Earl's story

'I am a 68-year-old American man who was just like everyone else until I had a stroke 15 years ago and my world was turned upside down.

Now I can only use one arm and I have severe communication difficulties. I know what I want to say but the words just don't come out right.

I was living in a nursing home which I hated, but since getting on the NDIS I have been able to get so much more support from my therapists, my support workers, my NDIS support coordinator, my plan manager and I am now living in the community. I still dream of being able to live on my own again one day.

I love being able to go out and do the things that I want to do with my support worker, the things that make me happy. And I love watching American NRL Football .... Go Dolphins!

Earl with furniture he made

Earl's woodwork project

I enjoy woodwork and puzzles and I don't let only being able to use hand hold me back.

My support worker Michele helped me to sand back and restore a BBQ that will now be enjoyed by everyone, and this makes me happy "Oh boy"! And I go to Men's Shed every Thursday with Jay my support worker who helps me with my woodwork projects. Most of the furniture in my bedroom I have made myself.

Life changed drastically after my stroke, but I can still do things that I want to do, it just takes me longer to get there.'