FOR siblings Lachlan and Madi Roberts, socialising in large groups and meeting new people is a challenge.
For 18-year-old Lachlan, venturing out on his own was a challenge, and without support from the NDIS, he believes he would rarely leave his home.
Through NDIS funding, he has access to a support worker and is able to take part in activities and excursions he never thought would be possible.
“I visit with my support worker once a week and we go to the gym, play pool and basketball,” he said.
“I love sports, hiking and gaming and have been on trips to Geelong and Melbourne and although I don’t really like big cities, having support has meant I can try new places and new activities.
Lachlan transitioned from a mainstream school in year 9 and said the change has been life altering for him.
“Attending the specialist school is the first time I have ever felt comfortable,” he said.
“I’ve developed a large friendship group there and the school has catered to my needs.
“The school has been welcoming and given me confidence to do new things.
“The NDIS has allowed me to get the support I need to pursue a future I never thought I would have.
“I’m interested in carpentry and would like to do a trade course, perhaps through TAFE, and I am getting the chance to work on projects through Ability and Ambition and The Shop Active.
“I just completed a coffee table today and it’s something I’m very proud of.”
While Lachlan is well spoken and deep thinking, his lack of confidence was holding him back.
“I’ve learnt what life can be really like now and I am thankful that I have access to the supports I need to achieve my goals,” he said.
Madi, 16, struggles with anxiety, meeting new people and going to new places.
She has been accessing Ability and Ambition for two years and receives support twice a week.
“Coming here is good, I chill here after school and we do lots of projects and go on excursions,” she said.
“They’ve really helped me overcome anxiety and build social skills and I’m doing things I really enjoy.
“It’s very inclusive here and I have been able to make more friends, both here and at school.
“I feel safe and comfortable here and I don’t get anxiety.”
Madi enjoys fishing, camping and doing art projects.
She takes part in cooking and has been fundraising with her support worker to purchase new garden beds to grow her own vegetables.
“We went around to shops and handed out flyers and that was terrifying,” she said with a chuckle.
“I might not have liked it, but I did it, and that’s a huge thing for me.
“We asked people to donate clothing and then held a thrift store sale, I never thought I would be confident enough to do that.
“My social skills are much better, I have joined the CFA and I will be doing my GFF soon so I will be able to attend fires.
“The CFA has also been very inclusive and it feels like a big family.”
While the pair still enjoy a healthy dose of sibling banter, they are clearly proud of each other’s achievements, and both look forward to a life where social anxiety does not create barricades to success.
