As you have probably realised by now, navigating the NDIS and understanding what your “special” person is receiving, and how it is usefully spent, is a maze.
My daughter Melissa has many specific requirements to ensure 
her life is fulfilling her needs, with plans that improve her QOL (quality of life) and enable her to look forward to interesting events such as holidays.
Initially, it was so difficult to know where to find a suitable Support Coordinator. I failed dismally when the one I had chosen first did very little over the first 3 months with Melissa’s funding. It was most alarming to find that she was charging for our communication minute by minute, with little outcome. Needless to say, I politely discontinued that arrangement.
We had met Nicole Crane previously when she was working as a Local Area Coordinator, where she successfully sourced more community hours for Melissa.
Wondering from time-to-time what had happened to Nicole, I was thrilled to hear that she was joining Pillar as a Specialist Support Coordinator. I couldn’t move any faster to find out if she was able to take Melissa on as one of her NDIS clients.
We were fortunate that Nicole had capacity, and we’ve worked closely together to use Melissa’s funds proactively. Nicole has been amazing, and she has a distinctive understanding of Melissa’s needs. We had a Zoom session recently with the Allied Health team and we were able to collaborate well and be creative in our ideas.
NDIS funding is limited, and we can all appreciate that there are so many people who share these funds. What’s most important is ensuring that funds are used appropriately and people follow-through with the actions they are paid for.
If you are looking for a Support Coordinator, it is important that you share rapport and understanding. The Support Coordinator needs a true awareness of the needs of the individuals who do require “person centred care”.
Robyn Wright 2022
