Jaydon’s career dream comes true
Jaydon Cowan’s dream to use her experiences with spina bifida to become more independent and gain employment has come true.
Since December, the 29-year-old from Morningside is working 20 hours a week as a peer mentor at Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Queensland.
“I had completed two work readiness programs there (at Spina Bifida QLD) already before getting this job. It’s nice to know all the years they have helped me, that I am giving back to other people and helping them too,” Jaydon said.
Initially using her own National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding for a support worker to help her get to and from her new workplace, Jaydon is now feeling more confident to independently make her own way to work herself.
“My ultimate goal is to be independent and continuing to wheel my own wheelchair.”
To help her achieve this goal, Jaydon also accesses an exercise physiotherapist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and social worker through NDIS funding.
“With my support workers I go on outings like South Bank and the museum, they teach me confidence in navigating out and about, personal care, understanding things such as booking cabs and understanding when to book them, and meal planning with cooking and shopping.”
Since accessing the NDIS two years ago, Jaydon joined a gym and now attends aquatic therapy with a support worker, resulting in a 50-kilogram weight loss.
“I was wheelchair-bound; since losing weight, I can now transfer to my wheelchair with assistance and wheel myself around indoors like in shopping centres and at work.”
Starting a family with her husband is also on the cards for Jaydon’s future as she continues to develop improved health routines with her NDIS supports.
“I just want to join the real world like everyone else; I don’t want anything to stop me.”
Jaydon 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.
“I’d be lost without Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus and the NDIS.”
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, visit Carer’s Queensland NDIS Local Area Coordinator 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.
You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au
