Paula exceeds cooking and gardening goals with the NDIS

Paula Irvine is easily finding her way around her accessible kitchen and getting out into the garden independently thanks to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The 50-year-old from Waterford West, who has multiple sclerosis, is utilising her NDIS supports for her new kitchen and will soon have more concrete for her backyard to allow her to get around much easier, using her wheelchair.

“The NDIS has helped me to achieve my goals to live independently. I have used them to help me coordinate my new kitchen that has a lower bench height and drawers throughout for easy access and lazy susans in corner cupboards,” Paula said.

“I can roll fully under the sink for washing up. It has just made such a big difference to my life and it is now a pleasure to cook again with ease.”

Paula said accessing the NDIS has enabled her to be much more independent and not have to rely on her three children around the house, helping to establish normal mother-child relationships.

“I don't have to have them (my children) doing my household duties when they come to visit. I have more time to just sit back and talk with them,” she said.

“We have family dinners once a week so having my kitchen remodelled gives me the opportunity to cook for them.”

Paula also cooks food such as banana cake and cupcakes to raise money for the MS Society's bike ride and cake sales.

Her love of gardening is also a hobby she can now continue to do independently.

“I am just waiting on the final details for some more concrete around my garden so I can access my entire property and garden.

“With the help of a fellow that mows my lawn for me and sprays my grass for weeds, it gives me time for fun stuff with my children. They help with building the gardens and I maintain the plants watering and fertilizing.”

Paula is also self-sufficient getting out and about in her local community.

“I still drive and am quite independent with getting my wheelchair across myself into the car. I attend the MS Wellbeing Centre at Capalaba for physiotherapy and a bit of exercise using the machines.

“I like to go to the beauty clinic and have my nails done. It's a bit of me time I don't need any help with, and gives me a bit of normal life prior to MS and wheelchairs.”

Paula 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.

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.

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