Using NDIS to build a strong future

Twice a week, Christian Hansen makes a threehour round trip from his home in Melton to Arts Project, an organisation in Melbourne’s inner north that supports artists with intellectual disability.

Christian’s main focus is painting but he loves many other art forms too. Going to Arts Project allows him to connect with other artists and develop his visual arts career.

A year ago, going out regularly would have been very difficult for him. With the support he now gets through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) he is gaining more confidence and connecting with people who can provide employment opportunities. “I feel a lot better now,” he says.

Working with our Melton Local Area Coordination team, Christian developed his NDIS plan to improve his financial aid and other supports. This has been key in helping him travel to Arts Project each week. “I wouldn’t be able to go without the funding,” he says. “I want to be seen, not judged.” Christian is also studying digital illustration at RMIT University and hopes to illustrate a children’s book. Having a place to practise art gives him access to quality art supplies, teachers, job prospects and the chance to exhibit and sell his work. “The other people at Arts Project are like me,”
he says. “If I didn’t go there, I wouldn’t be sociable. I would just be a homebody.”

The Brotherhood of St Laurence works in 21 Local Government Areas across greater Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula, delivering NDIS Local Area Coordination and Early Childhood Early Intervention services. We support people with disability, their families and carers to navigate the NDIS and access community and mainstream services.