Angelo

Attempting to understand the complexities of both the NDIS and a rapidly changing disability is something no one should have to go through. But for Sydney local Angelo, this was reality.

A way out of this joint

When you lose your mobility, it preys on you that you’ll lose respect and dignity too. I’d always been an out and about bloke, a leader at work and amongst my friends. I’d be there for them and then get up, give them a hug and walk myself off home.

When paralytic polio finally caught up with me, I really bucked against a wheelchair. I thought, ‘No way, you’re not gonna get me in that!’ But my resistance made life really difficult. I couldn’t get out and do normal everyday things for myself or with the family.

My wife Deb was often onto me about it and finally one day, I just said to myself, ‘Hey mate, what are you doing?’ So I did get in the wheelchair and I know now that I should have given in earlier. I was so much happier once I did. I got my taste for independence back and I realised there was just one small thing still standing in my way. That small thing was a step at my front door!

And I’ve got a smile on my face. I’m not like this struggling, cranky old man anymore. It’s amazing because I get so many hellos in the wheelchair now. It’s like ‘Hey mate! Hello mate!

Living My Way is always asking me, ‘What else do you think would make your life better?’ And I remember saying one time, ‘I want to be able to get out of this joint myself without any help.’ Before long, the wheels were turning and the NDIS had agreed to our plan to eliminate the step and build direct ramp access. Mission complete and life changing. Now I can get out and about myself. I can see a movie on my own, do more with the kids.

“If I could offer one word of advice to anyone in the same situation as me, I’d say, ‘Don’t wait like I did. Use whatever will help you keep getting out there.”

- Angelo, Member

Angelo & Deb (Angelo’s Wife)

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Empowering people to get on with life.

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Menai Head Office

Ground Floor, 44-60 Allison
Crescent, Menai NSW 2234

Seven Hills Office

Unit 10, 197 Prospect Hwy,
Seven Hills NSW 2147

Mailing Address

PO Box 67, Menai Central,
NSW 2234

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Acknowledgement of Country

Living My Way acknowledges the Dharawal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. Living My Way pays respect to Elders past and present and extends this respect to other Aboriginal people visiting our website.

Areas We Serve

We primarily offer disability support services across Sydney – including Western Sydney, the Sutherland Shire and St George – Wollongong City Council regions, and Central West NSW

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