Gyl finding social and professional goals a breeze with NDIS supports

Published On: 25 May 2020Categories: NDIS, News

After a breast cancer diagnosis six years ago and subsequent spinal surgery, Gyl Stacey decided to re-evaluate her life and career.

Gyl, from Capalaba, is using her experiences to contribute to community roles, including being a community member of the Parole Board Queensland, Chair of the Board at Spinal Life Australia and joining the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Clinical Advisory Network.

Gyl is supported with her goals of independence and maintaining her social and professional life through National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding.

“My goal of engaging in social and professional activities supported the range of activities I was doing in relation to Board and other related ancillary work. My funding helps with getting to meetings, training courses and related social events and will mean that I can continue to look for further board opportunities,” Gyl said.

While Gyl has used a wheelchair since she was 15 years old after contracting auto-immune disease Transverse Myelitis, the result of her more recent spinal surgery meant she had to re-learn and adapt to different ways of doing things to try and regain as much independence as possible.

“Through NDIS funding which links to my goal of independence, I was able to get help with daily household tasks, engage a physiotherapist to develop techniques for better transfers and to get support to get back to the gym twice a week to strengthen my arms and shoulders.”

With the support of the NDIS, Gyl also accesses an occupational therapist, has received a new lightweight wheelchair and will soon have modifications made to her bathroom to allow for a roll-in shower.

“NDIS supports have made a tremendous difference to my daily life. I now have minimal help to transfer and will soon have a useable bathroom for the first time in six years.”

Gyl now finds it easier to be more social and get out and about in her community.

“I was also fortunate enough to be funded for an attachable hand bike which gets me to the local shops and to meet friends at cafes.”

Gyl 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 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 on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au