“I’m a gamer and I had a brain injury when I was nine … and I’m a one-eyed Collingwood supporter.” Matt lives in one of Healthscope Independence Services’ community homes in the leafy east of Melbourne and he’s about to get a Tibetan Spaniel to be his every day companion. We’ve supported Matt’s goal to get a companion dog, because our role is to encourage Matt to live life to the fullest, on Matt’s terms. That’s what we think International Day of People with Disability is all about.

It was an emotional day when Ranklin finally Returned to Country in Numbulwar, East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.

In November 2018, Michael’s life completely changed after a serious motorbike crash. He spent almost two years in hospital – including five months in a coma. The accident resulted in an acquired brain injury, which left Michael unable to walk or care for himself. Michael now lives in a custom-built unit next to his mother’s home and is supported by Healthscope Independence Services. He receives support to shower, dress and prepare meals. He has achieved his most important goal – being able to spend time with his beloved American bulldog. Now, Michael is learning to walk again, enjoys visiting the shops each day, and plans to see Collingwood play next season.

After suffering a stroke in December 2020, Amara was unable to talk, swallow or care for himself. He spent six months in hospital and a rehabilitation facility before coming to live at Wordsworth House – one of Healthscope Independence Services’ accommodation facilities. There, he receives 24/7 support, along with rehabilitation services delivered by community providers, to help him reach his goals. Amara, who is in his sixties, has made significant progress. He is now eating and drinking, using an iPad to stay in touch with his family, going for longer walks, and even making curries for the whole house. With continued therapy and support, Amara hopes to soon return home to his family.

After the speeding vehicle he was travelling in crashed, Stephen suffered life-threatening injuries and faced an uncertain future. The accident caused multiple fractures and an acquired brain injury, which left him unable to walk, talk or care for himself. Following 13 months in hospital, Stephen returned home, where he continues to receive 24-hour care. Although at 23 his life looks very different to what it used to, Stephen has made significant progress with support from the team at Healthscope Independence Services. He is moving more of his body, has regained the ability to feed himself, and speaks much more clearly. With ongoing therapy and support, Stephen hopes to relearn how to walk and become a motivational speaker to help at-risk youth.

It's not a house, it's a home: SDA and SIL funding for NDIS participants. Healthscope Independence Services join with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers to discuss the complexities of accessing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding from a legal perspective.

Healthscope Independence Services join with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers to present a live webinar which will discuss the complexities of accessing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding from a legal perspective.

After a serious motorbike accident in 2019, Petey was told he’d never walk again. The accident also left him unable to care for himself. After nearly a year in hospital, Petey was referred to Healthscope Independence Services. At our Stepping Stones house, he received support to attend intensive therapy to help achieve his goal of relearning how to walk, along with support for everyday tasks like showering and dressing. In 2021, Petey moved into Waverley Palms, where he’s reconnecting with his children and working towards getting a job. His recovery has exceeded all expectations, with Healthscope Independence Staff calling him a ‘living miracle’.

Geoffrey came to live at Shepparton Community House 10 years ago following a workplace accident. Before his accident, Geoffrey was playing in a band and performing regular gigs in country pubs. Around 5 years ago, Geoffrey teamed up with Larry who’d just started at Healthscope and who became Geoffrey’s support during this time. Little did Geoffrey know that Larry also played in a band… it was a match made in heaven.

International Day of People with Disability is held on 3 December every year. Its aim is to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. We sat down with Dylan from Stepping Stones House and asked him a few questions.