NDIS supports Terry to live his dreams

Terry Pepi is continuing to fulfil his dream to travel around Queensland thanks to support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Carers Queensland.

The 60-year-old from Lota and his wife, Helen, are travelling with a support vehicle and trailer, which houses a spare shower chair and hoist, his 4WD chair, urology supplies and spare parts, tools and other equipment, making life easier for Terry to live his best life on the road.

Terry said a lot of organisation and preparation has gone into their trip with plans changing due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“As you can imagine the work is tenfold on the road. We are taking up opportunities outside the box, which requires careful thought and planning, taking into account our travel limitations,” Terry said.

“Access into the trailer is via a personal access door in the side, as well as an NDIS-funded fold down ramp, which allows easy and safe access and removal of equipment.  Preventative maintenance is constant with so much equipment.

“Having a multi-equipped support team allows a wider scope of opportunity as we can travel confidently knowing we can cover a lot of possible scenarios should the need require.”

While Terry’s goals have been centred around his travelling lifestyle, he is also undertaking and expanding his sporting and recreational pursuits of shooting and fishing.

“I would like to continue to grow my plans for long-range target shooting competitions and my fishing capabilities,” he said.

“I recently introduced a fishing drone into my repertoire, which allows not only better distance when fishing, but allows for fishing from areas difficult to access at point of casting.

“My goals also take into account my needs to ensure our home is modified suitably and safely. This includes my pursuits to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle both in and around our home, and on the road.”

Terry received assistance to apply for and implement his NDIS plan from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Brisbane region.

He said the assistance he is receiving from the NDIS has taken the stress out of his life, as his needs are fulfilled to optimise his best life.

“This gives us confidence as we plan for our future, and know we have the continued support of the NDIS to ensure my existing and future needs are met.

“We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have the opportunity to travel in the manner we do. We are thankful for the continued support from the NDIS, with which no doubt, execution of our present travel would be limited if at all possible.”

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