sport, leisure, travel
Daniel (left and below) has realised his
aspirations to travel independently.
at the beach and body surf. This
is something we have never been
able to achieve, even at the pool in
Cairns,” she said.
“Daniel is a much happier young
man since he’s been on his holidays
as he now has something to talk
about with his family. He comes home
MORE
THAN
full of cheer and is happier and more
talkative than I have ever seen him.”
FUN
His speech therapist has also
noticed a difference as Daniel has
many new experiences to share, and
these have been integrated into his
sessions using the Leisure Options
The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme
(NDIS) means more people with disability can achieve their
goals through supported travel, according to disability travel
specialists Leisure Options.
B
Travelling independently has
made a stark difference to Daniel’s
overall confidence and he now
happily goes to a regular disco that
he previously didn’t want to attend.
efore the NDIS was
One of Daniel’s NDIS goals was
Leisure Options owner Gary Elliott
introduced, a lack of money ‘to get out more and socialise with said supported holidays offer a lot
meant Daniel had never been people other than his family’. more than just fun for travellers with
able to travel independently. Daniel is
By utilising some of Daniel’s NDIS
disability.
the oldest of five boys and his mother funding to pay for his care hours, believed that he lacked confidence along with money from his savings, provider, the company offers
and “experienced a sense of loss at he could finally realise his aspiration tours that allow travellers to work
being left behind as he wasn’t out to travel independently and socialise towards achieving goals such as
there like his brothers, having his own outside his family. With help from his greater independence, improved
holidays, creating his own memories support coordinator, Daniel booked confidence, community engagement,
and exploring the world”. with Leisure Options on a group tour socialisation and development of
to the Yarra Ranges. Daniel’s initial life skills in a safe and inclusive
tour was such a success that he then environment,” he said.
enthusiastically joined the Beach and
Bay Getaway.
Daniel’s mother has been
“We find that people are more
likely to try new experiences or move
out of their comfort zone when away
on holiday and supported by our
in her son. kind, enthusiastic and friendly staff.”
Leisure Options is an award-
this holiday was to see that the winning tourism business operating
tour leaders were actually able to since 1994.
convince Daniel to get into the water
sport, leisure, travel
“As a registered NDIS service
astounded with the positive changes
“The biggest bonus for us on
44
holiday photo album.
www.leisureoptions.com.au
linkonline.com.au