Support Coordination success story – Helping Patrick communicate

This achievement was made possible through the dedicated and strategic support of Patrick’s NDIS Support Coordinator.

Faced with significant communication barriers, Patrick had long relied on non-verbal cues to express basic needs and emotions. Recognising the need for a more reliable and accessible communication method, the Support Coordinator took the lead in initiating and managing the process to secure funding for an eye gaze device through the NDIS.

From coordinating allied health assessments to facilitating the funding application, the Support Coordinator played a pivotal role in advocating for Patrick’s basic communication needs. Working closely with Patrick’s speech pathologist to ensure that all clinical documentation met NDIS requirements and that the request was clearly aligned with Patrick’s NDIS goals.

Once the funding was approved, Patrick’s Support Coordinator continued to oversee the process by liaising with the assistive technology provider, ensuring timely delivery, training arrangements, and integration into Patrick’s daily care plan, the ongoing involvement also included capacity-building with Patrick’s support team to ensure consistent and confident use of the device.

The newly implemented eye gaze system allows Patrick to use eye movements to select words, symbols, or commands on a screen, giving him a voice for the first time. Already, small but significant changes have been observed in Patrick’s interactions and overall engagement.

The Speech Therapy provider that facilitated this was Rehab Solutions from Adelaide. They have a regular presence in the NT and do a phenomenal job with accessible technology.