PRIVACY
POLICY
Effective Date: 17th Oct 2024
1.Introduction
At The Next Step Disability Support, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients. This Privacy Agreement outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information in compliance with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) guidelines and applicable privacy laws.
2. Who The Next Step Disability Support Will Ask for This Information:
The Next Step Disability Support will ask you, your child representative, nominee or authorised representative for this information.
3. How The Next Step Disability Support Will Request Your Information
We will request your personal information in the following ways:
Initial Consultation: During your first meeting or phone call with us, we will ask you to provide relevant details about you and your support needs.
Forms and Documentation: We may require you to fill out forms that capture necessary information, including personal and financial details. These forms will be provided in person, via secure post or electronically.
ID Checks: When conducting identity checks, we will request government-issued identification, which can be submitted in person or via secure digital means.
4. Information The Next Step Disability Support Collects
The Next Step Disability Support may collect personal information from you, including but not limited to:
- Identification
- Personal information
- Date of birth
- Contact details (phone number, email address)
- Emergency contact information
- Disability information
- Management Type
- NDIS Plan Details
- Support needs and preferences
- Financial information for billing purposes
5. ID Checks
To ensure the safety and security of our services, we may conduct identity checks when you engage with The Next Step Disability Support. This process may involve:
Verifying your identity through government-issued identification (e.g. passport, driver's license).
Confirming your eligibility for support services under the NDIS.
We will only collect the necessary identification information for these checks and will handle this information with the utmost care, in compliance with applicable privacy laws.
6. How The Next Step Disability Support Use Your Information
Your personal information may be used for the following purposes:
- To develop individualized support plans that coordinate with provided support services
- To communicate with you regarding your services and programs
- To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- To improve our services and programs based on feedback
7. Disclosure of Information
The Next Step Disability Support may share your personal information with:
- NDIS representatives and other relevant agencies as required
- Service providers and contractors involved in delivering your support services
- Your family or support network, with your consent
- Regulatory bodies for compliance purposes
8. Cloud-Based Information Storage
To enhance our services and improve efficiency, we utilize cloud-based programs for storing and managing client information. These programs are designed to:
Securely store your personal information with advanced encryption and security protocols.
Allow authorized personnel to access and update your information as needed.
Facilitate seamless communication and coordination of support services.
We ensure that our cloud service providers comply with relevant privacy and data protection regulations. Your information will be stored only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this agreement, after which it will be securely deleted.
9. Data Security
The Next Step Disability Support takes reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, or unauthorized access. We implement security measures such as:
- Secure storage of physical and electronic records
- Restricted access to personal information to authorized personnel only
- Regular training for staff on privacy and confidentiality practices
10. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information held by us
- Request corrections to your personal information if it is inaccurate or incomplete
- Withdraw consent for us to use your personal information at any time, subject to legal and contractual obligations
11. Changes to This Agreement
The Next Step Disability Support may update this Privacy Agreement from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. We will notify you of any significant changes and provide the updated agreement upon request.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your personal information or this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
The Next Step Disability Support
8 Ivor Street, Henty, NSW 2658
0412 146 277
13. Acknowledgment
By engaging with The Next Step Disability Support for disability support services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described herein.