Mark’s project work supported with the NDIS

Mark Bolton’s passion for showcasing other people’s stories is being made possible with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports.

The former radio producer from Margate is utilising a support worker to help with interviewing those who have lost their loved ones or who survived the Whiskey A Go Go nightclub incident 48 years ago in Brisbane.

“My support worker, Belinda, helps me by taking me to the interview, setting up video equipment, dismantling it and transport,” he said.

“It wouldn’t be able to happen without the NDIS.”

Mark said he became interested in starting the project due to his father’s involvement as a local journalist during that time.

Beginning the video interviews a year ago, Mark was forced to halt production due to COVID-19 restrictions, before recommencing again in November 2020.

“I have 10 interviews done so far and wanted to have it recorded to eventually go to the state library, and the affected families can then have it,” he said.

“I also see an audio podcast and a YouTube story I would like to see broadcast.

“If any money comes from it, it would go to victims of crime.”

Mark has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease – a neurological condition that affects the peripheral nerves that carry messages between the brain and muscles throughout the body – and said he is losing his ability to use his hands without fatiguing and pain.

That’s where the use of a Stream Deck – a small programmable external keyboard – comes in handy.

“My Stream Deck helps with programming shortcuts to use my computer mouse less,” he said.

“While it is known for streaming, it can be used for programming shortcuts, and has opened up things a lot as it has made life easier as I am not getting as much pain in my back too.”

Mark is also using other NDIS supports to help in his day-to-day life, including receiving shopping and laundry assistance, house cleaning, yard maintenance and a support worker providing regular home cooked meals.

Mark also has special orthoses boots to allow him ease of walking.

“The boots need to be maintained every six months; I can’t walk without them, though there is pain with and without wearing them,” he said.

Mark 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.

“The NDIS has allowed me to do the videoing, catch up with friends, allows me to eat well and have a clean house without struggling, and I feel better about myself,” he 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 help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

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