Anat’s unexpected journey from brain injury to disability advocacy

In 2004, Anat was excited for the future: she had completed double degree studies at Monash University, spent a year travelling and living overseas, and was about to start her working life. Then a car accident left her with a severe brain injury.

While her journey may not have gone the way she expected, almost 20 years on Anat is enjoying a rich and rewarding life. She lives in her own home and receives support Monday to Friday from Healthscope Independence Services (HIS). Her support workers assist Anat to live as independently as possible and pursue her love of writing, public speaking, disability advocacy, and community service.

Moving forward safely

After the accident, Anat spent three months in a coma and a year in rehabilitation. She came home with a wheelchair and splints on several limbs. “When I left hospital, I needed help with everything,” she says.

One of Anat’s early goals was to get more mobile. And she has come a long way. “Now I use a walking stick or a walker” she explains. Anat has balance problems, and her support workers help her stay steady on her feet. “I definitely need them for stability,” she says. On fine days they accompany her on outdoor walks, which Anat loves. Other days she does exercises inside.

Anat still sees a physiotherapist every couple of weeks. Her HIS support workers – some of whom have been supporting Anat for around 19 years – drive her to appointments and help her complete her home therapy program each day.

Speaking out about disability and road safety

Anat also had a goal of improving her speech, which was significantly affected by the brain injury. She has had intensive speech therapy over the years, and her support workers continue to assist her with voice exercises provided by the therapist. Now, she is a voice for road safety and people with disability. Anat presents on disability awareness to school kids in grades 5 and 6 through her local city council. She also talks to year 11 and 12 students who are about to embark on their years behind the wheel through an organisation called Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA). “I love talking about myself,” Anat quips, noting a sense of humour is one thing she values in her carers. “I love the fact that some kids find the information I share touching, maybe because they lost an uncle or auntie or friend. I like answering their questions from my presentation and feeling like I'm contributing to society.

Community and connection

And her contribution to society doesn’t stop there. In 2016, she partnered with her local city council to start a group for people with disability in Bentleigh. “It’s called Chat and Chuckle,” Anat says.

“People of all ages come along every second Friday and we communicate with each other. In this group nobody ever feels excluded.”

With all her community work, Anat attends a lot of committee meetings. Her support workers drive her to these and assist her with setting up Zoom for online gatherings.

Words, learning and languages

Anat also loves connecting with people through her words. She writes most days, speaks a few languages, and enjoys staying up to date with current affairs. She says she feels lucky to have carers who bring variety into her life and can support her diverse interests.

“All of them are very caring. And they’re all helping me in different ways,” she explains. “I have one carer who helps me with my Spanish. Another one reads the newspaper with me and we have interesting discussions.”

Along with support to pursue her goals, Anat’s support workers assist her with everyday things like cooking and cleaning. They also help her stay motivated. “Everyone encourages me towards my goals and independence,” she says.

Home and humour

Anat’s next step towards greater independence involves spending more time living by herself. Currently, she stays with her mother or father overnight and on weekends. To support Anat’s goal of spending more time in her own unit, a support worker has recently started staying overnight with Anat once per week, with plans for this to increase. “I'd love to live here full time,” she says.

She would also like to work full time and write a book. In the meantime, Anat focuses on staying positive and cultivating joy. “I laugh a lot with all the carers. A sense of humour is really important.