Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to Participant and Provider Community, a free online directory that connects NDIS participants with registered providers. By using our website, you agree to these terms and conditions.

2. Definitions

  • Participant refers to NDIS participants using our website to find providers.
  • Provider refers to sole traders and organizations listed on our website who offer NDIS services.
  • Users refers to Participants, Providers and anyone else who uses the platform.

3. Use of the Website

By accessing and using Participant and Provider Community, you confirm that you accept these terms and conditions and agree to comply with them. If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use our website.

4. Provider Verification

We verify the Australian Business Number (ABN) and NDIS registration status of providers at the time of listing. However, we do not guarantee the ongoing accuracy or completeness of this information. Listing on our site does not constitute an endorsement of the provider’s services.

5. Disclaimer

Platform Role: Participant and Provider Community serves as a platform to connect participants with providers. We are not involved in the actual transactions or agreements between participants and providers. Our role is strictly limited to facilitating the availability of the platform and directory.

Quality, Safety, and Legality: We make no representation or warranty regarding the quality, safety, or legality of the services advertised by providers on our website. Our platform includes a points system that rewards provider engagement and activity within our community, affecting their visibility and ranking in directory search results.

Points System as an Indicator: Providers earn points through active participation in our online discussion forum—1 point for each post and 1 additional point for each like their posts receive. While a higher point total may correlate with provider dedication and community engagement, it is important to understand that these points are indicators of activity, not definitive assurances of service quality, safety, or legality.

Due Diligence: Participants are encouraged to use the points system as one tool among many in evaluating providers. We recommend that participants conduct their own due diligence, including reviewing provider profiles, reading feedback from other users, and directly communicating with providers to assess their suitability for your needs.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Participant and Provider Community and its staff will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages arising from your use of our website or services. This limitation of liability applies even if Participant and Provider Community has been expressly advised of the potential loss.

7. Service Availability

Access and Availability: Participant and Provider Community endeavors to ensure that the website is accessible to users at all times. However, access to the website may occasionally be interrupted, including for maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or network or equipment failures. We strive to conduct maintenance during low-traffic hours and provide advance notice whenever possible, but this cannot be guaranteed.

Disclaimer of Liability for Downtime: We shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from or in connection with any interruption in availability of the website, whether the interruption is within our control or not. This includes but is not limited to data loss, lost profits, or interruption in business activity.

User Preparation and Mitigation: Users are advised to safeguard their data, prepare for potential downtimes, and use the platform with the understanding that interruptions may occur that could temporarily disrupt services.

8. User Responsibility

Participant Due Diligence: It is the responsibility of participants to evaluate the suitability of providers and to conduct any necessary checks before engaging a provider’s services. Participants must use their own judgment and perform due diligence.

Verification of Credentials: While Participant and Provider Community verifies the ABN and NDIS registration status of providers, we do not currently verify additional credentials such as NDIS worker screening cards, Working with Children Blue Cards, or insurance coverage. Participants are encouraged to verify these credentials and any other relevant documents when first meeting with providers and to maintain ongoing vigilance in supervising their services.

Provider Profile Accuracy: Providers may present other details about themselves on their profiles that we do not independently verify. Participants are advised to verify any such information directly with the providers.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Participant and Provider Community and its employees harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the website or your breach of these terms.

10. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Users will be notified of any changes and continued use of the site will constitute agreement to the modified terms.

11. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any disputes related to these terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland, Australia.

12. Provider Responsibilities

Providers must ensure that their listings and any related information are accurate, current, and comply with all applicable laws and NDIS regulations. Providers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account information and for all activities that occur under their account. Providers must immediately notify Participant and Provider Community of any unauthorized use of their account or any other breach of security.

13. Content Ownership and License

Providers retain ownership of the content they submit to the website but grant Participant and Provider Community a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to display, promote, and modify the content as necessary for the operation of the website. Providers warrant that they have all necessary rights to the content they post and that their content does not infringe or violate the intellectual property rights of any third party.

14. Termination and Suspension

Participant and Provider Community reserves the right to suspend or terminate a provider’s account if they are found to be in violation of these terms and conditions, or if their actions are deemed harmful to the website or other users. Providers may terminate their account at any time by unlisting their business from the directory in the user dashboard.

15. Disputes Between Providers and Participants

Participant and Provider Community is not responsible for resolving disputes between providers and participants. Providers agree to handle disputes directly and responsibly with the participant. Participant and Provider Community may offer mediation assistance at its discretion but is not obligated to provide such service.

16. Limitation of Liability for Provider Content

Participant and Provider Community is not responsible for the content provided by providers and does not endorse any provider listings. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Participant and Provider Community shall not be liable for any claim related to the content provided by providers, including but not limited to, claims for false advertising, product liability, or misleading information.

17. Indemnity by Providers

Providers agree to indemnify and hold harmless Participant and Provider Community and its affiliates, officers, agents, and employees from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of their use of the website, their connection to the website, their violation of the terms and conditions, or their violation of any rights of another.

18. Provider Interaction with Participants

Providers must conduct themselves professionally and responsibly in interactions with participants. Providers should ensure that all communications and engagements are respectful, fair, and in compliance with applicable laws.

19. Changes to Provider Terms

Participant and Provider Community reserves the right to modify the provider terms at any time. Providers will be notified of any changes and continued use of the site will constitute agreement to the modified terms.