Supporting People with Decision-Making Impairments: Choice, Control and Consumer Transactions

Abstract

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 decisionmaking impairment. This column explores these challenges and discusses options for providing suppo..