Bryan says a little support can go a long way for NDIS planning
FORMER Toowooomba motocross champion and Spinal Life Australia client Bryan Flemming said it’s important to have someone ‘on your side’ when going into the NDIS planning meeting.
“I did a lot of research on the NDIS to find out how it worked but there were still elements I didn’t quite fully understand,” he said.
“It’s really beneficial to have someone on your side who can support you through the process.”
Mr Flemming, who has incomplete quadriplegia after a motorbike accident in 2009, worked with a Spinal Life Australia NDIS transition officer to prepare for his planning meeting.
He said even after doing his own research, he found the session very informative.
“My transition officer picked up on ideas that I hadn’t even thought of,” he said.
“One my biggest issues with the NDIS is how it’s written – you can tell it’s written by an academic.
“The transition officer made it easier to understand and explained the terminology used.
“I ended up asking her to come along with me to the planning meeting itself for extra support.”
Mr Flemming said despite a few teething issues, he was happy with how the planning meeting turned out.
“The meeting went well, the Spinal Life transition officer listened and took a lot of notes that helped with future appeals and discussions,” he said.
NDIS transition officer Samantha Kent said she has been helping Toowoomba residents with a physical disability prepare for the NDIS since the rollout commenced at the start of 2017.
As a transition officer, Sam hosts pre-planning workshops and one-on-one sessions with members and clients to give them the information they need to make informed choices about their future under the NDIS.
“Our support goes beyond preparation for the initial planning meeting,” Sam said.
“The meeting is just the start of a lifelong relationship with NDIS and Spinal Life Australia will continue to assist NDIS participants when they get their plans.
“This will include occupational therapist assessments for equipment, home and vehicle modifications, personal care support and plan management.
Sam said she was looking forward to 2018, where the NDIS will be rolled out at major Queensland regions including Brisbane, Cairns, Fraser Coast and the Gold Coast.
It’s really beneficial to have someone on your side who can support you through the process. — Forner Toowooomba motocross champion and Spinal Life Australia client Bryan Flemming