Finding the confidence to engage more fully in community and pursue your aspirations is at the heart of the NDIS. With the right supports, lives can truly be transformed. Amanda shares her inspirational story of how NDIS funding is helping her thrive after her Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).
Tell us a little bit about your life before your accident.
Before my ABI, I used to be very active. I enjoyed my job as an accountant, having Friday evening drinks with colleagues, cycling along the beach, and taking annual overseas holidays with friends.
What happened in the accident and how did it impact your capacity to participate in the community?
One evening walking home from work, I was struck by a car while crossing the road in a hit and run incident. I acquired a severe brain injury which affected my speech, mobility, coordination, vision and memory. After months of inpatient hospital rehab, I had to move back in with my parents as I required 24/7 care – I could no longer work and was isolated without independence.
How has having an NDIS plan helped your rehabilitation journey?
Having NDIS coordinator support, physio, OT and speech therapy in my plan has been crucial. I’ve regained a lot of movement and speech capabilities I was told I may never get back. The ongoing at-home and community based supports also mean I can practice skills which is transforming my independence.
What positive changes have come about in your life since receiving NDIS funding?
With support worker assistance for transport and community access, I can now confidently use public transport again; I also have an adapted bike. I volunteer 2 days a week at a disability charity to help others which gives me purpose. My OT has helped me use technology to engage in group chats and catch ups with friends that I was previously isolated from which has been amazing for my mental health. I’m now looking ahead to living in a unit and hopefully returning part time to accounting work soon.
The NDIS has been life changing. With funding and coordinator support to access ongoing therapies, aids and home care – I’ve gone from relying entirely on my elderly parents to now finally getting my independence back. My NDIS plan helps me live life on my terms again after ABI.
