Person centred practice is one of the most used phrases in disability support, and one of the most misunderstood. At its simplest, it is the daily habit of treating the person in front of you as the expert in their own life.
What Person Centred Practice Really Means
It is not a checklist or a poster on the staff room wall. It is a way of thinking that asks one quiet question on every shift. What does this person want from today, and how can I support that with respect and care?
Plans are written on paper. People are written on the heart. Person centred practice is the bridge between the two.
Five Habits That Turn the Idea Into Action
- Listen first. Ask, then wait. Most participants will tell you what they want if you give them time and space.
- Use respectful language. Drop labels, drop assumptions, and lead with the person.
- Offer real choice. Choice between two pre packed options is not real choice. Where possible, open the question wider.
- Notice the small wins. Independence often grows in small steps. Celebrate them out loud.
- Reflect after every shift. Five quiet minutes at the end of the day will teach you more than any textbook.
The Role of Communication
Communication is the engine of person centred support. That includes spoken language, sign, picture cards, body language, and the silent agreements you build with a participant over weeks and months. The more channels you can read and use, the stronger your support becomes.
Try These on Your Next Shift
- Sit at eye level when you start a conversation.
- Use the participant name and check pronunciation early.
- Pause for a full second after a question before you speak again.
- Watch for changes in tone, breathing, or posture, not just words.
Choice and Control in Practice
Choice and control sit at the centre of the NDIS. In daily support, that means handing real decisions back to the participant whenever it is safe to do so. From what to wear in the morning, to which support worker rolls onto a shift, to which community group to join, every choice matters.
Respect for Family and Culture
A participant rarely lives alone in their decisions. Family, culture, faith, and friends all shape what a good day looks like. Strong support workers learn to respect those layers without losing focus on the participant voice.
Conclusion
Person centred practice is not a one off training module. It is a quiet, daily commitment that grows stronger with reflection and feedback. The participants you support will feel the difference, and so will the team around you. If you would like to build these habits in a structured way, every program at So Rig Institute Australia has person centred practice woven through it.