At the heart of the NDIS is supporting participants and their families in living a full life and accessing their community. We were very moved to hear a recent story highlighting the impact of the right equipment on a family’s daily life.
A young boy who will soon be turning five has been diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and experiences low muscle tone, which makes walking long distances very difficult. He often becomes tired and drops to the floor, making it challenging for his mother to carry him around, especially as he now weighs over 22 kilograms. A regular stroller is no longer suitable, and they needed something more robust to ensure his safety and comfort.
Finding the Right Equipment
The family explored various options and eventually trialled a special mobility aid — a custom-designed stroller that could handle his weight and provide extra features to meet his needs. This stroller has large wheels, making pushing over uneven surfaces like parks and outdoor areas easy. Plus, it folds up easily to fit in the car, meaning the family can take it anywhere.
One of the stroller’s key features is the reversible handle, which allows the mother to push the stroller with her son facing her. This not only helps him feel more secure but also enhances their emotional connection, contributing to the family’s overall well-being.
Accessing Funding Through the NDIS
Obtaining this stroller was a collaborative effort. The family worked with their occupational therapist (OT) at Therapy Circles to conduct a functional capacity assessment, which provided evidence for why this equipment was necessary, even though the boy didn’t have a physical disability. His low muscle tone and the associated mobility challenges made it clear that this stroller would help him access the community safely.
Thanks to the OT’s detailed report and support from other professionals, the NDIS approved the funding for this high-cost special stroller. The family can now enjoy outings and spend more time in the community, knowing their son is comfortable and safe.
Social Inclusion Through Practical Solutions
This story is a powerful reminder that NDIS funding isn’t just about physical disabilities. It’s also about enabling social inclusion — ensuring families can participate in everyday activities like shopping, visiting the park or just spending time outdoors.
For this family, having the right mobility aid has reduced the stress on both the child and the mother. The stroller’s harness ensures the boy is safely strapped in, ensuring he does not run off unattended and maintains his safety. This safety feature is an approved element within their Positive Behaviour Support plan. Additionally, the mother no longer has to worry about lifting a heavy pram or carrying her son long distances. The new equipment supports reduced risk of injury for the mother and the child.
By addressing these needs, the NDIS helped the family overcome significant barriers to community access, reducing the mother’s caregiver burden and improving the family’s quality of life. This reduced stress levels for both the mother and the child.
Conclusion
Every NDIS participant has unique needs; sometimes, the right equipment can make all the difference. In this case, a custom stroller met the child’s physical needs and provided emotional and social benefits for the whole family. Stories like this show how NDIS funding can support real, positive change. It’s a great example of how Therapy Circles can help to improve your quality of life.
