“Over the last 15 years I have been trying to send a message to people about Ms what it is and what it does. I call it the secret shifty disease that hides the truth…”
Category Archives: Stories
Michaela is a bubbly and motivated young woman, passionate about sharing her experience of SMA. Meet Michaela and see how she’s making a difference.
Caring for someone with complex support needs can be challenging. See how OnSide has been there for Garry and his family since day one. Read more.
Chris’ brother Paul has complex disability needs and it’s been a lot for Chris to manage over the years. Starting with OnSide has been life changing – see why.
After a bicycle accident, George came home in a wheelchair. He joined OnSide to gain more mobility and connect to the right services – here’s his story.
Meet Jessie – an active young man who recently moved into his first SDA apartment with the assistance of his Support Coordinator Wendy. Read more.
Meet Rachel – she has Cerebral palsy and moved into her very first apartment with the support of OnSide. This is her story of independence and change.
“I do believe we are all much more alike than we are different,”
Geoffrey’s story is one of creativity and compassion – see how writing poetry has become an important part of sharing his experience of schizophrenia.
“I’m not a statistic…”
In 2019, Shaye’s life changed in an instant, suffering four brain stem strokes within a 24-hour period. Her strong recovery continues to amaze her medical team.
“Without OnSide…we would not have known where to start…”
Paula is a dedicated mother with two sons that are OnSide customers. Both her children have ASD and Paula knew that her sons had not been getting the most out of their NDIS plans. “I initially engaged OnSide to access appropriate services including an OT for my middle son, a support worker to help with my three children and house cleaning assistance,” Paula tells us.
“I want to feel freedom…”
Bob has lived in SRS (Supported Residential Services) for more than 17 years, receiving full support. He was recently offered a place in aged care accommodation and public housing at the same time.
“There are two favourite things in my life. One is OnSide and one is my sister.”
Tracey has Downs Syndrome and until last year was active and outgoing, planning trips to Tasmania and taking spontaneous weekends away to Albury, Bendigo and Warrnambool with her sister Aileen who is her carer.
“The funding has made a big impact and made my dreams become a reality…”
Lynda engaged OnSide to help navigate her NDIS plan. ‘This is not something I had previously done,’ Lynda explains. ‘My last provider didn’t show me my plan or explain how to utilise funding to support my disability needs. Having support to understand everything and use the providers I need has been invaluable.’
“OnSide helps to guide me.”
Paul is lucky to be alive. As a super fit, 34 year professional, Paul showed none of the warning signs of someone likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury. In an instant, his whole world changed when he suffered a major stroke. Paul was in a coma for two weeks and endured four brain surgeries. Against all odds, he managed to wake up from his coma, only to find that the fight had just begun.