Two people from two completely different backgrounds, connected on Mable, thinking differently about their support. This is the story of Jaydon, a plan-managed NDIS participant, and Raechel, his independent support worker via Mable.

Jaydon received his first NDIS plan 4 months ago. Prior to this, he received support from only his mother and felt stressed “because it was all on her”. He couldn’t get out in the community because of his broken wheelchair and felt too overwhelmed to even go outside. After receiving his funding, Jaydon started the process of building his personalised team of supports. This is when he signed up to Mable after a recommendation from his support coordinator at Plan Partners.

Jaydon said that he has not only gained more independence from his NDIS funding by using Mable, but he also has been able to continue his small business of building planter boxes, part of his passion for DIY projects. He then sells them at a local community market once a month with help from his independent support workers and family.

Raechel, a grandmother of 2 who recently retired from the Army, joined Mable as an independent support worker to provide support to Jaydon. She was introduced to him by another support worker. Raechel said, “being on Mable allows me to pick and choose my days and hours that I work to fit around other commitments”.

During a typical session, Raechel goes for a walk with Jaydon, they grab a milkshake, take a train into the city, go to the gym and to the pool for his hydrotherapy. “Raechel and I always laugh, we like to tell each other jokes all the time. She knows me really well and understands my needs. I like that most about Raechel” said Jaydon.

Jaydon found that, in his experience, the best part of using Mable is because it allows him to have a “Meet and Greet” with a potential independent support worker. He can then decide whether that person is suited to his needs. “I like the choice and control” said Jaydon.

With an NDIS plan, you can choose how you’d like to manage your funding. Jaydon chose to be plan-managed so he has more choice and control over how he uses his NDIS funding. Jaydon also gets help from his support coordinator, Courtney at Plan Partners, who introduced him to Mable.

She has helped him to access new support, such as independent support workers through Mable, gain more confidence and meet new people. Courtney said “My favourite part of the role is helping people to bring their NDIS plan to life. Helping them access support they require to meet their goals and get their independence.”

To learn more about NDIS plan management and how you could make the switch, please click here.

Ready to start your own support story? With Mable, you can connect with independent support workers in your local community who meet your needs, interests and suit your lifestyle, start your search for support today.