NDIS and the week it was

Any hope that my new house mate was going to assist with my book keeping or managing my ndis funding was ditched when she curled up and went to sleep! 

My greatest achieve for the week was finally lodging my tax return. Now quick books records all business transitions there's no excuses in 2018. As you know my ndis goals are centred around building my art practise and an inclusive art community in Ipswich.  This week members of my art group meet to plan an art exhibition to showcase the creations of artists with disability in Ipswich. This was an exciting step for me, for the first time someone outside the disability sector initiated an art exhibition to showcase artists with disabilities.

So I am now settled on working towards engaging my own support team.  I am in the final process of putting into place my team structure and their pay structure.  I meet with Kathy Rees who has self-directed her daughters support for many years. I known Kathy through my role on the Board of CATS Inc. Kathy has assisted me and CATS in building leadership skills over the years.  Kathy assured me it is not more leadership skills I need - just a team who is on the same page as me.

After a few weeks of frustration waiting for providers to get back to me on quotes and agreements, I decided that wasn't good enough. So I set a few deadlines and it worked. I am not able to take my disability off while others organise themselves to provide the services I want to purchase.  Are you sure they want my money? Last week I shared I thought I got better customer service in the mainstream rather than the disability sector. 

So Kathy suggested as I am self managing and that has been my experience to date, that I shop outside the disability sector.  One agreement I received said - NDIS agreement with No plan.  No Plan? Sorry I want to know the outcome of my purchase.  I asked for more details and none have been provided so I am moving on.  

I am still intending to have my team protected by a provider and I my their policies, However, I will be doing my own recruiting with assistance from other businesses.  This week I have continued to be my own advocate and ask for the things I needed.  

I do not need anyone to do this on my behalf. Unlike service providers who don't know what a self-carer is , the ndia has recognised I know my needs better than anyone.  I am he author of my own future.  

I intend to use my ndis funding to allow my future to be bright!