Let’s have a real conversation.
Not  sugar coated. Not watered down. Just honest.

Because someone recently had a bit of a dig at me for using the phrase “ideal client.”
Their message?

“Disability clients shouldn’t be seen as ideal or otherwise. That’s not inclusive.”

Now look, I understand where they’re coming from.
But if you’ve spent any amount of time in this sector, especially working on the frontline, you’ll know that this conversation goes much deeper than just a choice of words.

So let’s talk about it.

What I Mean When I Say “Ideal Client” (And What I Don’t)

When I use the phrase ideal client, I’m not saying:

• Only work with people who are “easy”

• Only support people who make your day feel good

• Some participants are more worthy than others

Absolutely not.

What I’m saying is this:

As an NDIS provider, you should work with the people you are trained, skilled, experienced and emotionally equipped to support.

That’s what defining your ideal client is about.

It’s about safety.
It’s about quality.
It’s about professional integrity.

It’s not about being picky.
It’s about being responsible.

The Reality of Specialised Support

Let me paint a picture for you.

If you’ve never worked in mental health,
If you’ve never supported someone through complex trauma,
If you’ve never been trained in de-escalation or psychosocial crisis response…

You should not be supporting my family member who lives with those challenges.

And I say that with deep respect for the work you do, do well.

We’ve got participants out here who are in desperate need of specialised care.
Care that’s trauma informed. Calm. Skilled. Regulated. Responsive.
Not well meaning but unprepared support workers who end up making things worse without realising it.

This isn’t just about matching personalities.
It’s about clinical safety.

“I Work With Anyone Who Has an NDIS Plan” Please Stop Saying That

We’ve got to stop encouraging providers to take on everyone.

If your business answer to “who do you support?” is:

“Anyone with an NDIS plan”

That’s not a selling point. That’s a red flag.

Because no one, no matter how passionate is qualified to support every type of NDIS participant.

Let’s get specific:

Would I want someone who’s only ever supported physically disabled men in their 40s
turning up to work with my 10 year old autistic son who needs:

• Sensory regulation strategies

• Visual communication tools

• Play based social skill development
  Trauma informed, non-verbal response techniques?

Absolutely not.

Even if their heart is in the right place.
Even if they’ve “worked with kids before.”

Intent does not replace experience.

It’s Not Just Business Strategy, It’s Ethics

This conversation often gets pushed into the “marketing” or “business development” pile.
But the truth is, this is an ethical issue.

As providers, we have a duty of care.

We’re not here to collect participants.
We’re here to support humans. Real people. With complex, intersecting needs.

So when I coach people through defining their ideal client as part of their NDIS business strategy, here’s what we talk about:

• What are you trained in?

• What experience do you have that informs your support?

• What age group or cohort do you naturally connect with?

• What behaviours, diagnoses or communication needs do you not feel confident with and that’s OK?

We stop chasing the full market
And start showing up in our actual zone of skill.

The Sector Doesn’t Need More “Yes” Providers

We don’t need more people saying yes to every referral.

We need providers who say:

“This is where I do my best work.
And I know when to refer out.”

That takes self awareness.
It takes maturity.
And it takes the courage to prioritise safety and outcomes over short term growth.

And the truth is, when you define your ideal client, your business becomes stronger.

Because:

• You get better results

• You receive more referrals from people who trust your specialty

• You attract team members who are aligned with your mission

• You reduce burnout because you’re not overreaching

You stop playing “NDIS hero” and start building sustainable success

Your Ideal Client Isn’t About You, It’s About Who You’re Best Positioned to Help

There’s this myth floating around that getting clear on your niche means being self centred.
As if you’re putting your needs before the participant.

But the opposite is true.

When you get honest about your skills, your experience and your limits,
You’re protecting participants.
You’re giving them the best shot at getting what they actually need.
And you’re freeing yourself to serve in a way that’s aligned, effective and fulfilling.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Here are some examples of ideal client clarity in the NDIS space:

“We work with adults with intellectual disability who are looking to gain independence in daily living.”

“We specialise in psychosocial support for people experiencing complex trauma and mental health diagnoses.”

“Our team is trained in early childhood development and communication support for neurodivergent children aged 3–10.”

That’s clarity. That’s purpose. That’s professionalism.

So, Should You Still Define Your Ideal Client? Absolutely.

Let me say this clearly:

Defining your ideal client is not about exclusion.
It’s about delivering ethical, high-quality, person-centred support.

And if that ruffles feathers?

Well, sometimes truth does that.

But I’ll take truth over people-pleasing any day.
Because I’ve seen what happens when providers take on work they’re not equipped for.
And I’ve seen the difference when providers step fully into their zone of skill.

The results speak for themselves.

If you’re still clinging to the idea that “anyone with an NDIS plan” is your ideal client…
It’s time to dig a little deeper.

Ask yourself:

• Who am I actually best equipped to support?

• What do I need to say no to?

• What does ethical growth look like for my business?

Because the moment we all start getting clear on this
The better outcomes we’ll see across the board.

Not just for us
But for the participants we’re all here to serve.