Celebrating 10 years of NDIS support

This year we celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS), piloted in 2013. The scheme began transitioning more broadly in 2016, before full nationwide rollout was completed in 2020. MS Plus was involved from day one, with a pilot program launched to clients from our Geelong (VIC) and Bennetts Green (NSW) offices. In the years that followed, we created our support coordination and plan management roles specifically to help our clients to transition to the NDIS and make the most of their NDIS funding throughout their MS journey.

Lucy, a teacher, has been with the NDIS since the first nationwide rollout.

‘My MS Plus Occupational Therapist, Stephanie Broad initially helped me to access the NDIS. It wasn’t something that I would have even considered by myself, it was all so new. We applied together and it’s been wonderful. I can’t image not having it.

‘Steph – and later my Support Coordinator Andrea Marcus – have the NDIS knowledge that I don’t and they know how to navigate the system,’ Lucy said.

Lucy was a TAFE teacher for 16 years and has worked in secondary schools for the past 15 years. She credits the NDIS and MS Plus with helping her to stay at work full time.

‘Steph is also an MS Plus Employment Support Consultant, so she came to talk to my boss with me and helped me to negotiate things with my employer. Steph started the ball rolling at work by getting a ramp to my classroom and even getting air conditioning in my office. She has advocated for me a lot.

‘As a single mum I need to keep working as long as possible and the NDIS has made that possible for me. As I’m getting older and my symptoms worsen a little bit, I’m a bit slower so it’s just that support that I need.’

Christine Payne has been an MS Plus Support Coordinator since 2016.

‘The best part of my role is seeing firsthand the difference NDIS supports have made to participants and their family’s lives. This support brings hope of what is possible and for some reengaging in activities they may not have done for years.

‘I love making a difference and hearing the positive stories. I have supported participants who have been confined to the home because they did not have the support or equipment, they needed to access the community, very isolating. Throw in a new scooter and they find newfound freedom – it’s wonderful,’ Christine says.

Support Coordinator Helen Wilson has also been with MS Plus since the early days of the NDIS.

‘On any given day I explain my role as a NDIS Tour Guide without the travel perks! At its best, the NDIS has helped people customise and individualise the care and services they receive, where possible allowing greater autonomy and control.

‘The finest summation of all of this is from a NDIS participant, “I was alive without living and now, because of the NDIS, I have a life!”’

Lucy says, ‘My friends and doctors constantly say, “Lucy I don’t know how you do everything you do” and I tell them it’s only been possible because of the support I’ve had this whole time.

‘My objective is to continue working as long as possible and contributing to the education of young people, with the help of the NDIS.

‘Reach out to MS Plus for their support. You are not alone and there is support out there for you if you need it.’

Ready to take control of your NDIS plan? We can help. Phone 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au