ID: Man sitting and facing the camera holding his pet dog.

For Malcolm Smith, independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone.

Instead, it means having the right support to live life on his own terms.

“There’s two types of independence,” Malcolm explains. ” Independence with help has been very much appreciated.”

Today, Malcolm lives independently with his dog, Bo, in a home that’s filled with routine, purpose and the confidence to enjoy everyday life. It’s a life that wasn’t possible before accessing support through the NDIS.

Living independently – with the right support

For Malcolm, support isn’t about someone taking over. It’s about having someone there when he needs it.

Whether it’s preparing healthy meals, attending medical appointments, getting out into the community or trying something new, having trusted support workers has helped Malcolm maintain his independence while building new skills and confidence.

“I’ve been able to cook better meals,” he says. “Just having someone with me when I need it to take me to doctor’s appointments and take me around if I want to go somewhere.”

His week is now full of activities that bring connection and enjoyment. Mondays are spent at an art group. Wednesdays are for cooking. Thursdays include water aerobics with one of his support workers, while Fridays are another opportunity to prepare a hearty meal. Monthly group dinners and social outings provide even more chances to connect with others, and weekends are often spent catching up with family.

These are things Malcolm says simply weren’t part of his life before.

“Yes,” he says. “I couldn’t do these things before.”

From isolation to connection

Before receiving NDIS supports, Malcolm spent many years living with chronic migraines that significantly impacted his daily life.

“For about 10 years I was mainly alone, very isolated,” he says. “Because of the pain… I wasn’t doing any of that. I wasn’t happy.”

The combination of physical health challenges and isolation meant everyday activities became difficult, and social connection was limited.

Today, life looks very different.

Support through the NDIS has helped Malcolm access community activities, maintain his home with the assistance of a cleaner, and receive equipment that has made a real difference to his independence.

A new mobility scooter has made shopping easier and given him the freedom to take Bo for walks.

“My new gopher has been extremely helpful with taking Bo on his walks,” Malcolm says. “And now I have something that helps me go to the shops better.”

It’s these practical supports that have opened the door to greater independence and a more connected life.

Being yourself

When asked what the right support means to him, Malcolm’s answer is simple.

“The right support is the ability to be yourself,” he says.

“To have someone help you be yourself and help you do your daily activities. And someone who pushes you – only a tiny little bit,” he says. “I don’t like to be pushed too much, only a tiny bit to do something different.”

That balance of encouragement and respect has helped Malcolm grow in confidence while remaining in control of his own life.

A parent’s perspective

For Malcolm’s mum, Carolyn, watching her son’s confidence grow has been one of the greatest rewards.

“As a parent I am so relieved to have the supports in place through the NDIS because it has taken so much pressure off me,” she says.

After raising Malcolm and his sister on her own following the loss of Malcolm’s father when he was young, Carolyn spent many years as his primary support.

Today, she sees a very different Malcolm.

“It’s been fantastic as a parent to see Malcolm be able to grow through the NDIS and My Ability Pathway,” she says.

“The people who come in and support him are really caring and kind people, and I think that’s really important.”

Perhaps the biggest change has been Malcolm’s confidence.

“He was very scared in the beginning of having people coming into his home,” Carolyn recalls. “Now he’s really happy to have people come in. In the past he would never open the door, wouldn’t answer his telephone, and now to see his confidence grow… I’m just proud of the person he has become.”

Independence made possible

Malcolm’s story is a reminder that independence looks different for everyone.

Sometimes, independence means asking for help. It means having people around who encourage you, respect your choices and provide the support you need to live the life you want.

With the right supports through the NDIS, Malcolm has gone from years of isolation to a life filled with connection, routine, confidence and choice.

And for Malcolm, that’s exactly what independence means.