EASY READ GUIDE | STEADY GUIDE

Using the NDIS in Regional Queensland: A Simple Guide for Toowoomba and the Western Downs

Written by Jenny Mathers | Support Coordinator and Carer Advocate

What is in this article

Central Takeaway: We help families in country towns find therapists and use their NDIS plans with ease.

1. The problem in regional towns: Why finding support in country areas is hard.
2. The Provider Pulse guide: How we share information about available therapists.
3. How Steady Guide helps: Why we limit our work to 20 people at a time.
4. Looking at the whole person: Why we look at your life, not just a form.
5. Our honest rules: How we keep your personal details safe.
6. Words that are hard to understand: Simple definitions of NDIS terms.

Living in country areas like Tara, Chinchilla, and Miles can be hard. Many people have NDIS funding in their plans.

More than 1 in 3 people in small regional towns cannot find a therapist. The money stays in the plan because no local workers are available.

Waiting for long periods causes stress for families and carers.

We make a free monthly list called the Provider Pulse. It shows which therapists have open spots for new participants. Find an occupational therapist in Toowoomba who is free to work with you.

The list helps families find speech paths, physios, and occupational therapists.

We always give you at least 3 choices of workers so you can decide who you want.

Jenny Mathers has studied psychology and worked in NDIS planning for over 5 years.

Jenny has also been a family carer for over 40 years. She knows how hard it is to get help.

Jenny only works with 20 participants at one time. This means she has time to give you good support.

New NDIS laws try to measure your disability using a simple form.

We know that a form cannot show your real life. We look at your home, your family, and your town.

We use a simple 7-step checklist to help you explain what you need to the NDIS.

Your NDIS records are locked away on safe computer programs. We never share your details without your permission.

Support Coordinator: A person who helps you find and use the supports in your NDIS plan.

Section 100: A part of the NDIS law that lets you ask for a review of a decision you do not agree with.

Functional Capacity Assessment: A detailed report by a therapist explaining how you manage daily tasks.