ndis Living Better?

I think its fair to say the ndis has seen all of us face challenges. Whether your a parent, a participant, a support worker, a disability support provider, ndis employee or a member of the general public. The creation of the ndis was designed to create a better way of living for participants and their families. However there are still many challenges to overcome in accessing this new system; improving access for people with disabilities, promoting better inclusion, community awareness and achieving better outcomes in the lives of those living with disabilities. 

From the out set the ndis was to be a scheme that would benefit all Australians, by moving to a society and therefore a community that was inclusive of people with disabilities and their families.  Ideally the ndis should provide participants with the same opportunities as other members of our community.  Clearly, we're not there yet. When I was preparing for the introduction of the ndis and sharing my insight, I often said that the ndis was the prefect opportunity to try new things, I still believe this to be the case.

This week the ndis allowed me to try something new, through my enhanced daily living package.  This part of my plan is about living my best life.  For me I do not want to be sitting on a coach or moving into a nursing home at 60. I am still hoping some of my best days are ahead of me.  If you or a family member are a participant in the ndis then this should be a goal for your life too.

After a rough end to last week I have come out punching.  My physio is always looking for new ways to challenge me and keep me entertained. My physio got me to put on my boxing gloves. At some level I think every participant should be challenged. So lets get fair dinkum here, most Aussies like to take the easy way out - 'It's too hard.' and some days that is true for me too. 

The ndis plan is powered by the participants goals or in some cases the families goals.  Ok not every participant is going to choose to see a physio and not every participant needs that type of support.  The ndis is about being supported your way to do the activities and things you choose.  I have no intention on taking up bird watching so I am not expecting many participants to join me in the ring, 

For a small number of participants the plan is about quality of life and how to make life better for the family.  In these cases we're looking at respite care or day activities so other family members can resume their lives and even look for work.  In the main the ndis was created to increase the ability of participants to join in the activities that their community has to offer.  This includes things such as education, employment, festivals, sports and arts n craft.  

For many years one of my support goals was to have meaningful interaction in the community.  My current partnership with Angie the owner of The Retro Diner in Brisbane St, Ipswich is the perfect example of what I mean by meaningful interaction.  Not only do I really enjoy hanging out at The Retro Diner, the owner has given me the opportunity to have my art on public display.  She believes my 'pop art' sits well on the walls and I sell my range of giftware at The Diner as well.

I am not going out into the community, simply to 'get out of the house'.  I have a purpose and a reason to get out of bed in the morning.  It was hoped that the ndis would provide many opportunities for individuals to do this.  For ndis to succeed we all need to change the way we see individuals with disabilities.  We now need to view them as co-contributors in the community.

Most people with disabilities have a positive outlook on life and wear a smile.  I don't know about you but I find a smile contagious to be around.  The joy that these people can bring to a room or restaurant can lift the atmosphere.  Sadly many families living with disabilities don't feel welcomed in cafes and restaurant's, because others are uncomfortable with 'behaviours' or eateries are not physically accessibly.  The role of the ndis is not just to assist individuals to be involved in community life, but also assist the community to embrace people with disabilities. Assisting in building inclusive communities is one of the driving forces behind my art practise. 

Art speaks all languages and brings together people from all areas of life.  'Having You Voice'; the 2018 Australia Day Award for Ipswich Event of the year, achieved this.  Each of the artworks was produced by individuals and groups with disabilities.  The event was attended by politicians, community promoters, those who worked in the disability sector, those who worked in the art sector, artists and the artists who created this incredible body of work.  One of the art directors, from the main gallery remarked, 'I don't get this many people to attend my openings in the main gallery'.

  

This is a testimony to the tireless work of members of Ipswich Arts Connect, a group that embraces everyone and promotes the work of all members.  There are a number of artists living with disabilities who 'belong' to arts connect and participate in many group exhibitions.  This is what social inclusion looks like, 'belong' in every sense of the word.  Learning, working, producing and promoting visual arts (creating and performing) together. 

When we think about what a better life for people with disabilities might look like 'Arts Connect Inc, Ipswich'.  To achieve what Arts Connect has in Ipswich and embrace the ndis we need to challenge our own perceptions and beliefs that restrict the growth and participation of people living with disabilities.  These individuals are not 'DISABLED'.  Many are very talented and thinkers who can assist in the ndis transition if we let go of the medical model of disabilities.  The medical model implies all people with disabilities need care and need to be under the watch of a 'responsible' person. 

Many people who come through my front door to offer support are shocked to find I do not have a carer or have 24 hour support. Some believe my 'working life' exists in my imagination and humour me. The ndis has allowed me to take control and engage support workers who work 'in the background' to enable me to achieve my ndis goals. This month that goal is to have an exhibition in Brisbane.  18 months of slogging away, in the same way all members of Arts Connect my art is almost ready to hang on the wall of Greaser Art Gallery here's the invite. . . 

Moving forward I hope to witness more families and participants setting their goals and being empowered to take a more active role in deciding how they want to be supported; what services they access; choosing support staff that share their interests and support them to achieve their own goals.  I would love to see more participants being able to choose when they have their individual supports most art exhibitions occur after 6 pm.  There was a time in my life I wasn't able to access support on a Sunday.  Before the ndis my Transformations exhibition would not be possible. 

Even now some workers on the Hire Up platform find it difficult that I am inflexible at what time I arrive at an art group or even church. I struggle to explain to close minded people why just like my peers I want to be on time to events.  Workers telling me the times they will work is a thing of the past.  If they can't work the hours I need, then they are not able to do that particular shift.  Just as I struggle with workers inflexibility I too struggle with  my determination to self-direct. 

I hope we will overcome the current challenges the ndis presents and all those living with disabilities can embrace a better way of living.