Greater support thanks to scheme

A couple, both with forms of a disability, reached out and took children with a disability into their lives. This is their story and how the NDIS has made a positive impact on the lives of their children SURVEY TO HELP KEEP THE NDIS ON TRACK

A QUEENSLAND family are leading the way in raising awareness and bridging the gap between people with a disability and their community.

Kevin and Loraine Fox have been married for 34 years and decided early on in their relationship to adopt.

They decided to adopt children with a disability, specifically children with down syndrome; that was their intention from the very beginning.

Just over 30 years ago they adopted eldest son Matthew and around 12 months later their second child, Laura joined the family.

Kevin and Loraine were both diagnosed with disabilities as adults — Kevin with Klinefelter syndrome and Loraine with bipolar disorder and arthritis.

Kevin says it was important to foster their children’s strengths and embrace their differences.

“Loraine and I have disabilities ourselves and we know the capabilities of a person with a disability is broad, and our children really bring that out,” PARTICIPANTS, their families and carers may be contacted to take part in a survey during September.

The NDIA will use survey results to help identify the types of supports that lead to good outcomes for participants and to improve the NDIS.

This survey will be conducted by Australian Healthcare Associates (AHA) on behalf of the NDIA and will take about 30 minutes to complete.

Participants selected to take part in the survey will receive a phone call, SMS or email from the NDIA, their local area co-ordinator or the AHA before being asked to take part in the survey.

Parents will be asked to complete the survey on behalf of their child.

The AHA may also ask to talk to a family member, if possible, and may ask them to If you have any doubt about the identity of the caller or their purpose, ask for their name and number and verify this by contacting the NDIA directly on 1800 800 110. numeracy therapy, supported employment, an exercise program and in-home support; he lives independently with his wife Mynissa, who also has down syndrome.

“Matthew and Mynissa are thriving in their own home, and Matthew has improved his speech so much through regular therapy,” Loraine says.

Laura receives funding for

Picture: ISTOCK Kevin says. Those capabilities have been enhanced since Matthew and Laura joined the NDIS in 2017. Matthew now receives funding for speech and LEADING THE WAY: One Queensland couple who adopted two children with a disability have found greater support for them thanks to the NDIS. speech therapy and support workers to drive her to and from activities including choir. Laura also receives funding for a communication device. “The ability to help her get her messages across is going to be such a huge thing, it will do so much more for her. “Because of the NDIS, Laura has been able to broaden her scope enormously and she has come along in leaps and bounds. “Our two adult children have been given support to be more active and accepted in the community. “Matthew and Laura’s effect on the community is amazing, they’re becoming the teacher rather than the one taught and it’s the NDIS that’s allowed that.” – www.ndis.gov.au

complete a separate survey. The focus of the NDIA is being committed to listening to participants, their families and carers to constantly improve the NDIS.