Deborah keeps busy with NDIS supports

Published On: 9 February 2022Categories: NDIS, News

Deborah is busier than ever with regular physiotherapy sessions, attending sewing lessons and going out shopping, as well as receiving personal support at home, with the help of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The 62-year-old from Burleigh Waters who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, accesses a support worker to help her get ready for the day, getting her to medical appointments and driving her to the shops to buy fabric for her sewing.

“I access my support worker who takes me to the wound clinic for my ulcer in South Tweed, she helps me with wounds that need dressing, we go shopping together, she takes me to sewing lessons, we go to fashion shows, exhibitions, fabric shopping, all sorts of things; I can’t even think about how many things Diana and I do, it is just so many,” Deborah said.

“Left to my own devices I either can’t do it or don’t want to on my own. I go out a lot more now since joining the NDIS.”

Deborah’s support worker also attends her physiotherapy appointments, so she understands what exercises she needs to do at home.

“The NDIS allows me to see my physio who helps to strengthen my upper body, my arms and torso.”

Deborah has also recently had her main bathroom modified for her safety, as well receiving a new shower chair and wheelchair, all funded through her NDIS plan.

“I have a shower chair which I didn’t have before, which makes transfers accessible, as I did have a fall and I broke my leg, so the modification to the main bathroom had to be done,” she said.

“I have a wheelchair that is more suitable, as my old one was a clunker.

“The NDIS has made a colossal difference to my life.”

Deborah said before accessing the NDIS in 2018 she had never met anyone in a wheelchair before.

Now, Deborah regularly stays in touch with other people with spina bifida through Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Association.

“I am now in a forum group that I can talk to them once a month via a zoom meeting. We talk about things that affect people with spina bifida in the upper age group,” she said.

“Everyone in the group is in the NDIS so we talk about accessing supports through the NDIS and it gives me ideas too.”

Deborah 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 Gold Coast region.

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 help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

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