Sharing Participant Stories on Social Media: A Consent Guide for NDIS Providers

A participant who wants to share their story can be a wonderful voice for your service. But the line between celebrating someone and exploiting them is easy to cross. Getting consent right protects participants, protects your registration and builds trust with everyone who sees your page.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Follow your organisation's privacy policy and seek advice for specific situations.

What informed consent means

Informed consent means the person understands what will be shared, where, for how long, who will see it, and that they can say no or change their mind without any effect on their support. It must be given freely - never as a condition of service, and never under pressure.

Make consent accessible

• Use an Easy Read consent form with pictures and plain language
• Explain it in person and give time to think
• Involve supporters or nominees where the participant wants them involved, while respecting the participant's own choice
• Check understanding - ask the person to explain back what they're agreeing to
• Offer options - photo but no name, first name only, story but no photo, internal use only

Be specific

Consent should cover the specific use: a Facebook post, your website, a printed brochure, a video. Consent for one doesn't automatically cover the others. Record what was agreed, the date and who explained it.

Respect the right to withdraw

People can change their minds. Make it easy to withdraw consent, remove content promptly when asked, and record the withdrawal. Remember that content shared on social media may already have been seen or shared - explain this honestly before posting.

Tell stories respectfully

• Let participants tell their story in their own words where possible
• Focus on goals, interests and what they enjoy - not diagnoses
• Avoid "inspiration" framing or pity
• Never share plan details, funding, addresses or health information
• Show the person as they would want to be seen - ask them

Watch the background

Group photos at outings or events can include people who haven't consented. Check every photo before posting, crop or blur where needed, or don't post it.

Allied health providers

If registered health practitioners are involved, AHPRA's advertising guidelines restrict testimonials about clinical aspects of care. Focus stories on non-clinical experiences, or check with your compliance lead.

A simple process

1. Identify a story the participant wants to share
2. Explain using an accessible consent form
3. Record specific consent and options chosen
4. Draft the post and show it to the participant before publishing
5. Publish, and store the consent record
6. Review consent periodically and remove content on request

This article is general information only and isn't legal or compliance advice.