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Stroke Victim Loses Job, Faces NDIS Funding Cuts
14 Sep
Summary
- Stroke left a man paralysed, ending his heavy machinery career.
- NDIS funding for the man has been significantly reduced.
- A local NDIS office closure caused distress and confusion.
Peter Barry's life took an unexpected turn in May 2019 when a stroke left him paralysed on his left side, halting his plans to move to Western Australia for a new job. Despite regaining some movement, Barry can no longer work as a truck driver and requires a modified car. Support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been crucial for his independence, notably through a motorised scooter.
However, Barry's situation highlights broader concerns regarding the NDIS. His funding package has been approximately halved since 2019, reducing his in-home support from two hours daily to six hours weekly and eliminating previously funded activities like aquatic rehabilitation. An NDIS spokesperson stated that funding is based on individual circumstances and needs, clarifying that memberships are considered everyday living costs.
Further complicating matters for Colac residents, the local NDIS office, a vital in-person support hub since 2013, recently experienced an unexplained closure for about a month. This closure, attributed to heating maintenance, occurred despite other government services in the building remaining operational. CoConnect, a local NDIS support group, reported the closure caused significant stress and confusion for participants.
