Triumph over Rejection: Hayley’s Journey to Receiving NDIS Access

Hayley, a young woman in her early twenties, was diagnosed with a functional neurological disorder, a complex condition that left her confined to a wheelchair. She was studying nursing when her life was tipped upside down.  

After many attempts at applying for access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Hayley was faced with rejection after rejection, leaving her and her family feeling completely disheartened.  

The complex nature of her condition made it challenging for the NDIS to comprehend the urgency of her situation. Many do not even understand the condition itself as there is little awareness.  

In February this year, Hayley came into the care of the United Foundation who were able to commit to advocating for her case.  

United Foundation collaborated with Hayley and her mother by addressing the gaps in their previous submissions to the NDIS. This was a long and strenuous journey. They meticulously gathered evidence from allied health professionals, who often worked pro bono in writing extensive reports on behalf of Hayley because her entire team really and truly believed that she needed to be on the NDIS.  

The road to NDIS access was filled with many obstacles. The NDIS required not only evidence of Hayley's primary condition but also comprehensive documentation of her secondary issues, including mental health concerns. Frustration mounted as rejection seemed imminent yet again. An internal review offered a glimmer of hope, only to be dashed by another rejection.

After many rejections, United Foundation pursued an external review through the Australian Administrative Tribunal. Despite numerous setbacks, the team persevered. We meticulously translated complex medical and allied health information into a format understandable to the NDIS, bridging as many gaps as we could.

The real victory came when, after months of relentless effort, the news arrived – Hayley had finally been granted access to the NDIS. The long-fought battle was won, not just for Hayley but also for the supporters around her.

At the heart of this triumph was the unyielding support of Hayley’s mother, who stood by her daughter’s side through every setback. Hayley’s gentle spirit and quiet determination inspired everyone around her. Despite the rejections and the emotional toll it took, Hayley held on to her dreams of independence, a normal life, and a future filled with possibilities.

This victory highlighted a crucial aspect of disability advocacy – the ability to translate complex medical information into a language that decision-makers understand. United Foundation’s expertise in this area played a pivotal role in Hayley’s success. We managed to advocate for Hayley’s case to not just be heard, but be truly understood. United Foundation aims to help and advocate for individuals just like Hayley each day. To find out more about our free NDIS Access Service, get in contact with us today!