Garden guru Ken loves being in the great outdoors
For Ken Ogden, working in a nursery is a dream come true.
The Upper Mount Gravatt local works four days a week in a wholesale nursery in Mitchelton after attending horticulture classes.
“I like speaking with people about the work I am doing. I always like gardening and being outdoors. I like the fresh air,” Ken said.
When he’s not at the nursery, Ken, who has a chromosome abnormality, works once a week with an environmental scientist grafting frangipanis and visits a psychologist every other Friday to help him with his behaviour.
Accessing these supports has been possible with the help of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Pamela, his mother, said since joining the NDIS in August 2018, Ken has learnt a lot about himself and has been able to continue putting his horticultural knowledge to good use.
“Ken enjoys working with Environmental Scientist, Glen, grafting frangipanis to make different colours on the same tree. Glen taught him how to make yeast-free bread too, as he has an intolerance to yeast. Ken looks up to Glen and he is an important influence in his life,” Pamela said.
While Ken enjoys working with frangipanis, he calls a different plant his all-time favourite.
“Bromeliads are my favourite and I have heaps at home. One side of the house is shady enough even in the summer time.”
Ken received assistance to apply for and implement his NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Brisbane region.
Pamela said she has nothing but praise for Ken’s Local Area Coordinator, Inga, after previously receiving support from Carers Queensland whilst caring for her husband who had Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
“I am a great advocate for Carers Queensland as they helped keep me together during that time. And now, as we receive assistance for Ken, Inga is there to easily explain things to us; Ken is very relaxed with her too.”
Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for the scheme and to help you get started with your NDIS plan.
If you’re not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can also help you identify and link to options 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 Partner in the Community Program for the Brisbane region at Garden City Office, Building 20, Level 1, 2404 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains or call 3719 9600.
