27/11/2025
Your support worker wants to help you โ but they need to know what you need. ๐ฌ
Good communication is the foundation of great support. When you can clearly express your preferences, boundaries, and goals, you get services that truly work for YOU.
Here's How to Communicate Your Needs Effectively:
1. Be Clear and Specific
Instead of "I need help in the morning," try "I need help showering and getting dressed by 8:30am on weekdays." The more specific you are, the better your support worker can meet your needs.
2. Share Your Preferences
It's okay to have preferences! Whether it's how you like things done, the temperature of your shower, or what activities you enjoy โ let your support worker know. They're there to support YOU, your way.
3. Set Boundaries
You have the right to set boundaries around your personal space, privacy, and how support is provided. A good support worker will respect and appreciate knowing what makes you comfortable.
4. Explain Your Goals
What do you hope to achieve? Whether it's building independence, participating in more community activities, or learning new skills โ sharing your goals helps your support worker support you better.
5. Speak Up When Something Isn't Working
If something doesn't feel right, say so. Whether it's the timing, the approach, or a mismatch in personality โ honest feedback helps create better support for you.
6. Ask Questions
Don't understand something? Want to know why things are done a certain way? Ask! Good support workers welcome questions and want you to feel informed and empowered.
7. Use Your Communication Style
Whether you communicate verbally, use AAC devices, written notes, or gestures โ use whatever method works best for you. Your support worker will adapt.
8. Involve Trusted People if Needed
If you're more comfortable having a family member, friend, or advocate help communicate your needs, that's perfectly okay. Your comfort matters most.
Remember:
You're not being "difficult" or "demanding" by expressing your needs. You're being clear. You're being honest. And you deserve support that works for YOU.
At Supportr, we believe in person-centered care โ which means YOUR voice, YOUR preferences, and YOUR goals are at the center of everything we do.
Have questions about how we can support you? Let's talk.
Serving NDIS participants across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and surrounding areas.