Ben has a bubbly personality, a wicked sense of humour, and a laugh that’s contagious. He’s a naturally positive person who says he wants to ‘enjoy life and be accepted for who I am’.
A client of My Plan Manager since he joined the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2017, Ben lives with his parents in the beautiful Northern Rivers of New South Wales. It’s an area where pristine beaches, surf, sunshine and scenic rainforests act as a magnet for locals and tourists alike.
In his corner of the world, Ben’s living to the fullest. He’s grown a community through getting out and about with the support of his NDIS providers – people he calls his ‘big brothers’, like his support worker Nick.
Ben likes bowling, fishing and stand up paddleboarding, and every Thursday, he and Nick venture to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast, where a frog enclosure is being built. Ben likes the magnesium pool where he goes to swim, the lovely beaches up the Tweed River, and the theme parks that he visits as often as he can.
Ben and his dad Brett share a love of cars and going to the movies, and his passion for life has seen Ben travel overseas to watch the Tour de France as well.
In 2010, his three furry companions – and his affinity for animals – inspired Ben to create a pet-centered microbusiness called ‘Ben Cares for Pets’, offering pet walking and pet sitting services.
On top of keeping active and engaged in pursuing his passion projects, Ben sees an occupational therapist and physiotherapist regularly, receiving much needed allied health support through the NDIS.
But it seems the biggest force in Ben’s world is his mum, Ann, who calls Ben a ‘survivor’. She’s been there for him every step of the way and says that, irrespective of what life’s thrown at Ben, he’s adapted and he’s thriving.
Their bond is evident and Ann says they’re lucky to have each other.
“He chose me to be his mum, and I chose to be his mum too – and I’m so grateful for that,” says Ann. “We keep each other going.”
