Choosing supports can be challenging for participants. You need providers who are going to support you in all the ways you need.

When it comes to choosing a support worker, you need someone who’s looking out for your best interests while helping you to achieve your goals.

We spoke to the team at Buttons Support Services to discover what participants should be looking for when choosing a support worker or support service provider.

Who are Buttons Support Services?

Buttons Support Services is a disability support worker marketplace that connects people with a disability to young support workers in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

Buttons help create and secure genuine connections between support workers and participants. They do the matchmaking so participants can get the support they need and focus on achieving their personal goals.

Through harnessing the power of youth workers, Buttons aims to find support workers who can not only become role models, but friends too.

What should families, participants or nominees be looking for when choosing a support worker or support service provider?

Firstly, it’s essential to look for organisations or individuals that are value-aligned.

All relationships need to be established on solid foundations. Therefore define what is important in this relationship for you and what’s going to set this up for success.

Is it honesty, curiosity, integrity, or experience that’s essential for you? If so, ensure that the person or organisation embodies these qualities.

Also, before choosing make sure that the worker or provider is responsive, communicative and professional. This will make a big difference to the care you receive.

Keep in mind: as the participant, it is your choice so don’t settle!

What questions should participants ask support workers or support service providers as part of their selection process?

Some helpful questions to ask include:

• Why are you interested in supporting me?


• Why do you think you are a good fit to support me?


• Do you have experience in supporting my specific needs and requests?


• What is your process for ensuring you can meet my needs?


• What is the pricing for your services?


• What is your cancellation policy?


• Do you have a minimum charge?

It’s also helpful to ask whether the provider has a conflict of interest if they provide a variety of other services like support coordination.

We’re a call away

Do you have a question or query about your NDIS plan? At myAutonomy, our friendly team is only too happy to help.

Reach out on 1300 60 33 89 or at [email protected].