My journey with NDIS started when the pilot scheme was first introduced. Apart from the initial meeting with my first plan manager which was really successful, the process started off rough. While I respect the fact I was only new to NDIS as were my plan managers so we were both learning, I found it difficult that people who I just met were the ones who were in charge of deciding what supports I needed to maintain the quality of life that I want. As a consequence of this, I felt there was a lack of understanding about what would really be beneficial in my life and that there cannot be a one size fits all approach to any disability. Especially when approving equipment and support.

Nowadays, it has become apparent that the plan managers have a better understanding of each individual and the complexities that may be involved in their disability. They understand that there are many factors that come into play when making a decision and are more willing to listen to the whole picture. With experience comes a lot more knowledge, not only about disability but of the NDIS scheme itself, which has made processes a lot more streamlined and efficient. Due to this, I have been able to get more equipment funded that I previously would not have been able to afford prior to the implementation of NDIS. These supports have been exactly what I needed

As they say, knowledge is power and I believe this ever-increasing knowledge has been pivotal in what NDIS is today and what it will look like in the future.