]

3. Evaluating the Risks

• Assess the likelihood (how probable) and consequence (how serious) of each risk. [object Object]
• Prioritise: Use a risk matrix (e.g., low/medium/high).

4. Putting Controls in Place

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• For each risk, outline strategies to avoid, reduce, or manage it.
• Controls might include:
  • Staff training [object Object]
  • Equipment (hoists, alarms)
  • Positive behaviour support plans
  • Medication error-prevention systems [object Object]
  • Regular reviews of incident reports

5. Documenting the Assessment

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• Clearly record all identified risks, controls, responsible persons, and review dates.
• Use templates compliant with NDIS and organisational policies.

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6. Reviewing and Updating

• Set periodic reviews (at least annually, or whenever things change—e.g., hospitalisation, new behaviours).
• Involve the participant and their network in ongoing risk management. [object Object]

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How Risk Assessment Works in the Context of Australian Migration

NDIS participant risk assessments may play a role for migrants with disabilities:

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• Eligibility: Migrant families or individuals applying for permanent residency may need to demonstrate support planning for their disability needs. Assessments help establish their capacity for community living or independent care.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Assessments should respect cultural backgrounds and language barriers.
• Access to NDIS: Once eligible, assessments can assist in connecting migrants with culturally appropriate services. [object Object]

Note: The Department of Home Affairs and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission may use risk assessments to ensure supports align with visa or settlement requirements.

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Key Benefits and Features

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• Safety: Reduces likelihood of incidents, harm, or abuse.
• Quality Service: Promotes high-quality, responsive supports.
• Empowerment: Supports participant choice and informed decision-making. [object Object]
• Compliance: Meets regulatory and NDIS Practice Standard requirements.
• Trust: Builds confidence among participants, carers, and staff.

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Common Challenges and Solutions

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1. Challenge: Incomplete Information

Solution: Engage multiple sources—family, allied health, former providers, and the participant—to gain a full picture.

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2. Challenge: Changing Needs

Solution: Schedule regular reviews and establish a process for ad hoc reassessment.

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3. Challenge: Communication Barriers

Solution: Use interpreters, easy-read documents, and involve advocates.

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4. Challenge: Balancing Rights with Safety

Solution: Uphold participant autonomy; only restrict choices where risks outweigh benefits and always document reasoning.

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Who Conducts Risk Assessments? (Professionals Involved)

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• Support Coordinators
• NDIS Registered Providers
• Allied Health Professionals (occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses) [object Object]
• Behaviour Support Practitioners
• Disability Support Workers
• Plan Managers (in collaboration) [object Object]
• Family and Carers (input often included)

Example Scenarios

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• A support coordinator identifies the risk of falls in a participant with limited mobility and arranges an occupational therapist assessment.
• A provider notes frequent medication errors and develops a double-check protocol with the pharmacist and supports staff.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

[object Object] Q1: Is a risk assessment mandatory for every NDIS plan?
A: Not always, but it’s required for high-risk supports, complex behaviours, restrictive practices, or when requested by the NDIS or a provider. Best practice is to conduct one for every participant.

[object Object] Q2: Does the participant have to agree with the assessment?
A: The participant (or their nominee