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How Support Coordination helps Erin reach her life goals

“If I didn’t have the help of my support coordinator, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

After leaving school, Erin felt unsure of the next steps in her life. She had goals and dreams but didn’t know how to work toward them and build a life of independence. Diagnosed with an intellectual disability and autism, Erin struggled to read and write. Although she had an NDIS plan, she was unable to navigate the complexities and use it well.

In time, Erin secured casual employment at a labelling factory, but her passion was to work with animals, in particular, dogs. Spending her days at home, doubts and frustrations grew in her mind on how she would achieve her dreams while facing the challenges of her disability. As Erin’s sister and mother were accessing supports from Windermere for additional needs, it was only natural for Erin to turn to Windermere for support as well.

Erin’s Support Coordinator Sumayya recognised that Erin wasn’t making the most out of her NDIS plan and would greatly benefit if she had the rights supports in place.

Primarily, Windermere Support Coordinators provide assistance to understand how NDIS funding works, set up initial bookings and service agreements with providers, connect with relevant supports and community networks and develop practical life skills and resolve any crises.

“My Support Coordinator helped me with my NDIS meetings and clarified any questions I had about my plan or anything that I didn’t understand,” says Erin.

Support Coordinator Sumayya also linked Erin with a support worker to build social skills and an Occupational Therapist to develop routines, manage her emotions and work on achieving her goals.  

Gaining Erin’s trust and building her confidence was an important aspect to provide support efficiently.

“It was about slowly building a rapport and reaching a point where Erin felt comfortable enough to talk to me directly,” says Sumayya.

After establishing open communication with Erin, Sumayya worked together with the Occupational Therapist (OT) to encourage Erin to pursue her life goals.

“Erin loves animals and wanted to work with dogs. When we were brainstorming ideas, Erin came up with dog grooming herself. It was all up to Erin and what she wanted to do. She makes the choices that best suit her,” says Sumayya.

With her parents’ support Erin signed up for a suitable dog grooming course which had the necessary supports in place. Delivered online, it provided her the flexibility to continue with her casual employment.

“The course is amazing. I am excited and nervous about it. I’ve waited so long for something like this and now it’s actually happening,” says Erin who is well one her way to completing her course later this year.

Her career goal established, Erin is also keen to gain more independence and is working toward gaining her driving licence with the help of her OT and Support Coordinator.

“They helped me sign up with Vic Roads and Sumayya also helped me organise an NDIS habit coach to help me with my driving lessons and course,” says Erin.

Erin appreciates that she can turn to Sumayya for support when she feels overwhelmed with doubts and worries.

“Sumayya is happy to help me with anything that I am worried about to make sure that I am not stressing too much. If I didn’t have the help of my support coordinator, I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” she says.

Casual employment, driving lessons and online coursework now fill her days and Erin no longer needs some of the initial supports she accessed at the start of her NDIS journey.

“Erin is much more independent and responsible now than she was two years ago,” says Sumayya.

Erin now feels much more confident and hopeful about her future.

“I am not letting my disability stop me from doing what I want to do and what I want to become. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t do what you want to do,” says Erin. 

To find out more about our NDIS services call our team on 03 8793 4267 or visit Our NDIS Services page.