My NDIS Journey- Take 4

Published in 'Newslink', Headstart ABI Service; June, 2017

An update my NDIS plan: 5 months after our request for a review, a phone call came from an embarrassed St Vincent’s worker. It turned out that the application had in fact been lost!

Though initially frustrating, my mother saw this was in fact for the best, as our goals have changed with 2017’s developments anyways. Shortly afterwards, the pair met face to face and their discussion highlighted the problems with the funding. Though support is needed, the plan must be more suited to my needs.

Fortunately however and from looking at my file, the St Vinnies worker could see that I have useful skills and attributes. Their talk then went on to mention possible work avenues, prospects which will certainly allow us to move further ahead. Watch this space…

Meanwhile, I continue to volunteer over at Peter Sinclair Gardens. Things have settled after the renovation work and the arrival of a new manager in June. Activities has picked up with regular visiting acts and June’s ‘Winter Festival’, which featured talented musos and a very clever magician. And I have been filling in for Tuesday’s absent ‘sing-a-long’ pianist, singing at Wednesday’s church services and assisting with activities like indoor bowls, word games and T’ai Chi.

Through all this, we’re learning that appropriate networks are crucial. And we must remain open to all avenues available to help us achieve our goals because sometimes, that detour may prove to be exactly where you needed to go.

Here We Go Again

Published in 'Newslink', Headstart ABI Service; March, 2017

In late 2016 I received my first NDIS plan. We weren’t happy at first as it didn’t help with the goals we had set, being living independently and having the finances to enable it, and learning the plan meant, “pay someone else to advise you!” was no help either.  So a review was requested. 

Through all this, discussions with Headstart (HS) and NDIS staff showed that we needed to sign a service agreement with HS. This will enable me to continue to access its services which have been so fantastic this past decade. 

Recently, I applied to volunteer over at Peter Sinclair Gardens (PSG). Though not wired to be a nurse, I still have other useful skills. Music is one; writing another; ‘useful-companionable-sort’ yet a third. Last year’s drama aside, staff at PSG remain welcoming; with the extension work nearly completed, more residents will arrive soon. As has been suggested, leisure and activities seems more for me.

As well, been teaching piano to a boy from Tea Gardens since July last year, a job I am enjoying and know a thing or three about! While the world of nursing is indeed needed and noble, let’s face it: it’s also not for everyone. As is often said- you gotta find your niche.

It’s never easy, rebuilding your life, and my heart goes out to all my compatriots out there. Yet take heart, friends- with the right support and advocates around you, the future can still be a brighter one.

Oh yeah- after three months, the review should come any week now…

Not My Place Exhibition

Published in 'Newslink', Headstart ABI Service; December, 2016

FROM the 5^th to the 26^th of November,  the old David Jones building in town was home to an art display. With over forty pieces entered, it was a broad selection and varied from photography, various styles of painting, acrylic based works, performances in different mediums to the humble pencil on paper.

A grant from Accessible Arts meant that the Octapod was able to run an Artist Run Initiative in Newcastle. It was designed to enable and empower artists with disability through professional skills and networks development. Through admin support, structure, expertise and access to networks, the backing of the Octapod gave the group a strong foundation. Monthly meetings were held, which allowed for the encouragement and motivation for members of all practices. Such has been its success that there is talk of replicating the project with the help of Maitland Regional Art Gallery next year!

Through my own connection with Culture Hunter, an off-shoot of the Octapod, I was approached last year by its Director about  an idea they were considering. I then met with the Project Manager Justine Cogan, and we discussed how my musical and writing skills could be brought to the group. 

This was a great opportunity as it saw me focus my talents, ultimately showcasing a number of musical pieces. Foleys pianos was tremendous, as they were good enough to lend me a digital piano for the day. And the other week, my sister spoke the other week of “letting go of control”. Spot on, I later thought, as by doing just this things really came together! 

Curator Clare Weeks spoke of curating saying, “I’ve always loved it. This one was like a hotch-potch because of its diverse nature.” This variation made it an interesting show, and a number of works caught my eye

There was Black Crow with her canvas Mind of God. With its myriad of colours, I instantly thought of the awe-inspiring colours of the Universe.  Elizabeth’s muted blue-and-white Keys to the City came from her many bouts of house-sitting. Trever presented two very earthy canvas paintings based on his 13 years teaching in Papua New Guinea. And Dom’s cleverly photo-shopped self-portrait actually sold during the exhibition! With a face set below an unravelling bandage it was, he said, an image for all those “faceless people who no longer warrant the thoughts of society.”

Overall, the outcome has been positive. From what Justine and others have said, it’s clear the project has been beneficial in much the way hoped for. Despite different mediums, common ground was found in people’s ability to build networks and learn more about whatever particular industry approprotiate. Odds are good then that this won’t be a one-off show…

New Course of Action

Published in 'Newslink', Headstart ABI Service; September, 2016

Okay, so the job I wrote of back in March fell through. Long story short, I’m no longer working there as the correct support structures were not put in place. Though disheartening at first, in the months since I have found new focus and regained my zing.

At the end of August I began working at a Kombucha plant in town nearby. Dating back many, many hundreds of years, the drink Kombucha is said to be full of healthy bacteria which is of great benefit to the digestive system. There a despatch assistant, I help organise and put together the boxes for the online orders, as well as maintaining the drinks store-room.

I have also been attending the North Arm Cove writers’ monthly meetings. They’re a good bunch, all productive writers who make good use of the well set-out local community hall over there. That was a real pick-me-up, and has provided a welcome link with like-minded contemporaries who are always ready to share tips and advice.

As well as that, since last year I have been involved with the Artist Run Initiative Newcastle (ARIN) run by the Octapod. They will hold their inaugural exhibition in November this year with the theme being, ‘Not My Place’. This recognises the many individual barriers we all face…barriers which in turn help each of us define our place in this world. There are a total of 16 artists who will feature in this exhibition, including painters, graphic designers, poets, and musicians. A diverse bunch, it promises to be an interesting show.