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Melissa is enjoying a fulfilling career thanks to a few bits of assistive technology and some simple workplace adjustments.

After nearly 12 months without a working guide dog, Donna Purcell finally “has her life back”. With new guide dog Ava now by her side, Donna has regained a part of herself that was lost after her beloved guide dog Dora died last year.

Holly McSeveney has turned her passion for photography into a rewarding and fulfilling career, with the help of her NDIS funding. The talented 32-year-old, who has schizophrenia, a panic disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is now running her own photography business. Holly is commissioned to work at private and public functions. She also spends time outside of work scouting for suitable locations to visually capture the world around her. Holly sells her creative imagery online and proudly entertains 10,400 Instagram followers. They have discovered her talent and are keen to see what she produces next. ‘Photography has really...

A communication device made for non-speaking people with autism is helping young Harvey Hart find his voice. Harvey, 6, from Calliope in central Queensland, uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device as part of his NDIS plan. This tool has helped Harvey, who speaks few words, to communicate and participate in daily activities. His mother, Shannon Hart, who self-manages his NDIS plan, says the ‘Liberator’ AAC device allows Harvey to reach his full potential. ‘When Harvey was about 18 months old, we picked up a few signs that he might be autistic,’ Shannon said. ‘He was having problems with...

Turning the streets of historic Williamstown purple and white for the annual A-T Wheelathon marks a double delight for founder and local, Luke Ogden. Luke, who was who was born with a rare condition called Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT), created the event in 2022 to shine a light of support on the disease. The NDIS participant said the event, which raises awareness and funds for the Brash A-T Foundation, would be even bigger than the first. “For this year’s event, there’s a different kind of circuit and it’s going to be huge,” Luke said. “It’s open to everybody. On the Wheelathon page...

Like 30% of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, Gill Godfrey self-manages her plan. This gives her flexibility and choice to decide what supports she buys to help her live her best life.

Sam Proctor is proud to say he’s been working in paid employment for 3 years.

Marco Severi is using early intervention supports, including a tailored program for children with autism or autistic traits, to prepare for the classroom. Doctors diagnosed Marco, 4, from Beveridge, north of Melbourne, with autism in 2021. Marco’s mum Raelene Severi recalls some tough times before accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) 2 years ago. ‘We were paying out-of-pocket medical expenses,’ said Raelene, a former administrator in the construction industry. ‘It was a struggle, as I was unable to return to work. ‘We don’t have family or friends here to help us. ‘When the NDIS plan was approved, it was...