Guide dog Ice melts Jefferson’s heart

Published On: 19 April 2020Categories: NDIS, News

Jefferson Mac’s guide dog, Ice, has been with him every step of the way over the past eight years; through completing university degrees and transitioning to work as a clinical psychologist, to socially going out with friends.

The 36-year-old from Fairfield said his goals in life — to pursue growth personally, academically, professionally and socially — has been helped by having his furry and loving guide dog by his side.

Jefferson said Ice’s ability to guide meant he could reduce the cognitive load he experiences when travelling, such as constantly needing to feel switched on for every bit of sensory information in his environment in order to not get lost.

“This meant I had less stress and more capacity to devote to my academic and professional pursuits. Ice has also been an incredible companion through the good times and the tough times,” Jefferson said.

Ice will turn 10 this year and will retire; something Jefferson said he has mixed feelings about with thoughts of transitioning to a new guide dog.

“On one hand I feel sad that the incredible bond and relationship we’ve built over the past eight years is having to come to an end; but, I also do not want to be selfish in keeping him working. He has gone over and above for me, and I understand that it is time for him to get his well-deserved R&R time.”

He said getting a guide dog can be a long and sometimes stressful process which relies on the availability of dogs, and then finding the right match.

However, Jefferson said he is confident that his National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding will help him find the right guide dog for him.

“Previously, the availability of dogs was limited due to the reliance on private donation to fund their training, (which) also meant lower options for matching. Having the certainty and guarantee of NDIS funding means greater availability, and in turn a better chance of finding the right match.”

Jefferson also utilises his NDIS funding to access supports including orientation and mobility training through Guide Dogs Queensland to continue to build his capacity for independent on-foot travel, and utilising support workers to take part in regular rock climbing adventures and daily activities such as picking up groceries, ironing and cleaning.

“I love the physical and mental challenge of rock climbing. It also serves as a great self-care activity to get a break from work-related stressors.”

“The supports have greatly reduced the perceived burden that I felt I was placing on friends and family when asking for their support. It has also given me a greater sense of independence as I now engage the supports at a time that suits me, rather than being dependent on waiting for someone else’s schedule to open up and fit me in.”

Jefferson 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.

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, contact Carers Queensland NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Brisbane region on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au