Anyone started with the NDIS?

My support worker was a PHaMS worker and she is exiting me from the service as they are winding up their programs for people who have no access to NDIS (it becomes active from July in my area) @eth. It was pretty hopeless anyway, as I received next to no support in achieving my goal based objectives I identified in our first meeting. I tried to get a disability advocate through DSQ (I'm in Qld) and was told no as it is dependent on applying under the older system (previous to NDIS) which has now been phased out and no longer accepting new referrals under the old system. It is a minefield, it really is.

My illness affects my daily functioning a great deal. I cannot be left alone in new environments, I don't drive and don't take public transport alone, basic chores and self management is a struggle for me because I need constant reminders. My Mrs is my full time carer and according to the NDIA, she is capable of continuing to do all that she does. She dispenses meds when I am at risk (like at the moment), she coordinates appointments and takes me there. She does a lot. I was hoping for assistance because she should be allowed to have a break here and there and have me go into respite where she knows I will be okay. Instead, she and I were given a slap in the face like we don't exist. She is afraid she is going to lose her carer's allowance and me lose my DSP (which was hard enough to get in the first place). Without this financial assistance, we'd both be homeless, helpless and very ill indeed.

I hear you and feel for you @Queenie. I have very similar functional limitations. My sister-in-law is my unpaid carer. I'm so sorry about your situation. As far as I know getting knocked back by NDIS has no connection to centrelink and keeping your pension and your partner's carer's allowance. Have you contacted Carers Qld about respite?

Carers Qld referred us to ARAFMI Qld, who now operates under the NDIS. So no respite options open in this area unfortunately. My Mrs can pay to go on a carer's retreat, but I would be left home alone which could be a disaster as I would really struggle. She would never leave me unattended for too long because of this. I even went along to her counselling appointments with carers Qld, I'd sit in the waiting room on my phone with a drink and something to eat while she had appointments.

I've run out of suggestions for now @Queenie. It does sound like you and you Mrs are actually very resourceful and dedicated to each other. I'm heading for bed now but will look out for you tomorrow.

Still feeling overwhelmed at the amount of stuff my legal aid solicitor is putting forward with our Statement of Position to the AAT and NDIA/NDIS that I received a copy of yesterday.

@eth, having avoided the process so far, I can only imagine how overwhelming it is to read a document like that. On the other hand, all that supporting material for your case may be an indication of thoroughness and a good presentation of it by your solicitor. May it bring the hoped for outcome very soon.

Thanks @Mazarita @CheerBear The statement of position is a very detailed document re permanence and functional effects and it is in support of my case, but it's yet another confrontation of the fine details of my life with MI. Works through NDIS rules and points in the act very thoroughly and systematically and sil says it gives her confidence in the lawyer, but at this point in the process I just can't get my hopes up any more.

Morning @Mazarita @CheerBear @catgirl @Former-Member @Queenie @Appleblossom @Former-Member and anyone else on the NDIS trail with me this far ..... rough news yesterday - my psychologist is unable (or unwilling?) to appear at the tribunal (AAT) hearing on my behalf. And NDIA/S have subpoenad ALL her notes from sessions with me. She thinks quite a bit of them is totally inappropriate to be realeased to anyone. So do I. We spent most of my appointment talking about NDIS s*&t , as has happened quite a bit my last several sessions with her. I really resent that it's taken over and become such a focal point in my life. It's stopping us from getting on with the EMDR therapy I was originally referred to her for. And rubbing my face in the gory details of parts of my past over and over. She even told me that there is a possible gaol sentence if she doesn't respond on time to the subpoena. I don't think it was necessary to mention that.

On top of that my solicitor is on leave til a week before the hearing and my disability advocate just had a week off and is now only part-time.

Too depressed to rant and rave more than this, but my anger and frustration are simmering just below boiling point.