Jason wants to see all young people out of nursing homes. 73410 Picture: VANESSA CHIRCOP
By Vanessa Chircop
JASON Anderson understands why it’s easy for people to turn a blind eye at those living with disabilities, because before he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) it was the last thing on his mind.
At aged 24, Jason was carefree, a car enthusiast, young husband and father of four-month-old Jessie – he was also diagnosed with MS.
Jason describes the progression of his disease as a very slow decline.
The shock of the disease and its progression placed stress on his marriage, but Jason said they tried to make it work.
They had another child, Bailey, and Jason became a stay-at-home dad while his wife worked and became his carer.
After 12 years, Jason says that the marriage succumbed to the pressure and the couple separated with Jason almost ending up in a nursing home.
Luckily a spot opened up at a facilitated living facility in Williamstown, and though it is not the most ideal living situation – Jason believes he is one of the lucky ones.
“I can get up and go out when I want and go to bed when I want,” he said.
As an ambassador for the Building Better Lives campaign, Jason is working to improve the lives of those with disabilities by speaking out against placing young people in nursing homes and is working hard to finding his own place.
“It’s a long drawn out process,” he said.
His children, who are now 16 and 14, live in Upwey and are unable to stay with him where he lives now.
If he had his own place they could spend the weekend instead of just a few hours, and Jason believes this would dramatically improve his quality of life.
“It really comes down to funding.”
“I’m also doing some work with the NDIS (Nation Disability Insurance Scheme).”
Jason believes the NDIS is key to improving the quality of life of young people living with disabilities.
“If the NDIS had existed when I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I would not have had to wait and save up for home renovations or equipment.”
“What this scheme would mean for me now is that I would be more independent, I could choose where to live, who I live with, and also have a place where my kids could stay over — that would mean everything to me.”
