New NDIS Resources to Support Conversations about Restrictive Practices

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has released a new suite of resources titled "Restrictive Practices and Me", designed to support meaningful conversations with participants when regulated restrictive practices are included in their behaviour support plans.

These resources aim to uphold participants' rights and ensure that discussions around restrictive practices are accessible, respectful, and tailored to individual needs. Developed in collaboration with people with disability, NDIS providers, authorisation bodies, and advocacy organisations, the materials reflect a commitment to person-centred practice and transparency.

What’s Included?

The Restrictive Practices and Me toolkit features:

• A tip sheet for practitioners and providers
• Plain English and Easy Read discussion books
• A case study illustrating practical application
• A set of icons to visually represent different types of restrictive practices 

These resources are editable and adaptable, allowing practitioners to tailor content to each participant’s circumstances. For example, pages not relevant to a participant’s situation can be removed, and images can be reused in other formats.

Why It Matters

Under Section 20 of the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018, participants must be informed when restrictive practices are proposed. These conversations must be conducted in a way that is easy to understand and respectful of the participant’s autonomy.

The Commission emphasises that restrictive practices should only be used as a last resort, and must be the least restrictive option available. They must be included in a behaviour support plan and follow the appropriate authorisation processes.

Regulatory Priorities for 2025–26

This initiative aligns with the NDIS Commission’s broader regulatory priorities for 2025–26, which include:

• Reducing and eliminating regulated restrictive practices
• Strengthening oversight of unregistered providers
• Improving management of high-risk health concerns
• Ensuring providers support and train skilled workers 

Commissioner Louise Glanville reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to human rights, stating that “practices that restrict the rights or freedom of movement of people with disability can be traumatic, dangerous and breach basic human rights."

Accessing the Resources

The Restrictive Practices and Me resources are available for download on the NDIS Commission website. Providers are encouraged to use, adapt, and share these tools to foster informed, respectful, and rights-based conversations with participants.

Link: Talking to participants about Restrictive Practices

Reference: NDIS Commision 2025-26 priorities focus: participant rights and safer services