Scheme a benefit to thousands

Kwinana man Jake Baohm’s life changed in an instant when a bungled motocross stunt resulted in a severe spinal cord injury.

The 22-year-old was left wheelchair bound and unable to move his fingers after his 99kg dirt bike landed on his neck when he attempted a trail jump while riding in Rockingham bushland last July.

A year on and Mr Baohm will be one of up to 2700 Kwinana and Cockburn residents to benefit from the National Disability Insurance Scheme MyWay trial. Preparations for the 2015 trial were rolled out this month.

Department of Disability Services Commission Cockburn-Kwinana MyWay area manager Gavin Pitman said the program supported people with disability to develop highly individualised plans and a clear pathway to personal goals.

“This might include work, health, recreation, independent living or a break for families and carers,” he said.

“Each person is different, so each MyWay plan is different.”

Mr Baohm was already connected to the MyWay plan, launched by the State Government in 2012, and was transitioned into the new NDIS system.

Without the correct facilities at his home in Medina, Mr Baohm said he spent his weeks at Shenton Park Quadriplegic Centre to ensure he had physiotherapy and carer support, only returning home on weekends.

He said his MyWay goal was to return home, which requires building a modified room and a personal support carer to help with everyday tasks.

Mr Baohm’s mother Lesley said she did not know how she would have coped without the support from the MyWay team.

“We have been very fortunate,” she said “Everything just stops and you just have to try and put one foot in front of the other — MyWay have been a great help.”

Ms Baohm said MyWay was helping her make Jake’s return home a reality.

Unable to complete an apprenticeship as a motorbike mechanic, Jake now spends his time talking to teenagers about making smart choices through the Paraplegic Benefit Fund.

“All I can do is tell them to make wise choices — don’t get in the car with a drunk driver and don’t think you’re invincible,” he said.

Despite all he has been through Jake said he had not lost his passion for life.

“It was just a bad decision and I don’t look for sorry stories or anything, I just want people to be aware that it can happen,” he said.

NDIS MyWay

Visit www.disability.wa.gov.au and click on Am I Eligible?

Call 1800 996 214 to talk to a community engagement officer at the Disability Services Commission