“Restrictive practice' means any practice or intervention that has the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability.” (NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission)
Under the NDIS Rules, certain restrictive practices are regulated. These include seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint and environmental restraint.
NSW is working towards the reduction and elimination of the use of restrictive practices. The focus should be on supporting behavioural needs to prevent the use of restrictive practices.
It is required that restrictive practices are:
Restrictive practices are highly distressing for the person who is being controlled or sedated. People who have experienced the use of force or coercion during past trauma can be re-traumatised when a worker uses restrictive practices.
- A person with lived experience of a mental health condition
… these practices are now being restricted, but the reason for this is not acknowledged. It is a change that consumers have fought for.
Understanding behaviour support and restrictive practices - for providers
The NDIS Commission website provides an overview of behaviour support and restrictive practices for providers.
Type: Web pageEstimate reading time: 15 minutesProduced by: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Considering Additional Risks – Reducing and Eliminating Restrictive PracticesThese short videos and the accompanying guide explore the use of restrictive practices and ways to consider less restrictive ways of supporting people.Type: videos and accompanying guideLength: 16 PagesProduced by: National Disability Services
Principles for effective support
