The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is set to have its biggest rollout yet on July 1, bringing major changes to support and funding for South East Queensland residents with a disability.
With such an important event looming requiring major life decisions, exactly how much did South Brisbane resident Christa Schweizer know about what to expect?
“Not the faintest idea, nothing… not a clue,” she admitted.
“I knew it was coming to Brisbane, but I didn’t know what date, I didn’t know you had to be interviewed, I didn’t know what questions I would be asked, and I certainly didn’t know how to prepare myself.”
Christa said that changed after she talked to her Spinal Life Australia Occupational Therapist (OT) about getting a new wheelchair.
“The conversation turned to the NDIS and my OT asked if I knew much about funding through the NDIS,” she said.
“When I said no, she helped me organise a one-on-one meeting with Sam Kent.”
Sam Kent, Spinal Life Australia’s NDIS Transition Officer, went through a preparation session with Christa.
After an hour and a half of talking with Sam, Christa felt she was ready for her first NDIS planning meeting.
“Sam asked me questions about my situation and guided me through what questions would be asked during my planning meeting,” she said.
“She also focused on my specific life situation and what I would need in my day to day life, which was tremendously beneficial.
“I didn’t know just how many questions there would be on my personal lifestyle, or that I could receive additional assistance from being legally blind.
“There were a lot of surprises in our pre-planning session, but thankfully that means less surprises when it comes time for my first NDIS meeting.”
Christa said she was feeling more confident, if still understandably nervous about the Brisbane NDIS rollout on July 1.
“I rely a lot on my daughter-in-laws, so it would be great if the NDIS helped me become more independent and less reliant on them,” she said.
“While I’m more confident about the NDIS, I’m still a little hesitant.
“Like it or not, the NDIS is still coming to Brisbane – all I can do about it is ensure I’m prepared as possible.”
From July 1, the NDIS will also roll out in the Gold Coast, Fraser Coast, Cairns, Redlands, Logan and North Burnett regions.
To find out more about how Spinal Life Australia can help you achieve your NDIS goals, click here or call 1300 SPINAL.