Shane, aged 47 from Sunnybank, was able to go on the holiday of his dreams to Tangalooma Island thanks to the NDIS and his Open Minds support workers who were there to support him every step of the way.
Shane lived an active lifestyle, enjoying holidays, cars and adrenaline sports, until a car crash resulted in an Acquired Brain Injury as well as ongoing mobility issues.
The crash left Shane struggling with everyday tasks that were once easy for him, so he sought the assistance from Open Minds as his support provider.
Shane receives 24/7 Supported Independent Living with Open Minds in a shared residential home, including community access support.
The team worked with Shane to identify NDIS funding that could be used to make his holiday dream come true, then discussed with him what type of holiday he’d like to go on.
Shane said: “I really enjoyed my holiday to Tangalooma Island, we had a BBQ, rode on quad bikes, and ate the freshest prawns you’ve ever tasted.”
Two Open Minds support workers were needed to accompany Shane on his holiday, to ensure he’d have the 24/7 support he required day and night.
Duane, one of Shane’s Open Minds Support Workers who accompanied him on his trip, said: “Shane is such a pleasure to support, my co-worker and I did our best to give him the feeling of a proper boys trip, that he has really missed!”
There was a lot of planning and preparation involved before the trip, such as creating a risk management plan, holiday contracts for staff and booking accommodation.
As travel had always been a passion of Shane’s, the team knew how important the holiday was to him and even adjusted their home-life plans to ensure they could support his goals.
Shane loves being independent, something which his Support Workers encourage.
Duane said: “Shane gets on his scooter and takes himself off to the shops, the Post Office or the chemist. He’s super independent, but we’re there to support him in the community when he needs it too.
“On our holiday, he cooked up burger patties for the three of us when we had a BBQ. I’m really proud of how independent he’s becoming.”
Shane’s next holiday dream is to hire a campervan and go on an eight-hour road trip to Winton, Queensland.
His other goals include getting fit again by going back to the local swimming pool, and having fun bowling.
After his car crash in 2010, Shane was told that he’d never be able to walk again, however through physio, exercise, and his own determination, he is now able to walk short distances around his home.
Shane said: “They told me I’d never walk again, but I’m proving them wrong.”
Despite losing the use of his left hand in the car crash, Shane enjoys being creative making things from wood, such as a side-table, birdhouses for his Mum to put in her garden, and a chopping board that allows him to chop vegetables with one hand.
Find out more about our Supported Independent Living service, or get in touch with the team at Open Minds today.