After showing signs of developmental delays, Jack joined the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s Perth Hills trial site two years ago.
His parents Bree and David said they were grateful for the NDIS’s focus on early intervention.
“As first-time parents, we didn’t know which way to go,” Mrs Bloch said.
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READ NOW“We didn’t know what Jack needed or what he didn’t need. Having the NDIS there to help us develop an action plan then review it, to see if he had developed or if he needed extra help, was great.”
The couple said the range of registered therapists they could engage was huge.
“In the old system, contacts were limited and it’s hard to get in,” she said.
“But being a part of the NDIS, we actually got access to a lot of services, and we got to choose which one we wanted – Therapy Focus – and they were just fantastic.”
Mrs Bloch said Jack was now functioning at an age-appropriate level, allowing him to leave the NDIS plan.
“Jack is now in pre-|primary and doing really well,” she said.
“Thanks to regular speech and occupational therapies, he has skyrocketed ahead with his speech and writing and recognition skills and he’s up to speed with his motor skills.
“Jack’s teachers are |really happy with him too; being able to show them his NDIS plan on paper made a world of difference.
“They saw his plan and they’ve put activities in place to make sure he maintains where he needs to be.”
The couple said they would not hesitate to contact the NDIS, should Jack need help again.
“We thought we would have a much longer road ahead of us but it just goes to show early interventions do make an incredible difference in a child’s life,” Mrs Bloch said.
“We’re so grateful for the support we have received.
“Even though Jack has exited the NDIS, I’ve been reassured if we ever need help again, the scheme is always there and that is very reassuring.”