The sky is the limit for ex-Australian para-shooter Tracey
When Redcliffe local, Tracey is asked what she uses the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for her response is freedom.
The former Australian World Shooting Para Champion who has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy [FSH] is one of the models for the inclusive fashion label Christina Stephens and their Unique Women Unique Stories Campaign.
“We have needed this for so so long. Some of the clothing I’ve seen is going to be so much easier to get into, and the good thing is, anyone can wear this, not just people with disabilities,” Tracey said.
“People living with a disability can now dress and feel glam. We usually dress in the most comfortable things, and it’s usually a t-shirt and leggings. I can’t tell you how many pairs of leggings I own.” Tracey said.
Tracey was part of the Australian Shooting Team from 2013 to 2016 and travelled Australian and the world living out her dream, but it wasn’t easy for her.
She now uses her NDIS plan for therapies and accessing the community to continue her work as an advocate for people living with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
“It’s freedom, without a carer and the opportunity to have someone with me, I can’t go out. I’ve done so much over the last two and a half years – it’s ridiculous. What the NDIS has done for people is amazing.
“If I had this seven years ago when I was in the Australian Para-Shooting Team, I would have been even better because I could have trained more. Then, I only had eight hours of support per week, so I didn’t have the opportunity to do what I needed to do. Now I can do whatever I want – the sky is the limit, thanks to the NDIS.”
There are now more than 61,000 Queenslanders benefitting from the NDIS, which means almost 340,000 Australians nationally, including over 134,000 people receiving supports for the first time.
The NDIS provides Australians under the age of 65, who have a permanent and significant disability, with the supports they need to live more independently and to increase their social and economic participation.
Carers Queensland is the NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community. If you have a disability and not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can 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, please contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au or visit www.ndis.gov.au
For more information on the Christina Stephens fashion label, visit christinastephens.com.au or visit the label’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
