.… A Reasonable. Necessary. Ordinary story
Wednesday 22 July
As part of our Reasonable. Necessary. Ordinary campaign we asked our followers "What does the NDIS make possible in your everyday life?"
We're sharing these stories to show the ordinary things that the NDIS funds and what, and who, is really at stake when cuts are made.
Zeahn's Story
The NDIS helps Zeahn live safely with the level of support he needs every day.
Zeahn is 15 years old and has an acquired brain injury from cancer treatment, Autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, epilepsy, severe anxiety and PTSD. His needs are complex, and without the right support, life can quickly become unsafe for him and for the people around him.
Because of the NDIS, Zeahn can have trained support workers who understand his behaviour plan, help him regulate, support him to attend school, access the community, keep routines and stay connected with the people and things that matter to him.
Without the NDIS, Zeahn would not simply "miss out" on extras. He would lose the supports that help him live an ordinary life - getting through the day, staying safe, learning, building relationships, and being part of his community.
Our family has already experienced what happens when supports are not right or not enough. It leads to crisis, trauma, family breakdown, unsafe situations, hospital presentations, placement instability and extreme stress on everyone involved.
The NDIS is not a luxury for Zeahn. It is the difference between crisis and safety. It is the difference between isolation and connection. It is the difference between a child being managed as a problem and a child being supported as a whole person.
Please protect the NDIS so children like Zeahn are not left behind.
