Sea, Surf & Life with SDA

Last year, I moved back to the Gold Coast from Brisbane after securing a new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) apartment to be closer to the sea, my family and old friends. 

Moving back to where I grew up has changed my outlook on life and perspective on the area.

I’ve had new experiences, such as surfing at Currumbin with Disabled Surfers Association of Australia, which is mainly volunteer-based. It felt nice to be a part of the community. 

My friend, Marlena, recently offered me her power beach wheelchair, which I cannot wait to use. When I was younger (before NDIS was around), my parents found a manual beach wheelchair that could go into the water, and it would float around with someone holding on to it. Some of my happiest memories were made in that beach wheelchair.

The beach chair makes it easier for people in wheelchairs to enjoy going on the sand, but they cannot get wet because it’s electric. It was very difficult for her to initially get a beach chair, as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) said it is a ‘luxury item’.

In Marlena’s words, “I believe every person deserves to experience nature — to feel the sun, the wind, the ocean — not just watch it from a distance. Access to the beach — to nature — to moments like this — should never be a privilege. It’s a human right.”

Even though my body struggles to function regularly, with the right Assistive Technology (AT) and support, I can experience things that I wouldn’t have thought were possible anymore – like going to the beach. It can be time-consuming and difficult to find the right equipment, but when you do, it can make a big difference to your life. 

Being able to be in the ocean again felt freeing and so natural to me. I’ve missed the sand and the water. I didn’t realise what I was missing until I came back, it feels like home.

Surfing and being back in the sea were the highlights of my summer this year, and I can’t wait to do it again when it starts up in October. 

Despite recent announcements about the NDIS that have made the future of the Scheme uncertain, the NDIS and SDA have made these experiences possible for me.

The location of my SDA has made accessing the sea a lot easier. The NDIS has helped to minimise social barriers in everyday life and activities.    

Being back on the Gold Coast has changed my mindset, and I really want to enjoy the simple pleasures of life by the ocean with well-suited AT.

About The Author

Jamie-Lee loves to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability; her lived experience of growing up with a disability motivates her advocacy.

Having studied journalism at university, she uses her writing skills to her advantage.

She hopes to help other people with a disability along their journey, encouraging vulnerable people to find their voice. She believes that diversity will pave the way to equality for all.

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