It represented a big change, but with Vision Australia’s help Brad Chapman is making the most of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
A long time Vision Australia client, Brad lives with vision loss as a result of a brain tumour and turned to the not-for-profit for support when it came time transition to the NDIS.
Brad first had a pre-planning session with Vision Australia and then had a Vision Australia support worker accompany him to his planning meeting with the NDIA National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
“I was a little confused about how the NDIS worked, so it was good to have somebody explain to me in general how it all works before works. They also explained some specific things to me that I wasn’t aware of,” Brad said.
“A Vision Australia employee came along to the planning meeting with the NDIA and that was really helpful. They were able to point out in the meeting further things that I might need so that they could be included in my package,” he said.
“It’s definitely something that I would recommend to anyone who’s going through the planning stages, it really made things a lot simpler for me and gave me a better of what the NDIS offers.”
In his time as a Vision Australia client, Brad’s accessed a range of different services, including orientation and mobility training and assistive technology advice as well as range of different equipment to help with day-to-day tasks.
With his NDIS package, Brad has now been able to access a community support worker from Vision Australia to support him to be more active in the community.
“They come each Friday and help me with things like going shopping and that sort of thing. It’s definitely something that makes a huge difference and makes it easier to be out and about.”
With his initial package set to end in the coming months, Brad said he’s already thinking about his next steps.
“When it comes time for a review I’ll most likely go back to Vision Australia to help me with that as well.
“I was always probably going to get an NDIS package, but I was definitely a little unsure about it all and Vision Australia really helped with that.”
Want to know more about how Vision Australia can help you navigate the NDIS? Check out our website here or call 1300 88 70 58.