inding Her Voice: A Young Nepali Woman’s NDIS Success Story



1,900+ Disabled Young Woman In Wheelchair Enjoying Outdoors Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock


An Interview with Sita: How the NDIS Empowered a Young Woman from Nepal

By Niki Gent, Family and Child Consultants

When Sita arrived in Adelaide from Nepal two years ago, she brought with her courage, ambition—and a hidden struggle. Living with cerebral palsy in a new country was daunting, but through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), she discovered supports that transformed her life. I’m Niki Gent, and today I’m delighted to share Sita’s story in her own words.

Getting to Know Sita

Niki: Thanks for sitting down with me, Sita. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you came to Australia?
Sita: Kia ora, Niki! I grew up in a small village near Pokhara, Nepal. My family always encouraged me to study—but with cerebral palsy, access to therapy and accessible education was limited. In 2023, I received a scholarship to study social work at the University of Adelaide. It was a dream come true, but I knew I’d face both language and accessibility barriers.

Navigating the NDIS for the First Time

Niki: What was your first impression of the NDIS when you heard about it?
Sita: Honestly, it felt overwhelming. I had heard about disability support in Nepal, but Australia’s system seemed so structured—there were plans, budgets, service providers, reviews… I wasn’t sure where to start, especially since English is my second language.

Niki: That’s totally understandable. How did you find your first step?
Sita: My university’s student support officer connected me with Family and Child Consultants. You helped me register for an NDIS Access Request and arrange an Auslan interpreter for the planning meeting. Having someone to explain the process in Nepali and English made all the difference.

Crafting a Plan That Worked

Niki: Walk me through your first NDIS planning meeting. What supports did you ask for?
Sita:

  1. Therapy Services: I needed ongoing physiotherapy and occupational therapy to manage my mobility and build independence.

  2. Assistive Technology: A customised motorised wheelchair and voice-activated software for my laptop—typing with one hand was very slow.

  3. Interpreter Services: Funding for a Nepali-English interpreter at all medical and academic appointments.

  4. Community Access: Support to attend social groups and cultural events—so I wouldn’t feel isolated.

Niki: And how did the NDIS Planner respond?
Sita: They listened carefully and said, “Yes, these make sense for your goals.” My plan was approved with a yearly budget that covered six physiotherapy sessions per month, a state-of-the-art wheelchair, and 50 hours of interpreting support.

Putting Supports into Action

Niki: What happened once your plan was in place?
Sita:

  • Physio & OT: I met my therapist, Emma, at the local community centre. With her guidance, I regained strength in my core and learned new strategies for transfers and posture.

  • Wheelchair Delivery: The supplier customised my wheelchair seat and joystick position—now I navigate campus without help.

  • Interpreting: I book interpreters through your team whenever I have a doctor’s visit or group tutorial. It’s priceless to fully understand medical advice or class discussions.

  • Cultural Connection: I joined a Nepali community dance group that your support coordinator arranged funding for. It felt amazing to share my culture and meet friends who “get” both worlds.

Realising Goals and Looking Ahead

Niki: Where are you now, compared to when you first applied?
Sita:

  • Academic Success: I’m on track to graduate with my Bachelor of Social Work next year—something I never thought possible back home.

  • Independent Living: I moved into a shared apartment near campus, and I manage daily tasks—like cooking and laundry—using adaptive aids we sourced through the NDIS.

  • Advocacy & Employment: I’ve started volunteering at a local disability advocacy group. My dream is to support migrant and refugee clients navigate the NDIS, just as I was supported.

Niki: That’s inspiring, Sita. What advice would you give to other migrants from Nepal (or elsewhere) thinking about the NDIS?
Sita:

  1. Reach Out Early: Don’t wait—connect with community organisations or your university’s disability services.

  2. Use Interpretive Support: It’s your right to have clear communication; interpreters ensure you’re heard.

  3. Be Bold with Goals: The NDIS is about empowering you—ask for the supports that will let you thrive.

Final Thoughts

Sita’s journey reminds us that when a culturally responsive approach meets a flexible support scheme, incredible transformations happen. The NDIS isn’t just paperwork and budgets—it’s a bridge to inclusion, independence and community connection for people of all backgrounds.

If you or someone you know needs support navigating the NDIS in a language or cultural context that feels comfortable, Family and Child Consultants is here to help. Together, we’ll make sure your story is heard—and your goals become reality.

— End of Interview


About the Author,

Niki has worked in Child Protection, Family Law, Juvenile Justice and NDIS for over 20 years.  Having worked extensively with families, government departments, not for profits and privately owned large and small businesses, Niki understands the needs of families, the pressures of compliance, quality and sustainability, and the need to work smart, be resilient, and know who we work for and who we work with.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Diverse Communities: Celebrating Unity and Diversity

Image
  Diverse Communities: Celebrating Unity and Diversity In today’s world, diversity is not just something to acknowledge—it is something to celebrate, nurture, and embrace. At Family and Child Consultants, we believe that strong communities are built on inclusion, respect, and meaningful connections between people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. What Does “Diverse Communities” Mean? A diverse community brings together individuals from different cultures, languages, abilities, and life experiences. It is a space where differences are not only accepted but valued. When people feel seen, heard, and respected, they are more likely to thrive—personally, socially, and emotionally. For families and individuals accessing NDIS supports, diversity also means recognising unique needs and tailoring services to ensure everyone has equal opportunities to participate in everyday life. The Power of Unity Unity does not mean sameness. Instead, it means coming together while respectin...
Read more

What’s Wrong with the NDIS? Why So Many Diverse Australians Miss Out

Image
  The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is meant to provide life-changing support for people with disabilities in Australia. Yet, many people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and other minority groups are still missing out. Why? 1. The System Is Confusing and Overwhelming Navigating the NDIS can feel like learning a new language. The paperwork, jargon, and processes are daunting—especially for families who don’t speak English as a first language or who aren’t familiar with government systems. Many give up before they even start. 2. Lack of Cultural Safety and Representation NDIS planners and providers often lack cultural awareness and don’t reflect the communities they serve. This can make diverse families feel judged, misunderstood, or invisible. When people don’t see themselves represented, trust breaks down. 3. Stigma and Misinformation In some cultures, disability is still hidden or misun...
Read more

Listening to Lived Experience Blog

Image
  One of the most powerful ways to build inclusive communities is through listening. People with disabilities bring valuable lived experience that can help communities better understand barriers, opportunities and solutions. However, these voices are not always heard. The Value of Lived Experience Lived experience offers insights that cannot always be found in research or policy. People who navigate accessibility challenges every day understand what works, what doesn’t and what changes could make the greatest difference. When communities listen to these experiences, they gain a deeper understanding of how to create environments that are truly inclusive. “Nothing About Us Without Us” A widely recognised principle within disability advocacy is the idea that decisions affecting people with disabilities should involve those who have lived experience. This approach recognises that individuals are experts in their own experiences. Including these perspectives helps ensure policies, progr...
Read more