Boccia and boxing is a winner for sporty Fiona

Published On: 16 December 2019Categories: NDIS, News

Fiona Lyons may be a champion on the boccia court, but it is her recent foray into boxing where she is hoping to shine.

The 33-year-old from Cleveland has started boxing at home with the help of a support worker funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

When she isn’t exercising and working up a sweat boxing, Fiona is out and about playing social boccia with her friends.

Fiona, who has cerebral palsy, has played professional boccia for 20 years, representing Australia in World Cups and World Championships and has previously been both the Australian National Champion and Queensland State Champion.

While her competitive days are behind her, Fiona still plays socially with the assistance of NDIS support workers who transport her to Redlands Boccia Club on Sundays.

Fiona said her goal is to visit and play at other clubs across the Gold Coast, Deception Bay and Brisbane areas with NDIS supports.

“There are boccia clubs in every state so one day I may travel with a support worker. I love boccia because when I am playing I am on the court and no one can help me, which is very different from my life off the court. The player has to decide what to do and what tactic or shot to make; I am in charge and no one can tell me what to do,” Fiona said.

Fiona also makes time to train her beloved assistance dog, Aysa, who attends her club games where she happily sits and watches her play.

“We do training each day; my support workers are all people who love animals and are willing to help me and they advise me on best options to achieve my goals.

“Training my dog to help me with picking up dropped items, finding my mum when I need her, and agility is my main goal.”

Fiona is also focussing on increasing her independence.

“I like to help with making my own bed, doing my washing, and cleaning my bathroom and bedroom which my support workers are all prepared to help me achieve. Because I have regular support workers I am now attending medical appointments without my mum, which means mum and I have more time to go for coffee or ice creams.”

Fiona received assistance to apply for and implement her NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Capalaba region.

Since accessing the NDIS and being supported by her Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Fiona said her life has changed for the better.

“I am doing things I never thought possible thanks to the NDIS. My LAC has been wonderful in helping us to put together our plan and get the funds needed to continue the ‘good’ life.

“It is important to remember that everyone’s life is different so everyone’s NDIS plan is different; build on your knowledge each year and ask your LAC for help all the time as that is what they are there for and they want to help.”

Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS.

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can also help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

To find out more about how the NDIS and Local Area Coordination program can work for you, visit Carers Queensland NDIS Local Area Coordination Partners in the Community Program for the Capalaba region at 8 Dollery Road, Capalaba or call 3565 8600.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636 or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au