Well-known Kyneton local Ross Kilner had wanted to visit the Gold Coast for many years, but barriers stood in the way.
He was unsure if people would understand his unique style of communication and whether or not this might affect his sense of choice and control.
Ross uses both speech and a communication app on his iPad called Proloquo2go to express himself.
With a wicked sense of humour and a passion for life, Ross found renewed confidence when he met support worker Johnny Tonnizo from Distinctive Options.
Like Ross, Johnny is an adventurer and the pair soon started planning for Ross’s dream holiday.
Aside from the cost of a holiday, Ross needed to know that support was available throughout the entire trip, as having cerebral palsy can create certain challenges.
Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder that affects a person’s movement, muscle tone or posture.
Having already built a great rapport, Ross trusted Johnny to help him every step of the way – from packing the suitcase and boarding the plane, to enjoying fine dining on the waterfront and taking a first ever ride on a rollercoaster.
If he ever felt homesick, he called his family and made sure they were looking after his beloved cats.
Ross says the best part of the holiday was “going to Movie World, checking out the Gold Coast nightlife and making new friends”.
Johnny noticed how the experience affected Ross’s self-confidence.
“Ross achieved enormous confidence throughout the five days of his holiday,” Johnny said.
“He became more confident eating in public and started to enjoy the experience by ordering his meal independently and bantering with the wait staff.
“On the last two nights he chose fine dining restaurants for dinner where he was treated like a celebrity.”
Distinctive Options is a registered travel provider and a member of Independent Travel Group of Australia, making future holidays for NDIS participants easy to enjoy. Interstate and overseas holidays are quickly getting booked out.
When asked if he would like to take another holiday either to Queensland or somewhere else, Ross gave a quick thumbs up and said “back to Queensland or even abroad!”
