‘I live life, I love life and I’m very happy. My friends say I’m an enigma because I’m so busy every day and I’m so independent, they sometimes forget that I’m blind,’ Violeta said, whose vision loss is caused by a genetic condition retinitis pigmentosa.
Violeta began losing her vision in 1998. With help from NDIS partner Social Futures, Violeta joined the NDIS 9 years ago. She says it has given her what she values most.
‘Every day, I thank God for the miracle that is the NDIS, I really do, because I can keep my independence, and that means freedom to me,’ she said.
Violeta navigates her home using a white cane, funded through her NDIS plan, often travelling alone to town or social events.
Violeta has occupational therapy support which has helped with managing daily tasks at home.
‘The occupational therapist teaches me things to live independently and how I can manage by myself,’ she said. ‘I had so many troubles to use my washing machine for years, but then the occupational therapist showed me how and now I can do that myself.’
Assistive technology has also been crucial for Violeta to live independently.
‘I have tools through the NDIS like my electric magnifier. This machine is my eyes, I run to my magnifier, and the world is open to me. All of these things have transformed my life. Without them, I would be isolated, unable to do the things I love,’ she said.
‘Without the NDIS, where would I be? I wouldn’t be able to live alone in my own home. I wouldn’t imagine what my life would be.’