Individual Planning & Outcomes Policy

This statement was last updated: May 2026.

The Water Affect is committed to upholding the rights and principles of equality, independence, choice, and inclusion that underpin a person-centred philosophy.

The Water Affect promotes person-centred planning and practice to support participants with disability to develop and maintain skills, build capacity, and pursue a lifestyle aligned with their individual interests, strengths, and aspirations.

purpose

This policy sets out the guiding person-centred principles used in lifestyle planning and review for participants accessing The Water Affect supports and services.

It demonstrates a commitment to placing the participant, their family, carers, and support network at the centre of decision-making regarding how supports are developed, delivered, and reviewed.

The Water Affect incorporates the following key principles:

Placing the participant and their family/carers at the centre of planning and review processes
Recognising each participant as an individual
Supporting choice and control in planning, developing, implementing, and reviewing supports
Assisting participants to establish both short-term and long-term goals
Actively listening to participants, families, carers, staff, and other key stakeholders throughout the process
Providing access to current, clear, and accessible information to support informed decision-making
Maintaining flexibility in planning to respond to changing needs, including health, wellbeing, and personal circumstances

The Water Affect is currently not a NDIS registered provider and delivers services to participants who are self-managed, plan-managed, or privately funded.

Definitions

Person-centred planning: A process that identifies what is important to a person and supports them to achieve meaningful life goals.
Person-centred approaches: The design and delivery of supports based on individual needs, goals, and preferences.
Participant: A person with disability receiving supports from The Water Affect.
Support pathway: The structured plan developed to support a participant in achieving their goals and outcomes.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All participants receiving services from The Water Affect
All prospective participants accessing The Water Affect services
All service types and delivery models offered by The Water Affect
All policies, systems, and practices relating to participant support and service delivery
This policy aligns with applicable requirements including the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW), Disability Services Act 1993, and relevant NSW disability service standards.

Principles

Person at the centre

The participant is central to all planning and decision-making processes and is supported to exercise choice and control in a way that reflects their preferences and capacity.

Inclusion of others

With consent, family members, carers, and other key supports may be involved in planning to strengthen outcomes and support networks.

Personal priorities and strengths

Planning focuses on the participant’s strengths, interests, goals, aspirations, and required supports to achieve them.

Cultural considerations

Planning respects and considers cultural background, language, beliefs, and personal values.

Shared commitment

All stakeholders involved in planning work collaboratively to support agreed goals and outcomes.

Continuous process

Planning is ongoing and evolves over time in response to participant growth, experience, and changing needs.

Regular review

Plans are reviewed regularly, and at minimum annually, to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

One person, one plan

Planning is coordinated across all relevant areas of a participant’s life, where desired by the participant.

Application of Principles

These principles form the foundation of all planning and review processes at The Water Affect.

Staff are expected to apply person-centred thinking tools and approaches when supporting participants to develop and review their support pathways.

Planning is flexible and guided by participant preference, ensuring approaches remain responsive and meaningful.

Policy Statement

The Water Affect values the diversity, strengths, and individuality of all participants.

Supports are designed to be person-focused and aim to enhance decision-making, participation, and quality of life.

Each participant’s support pathway is developed collaboratively and includes meaningful and achievable goals based on participant and family priorities.

The Water Affect recognises the importance of participant autonomy and supports individuals to exercise choice and control in their engagement with services.

While participants may access planning frameworks such as NDIS supports where applicable, The Water Affect maintains internal planning processes to ensure supports remain aligned with participant needs.

All staff are expected to provide respectful, inclusive, and non-judgemental support regardless of background, identity, or personal circumstance.

Consultation

This policy has been developed to support consistency, quality, and continuous improvement in participant services.

Consultation has occurred with sector stakeholders, including disability service organisations and relevant peak bodies, as well as through internal operational experience and family feedback.

Quality Assurance

The Water Affect maintains a commitment to quality service delivery through structured policy frameworks, human rights principles, and continuous improvement processes.

Participants and families are provided access to clear expectations regarding service delivery and standards of support.

Communication

This policy is communicated through:

Staff training and professional development
Internal documentation systems
The Water Affect website and participant materials where applicable

Training

Management is responsible for ensuring staff are trained in the implementation of this policy and understand their responsibilities in supporting person-centred planning practices.

Related Legislation & Guidelines

Disability Services Act 1993 (NSW)
Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW)
NSW Disability Service Standards
National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006)

evaluation & review

This policy will be reviewed every three years, or earlier where required due to changes in legislation, sector standards, or service delivery needs.

The Water Affect is committed to continuous improvement and ensures planning practices evolve in line with participant needs and best practice within the disability and aquatic support sectors.