From school to p-plates and paid work - Sam’s NDIS story

Finishing high school is a big milestone for any young person, it’s the start of a new chapter filled with opportunities, independence, changes and new challenges. And, like many young people with disability, the transition from school to adult life can require careful planning, support and a team who can help navigate this next stage.

For one of our client’s Sam, this transition has been more than just leaving school behind, it’s been about building confidence, gaining independence and achieving goals he had set including working, driving and travelling. With the support of JP Trusted Advisor, Sam has not only navigated this transition very well, he is thriving!

Building independence behind the wheel

Earlier this year, Sam proudly passed his driver’s test. “I felt pretty happy and excited when I was trying to get my driver’s licence, but I was also very nervous during the test,” says Sam. “The best part about learning to drive was being able to learn something new and to have the chance to try and be more independent.”

 For Sam, being able to drive has meant more to him and his family than simply being able to get from A to B. It has given Sam independence, responsibility and confidence.

“Sam having his driver’s licence and a job has made a huge difference, not only to Sam, but to the whole family. He drives himself to work and to therapy independently and often takes trips to shopping centres like Joondalup and Morley to have a look at their book shops and EB Games stores,” says Bev, Sam’s mum. 

Sam not only drives himself to work and therapy, but he manages his own fuel and keeps track of his money through online banking, developing important lifelong skills.

Finding purpose and connection at work

Sam has also secured work and joined the workforce at Bunnings. “The best part about working at Bunnings East Vic Park is the staff,” says Sam. “They are super friendly and kind and always say hello and make sure that I’m okay.”

“At Bunnings, I normally scan and restock shelves with items that have been delivered to the store. I also try to help customers find things they are looking for, as best as I can,” adds Sam.

“Having a support worker from Life Without Barriers (LWB) support Sam whilst he was doing work experience really helped him gain confidence in himself. They showed him how to do things and explained what needed to be done,” says Bev. “Brett from LWB did such a good job, that Sam is able to work by himself, with Brett checking in with him for a couple of hours a week.

“The changes we have all seen in Sam has been absolutely amazing,” says Bev. “He has really matured and has a new found confidence about him. Not only is he super proud of himself for getting his driver’s licence and a job, but so are we. If you had asked me three years ago if this was possible, I would’ve said probably not.

Growing through new experiences

Earlier this year, Sam travelled interstate for the first time without his family, joining WhatAbility visiting Melbourne to watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix. And, although Sam says he felt nervous, he had a memorable experience that will last a lifetime.

“The experience was great and very exciting. WhatAbility made sure that my support worker was someone that I had spent a lot of time, so I knew him very well. I also knew one of the other support workers which was great.

“About a week before we left for Melbourne, the whole group got together and went bowling so that we could meet before the trip. We all had a very exciting time,” says Sam.

The right support at the right time

For Bev, JP Trusted Advisor provided the right support to Sam and his family, at the right time. After navigating the NDIS on their own, they turned to Jodi and the JP Trusted Advisor team for support and guidance.

“Jodi and the team at JP Trusted Advisor have been pivotal in Sam’s transition to an independent adult,” says Bev. “Jodi first helped us apply for NDIS funding because I had tried so many times, but kept giving up because it was so complicated.

“From there, Jodi came onboard when Sam was in high school to help organise Sam’s SLES funding. She organised work experience with a Support Worker, to try and help Sam gain eventual employment and to be able to be more independent in the community.

“Jodi educated the school on the benefits of SLES because they had no idea it even existed. Jodi’s knowledge and experience in the disability sector made our life and Sam’s journey so much easier. She showed us which direction he needed to take and how to get there.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Sam would not be where he is today had it not been for Jodi’s experience, excellent advice and direction. 

“Our Support Coordinator from JP Trusted Advisor, Courtney, also played a vital role in coordinating supports, such as arranging driving lessons with Capacity Builders, ensuring Sam could reach his goal,” says Bev.

Advice for other families

Looking back, Bev reflects on what she wishes she’d known earlier.  

“My biggest regret is that I honestly wish Jodi had come on board earlier in Sam’s journey with his Autism, but in saying that, I’m also grateful that Jodi and her team were there for the most important part,” says Bev.  

“As a Registered Nurse, I would have thought I would have had a fair idea of what to do and how to get Sam to the point of being a fully functional, independent adult, but I didn’t even know about half of the opportunities that were available for Sam.  

“Both Courtney and Jodi have been amazing in bringing so much experience to Sam’s journey. It gave him a huge advantage being able to access services that assist people like Sam become more independent. 

“Our experience with JP Trusted Advisor has been amazing. They made Sam’s journey and my job so much easier, by shouldering some of the load and pointing us in the right direction. For families out there in the same boat as us, do yourself and your child a favour and let JP Trusted Advisor share the load. You won’t regret it,” says Bev.

Looking ahead

With a driver’s licence, a job he enjoys and new experiences under his belt, Sam’s new chapter into adulthood is one filled with confidence and independence. Sam’s story is a reminder of what is possible when the right supports, planning and opportunities are in place and how with the right team behind you, you can reach your goals.

At JP Trusted Advisor our Support Coordinators and Specialist Support Coordinators are proud to work together with NDIS participants and their families, helping them navigate the NDIS and create pathways and opportunities to enable them to live their life they want.

If you have any questions, please speak to your JPTA Support Coordinator or Specialist Support Coordinator or email us.