Training and supervision of disability support workers: Perspectives of NDIS participants using unregistered providers

Training and supervision of disability support workers (DSWs) has, in most developed countries, been the primary means of supporting quality of service, adequate worker skill and prevention of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of both service users and DSWs. However, in Australia, there is no requirement for DSWs to obtain a minimum level qualification. This paper examines service user perception and decision making in relation to training and supervision of their DSWs. We report findings from semi-structured interviews with 30 National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants. These findings suggest that users of disability services do not universally prioritise formal DSW supervision and training. Many interviewees described that being able to train and supervise DSWs themselves achieved better support outcomes and reduced power differentials in receipt of services. We discuss the implications of these findings in the context of recent policy reviews and the need to refocus safeguarding schemes on providing people with disability with the tools they need to ensure the quality and safety of their services.