We want to share some of the ways our PossABLE Advocates have supported, changed lives and advocated for people with disability. This is *Emily's story.
*Name changed for confidentiality.
*Emily is a young woman with complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). As a result of an assault by her ex-partner several years ago. Emily suffers from depression and short-term memory loss, making simple tasks often challenging to complete. Emily approached advocacy in April for support in gaining access to the NDIS. She had applied twice before and both applications were rejected. She had been unable to gain medical evidence around her disability.
The Advocate began working with Emily to gather evidence from various medical professionals. This proved very difficult due to various reasons, including Emily’s declining mental health. The Advocate advised Emily that a cognitive assessment from a psychologist would be beneficial to her application. After having no contact from Emily for over a month, the Advocate closed her issue.
In September, Emily contacted PossABLE Advocacy again looking for help. She had new documentation from her psychologist. Emily visited the office, and the Advocate helped her complete a new NDIS Access Request. We attached the new assessment and submitted the forms. Emily was unable to remember speaking to the Advocate before in April.
A week later, the Advocate received a phone call from the NDIA. The application was successful. The Advocate called Emily to let her know. Emily cried when she heard the news. Thanking the Advocate for life-changing support. Emily believes the support will help her fulfil her goal of becoming a teacher’s aide and continue as a peer mentor for OneDoor Mental health.
