Luther meets goals through trial

A Busselton trailblazer is already experiencing the benefits of the WA National Disability Insurance Scheme My Way trial, which launched this week.

The trial in the Lower South West brings together the State Government’s My Way program with the Federal Government’s NDIS.

It has attracted an extra $100 million of funding, and includes people with psychosocial disability for the first time.

Busselton 21-year-old Luther Frost-Barnes, who has cerebral palsy, has been involved in the trial since the start of the year.

He worked with the Disability Services Commission to set life goals and was then allocated funding to help him achieve them.

Mum Lorraine Frost-Barnes said the flexibility of the scheme was particularly important.

“We manage it here and employ support people to come in and we make the choice, ” she said. “That’s an area that’s been very successful.”

Mr Frost-Barnes has never let his disability hold him back in life.

He works at the Good Guys, is a member of Toastmasters and Sea Shepherd and has a range of hobbies, including quad biking, rock climbing and surfing.

Mr Frost-Barnes said his next challenge was completing an Australian Institute of Fitness course to start a personal training business.

“I just think it would be a good job and I can help other people like me, ” he said.

Mrs Frost-Barnes said the message was: “You can do whatever you want in life”.