During a meeting with her Local Area Coordinator, Melonie Harpham paused for a moment, and said “Wow, I can hear a motorcycle coming up the road!”
Melonie realised the sounds many people take for granted – footsteps, birds chirping, even traffic noise – she was now hearing all at once for the first time since she was five years old.
Melonie said her experience with the Brotherhood NDIS Local Area Coordination service was life-changing.
She had been hard of hearing since she was six years old and over time had become profoundly deaf, however still had some hearing.
When she met with Local Area Coordinator, Sandra for her NDIS planning meeting, she explained she had avoided wearing hearing aids as she felt they had not worked well for her, and now it was becoming harder to communicate with hearing friends and work colleagues.
But technology had evolved since Melonie was younger and she was now open to using a hearing aid. Sandra recommended she register with Australian Hearing Services, as there were a range of options on offer. Within two weeks, Melonie’s NDIS plan was approved and she had her hearing aid fitted.
“I’m so grateful for my experience with the NDIS, as well as for my Local Area Coordinator Sandra, who provided expert advice and support throughout the process,” Melonie said.
Now, Melonie can communicate better with hearing work colleagues and friends, and feels an increased connection with others.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence is the local Partner in the Community in the delivery of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) across the North East Melbourne, Hume Moreland, Bayside Peninsula, Western Melbourne and Brimbank Melton areas.
FEB
2019