Brisbane member Wil Wiemann knows a bit of teamwork can make a big difference.
Wil’s NDIS experience was not off to the best start after his first application was rejected for insufficient evidence to prove he was disabled enough to be eligible for funding.
“I have progressive spastic paraplegia and I’m almost paralysed from the waist down, so that was certainly news to me,” Wil said.
After reading an article in Spinal Life’s magazine, The Advocate, Wil contacted us and was put in touch with Joanne from the Allied Health team and Terry from the Advocacy team.
“Joanne went through a full Occupational Therapist assessment with me and went through great detail with each question on the NDIS application,” he said.
“She talked to me about my own needs from the NDIS, even picking up things I hadn’t considered like bladder and bowel care.”
With some extra assistance from Advocacy Officer Terry Slight, Wil sent through his new application and, in just a few weeks, he was accepted to become a NDIS participant.
“I was thrilled,” he said.
“The NDIS will be a huge help with continuing my physiotherapy and rehabilitation, as well as helping me with community access.
“Even something as simple as funding for a small ramp to get over my driveway curbing will be a huge help.”
Terry also joined Wil at his planning meeting to support him in receiving a favourable outcome.
Wil has joined our new 2019 Annual Appeal to help raise funds to ensure people with spinal cord damage can access specialist support services, advice and regional support, when and where they need it.
For more information on our Annual Appeal, visit spinal.com.au/donate