support@thesaltfoundation.org.au
1300 777 258

11/07/2024

Living with Physical Impairment: Empowering Your Life Through NDIS Support

A diverse group of people with visible physical impairments smiling and engaging in various activities (work, sports, art)

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Living with a physical impairment can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to limit your potential. As someone who lives with bipolar disorder, I understand the importance of support. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers valuable help to those with physical impairments in Melbourne and across Victoria.

In this post, we’ll explore how NDIS support can empower various aspects of your life. We’ll look at practical ways to enhance your intellect, career, health, relationships, social impact, prosperity, and spirituality. Let’s dive in and discover how you can thrive, not just survive, with a physical impairment.

Table of contents

Key Takeaways:

  • Physical impairment affects body function but doesn’t define your potential.
  • NDIS support can empower seven key life areas for those with physical impairments.
  • With the right support, individuals with physical impairments can lead fulfilling lives.

Understanding Physical Impairment

Before we delve into empowerment strategies, let’s clarify what physical impairment means. A physical impairment is a condition that affects a person’s mobility, physical capacity, or stamina. It can impact various body functions and structures.

Physical impairments can be present from birth or acquired later in life. They may result from accidents, illnesses, or genetic conditions. Examples include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and muscular dystrophy.

Living with a physical impairment doesn’t mean you can’t lead a full life. With the right support, you can overcome challenges and achieve your goals. This is where the NDIS comes in.

Empowering Your Intellect

Your physical impairment doesn’t define your mental capabilities. The NDIS can support your intellectual growth in several ways:

  1. Assistive Technology: The NDIS can fund devices that help you access information and learn. This might include speech-to-text software or adapted computer equipment.
  2. Education Support: You might receive funding for educational support workers. They can assist you in class or with study tasks.
  3. Skills Development: The NDIS can fund courses or training to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Remember, your mind is a powerful tool. Nurture it, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Boosting Your Career

An individual with a prosthetic limb in a workplace setting

Having a physical impairment doesn’t mean you can’t have a rewarding career. The NDIS offers various supports to help you succeed in the workplace:

  1. Workplace Modifications: The NDIS can fund changes to your workplace to make it more accessible.
  2. Employment Support: You might receive help from a job coach or employment support worker.
  3. Transport Assistance: If you struggle with getting to work, the NDIS can help with transport solutions.

Your career is an important part of your identity. Don’t let physical limitations hold you back from professional success.

Enhancing Your Health

Physical health is crucial for everyone, especially those with physical impairments. The NDIS can support your health and wellbeing in several ways:

  1. Allied Health Services: You might receive funding for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or other health services.
  2. Exercise Programs: The NDIS can support tailored exercise programs to improve your fitness and mobility.
  3. Assistive Equipment: You might receive funding for mobility aids or other equipment to support your physical health.

Remember, taking care of your body is essential. It’s the vehicle that carries you through life’s journey.

Nurturing Your Relationships

Healthy relationships are vital for everyone’s well-being. The NDIS can help you maintain and develop relationships:

  1. Social Support: You might receive funding for support workers to assist you in social situations.
  2. Communication Aids: If you have difficulty communicating, the NDIS can fund devices or therapy to help.
  3. Community Participation: The NDIS can support your involvement in community activities, helping you meet new people.

Don’t let physical limitations isolate you. With the right support, you can build and maintain meaningful connections.

Making Your Impact

Everyone has the potential to make a positive impact on society. The NDIS can help you maximise your social influence:

  1. Leadership Training: You might receive funding for courses to develop your leadership skills.
  2. Volunteering Support: The NDIS can help you engage in volunteer work. We offer the opportunity to volunteer at our Oldies and Goodies Op Shop.
  3. Advocacy Skills: You could receive support to develop skills in self-advocacy or community advocacy.

Your voice and actions matter. Use them to create the change you want to see in the world.

Building Your Prosperity

Financial independence is an important goal for many. The NDIS can support your journey towards prosperity:

  1. Financial Counselling: You might receive funding for sessions with a financial counsellor.
  2. Business Support: If you’re interested in starting a business, the NDIS can provide relevant help.
  3. Money Management Skills: The NDIS can fund courses to improve your financial literacy.

Remember, your physical impairment doesn’t determine your financial future. With the right support, you can build a prosperous life. A good first step if you can’t work is to apply for the Disability Support Pension (DSP).

Nurturing Your Spirituality

Spirituality means different things to different people. Whatever it means to you, the NDIS can support your spiritual journey:

  1. Meditation Support: You might receive funding for meditation classes or mindfulness training.
  2. Religious Participation: The NDIS can provide support to help you attend religious services or events. We hold a church service on the third Sunday of every month.
  3. Personal Development: You could receive funding for courses or workshops focused on personal growth.

Your spiritual well-being is just as important as your physical health. Don’t neglect this crucial aspect of your life.

Conclusion

Living with a physical impairment presents challenges. But it doesn’t have to limit your potential (our next post in this series about empowering yourself with a disability is on schizophrenia). With NDIS support, you can empower every aspect of your life. From intellectual growth to spiritual well-being, the right support can help you thrive.

Remember, you’re more than your physical impairment. You have unique gifts to share with the world. Don’t let physical limitations hold you back from living your best life.

Action Steps

1. Assess your needs across the seven life areas we’ve discussed.

2. Contact your local NDIS office to discuss how they can support you.

3. Set goals for each life area and work with your NDIS planner to achieve them.

4. Remember to celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a physical impairment?

A physical impairment is a condition that affects a person’s mobility, physical capacity, or stamina. It can involve limitations in physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina. Physical impairments can be present from birth or acquired later in life because of accidents, illnesses, or genetic conditions.

Is visual impairment a physical disability?

Yes, visual impairment is considered a physical disability. It involves a limitation in visual functioning that can affect daily activities. Visual impairments can range from partial vision loss to complete blindness. The NDIS recognises visual impairment as a disability and provides support for those affected.

How do you empower learners with physical impairment?

Empowering learners with physical impairments involves several strategies:
1. Provide accessible learning materials and assistive technology.
2. Ensure physical accessibility of learning environments.
3. Offer individualised support through educational assistants or tutors.
4. Foster an inclusive classroom culture that values diversity.
5. Encourage self-advocacy skills.
The NDIS can provide support in many of these areas to help empower learners with physical impairments.

How does hearing impairment affect physical development?

Hearing impairment can indirectly affect physical development, particularly in children. It may impact:
1. Balance and coordination, as the inner ear plays a role in these functions.
2. Speech and language development, which can affect social interactions and physical play.
3. Awareness of surroundings, potentially leading to safety concerns during physical activities.
However, with proper support and interventions, many of these potential impacts can be mitigated.

Is hearing impairment a physical disability?

Yes, hearing impairment is considered a physical disability. It involves a full or partial decrease in the ability to detect or understand sounds. Hearing impairments can range from mild hearing loss to complete deafness. The NDIS recognises hearing impairment as a disability and provides various supports for those affected, including hearing aids and communication help.

Leave a Reply