Working alongside HenderCare and the NDIA, Nick has just finished a mammoth home modification project to his house, which we are excited to share with you very soon!
But for today, we would like to introduce Nick and his backstory as an advocate.
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Nick Schumi. I have worked in the disability sector for many years, mostly in youth and peer education. I am now working in international development and training.
Where did your passion for advocacy stem from?
I wanted to work with the community because I knew how hard it was to have my voice heard, especially as a young person. I chose to concentrate on the youth space early on because I felt as though people would have better outcomes the earlier we get good skills into people.
What are your hopes for the disability space? What do you hope to see improve?
I hope that the constant changes within the NDIS slow down soon. So that the average person can understand the best way to use it to live their best life. I believe that the constant changes are confusing and making the scheme way less affective.
As a leader within the disability sector, do you have plans to further teach the wider community about disability?
I have always been passionate about housing and technology that people can use to be independent. I intend on using my home to showcase what is possible for people to live the way they want and with who they want.
Home Modification Project:
Nick’s home was recently transformed through modifications designed to enhance accessibility and independence.
Rachel, a HenderCare Occupational Therapist, worked with Nick to complete a Home Modification Assessment of his house. After reviewing Nick’s functional requirements, she made key recommendations that supported his current and future needs. Rachel then helped design the modifications and worked with the builders and Nick to ensure that all changes were suitable.
As a wheelchair user, the renovations included automation accessibility to doors, fan and light automation, an accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower, and a custom-designed kitchen layout to accommodate his mobility needs.
These changes make it easier and more comfortable for Nick to navigate his home and empower him to maintain his independence and quality of life. The modifications reflect the importance of creating environments that support the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
Nick hopes to share his home modification journey with the wider community so that people can see what is possible and prove that just because housing modifications are primarily for accessibility, it doesn’t mean that they can’t have a sense of style!
We thank Nick for taking the time to talk to us and encourage you all to watch this space as we will have more content on his Home Modification journey!
If you would like to connect with Nick, you can reach out to him on LinkedIn.
