ndis participation

The term 'disability' refers to a person with an impairment who is disabled by the way society is structured. A person can be physically, intellectually, behaviourally, sensory, neurologically or physcologically impaired. This week is DISABILITY ACTION WEEK. A week in which we celebrate the abilities of those living with disability. 

Having Your Voice - Art Exhibition

The abilities of artists was one the abilities Arts Connect celebrated in its recent exhibition. I have been a member of Arts Connect for the last three years.   This organisation supports artists and the arts community in Ipswich and surrounding areas. 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is currently being rolled out across Australia. Its primary objective is to support people with disabilities and their families to fully participate in community life. In the past we have failed to see the true potential of those living with disability, because the barriers to accessing the community were too difficult to overcome.  The role of the ndis is to support individuals and families living with disability by funding supports to allow them to access the community.  

Supports such as mobility equipment, communication devices, working assistance dogs, in home support, respite care, home modifications and one on one support to access the community. Ultimately we want to see those living with disabilities be as independent as possible. 

'Frantastic' - My entry into FACES 2018

This week I thought I'd share how the ndis is enabling me to directly engage in my local community. This time 12 months ago I heard of a group called 'Ipswich Rocks', where people paint rocks and hide them in parks for others to find.  Sometimes people take a photo and let us know they've found them.  People are free to either keep the rock or re-hide them for others to find.  It is a fun way to put a smile one someones face . . . it's also creative. 

On Saturday we took part in Queensland ROCKS September challenge, The 'group' with the most painted lady beetles took home the glory.  That was Bribie Island with over 2000 rocks.  While I can paint my own rocks my support workers need to write F - Ipswich Rocks on the back. I love being part of my local community. My Saturday worker drove me to Orion to meet up with other rockers.

My ndis goals are around extending my visual arts practice, we have our art festival starting on Friday and I have entered two art competitions. I regularly exhibit my work in the Gallery spaces at Arttime Supplies.  This week Limestone Emporium has begun stocking my gift range. 

My support workers assist me to prepare my work for sale, put prices on, and pack work for transport.  Through the ndis I have additional in-home support so I don't get fatigued and can focus on my artwork.  

"Who let the dogs out?"

Decked Out Art Exhibition.

The ndis also provides physio to maintain my muscle strength and mobility equipment. These are the supports that enable me to participate in the community.  When it comes to abilities this Disability Action Week.