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Throughout Melbourne’s six COVID lockdowns, 11-year-old Ace Bartlett’s parents struggled with the challenge of explaining to their son why he couldn’t attend his regular swimming sessions.

“I’m a role model to young Indigenous people and I want to keep that going to show them if you put your mind to it, you can achieve your dreams.” Jackie Saunders, NDIS participant

Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, nearly 7 years after Justin Tala first started working at the Glenwood Public School, he continues to be a valued employee and an important member of the school community.

Alishia helps spread the word about inclusive communication

Coconut Island local, Lewis Cook is in his happy place, planting and watching his garden grow fresh produce for him, his family, and his Torres Strait Islander community to cook and eat.

People have often made the mistake of underestimating Krystal Matthews. Born with cerebral palsy, Krystal and her family saw no limits for her. But others did. In high school, a teacher urged Krystal, who uses a wheelchair, not to take part in a childcare activity because she ‘would never become a mother’.

Marriage can be tough at the best of times. But when one partner has a disability and the other is their full-time carer, the pressure can sometimes be too much. Gill Godfrey partly credits the survival of her 42-year marriage to the support she receives from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). ‘I think it helped us stay together because he had a lot of work to do with me, and he worried a lot,’ Gill says. NDIS-funded support workers help Gill 5 days a week, with 2 days reserved for family only. ‘The first time I went out with...

For Kez and Andrew, Valentine’s Day is special. It’s a day to reflect on their relationship and the love and admiration they have for each other. The 2 Ballarat NDIS participants, who both have an intellectual disability, say they always celebrate Valentine’s Day, and this year is no different. “We’re planning on a nice dinner and going to the movies,” Kez said. “It’s going to be fun,” Andrew added. Ironically, when mum Trish took 8-week-old Kez, now 32, to Playhouse in Ballarat (an early intervention support service), mum Cathy was there with 3-year-old Andrew, now 35. Trish said as time...