William and Everyday Independence

Like any Mum, Ashleigh loves her son dearly.

She loves William’s generous nature, how he always tries to make people laugh, and how hard he tries at everything he does.

“He is a lovely, lovely boy,” says Ashleigh.

And, like any teenage boy, William loves hanging out with his mates, watching movies, playing Xbox, riding his scooter, and spending time with his dog, Dusty, who helps with William’s anxiety.

However, for Ashleigh, making enquiries, getting the right help through the NDIS, and navigating the system were proving to be a challenge.

That’s when Caitlin, a Behaviour Support Practitioner at Everyday Independence, stepped in.

Her connection with William was almost immediate.

“I worked out that he was a class clown, a bit of a comedian, and I think I connected with that kind of personality of William’s. And so then from then on, I just felt like we had a very strong, strong connection based on mutual trust and respect.”

Everyday Independence is all about making sure someone like William makes the most of his NDIS funding and achieves positive life changes.

William is kneeling on the grass in a park, petting and playing with a brown dog that has white markings on its chest.

A group interaction where two support workers from Everyday Independence are standing and smiling at William, who is seated and engaged in the activity they are observing.

Their team of therapists and professionals bring diverse training and life experiences to look at a person’s whole life from different angles to ensure the right therapy team and support strategies are planned and delivered.

Caitlin points to a key strength being access to a team of occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech therapists, as well as key workers in early childhood intervention, habit coaches and behaviour support practitioners like Caitlin.

William is walking outdoors while holding an electric scooter, accompanied by a support worker from Everyday Independence who is smiling and talking to him.

An outdoor image of William laughing joyfully while standing next to a support worker from Everyday Independence who has an arm around his shoulder.

For Ashleigh, it’s also been a massive relief having Caitlin come to their home rather than having to drive William to an office.

Everyday Independence has made it simple and easy.

Ashleigh says, "It was just a matter of communicating what I’m wanting or needing for William, what my ideas are for him.

"And they have really just handled the rest for me and taken over.

"It’s great. We are optimistic about William’s future."