Supporting people with decision-making impairments: choice, control and consumer transactions

A key goal of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is to increase the choice and control that people with disabilities have over the goods and services they purchase. However, research indicates a range of barriers to the participation of people with disabilities as consumers. These barriers can have an impact on individuals’ health and social and economic participation, especially when they affect access to basic and essential services such as utilities and telecommunications. There are particular challenges for consumers with cognitive or psychosocial disabilities who may experience decision-making impairment. This column explores these challenges and discusses options for providing support for people with decision-making impairments to participate in consumer transactions on an equal basis with others.