Carers2U Newsletter

   UNDERSTANDING YOUR NDIS PLAN

 

Sally’s NDIS Journey: Building Independence and Confidence

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We share real-life stories from our clients about their disabilities and experiences with the NDIS. These narratives showcase various journeys, disability types, and how members use their NDIS funding to reach their goals. 

Introducing Sally

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Today, we share Sally's story. She talks about her NDIS application journey, how she manages her new plan, and the support systems she's put in place to improve her daily life. Sally, 26, was diagnosed with autism at 18, shortly after completing high school. “It was tough during high school because I hadn’t been diagnosed. It made learning hard,” she says. “I struggled with schoolwork, fitting in, and making friends.” Her dad first noticed the signs, noting, “My brother was diagnosed with autism at two, and Dad saw I showed similar behaviours.” This led to a formal assessment that took about six months. “I think it took longer because of masking and because diagnosing girls is more challenging,” Sally explains. For her, the diagnosis was a major turning point. “Honestly, it was a positive shift. It felt freeing,” she concludes. 

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Getting Started

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Applying for the NDIS presented several challenges. “It caused stress for both of us because the NDIS was new, and we weren’t sure if I would be approved. The many appointments also added to the stress," Sally recalls. Sally received her first NDIS plan two years after her diagnosis. With her dad as her plan nominee, they jointly decide on the therapies and activities she engages in. Over time, she has utilised her funding for various supports, including a community life skills program where she learned practical skills such as banking, hygiene, cooking, and group travel. After that program concluded, Sally looked for new activities that matched her goals and routines. 

 

Sally’s NDIS Goals

• Building friendships and social skills within the community

• Developing independent living skills to eventually move out of the home

• Participating in life skills development programs and allied health therapy

• Increasing independence from her dad in daily activities

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Sally’s 12-Month NDIS Plan

• Core Flexible

• Consumables: $500.04

• Assistance with Social, Economic, and Community Participation: $26,420.98

• Assistance with Daily Life: $13,258.11

• Total: $40,179.13

• Stated Supports

• Capacity Building – Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaches: $2,403.36

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills: $7,759.56

• Capacity Building – Choice and Control: $1,486.32

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Implementing Supports and Funding

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Sally has a support worker who assists her both at home and in the community once a week. The support worker accompanies her to the gym and helps with quick trips to the shops. Sally takes part in a weekly group where she learns landscaping skills such as digging, planting, and using tools. “I even learned how to drill!” she shares. Every other Tuesday, Sally meets her occupational therapist (OT) to improve skills like reading social cues, which support her in her job at Big W, where she has been employed for the past seven years. They also work on practical cooking strategies, ensuring recipes are presented in a way that makes sense to her. 

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Working with a Support Coordinator

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Sally sees maximising her NDIS plan as a team effort involving herself, her dad, and their support coordinator, Natalie. “I remember our first meeting,” Natalie recalls, “Sally was on speakerphone with her dad, and it was fantastic.

 

While some people, especially teenagers and adults, prefer not to talk on the phone, Sally was fully engaged.” Natalie ensures all aspects of the plan are connected and everyone stays informed. When Sally faced long wait times for appointments, she quickly found a new occupational therapist and started sharing information immediately.

 

“We brought the new OT on board and started sharing information immediately,” she says. Additionally, Natalie assists with future plans, discussing education and training options, and the possibility of Sally moving out home.

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They consider scenarios where Sally’s dad might not be available to support her, whether due to a hospital stay or another unexpected event. “We’ve been building a support network, connecting with providers, and ensuring communication flows so everyone is prepared to step in, if necessary,” she explains.

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Whether it’s a quick call with Sally and her dad, coordinating with providers, or laying the groundwork for the future, Natalie works alongside them to ensure decisions are made collaboratively and keep Sally’s goals in focus.

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Looking Ahead

Sally’s primary aim is to achieve greater independence. “I want to cook more and be more self-sufficient, so I can live by myself,” she explains. She is exploring different living options, including living alone, sharing with others, or even moving in with her brother. Beyond work and her support networks, Sally expresses her creativity on TikTok under the name "Sally Marie Reads." “I love reading and enjoy talking about the books I read,” she says. TikTok gives her a chance to share her passion, connect with others, and boost her confidence for future steps.

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        We can help!

Here at Carers2U HQ, we want to help you achieve the most out of your NDIS Plan. If you’re still unsure whether the funds in your budget are working as hard as they could, have a chat with our crew.

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Call us on (02) 8001 6268, email us at support@carers2u.net, or sign up to the Carers2U plan management today.

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