Professional Summary:
With a deep personal and professional understanding of disability, mental health, and trauma, I am passionate about advocating for and supporting individuals within the NDIS. As a mother of children with autism and ADHD, as well as someone who has autism and ADHD myself, I bring a lived experience that allows me to connect with clients on a profound level. My background in supporting individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, and trauma has equipped me with the skills to offer personalized, compassionate, and effective support to those navigating the NDIS.
As an NDIS Support Coordinator, I am committed to ensuring that clients access the services, resources, and support they need to achieve their personal goals and live independently. I possess strong communication and organizational skills, enabling me to liaise with service providers, families, and other professionals to create tailored support plans that align with each client’s unique needs. My experience in case management and advocacy allows me to effectively navigate the complexities of the NDIS system, ensuring that clients receive timely, appropriate services and assistance.
As an NDIS Advocate, I am dedicated to empowering clients to make informed choices and to speak up for their rights within the NDIS process. I will work alongside participants to help them better understand their plans and navigate challenges, ensuring they feel supported, respected, and heard throughout their journey. My ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients and their families allows me to provide practical and emotional support, while always maintaining a person-centered approach.
What I can offer to the NDIS and its clients includes:
My unique blend of personal experience, professional skills, and commitment to advocacy positions me to offer invaluable support to clients within the NDIS, ensuring they have the resources and guidance necessary to live fulfilling, independent lives.
This experience honed my ability to work effectively with individuals with varying needs, reinforced my commitment to providing person-centered support, and equipped me with valuable skills for coordinating and delivering educational services for students with disabilities.
My experience at Yandelora School has deeply enhanced my ability to work with students facing a variety of complex challenges. It has strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, individualized support while working collaboratively to create an inclusive educational environment that meets the diverse needs of students with disabilities, trauma, and high care requirements.
Observation and Work Placement as a School Learning Support Officer
During my placement as a School Learning Support Officer at Broughton Anglican College, I had the opportunity to observe and assist in providing support to students with a range of learning needs, including disabilities, learning difficulties, and behavioral challenges. The placement allowed me to develop my practical skills and deepen my understanding of inclusive education, while actively contributing to the academic and social development of the students.
Key Responsibilities and Observations:
Reflection:This work placement at Broughton Anglican College significantly enhanced my practical skills as a School Learning Support Officer. It deepened my understanding of the importance of individualized support and how a collaborative approach between teachers, support staff, and external professionals contributes to the success of students with diverse needs. I am now more confident in providing tailored support and creating inclusive learning environments that cater to the academic, social, and emotional development of all students.
These courses have given me a comprehensive understanding of the individuals I will be working with and alongside, enhancing my ability to provide effective and compassionate support. The training in CPR, Administration of Medication, and Midazolam ensures that I can respond appropriately in emergency situations, prioritizing the health and safety of those in my care.
The Disability Standards and Health Care Training have deepened my knowledge of best practices in supporting people with disabilities and complex health needs, allowing me to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Additionally, my completion of Certificate III in Education Support has equipped me with the skills necessary to tailor support to each student's unique needs and learning preferences, ensuring they can thrive in an educational setting.
The Department of Education Mandatory Training further reinforces my understanding of the policies and procedures that ensure safe and effective support in schools. My background in Aged Care and Home & Community Care enhances my ability to work with individuals from diverse age groups and life stages, while Business Administration training has sharpened my organizational skills, ensuring I can efficiently manage administrative tasks and documentation.
Together, these courses provide me with a well-rounded skill set and a strong understanding of how to support individuals while respecting their preferences, goals, and needs.I look forward to supporting those I work with in the NDIS by using my skills, knowledge, and experience to create a positive impact in their lives. Through my training and work history, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges and unique needs faced by individuals with disabilities, and I am committed to empowering them to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. I am excited to contribute to a system that values inclusion, respect, and personalized care, and I am eager to collaborate with participants, their families, and the broader support network to ensure they receive the resources and services they need to thrive.
I am 34 years old and a proud mother of three children, two of whom have disabilities, specifically autism and ADHD. I too have autism and ADHD, as well as my husband, which has given me a unique, personal understanding of the challenges these conditions present. I was raised in a family where mental health and disability were very much a part of everyday life. My mother has bipolar disorder and a learning disability, while my twin sisters both have learning disabilities, and my father has PTSD.
Growing up in this environment gave me an early and profound understanding of disability, trauma, and mental health. I lived firsthand with the impact of these conditions and the difficulties they can bring. My own late diagnosis of autism and ADHD has only deepened my empathy and insight into the experiences of those with similar challenges.
Throughout my life and career, I have worked alongside many individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions, offering support where I can. I can relate to these individuals in ways that most people can't, as I’ve experienced many of the same feelings and struggles. I understand trauma intimately, having experienced it as a child, and this personal understanding enables me to approach each person I work with from a place of empathy and genuine care.
I have also helped friends and loved ones who have struggled with mental health and disabilities, providing support and understanding in a way that reflects my deep commitment to these issues. My background and experiences have equipped me with the compassion, patience, and practical knowledge needed to support others, particularly those navigating the NDIS. I am driven by a desire to help people lead fulfilling, independent lives while respecting their unique needs and preferences.