Choice, Control, and the Dignity of Risk: Supporting Independence with Respect.
By Jason Brien.
When we care for someone—whether a child, family member, or person with disability—our natural instinct is often to protect them from harm. But sometimes, in trying to keep them safe, we may limit their chances to make choices or take risks that help them grow and live fulfilling lives. This is where the ideas of choice and control and dignity of risk come in. Understanding these concepts can transform how we support independence, respect, and empowerment.
What Is Choice and Control?
Choice and control means allowing people to make decisions about their own lives. This could be small daily choices—what to wear, eat, or do for fun—or bigger decisions like where to live or work. When people have genuine choice and control, they:
- Feel respected and valued
- Gain confidence and self-esteem
- Develop skills and independence
- Experience greater satisfaction and wellbeing
For many people with disability, having choice and control isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a human right, supported by laws like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
What Is Dignity of Risk?
Dignity of risk recognises that taking risks is a natural part of life and essential to personal growth. It means allowing people to try new things, even if there’s a chance they might fail or make mistakes. It’s about balancing safety with respect for a person’s right to live fully. Sometimes this means accepting that accidents or setbacks might happen—but that these experiences help build resilience and independence.
Why Are These Concepts Important for Families and Carers?
Overprotection can unintentionally limit a person’s opportunities to learn and grow. For example, if a teenager with disability is never allowed to cook because of safety fears, they miss out on gaining essential life skills. At the same time, carers naturally want to prevent harm. The challenge is finding the balance between supporting safety and promoting independence.
How to Support Choice, Control, and Dignity of Risk?
- Listen and involve the person
Ask what they want, what they’re interested in, and how they want to be supported. - Assess risks together
Talk openly about potential dangers and ways to reduce them, rather than avoiding activities altogether. - Start small
Try new things gradually with appropriate support. - Learn from mistakes
Mistakes are part of learning. Reflect on what happened and how to improve, rather than blaming or restricting further. - Advocate for rights
Help the person understand their rights and speak up for their choices.
Final Thought.
Supporting choice, control, and dignity of risk means believing in people’s ability to lead meaningful lives, even if that includes uncertainty or mistakes. It’s about respect, trust, and hope. As carers and families, our role is to create environments where people feel safe to explore, fail, learn, and grow—because that’s what makes life rich and fulfilling.