If you’re navigating the NDIS, chances are you’ve heard the term “person-centred” more than once. But what does it actually mean — and why is it such an important part of the NDIS?
In simple terms, a person-centred approach means putting the participant — their values, goals, and preferences — at the heart of every support decision. It’s about working with the person, not just for them. At Thrive365, person-centred practice isn’t just a principle — it’s part of everything we do.
🔑 Key Summary
A person-centred approach puts the participant’s needs, preferences and goals at the core of NDIS supports.
It focuses on the whole person — not just their disability.
Supports are flexible, respectful, and adapt as the person’s life changes.
Participants are involved in planning and decision-making every step of the way.
Person-centred support brings the NDIS principles of choice and control to life.
🧭 What Is a Person-Centred Approach?
A person-centred approach means seeing and supporting the whole person — beyond their disability, diagnosis, or funding.
It’s about:
Listening to what matters most to the individual
Respecting their daily routines, communication style, and choices
Promoting independence and decision-making
Adapting supports to reflect changing needs or goals
Treating every person with dignity, autonomy, and respect
Rather than asking someone to fit into a service model, person-centred practice tailors support around the individual.
💬 Why It Matters in the NDIS
The NDIS is designed around choice and control, and a person-centred approach brings these principles to life.
When support is truly person-centred:
Participants feel heard, included, and respected
Goals are more meaningful — and more achievable
Confidence and independence grow naturally
Outcomes are more lasting and aligned with real life
Support works best when it reflects the person’s whole life — not just what services are “on offer”.
🎯 Person-Centred Support and NDIS Goals
NDIS goals should always reflect what the participant genuinely wants to work toward — whether that’s living more independently, building relationships, learning new skills, or simply doing more of what brings them joy.
With a person-centred approach:
Goals come from the participant’s priorities — not the provider’s
Supports align with individual interests, culture, and lifestyle
Progress is reviewed together, not dictated
Goals evolve as life, skills, and circumstances change
At Thrive365, we regularly check in with participants to make sure their supports stay aligned with what they want to achieve — not just what’s written in the plan.
🤝 What Person-Centred Support Looks Like at Thrive365
At Thrive365, person-centred support means taking the time to understand the whole person — not just their plan.
We get to know:
Daily routines, preferences, and communication styles
Hobbies, strengths, and personal interests
Cultural background and family context
Short- and long-term goals
We work closely with participants, families, and support coordinators to build supports that feel relevant, respectful, and empowering — not one-size-fits-all.
We also document progress clearly and regularly. That means when it’s time for a plan review, participants have a strong record of what’s working, what’s changed, and what they want to aim for next.
🌱 People Grow — and So Should Their Supports
One of the most important parts of a person-centred approach is recognising that people grow, change, and develop over time.
What works now might look different in 6 or 12 months. That’s why we build flexibility into every support — so it can adapt as participants gain new skills, confidence, or priorities.
We’re always ready to adjust how we work, to match where the person is in their journey.
💬 Putting the Person First, Always
At Thrive365, we believe the best outcomes happen when people feel seen, heard, and supported to lead the life they choose.
To us, a person-centred approach means:
The participant’s voice is the most important in the room
Supports are tailored to real lives — not generic templates
Goals are meaningful, not just measurable
If you want to learn more about how Thrive365 delivers truly person-centred support, or how this approach could help you or someone you care for, we’d love to have a chat.
