Nicholas is a 19-year-old young man diagnosed with Autism and mild/moderate Intellectual disability. He lives in Geelong; Victoria and his goal and desire is to become more independent.

Now that he is a young adult Nicholas’ wish is to move out of home, to make friends and to be able to move around the community whenever he wishes and safely. Nicholas' goals are basic and a right that every young person entering adulthood is entitled to.

Nicholas’ application to access Supported independent living (SIL) has been rejected by the NDIA, despite no one at NDIS having ever spoken to or having met Nicholas in person.

The application process was extremely lengthy, and all the relevant requested reports and assessments were submitted with his SIL application including reports from an Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist and Psychologist.

Medical professionals supporting his SIL application, regardless his application was declined and advised verbally. No written advice has ever been received to advise the declined decision, despite being promised.

On the 24th of August Nicholas’ carer made further contact with NDIS and was advised a note on the file stated the requested internal review regarding this outcome has been withdrawn by his carer. At no time did I his carer request the review be withdrawn and she did not receive a phone call on the 29/07/21 as noted on file. This is fraudulent and untrue.

Nicholas’ disability impacts his ability to identify dangers that maybe surrounding him, and he is oblivious to things going on around him. Nicholas cannot cook unsupervised, he needs supervision and guidance when cutting, peeling, and preparing food. A basic meal takes triple the time to prepare and cook by Nicholas even with supervision. Nicholas cannot shop, budget, plan events or activities or organise transportation without a lot of assistance.

He is unable to live by himself and he has zero ability of finding a private rental or shared house accommodation or a housemate of a similar capacity or disability, as suggested by NDIA.

THE NDIS states that their main objective is to “provide all Australians who acquire a permanent disability before the age of 65 which substantially impacts how they manage everyday activities with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life”.

The decision to decline Nicholas’ SIL application has not considered any of his goals, desires, or capabilities. This decision will not assist him to live an ordinary life and will prevent his need and want to make friends and to socialise. Living forever in his family home is not a long-term solution or a beneficial option and disadvantages him from achieving his goals.

His new plan funding is inadequate and insufficient for pop in and out supports as suggested by NDIA or to learn to travel independently, or to have assistance joining a club or community group.

Nicholas is a lovely young man with simple goals in life. Sadly, Nicholas's biological mother passed away in 2020 suddenly. He has struggled understanding COVID and lockdowns. He is isolated, lonely, and regressing in his development. Nicholas doesn’t understand why his application was declined and all he wants to do is move out of home, be independent and reach his goals.

We are led to believe our story is becoming more and more common. It is beyond disgusting that our most vulnerable of society are being disadvantaged and forgotten.

In support we are going to fight for Nicholas and his basic rights and entitlements, we know Nicholas isn’t the only one who isn’t receiving adequate funding and supports.

We are pleading for you to help!

Please help not only Nicholas but the countless Australians that live with a disability and are left helpless.