What is “co-design”?

What Does Co-Design Mean in Disability Support?

At CoDesign Care, co-design is more than a philosophy. It’s the foundation of how we work with participants and families every day.

In disability support, co-design means creating supports together, rather than making decisions on behalf of someone else. It recognises that people with disability are the experts in their own lives and should have a genuine voice in the services they receive.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, co-design involves listening, collaborating, and tailoring support to each person’s unique goals, preferences, strengths, and circumstances.

Putting Choice and Control into Practice

For NDIS participants, co-design means being actively involved in decisions about their support. This can include:

• Setting meaningful goals
• Choosing how supports are delivered
• Identifying what is important to them
• Providing feedback and helping shape services over time
• Involving family members, carers, and support networks where desired

By working together, support becomes more personal, more effective, and better aligned with the participant’s vision for their life.

Why Co-Design Matters

When people are involved in shaping their own supports, they are more likely to achieve outcomes that matter to them. Co-design promotes independence, builds confidence, and ensures that services remain responsive as needs and goals evolve.