When it comes to driving, practice makes perfect for Connor

Connor Pettman is like any 16-year-old wanting to learn how to drive, and he is making sure his dream comes true with the support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Connor, who has an intellectual disability, is working with a support worker to develop his independence and other skills, including practising his driving and recently passing his learner driver test.

Together with his support worker, Connor also enjoys getting out and about in the community and practising going on buses on his own to school, or to the shops for dinner.

Connor’s mum, Michelle Pettman, said it was important Connor knew he could do whatever he set his mind to.

“The NDIS is giving Connor all the things he chooses to do,” she said.

“Connor enjoys being with his peers and communicating with them, and loves socialising at school.

“Connor currently does speech therapy through Zoom and is passionate about this, so he works hard to improve his speech.”

Connor is enjoying year 11 and particularly likes art.

“He has colouring-in on the table at home all the time. He loves colouring and drawing knights, dragons and swords,” Michelle said.

Connor also loves sports such as ten pin bowling, tennis, personal training (PT) and playing in a modified rugby program until he dislocated his leg last year.

“The PT is getting his leg back to being strong and he goes with his mate from school to work out and get fit together.

“Connor really likes rugby and he and his dad bond over that.”

While many sports have shut down due to COVID-19, Michelle said Connor is looking forward to eventually signing up to a modified Learning to Box program.

Connor received assistance to apply for, and implement, his NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program, who cover 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.

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 the Local Area Coordination Program can work for you, contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au