With the right support, Dubbo National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant Oceanlee has changed her life for the better. Now she’s more confident, independent and working in a career she loves.
Life hasn’t been easy for the 26-year-old participant. The loss of her dad was her biggest challenge, but through it all, she’s soldiered on.
‘After I finished school, I knew I needed help, so I reached out to Social Futures,’ Oceanlee said. ‘That’s when I met Noel, my local area coordinator. He’s helped me achieve most of my goals.’
Oceanlee also chose to connect with a disability support provider where she met Reenie, a support worker.
Reenie worked with her one-on-one to supporting her to do her resume, look and apply for jobs, practise job interviews and learn how to budget.
Reenie also did some travel training with Oceanlee to help build her confidence to get around independently on public transport.
Together, Noel and Reenie encouraged Oceanlee to set some meaningful goals – ones they could support her to work toward.
‘My top 3 goals were to get a full-time job, get my driver’s licence and to live independently,’ Oceanlee said.
Her dad, who worked at a national hardware store said she should apply there. She did and landed a casual role just before he passed away.
Sharing a fond memory Oceanlee said smiling, ‘Dad took me to my first interview and to my first shift!’ A special memory she holds dear.
Since then, Oceanlee has made huge progress. With her NDIS funding and strong will, she’s reached 2 of her 3 main goals.
‘After 3 months, I was offered full-time work! I absolutely love it,’ she said. ‘It’s helped me overcome my social anxiety.’
Not afraid of big crowds anymore, Oceanlee is thriving at home and at work.
‘Everyone’s proud of me – how far I’ve come,’ she said. ‘I think I’ve become a bit of a favourite at work too,’ she added laughing.
Oceanlee is also more independent. She’s moved into her own home and using public transport to get to where she needs to go.
‘I’ve been catching the bus by myself and I’m really proud of that,’ she said.
‘Now, I want to get my driver’s licence and save for the future. I’d love to own my own home one day and travel.’
Oceanlee said life for her prior to joining the NDIS wasn’t the best.
‘My life was horrible,’ she said. ‘My family and I struggled, but the NDIS has improved it,’ she said.
‘I’ve learned so much – social skills, budgeting, shopping. Though budgeting is hard – I have a big cup addiction! If I see one, I want to buy it,’ she said laughing.
Oceanlee has some advice for others who might be looking for disability supports too.
‘Do your research on your local NDIS partner in the community and any local disability support providers in your area, then make a few calls,’ she said.
‘That’s what I did, and meeting Noel and Reenie changed my life!’