NDIS Support Coordinator Derek has been working with Barry to support him to reach his goal of moving back to New South Wales.

Barry is 47 years old and has Cerebral Palsy.

Barry originally moved to Queensland in early 2022 for a new adventure but realised soon after his move that Queensland wasn’t for him. He missed Sydney, his friends and his family. Barry shared his goal to move back to Sydney with his Support Coordinator Derek and since then Derek has been supporting Barry to make the move back.

Derek began working with Barry’s previous SIL provider in Sydney but unfortunately the house that Barry used to live in was no longer available. Derek needed to work out another plan and began researching other SDA vacancies in Sydney.

The process wasn’t easy and there was a lot to do but Derek was able to support Barry every step of the way:

• Barry chose a property and Derek obtained a quote
• Derek asked Barry’s OT to complete a SIL and SDA Assessment Report to make sure the property completely met Barry’s support needs
• Derek engaged other health providers to write reports to support Barry’s request to find accommodation back in NSW
• All of these reports and the accommodation quote was submitted to the NDIS to request a Change of Circumstance review

The NDIS approved the SDA quote and further Support Coordination funding to support Barry through the move. Support Coordinator Derek was able to liaise with the airline to ensure Barry could board the plane in his power wheelchair. Barry can also use NDIS funding for a Support Worker to support him to take the flight back home.

This is a great outcome for Barry.

Barry says “I am happy to go back to Sydney to be with my friends, my two brothers and my old flat mates. And I know all the taxi drivers down in Sydney!”