Serena hula hooping and dancing into fitness with NDIS supports
Hula hooping and dancing is helping to keep Serena Lee fit and happy in her life, thanks to support workers funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The 17-year-old from Calamvale works with support workers to make exercising and being more mobile fun, as well as developing her independence.
Serena’s mum, Donna, said it is important for Serena to have the opportunity to live an age-appropriate life with support workers to help her do what other people her age do.
“Her support workers have plans to help Serena get motivated, exercise, and also enjoy what she does so she can lead a fit and healthy life. Having such good support around you is priceless,” Donna said.
Serena’s support workers, who she calls “my friends”, are also there to help Serena when she is choosing where to go and what to wear, along with personal support like showering and working on developing more independence.
“As long as she has support workers to help her, we feel happy and joyful in life; Serena is content.”
Serena, who has an intellectual disability, loves being social and meeting people, and if she wants to try a new activity, they make sure she can take part.
“She does ten pin bowling, goes to movies, walks along the beach, going to lunch, the museum and art gallery; all with support workers.”
Before accessing NDIS supports, Donna said going on family holidays was challenging as Serena found it difficult to cope in new surrounds and different situations.
“We recently returned from a holiday to Cairns with her support workers, where Serena took part in snorkelling, went on the Sky Rail, visited Crystal Cascades and Cape Tribulation. She had a great time.
“Life before NDIS was only going to the shops with friends; now her support workers take her to do amazing things. She feels fulfilled to have the choice to do what she wants.
“Serena is living her best life for her age and is looking forward to new experiences. She is no longer a frustrated and angry child; she’s a content and happy girl achieving her best life with the NDIS.”
Serena 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.
To find out more about how the NDIS and Local Area Coordination program can work for you, contact Carer’s Queensland NDIS Local Area Coordinator Partner in the Community Program for the Brisbane region on 3719 9600.
You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au
