When the impossible becomes possible, thanks to Support Coordination

Katy, who was diagnosed with MS in 1995, hasn’t been able to go on a holiday since 2011.

‘It had been about 11 years since I had been on any kind of a holiday and to be honest, holidays were something I had ruled a line through and pretty much accepted that, because of my disability and related health issues, they were in the ‘too hard basket’ and weren’t going to happen anymore,’ Katy says.

Luckily, Katy’s Plus Support Coordinator, Brianna was on the job.

‘For people living with MS and who have mobility issues and other needs that must be met, many everyday tasks are more difficult and organising something like a holiday can seem impossible. Knowing what you need and how to access that help can be overwhelming and it can often seem easier to just stop doing what you love or want to do. This is where Plus Support Coordinationopens in new tab and other MS Plus services are so important,’ Brianna says.

‘Support Coordinators have a bird’s eye view of what help is out there and can coordinate with the NDIS to access the necessary funding. I would hate for someone to miss out on something that can give them joy, when the help is there waiting for them.’

Thanks to Brianna’s efforts, Katy enjoyed an incredible holiday in Barwon Heads in October.

‘Brianna was amazing, in her words, “there was no way she was not going to find a way for me to go.” And she was absolutely right, at the last minute she got me there. Both me and my parents were very anxious and we just wanted to hug Brianna because she truly did go above and beyond to get me there,’ Katy said.

‘She looked after so many aspects, from organising a support worker, to checking with my OT about what help I would require, booking accommodation, transport, hoisting support and organising it to come out of my NDIS plan,’ Katy said.

Brianna organised for Katy to stay at accommodation in Barwon Heads that caters specifically for people with accessibility needs. The accommodation provides a variety of equipment and supports, including a beach wheelchair, which Katy made good use of.

‘The trip all nearly fell to pieces two days before Katy was to leave, her support worker fell sick and could not come, meaning I had to find a replacement that would be able to go for 4 days with a days’ notice, and be able to support someone with high needs. By some miracle, I found someone who was able to go, literally the afternoon before leaving. Katy had the time of her life and even sent me a video of her using the beach wheelchair,’ Brianna said.

‘I bought a mug recently that says ‘dare to dream’ and with Brianna I feel like I can. It is ironic that I bought this cup just before I left for my holiday because it certainly became very prophetic,’ Katy said.

‘I can’t tell you how good it felt, not only to be on a holiday but to be on the amazing holiday that was! The freedom and independence I felt just cannot be put into words and now I know it’s possible I’m already planning my next one!’

Plus Support Coordination helps people living with MS and other neurological conditions to access the full range of supports available to them through the NDIS. For more information visit the NDIS Support Coordinationopens in new tab page, phone Plus Connect 1800 042 138 or click the button below.

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Pictured: Katy, left, with her support worker