Steve is finding his voice

Published On: 21 May 2021Categories: NDIS, News

Steve Taylor is finding his voice, helping him to achieve his goals of living independently and getting a job.

Before accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) three years ago, Steve – who has an intellectual disability and autism – couldn’t speak and needed to be helped by his mum, Gail, to communicate.

Gail said Steve couldn’t talk in everyday situations, such as at a café or restaurant.

Today, the Mermaid Waters local is accessing a speech pathologist and support workers to improve his speech and develop his independence.

“Before speech therapy he wouldn’t say anything. His speech has taken a long time (to develop), but now he will talk; if he wants a drink he asks and knows,” Gail said.

“To see him talking to other people and making sense is amazing, as before his speech was jumbled and now it isn’t. Now he is working on tones of voice.

“He loves the idea of living independently so it gives him an incentive as he knows he has to do speech therapy to be independent and to move out of home.”

Steve’s support workers are also on hand to work with him to develop his confidence.

“Steve’s support workers have taught him to be independent, order his own coffee; all this has helped Steve get ahead,” she said.

“They take him to birthday parties, see a show with friends; he has done helicopter rides at Ipswich at the end of last year and recently did putt putt golf.

“I have seen so much improvement. Now he is being treated as an adult, which he likes.”

Steve also works with his support worker to look for employment, and last year secured six months volunteer work at a local café.

“At work his support worker is always there and sits at his side; she helps at the start to relay what to do, then when he gets more relaxed can deliver the coffee,” Gail said.

“We are now seeing progress; it took us a long time but we are seeing it. He knows he can work at a coffee shop now and he is trying at every coffee shop to give out his resume too.”

Steve 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 Gold Coast region.

Gail said the NDIS is lifting her responsibility as she gets older while teaching him independence.

“Without the NDIS he wouldn’t be able to be doing what he is doing today,” she said.

“This has helped me to see he can be okay outside the house; he will survive.”

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