When individuals with disabilities require structured, respectful, and empowering support to live meaningful lives, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides essential services tailored to their unique needs. Among these services, NDIS Positive Behaviour Support  and Short Term Accommodation stand out as crucial components of a holistic care framework. These two services work in tandem to promote independence, safety, and well-being.

This blog explores both concepts, their benefits, and how they help individuals and their families live fulfilling lives under the NDIS model. By understanding the purpose and implementation of Positive Behaviour Support and Short Term Accommodation, participants and caregivers can make informed decisions that lead to better outcomes.

What is NDIS Positive Behaviour Support?

NDIS Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach grounded in evidence-based practice. It focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern and developing strategies to improve quality of life while reducing challenging behaviours in a respectful and non-restrictive manner.

1. A Proactive and Person-Centred Approach

NDIS Positive Behaviour Support is not about punishing or reacting to behaviours. Instead, it aims to prevent them by addressing their underlying causes. These causes may include communication difficulties, sensory issues, unmet needs, environmental stressors, or trauma. The approach is tailored to each individual, recognizing that every person’s needs and experiences are unique.

A Positive Behaviour Support plan (also known as a Behaviour Support Plan or BSP) is developed through assessment, observation, and collaboration with the individual, their family, support workers, therapists, and other stakeholders.

2. Focus on Quality of Life and Skill Development

One of the key goals of PBS is to enhance an individual’s quality of life by teaching new skills and encouraging positive behaviours. These skills might include communication, social interaction, or self-regulation strategies. By building these capabilities, people with disabilities can feel more in control of their lives, which in turn reduces frustration and behaviours of concern.

PBS promotes a least-restrictive approach. This means reducing or eliminating the use of restrictive practices (such as seclusion or physical restraint), and instead, offering supportive environments that empower individuals to thrive.

3. Collaborative and Holistic Support

PBS is not implemented in isolation. It relies on collaboration between professionals, carers, and the participant. This ensures that the strategies in the behaviour support plan are consistently applied across different settings, whether at home, school, work, or within the community.

This team-based model improves outcomes because everyone involved shares a consistent understanding of how to support the individual. Moreover, the plan is regularly reviewed and updated based on progress and changing needs.

The Role of Short Term Accommodation in Disability Support

Short Term Accommodation (STA) is another essential component of the NDIS framework. It provides temporary housing and support for individuals with disabilities, offering both practical assistance and a valuable break for families and caregivers.

1. A Respite for Both Participants and Caregivers

Caring for a person with a disability is deeply rewarding but can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Short Term Accommodation offers respite care, which allows families and caregivers time to rest and recharge while knowing their loved one is in a safe, supportive environment.

For participants, STA provides a change of scenery, new social opportunities, and chances to develop independence away from their primary home. It helps them build confidence, form relationships, and enjoy different experiences in a structured setting.

2. Skill-Building and Routine Reinforcement

STA is not just a place to stay — it is often designed to help participants learn new life skills such as cooking, personal hygiene, time management, and basic household tasks. These activities are tailored to each person’s abilities and goals, reinforcing the principles of independence and dignity.

Short Term Accommodation also provides a structured daily routine. This structure is especially beneficial for individuals who may be sensitive to change or require clear guidance to feel secure and focused.

3. Crisis Accommodation and Emergency Needs

Sometimes, families may face unexpected challenges — whether it's a hospital stay, a family emergency, or a housing transition. In such instances, STA can provide emergency accommodation, ensuring the participant continues to receive support without disruption.

These short-term arrangements can be essential in managing transitions, preventing crisis escalation, and maintaining overall family stability.

How NDIS Positive Behaviour Support and STA Work Together

Though distinct, NDIS Positive Behaviour Support and Short Term Accommodation often intersect in meaningful ways. Participants with complex behavioural needs may benefit from both services simultaneously, particularly when a change in environment or routine is required to implement their behaviour support plan.

1. STA as a Controlled Environment for Behavioural Interventions

Short Term Accommodation provides a safe, structured setting where behaviour strategies outlined in a Positive Behaviour Support plan can be implemented with professional oversight. This controlled environment helps behaviour support practitioners observe and fine-tune the strategies in real time.

It also allows participants to practice newly learned behaviours in a low-risk environment, reinforcing their skills before returning to their usual setting.

2. Supporting Transitions and Reducing Disruptive Behaviour

Transitions — such as moving houses, starting school, or entering a new care arrangement — can be difficult for people with disabilities, often triggering stress and challenging behaviours. STA can act as a bridge during these transitions, offering stability and continued behavioural support.

In such cases, the Positive Behaviour Support plan will include transition strategies, and STA staff will be trained to support these strategies consistently, reducing the likelihood of distress or regression.

3. Encouraging Social Inclusion and Participation

PBS emphasizes community participation and social engagement, both of which can be explored through Short Term Accommodation. Group-based STAs allow participants to socialize with peers, practice communication skills, and engage in group activities, all while under the guidance of trained staff.

This integration reinforces the goals of both PBS and STA: increased independence, better emotional regulation, and improved quality of life.

Choosing the Right Support and Planning Ahead

When considering NDIS Positive Behaviour Support or Short Term Accommodation, individualised planning is key. Not all participants will require both services, and their use must be based on the individual’s goals, preferences, and support needs.

1. Working with Behaviour Support Practitioners

It is essential to work with qualified and NDIS-registered behaviour support practitioners. These professionals have the training and experience to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop personalised behaviour support plans. They also ensure compliance with NDIS guidelines and ethical standards.

Practitioners often engage with families, support workers, and the participant to create a plan that is both practical and respectful.

2. Exploring STA Options and Funding

Short Term Accommodation can be included in an NDIS plan under the “Core Supports” budget. Participants and families should explore the different types of STA available — whether group homes, individual stays, or community-based settings — to find the best match.

It’s also important to plan STA in advance, especially for respite purposes, to ensure availability and adequate funding.

3. Monitoring Progress and Outcomes

Both Positive Behaviour Support and STA should be continuously evaluated to ensure they are meeting the participant’s needs. Regular reviews, feedback from support workers and family, and input from the participant themselves will guide ongoing improvements and modifications.

Success is measured not only by reduced behaviours of concern but by increased happiness, independence, and participation in everyday life.

Conclusion

NDIS Positive Behaviour Support and Short Term Accommodation are powerful tools that empower individuals with disabilities to live safe, enriching, and independent lives. Positive Behaviour Support helps individuals understand and manage challenging behaviours through proactive, person-centred strategies. Short Term Accommodation, on the other hand, offers much-needed respite, skill-building, and social interaction opportunities.

When used together thoughtfully and in alignment with a person’s goals, these services provide a solid foundation for long-term well-being. Understanding their roles, benefits, and how to access them through the NDIS ensures that participants and their families receive the support they need — when and how they need it.