The awesomeness of Beth’s NDIS plan

Leaving school is a big transition in any young person's life and for Nambour local, Beth Amey, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is helping her to continue learning and build on the skills she began developing in school.

Beth has received funding to help her take part in a day program that builds her daily living and social skills and for her Mum, Rebecca, the change is wonderful to see.

“Before the NDIS, I didn't know what she was going to do after school. I knew she wasn't ready for employment, she needed to learn and get a few more skills before she could go on to that.

“At the day program, Beth's getting to do farm work, woodwork, she's even getting to use power tools.

“She comes home that happy and she says she's not anxious anymore.”

Beth's developing skills are having an impact at home as well.

“She is more willing to do things around the house. I think it's because she is so excited and has more confidence,” says Rebecca.

“Before, she didn't want to take anything out of the microwave because she was scared she would get burnt. Now she will do it using the oven mitts.

“Beth used to make her bed every single day. Now she is keeping her room tidier as well.”

Rebecca reflected that the NDIS has been a steep learning curve because she had not received funded support for Beth in the past. She and Beth were helped by Carers Queensland's NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program to develop an individualised NDIS plan for Beth and start using it.

“I'm starting to understand it more. When Samantha (Beth's Local Area Coordinator) explained how some of her funding can be used to get a new assessment, that was great.”

Rebecca is almost speechless about the opportunities the NDIS has brought Beth and the impact it has on the whole family.

“It's hard to express in words – such humongous awesomeness,” Rebecca said with a laugh.

“I have never seen Beth this happy. She's always been a happy person and she used to get this happy about things like Christmas, but this is an ongoing thing, it's not just a phase.”

Sunshine Coast area locals who would like to find out more about the NDIS or attend a free NDIS information session can contact NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Carers Queensland on 07 5409 3300 or SunshineCoastLAC@carersqld.com.au or visit www.ndis.gov.au.