Why it is important: The potential to transform lives
Research has found that people who manage their own supports are more satisfied with their outcomes. They feel more in control of their lives and able to change their supports when they want. According to one recent study: "All respondents said that individual funding had improved their control, choice, independence and self-determination in their lives".
The main benefit is that by focusing on the person with disability, a self directed approach can deliver more flexible and appropriately targeted supports that make a difference in the lives of people with disability and their families. At the same time, it can lead to better utilisation and effectiveness of limited resources.
To read more about the reported benefits of the self directed approach, visit:
The potential to transform lives Family Advocacy
A self directed approach - what does the literature say? Trudy van Dam
Effectiveness of individual funding approaches for disability support Karen Fisher (et al) (2010), Occasional Paper Number 29, Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
