When we talk about Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), we often use words like dignity of risk and choice and control. These ideas can sound similar, and they’re both about respecting people’s rights. But they’re not quite the same thing — and understanding the difference is important if we want to truly empower participants to live full, meaningful lives.
This blog explores what each concept means, how they overlap, and why balancing both is at the heart of good PBS practice.
Table of Contents
What Is Dignity of Risk?
Dignity of risk is the idea that every person has the right to take risks in their life, just like anyone else.
Think about learning to ride a bike. Falling off is part of the process. If someone stopped you from ever trying because you “might get hurt,” you’d never experience the joy and independence that comes from riding.
In PBS, dignity of risk means recognising that participants are entitled to make choices that may not always turn out perfectly. It’s about respecting their right to grow, try new things, and sometimes make mistakes.
Key points about dignity of risk:
- It acknowledges that life involves risk.
- It values personal growth over “keeping someone safe at all costs.”
- It challenges us to strike a balance between protection and autonomy.
What Is Choice and Control?
Choice and control are about having a say in your own life. This principle is deeply embedded in the NDIS framework, but it’s also a human rights issue.
Choice means being able to decide what you want:
- What to eat for lunch.
- Where to live.
- Who to spend time with.
Control means having influence over how those choices are carried out.
In PBS, promoting choice and control might look like offering a participant several activity options, supporting them to communicate their preference, and then making sure that preference actually shapes the day.
Key points about choice and control:
- It’s about decision-making power.
- It applies in both big and small aspects of life.
- It builds confidence and independence.
The Difference Between the Two
While they’re closely linked, dignity of risk and choice and control aren’t the same:
- Choice and control are about the freedom to decide.
- Dignity of risk is about the freedom to experience outcomes — including mistakes or failures — from those decisions.
For example:
- A participant chooses to catch the bus independently (choice and control).
- Along the way, they may miss the bus or take the wrong stop — but that’s part of learning (dignity of risk).
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference helps practitioners, families, and carers avoid being overprotective. Sometimes we give people choices but then remove the risk. For instance, “You can choose to cook, but only if we do every step for you.” That’s not true dignity of risk.
If we only focus on safety, we unintentionally deny people the opportunities that make life rich and meaningful.
Practical Examples
- Daily Living: Choosing to cook dinner involves the risk of cuts or burns — but also the reward of independence.
- Relationships: Choosing who to spend time with involves the risk of rejection — but also the joy of connection.
- Employment: Choosing to try a new job involves the risk of failure — but also the chance to discover strengths.
Supporting Dignity of Risk and Choice Together
As practitioners, our role is not to eliminate risk but to support participants to manage it. Strategies include:
- Informed Choices: Make sure participants understand the risks as much as possible.
- Gradual Exposure: Break big risks into smaller, safer steps.
- Safety Nets: Have supports in place while still allowing autonomy.
- Reflective Practice: After something goes wrong, frame it as learning rather than failure.
Case Story: Emma’s Independence
Emma wanted to walk to the corner shop alone. Her support team worried about traffic and safety. At first, they said no.
A PBS approach reframed the issue:
- Emma practiced crossing the road with staff.
- She started by walking halfway alone, then the full distance with support nearby.
- Eventually, she did the walk entirely on her own.
Was there risk? Yes. But the dignity of risk allowed Emma to experience pride and independence that no amount of “safety” could replace.
Conclusion
Dignity of risk and choice and control are two sides of the same coin. Together, they remind us that every person deserves the right to make choices, take chances, and live fully.
As PBS practitioners, our role is to balance safety with opportunity, ensuring participants are supported not only to make decisions but also to learn and grow from the outcomes of those decisions.
That balance is where real empowerment happens.
Transform Life is a NDIS registered organisation that provide support for you and your family.
Book your consult with an experienced Therapist at Transform Life to explore how OT, PBS and Speech Therapy can support you and your family.
