Disability Supports for Queer Artist

Our friend who wishes to remain anonymous is chronically ill and has been mostly unable to leave their home for over 2 years. There is no cure, no treatment and virtually no medical system support provided for one of their conditions. The high daily support needs of this condition impacts negatively on their function and their ability to independently manage their other conditions. They have been ill for 14 years but over the last few years, they have experienced a higher need for support. Their condition worsens with exertion, both mental and physical, past their capacity. They don't have secure paid support or any family support to get daily tasks done at home. The Disability Support Payment that they receive was not increased to meet the impact of Covid-19. With additional health and cleanliness precautions to keep themselves well, everyday costs have risen significantly.

After 5 failed applications to the NDIS and three appeals to review the decision, they are still trying. There have been delays in many of their applications due to advocates errors in submission. Application number 6 will still take over 8 weeks to be assessed once it is submitted, but they are waiting on an assessment for more supporting evidence and may not see any funds for months still after that time. They have an Advocate through Anglicare and have contacted Disability Advocacy SA for support to go to the tribunal to dispute the NDIS review, but have not been contacted in a month. They have also engaged with members of parliament to help, but this is not allowed until 3 months has passed with each application.

They wish to remain anonymous as to lower the amount of stress, while managing their conditions. They are a freelance, cross-disciplinary artist that focus on community, collaborating with other disabled, queer and trans artists. They are unable to work regularly due to lack of accessible work and arts projects. Many disabled people do creative work due to the flexibility and ability to work from home. The fact that their support needs are not being met, makes it extremely difficult to practice their art. They also are impacted socially as they cannot leave the home more than a few hours a week.

Here’s what we need!

MONEY! They have no savings now, they need immediate relief to pay for their carer and immediate support needs. The goal amount is to cover daily support for a 12 week period.

Accessing the NDIS....

It's a tricky system to navigate when you're first starting out. Multiple applications may get rejected before an application is finally granted. Even then funds may not become available for months. The NDIS can be inconsistent in who it accepts or rejects. People with the same condition may or may not receive NDIS funding. Currently under 10% of disabled people have been successful in their applications to access the NDIS (wwda.org.au). Once they submit their application, it will take around 8 weeks until someone looks at it. If successful, they could still be waiting months until funding is available but they need funding to survive and have their support needs met immediately.

More and more often we are seeing disadvantaged people in our community turn to their own support networks to fill in the gaps left by the system. It would mean a lot if you could support us by donating or sharing this campaign.

Please consider donating. You will make a significant difference to this person's life. Every donation is appreciated, it all adds up!

Thank you