Jade Inspiring Journey Through Support, Strength and Self-Expression
With thanks to Shine Bright Disability, Umbo Online Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, Next Step Exercise Physiology & Rehab, and Interplay Connections.
Sammi.K is proud to provide Support Coordination for Jade and to continue walking alongside Vanessa and Jade as he thrives and transitions confidently into the adult world.
Before Jade’s world was filled with laughter, football games, and bright lights, life looked very different. Like many families navigating supports and services, Jade and his mum Vanessa were feeling confused and overwhelmed. There were limited supports, limited opportunities, and very little clarity. But that all changed with the introduction of the NDIS and the right support team by their side.
A New Beginning
When Jade received his first NDIS package, everything began to shift. Having Support Coordination in place transformed what once felt like chaos into clarity and direction. For the first time, Jade’s mum Vanessa, felt truly seen, heard, and supported. “Before the NDIS, we were on our own,” she reflects. “Now, we’re surrounded by people who genuinely care.”
One of the biggest changes was the introduction of consistent core supports, support coordination, and capacity-building supports. Jade now thrives in a nurturing environment that prioritises not only his needs but also his dreams. With this well-rounded foundation of care, Jade’s daily life is filled with structure, encouragement, and meaningful opportunities. His team, which Vanessa describes as “an extended family,” has given Jade the stability to grow, the freedom to explore, and the confidence to truly shine.
Building Confidence and Connection
Jade isn’t just supported he’s celebrated. Through respite with Jaki and her Shine Bright Disability team he’s developed valuable life skills like cooking, built friendships, and found his voice. “A few years ago, he couldn’t even explain what kind of day he had. Now he’s telling us all about it,” Vanessa shares with pride.
With the support of a dedicated team including Jade’s Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Exercise Physiologist, Counsellor, Support Coordinator, and support workers, Jade has been empowered to express himself openly and confidently. What was once a limited world is now filled with endless possibilities.
More Than Adventures - A Life of Inclusion
From riding camels to scuba diving in Surfers Paradise, from helicopter rides in Cairns to exploring Sydney’s Luna Park and Zoo, Jade has done more in his young life than many dream of. He’s also been to the snow, bathed in hot springs, gone fishing, and even hiked and camped in nature.
It’s not just about the fun, it’s about feeling included, valued, and part of something bigger. Jade’s journey is proof that the right supports make all the difference.
Sports, Stars, and So Many Achievements
Jade is a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm. He’s a sports lover through and through winning awards in football and basketball, swimming with the Special Olympics at 7:30am before school, and even becoming the local footy club’s much loved waterboy.
He's met Shane Jacobson, received gifts and calls, he’s posed for photos with Joel Selwood, proudly worn Cole Pierce’s medals, and dreams of Ryan his Exercise Physiologist being his Olympic coach.
He’s also volunteered at the Discovery Centre, worked at Jack’s Crystal, and performed in concerts alongside mainstream students through Performing Arts with Dillmac.
Strength in Community
What makes Jade’s story truly special is the people around him. Vanessa his fierce, devoted mum has become a warrior of knowledge and advocacy. With the help of Sammi.K Support Coordination, she’s been able to enjoy parenting again: “I can actually be a mum now,” she says. “I don’t have to be the OT, the case manager, the everything.”
And Jade? He continues to bloom. He has a best friend who idolises him, hosts movie nights, discos, and birthday parties, and has a room decked out with sensory toys, LED lights, and a smart TV he chats with.
From chewing shirts to using a homemade sensory bandana, every challenge has been met with creativity, love, and support. Even budgets are managed by Sammi.K Support Coordination with care, ensuring every opportunity is within reach.
A Bright Future
Jade still faces meltdowns and moments of frustration, but now he’s equipped with tools, people, and confidence to move through them. He understands that while there may be things he can’t do, there are so many more things he can and will do.
With the continued support of his team and the strong foundations built over the years, Jade is now preparing for independent living in the not-so-distant future, another incredible milestone on his journey toward independence and self-confidence.
Vanessa puts it best: “In the beginning, I felt lost. But now, I feel blessed. We’re no longer surviving, we’re thriving.”
Jade is, without a doubt, a shining light in his warmth, energy, and spirit leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. Thanks to the support of those who believe in him, Jade isn’t just thriving he’s inspiring everyone around him.
Images from Shine Bright Disability.