In Australia, voting is not just a civic duty — it’s a powerful expression of independence, inclusion, and voice. For people with disability, the ability to vote is a vital part of exercising their rights as citizens. It reinforces choice, autonomy, and self-determination — values at the heart of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). As we approach the upcoming election period, it’s important to acknowledge that many participants may require information, support, and guidance to exercise this right confidently. NDIS providers have an essential role to play in making voting accessible, informed, and participant-led.
Why Voting Matters for NDIS Participants
Voting gives people the opportunity to influence the decisions that affect their lives, from healthcare to housing, disability policy, and access to services. For NDIS participants, it represents:
- Personal agency and independence: Deciding who to vote for is a personal choice that reinforces the participant’s right to make their own decisions.
- Inclusion in public life: Voting supports the broader goal of inclusion and equal participation in society.
- Representation: Through voting, people with disability can help shape policies that better represent their needs and priorities.
When participants are supported to vote, it sends a clear message: your voice matters.
5 Things Every NDIS Provider Should Do During Election Season
To ensure participants are fully supported during an election, here are five essential actions every NDIS provider should take:
1. Remind Participants About Voting
Providers should help raise awareness about upcoming elections and key dates. Many participants may not be actively watching the news, so a gentle, respectful reminder can be incredibly helpful.
2. Respect the Choice to Vote or Not
Voting in Australia is compulsory, but participants have the right to decide how or whether to engage in the process. Providers must respect their autonomy and avoid influencing their political preferences.
3. Share Accessible Information About Voting
Participants may not know where to vote, how to vote, or what their options are (e.g., early voting, postal voting, accessible polling stations). Providers can share this information in a clear, easy-to-read format tailored to each individual’s communication needs.
4. Plan the Best Time and Place to Vote
Long lines and crowded polling places can be overwhelming. Providers should help participants plan a time and location that suits their preferences and accessibility requirements — ensuring the experience is calm and stress-free.
5. Offer Support on the Day From arranging transportation, accompanying participants to the polling booth (if needed), or providing moral support, providers play a critical role in ensuring that participants can vote safely and independently.
How Care and Connects Supports Participants During Elections
At Care and Connects, we believe that voting is an expression of dignity, independence, and inclusion. We are proud to support our participants in exercising this important right by:
- Reminding participants about the election and the importance of voting this week.
- Respecting each participant’s decision to vote or not, in line with their values and personal choice.
- Communicating polling locations and hours, tailored to where each participant lives.
- Working with participants to choose the best time to vote, avoiding peak periods and long wait times.
- Providing transportation and logistical support so participants can vote freely and comfortably, with as much or as little assistance as they want.
Our team is committed to making civic engagement a supported, stress-free, and empowering experience. Because being heard matters.
Need Help Preparing for the Election?
If you or someone you support is unsure about how to vote or needs help preparing, reach out to our team. We’re here to provide guidance and ensure that every participant has the opportunity to make their voice count.
Care and Connects – Supporting Independence, Every Step of the Way.
References
Australian Electoral Commission, 2025. Information for people with disability.
