The National Standards for Disability Services (NSDS) are a set of minimum requirements that all organisations that disability services providers in Australia must meet. The Standards aim to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by ensuring they receive high quality, individualised services that meet their needs.
Together with KrisCare, a competent disability provider in Victoria, let us have a deeper appreciation about the NSDS.
Six Key Areas of NSDS
It is important that we explain the key areas where these standards are drawn from.
Rights
All people with disabilities have the same rights as other members of the community under Australian law. The NSDS requires disability providers to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities, and ensure that their human rights are respected, upheld and promoted at all times. This includes the right to:
1. Life
2. Liberty and security of person
3. Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
4. Freedom from forced or compulsory labour
Individualised plans and supports
People with disabilities should receive individualised services that meet their specific needs. The NSDS require organisations to develop individualised plans for each person they support, which are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. These plans should be developed in consultation with the person with a disability, their family and carers, as well as other relevant professionals such as therapists, disability support workers, doctors and nurses.
Organisations must also put in place appropriate supports to help people with disabilities achieve their goals as outlined in their individualised plan. These supports may include assistance with daily living tasks, access to education and training opportunities, transport, employment assistance and housing.
Access, participation and inclusion
Organisations that provide disability services must take steps to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to all aspects of society. This includes providing physical access to buildings and facilities, communication access (for example, Auslan interpreters), access to information and social participation opportunities. People with disabilities should also be given the opportunity to participate in all aspects of decision making about their own lives. This includes decisions about their individualised plan, the services they receive, where they live and who provides support to them.
Feedback and complaints
People with disabilities have a right to give feedback about the services they receive, and to make a complaint if they are unhappy with something. All organisations that provide disability services must have a complaints procedure in place that is fair, confidential and accessible. They must also ensure that complaints are dealt with promptly and appropriately.
Human resources
Organisations that provide disability services must have suitably qualified and experienced staff who are trained in working with people with disabilities. They must also have systems in place to manage risks associated with providing services to people with disabilities (such as manual handling injuries). Staff should be provided with regular supervision and support so that they can do their jobs effectively.
Governance, management and accountability
Organisations that provide disability services must have adequate systems in place for financial management and record keeping. They must also comply with relevant legislation (such as occupational health & safety laws) and industry codes of conduct. Lastly, they must be accountable to the people they support, their families/carers, funders/sponsors and the general
KrisCare: Elevating the Quality of Disability Services in Australia
The NSDS are a set of minimum requirements that all organisations that provide national disability services in Australia must meet. The Standards aim to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by ensuring they receive high quality, individualised services that meet their needs. By adhering to these standards ,service providers can help create a more inclusive society for everyone.
As a committed disability provider in Australia, KrisCare makes sure to adhere to the national standards sanctioned by the government. We make sure that all our services are delivered with respect, competency, professionalism and compassion. Call KrisCare today to experience topnotch disability care in Melbourne!