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Play, download and edit the free video Matts SDA Journey.

Matt was living in a residential apartment that had been slightly modified to accommodate his disability, but never really felt that he was living independently. The unit’s setup made him totally reliant on family and support staff for daily assistance. He couldn’t prepare any food or drinks for himself, or even open and close the windows and window coverings which might seem minor to able-bodied people but became unbelievably frustrating for him long-term.

He managed to secure funding from NDIS to more extensively renovate his unit, installing a ceiling hoist and automated windows and updating the bathroom and kitchen. Simply requesting these works to be done prompted pretty devastating backlash and discrimination from the other residents though. There were comments about his “suitability” to live in the building, and concerns about the potential devaluation to other properties. Living there basically became a nightmare. It was hurtful to be fighting for basic things that would have a huge impact on his life.

Luckily, Matt was born into an unbelievably supportive family who refused to let him do anything but live life to the fullest. They supported him through years of extensive therapy and treatments. Matt was born three months early and birth-related complications left him with Severe Spastic Quidriplegia. For fourteen years he was in therapy for eight hours a day, six days a week. His family’s unfailing support has given him the most amazing foundation though, allowing him to reach many goals throughout the years.

The Ability SDA apartments are literally a dream come true for Matt. Because of the extensive smart home and voice-activated technologies, he now have complete control over his environment and doesn’t need as much day-to-day staff assistance. He's excited about the accessible kitchen too so that he can make a cup of tea whenever he wants. It’s given him back the confidence he'd previously lost. His Mum Christine says that she’s relieved for her son to finally have a house and environment that enables him to be genuinely independent. This allows her to take a step back and start being a mother, not a full-time carer.

Matt found the NDIS application process tough but the team at Ability SDA supported him through his application process and his family worked really hard to get approvals and funding in place for the technology, care, and housing. He would definitely encourage others to apply to help improve their lives. It is worth it in the end.

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