ANNA waited TWENTY months TO GET sda in HER plan.
“It’s frustrating, you go through so many emotions - stress, anger, tears - it affects your mental health and wellbeing.”
ANNA
Hi, I’m Anna Boicovitis and I have Muscular Dystrophy.
I started this process in August 2020. I applied for SDA High Physical Support single occupancy because this supports my requirements.
As I’m physically disabled, I need something with assisted technology, wider doorways, accessible bathroom and on-site assistance.
Along the way the NDIS apparently lost my paperwork for 10 weeks, which is very surprising in this day and age as everything is computerised.
But on 10 February 2021 I was approved for High Physical Support 2 people shared accommodation, which actually doesn’t exist in Victoria.
I’ve fought this decision for so long now - it eventually went to a hearing with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on 1 December 2021. I was made to prove there was no suitable SDA Housing High Physical Support for shared 2 people.
The decision was overturned on 10 February 2022, but then it took the NDIS 2 months to put the SDA in my plan, making it a total of 20 months waiting. It’s a soul-destroying punitive process, which most people don’t have the capacity or ability to engage with.
It’s frustrating, you go through so many emotions - stress, anger, tears - it affects your mental health and wellbeing.
Many times I have thought of giving up but I wasn’t giving up on my future.
I do have an SDA apartment now. I’m just waiting for some modifications and the assistive technology and SIL to be completed. Hopefully I’ll be able to move in soon.
I can’t wait, it’s a dream of mine to live on my own and be as independent as possible. Freedom to make my own decisions and choices.