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Paralysed Man Crawls Home After NDIS Cuts Funding
9 Apr
Summary
- A paralysed triathlete must crawl upstairs daily after NDIS funding was cancelled.
- NDIS deemed his two-storey home suitable, denying modification funds.
- He is fundraising for a $100,000 lift and has started a petition.
Jolly Duong, once an avid triathlete, faces daily challenges after a 2024 cycling accident resulted in paralysis from the chest down. Following months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, his NDIS-provided accommodation was cancelled six months after discharge.
The NDIS determined his family's two-storey home was suitable, leading to the cancellation of medium-term accommodation. Consequently, Mr. Duong must now crawl up his stairs multiple times daily to access his bedroom and bathroom, a process taking about eight minutes.
He has sought funding from the NDIS for essential modifications, including a $100,000 lift, but his requests have been denied. Mr. Duong has turned to fundraising, initiating a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs of the required lift.
Mr. Duong has also started a petition that will be presented to the House of Representatives. The NDIS stated that it approves supports meeting 'reasonable and necessary' criteria and supports participants' right to seek reviews. An NDIS spokesperson declined to comment on individual circumstances, while a former deputy chief medical officer expressed concerns about public faith in the NDIS.
