Linda is gaining her independence in the community with the support of the NDIS

Published On: 3 March 2020Categories: News

Stafford woman, Linda Rice, has an infectiously positive attitude and a wicked sense of humour.

Over the years, Linda has had ongoing issues with her bones and joints, having elbow joint replacement surgery a total of six times, limiting mobility in her arms.

She will undergo surgery again on her elbow in the next year.

“I am a medical misfit with a sense of humour!” she said.

“My physio wants to put me in the Guinness Book of World Records. He said there isn’t anyone who has had more elbow joint replacements than me. I said that’s probably one accolade I can do without!”

Linda applied for support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme when it rolled out in Brisbane in 2018.

Through her NDIS funding, she now receives support with domestic duties and personal care three days a week.

She also visits a physiotherapist and is working towards improving her fitness and getting out in her community.

“The social aspect is really important to me, otherwise I would feel like I’m constantly on the medical wheel.

“Prior to the NDIS I had support workers coming in for 1.5 hours a fortnight, and I did everything else myself. I still try and do a lot myself, but the girls coming in now help me with meal preparation and cleaning places that are hard to reach.”

Linda, a retired accounts manager, is all about positive attitude.

“I get out and about socially, I go to the movies, and I have coffee with friends. I volunteer one day a week reading to the elderly.

“You have to enjoy life. I am trying to get to a place where I feel like it’s not just one medical appointment after the last.

“It can be challenging of course, but I am looking forward to spreading some love and joy around, having a good time and a giggle and just enjoy being here.”

For Linda, the flexibility of NDIS funding has allowed her to choose supports that best suit her evolving needs.

“It has been a majorly life changing experience.

“It has made me aware of the long term. The NDIS has allowed me to think about the future. I want to remain as independent as I can for as long as I possibly can.”

She is supported on her NDIS journey by Carers Queensland Local Area Coordinator, Kate.

Local Area Coordinators conduct planning conversations with NDIS participants to talk about their current needs and goals for the future.

“From my first appointment with Kate she was great, her attitude was so positive.

“Then I got a phone call a few days later and we implemented the plan. She was so caring and professional and took me through everything in an easy to understand way.”

With her supports in place, Linda hopes to encourage other people to explore their options with the NDIS, and to implement supports which best suit their needs, wants and aspirations.

“My goal is to be able to be a voice for people who can’t be heard.

“I was out one day and a little girl looked at me and said to her mum, ‘What’s wrong with that lady’s arms? Why are they so bent?’

“I said ‘Oh sweetie, God made me very unique. What some people do with straight arms I just do with bent arms!’

“We are all unique, what one person is gifted with another person is gifted something else. We are all very lucky in that regard and we should remember that,” she said.

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 Carers Queensland NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Brisbane Region at Level 1, 120 Chalk Street Lutwyche or call 3215 9600.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au