Independence key for Caitlin
With support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), 12-year-old Ipswich local Caitlin Innes is achieving more independence and is involved with social groups where she joins in art and craft activities.
“Caitlin loves socialising. There is a little girl there who does sign language and Caitlin learns sign language at high school so they are communicating that way as well as socialising with children her own age with similar disabilities. She loves art, so anything arty/crafty, and she really loves meeting people and socialising,” said Caitlin’s mum Lisa.
Caitlin, who has cerebral palsy, has been able to access regular physiotherapy and occupational therapy to increase her strength, along with speech therapy, which has assisted her to achieve a pass in English.
“Having fortnightly therapy now has made a huge difference to Caitlin, with having regular physio she has become a lot stronger, her endurance is a lot more, so she can last all day now in her walker at school. Just being able to move around the house and dressing herself, all that is from regular physio.
“We were seeing a speech therapist regularly and she was working on stuff that Caitlin was doing at school, so with the school and the therapist working together, it is the first time she had ever passed English!” Lisa said.
The Innes family had their bathroom modifications funded through the NDIS and this has meant a whole new level of independence for Caitlin.
During the COVID-19 restrictions Caitlin has accessed her therapies via Zoom video conferencing.
Lisa explains, “I just had to learn how to use Zoom! We just set it up on Caitlin’s iPad and it worked quite well. I had to be the support person for Caitlin, and it was just as much social as physical for Caitlin. I just had to make sure Caitlin was sitting upright and if she was struggling getting into a position I just helped her do all that. We managed to get by and do it.”
The supports that Caitlin has been receiving have made a big difference.
“I guess for me I see a future for Caitlin now; I can see her living independently in a house with support workers and support around her because that is what the NDIS will allow her to do.” Lisa said.
Caitlin 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 Ipswich 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 coan 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
