About me
Hi, I'm Matthew.
If there's one thing you'll quickly learn about me, it's that people often get fooled by what they see. I have a physical disability, and sometimes people make assumptions based on that before they've even met me. To be honest, I find it quite funny.
The reality is that I'm a go-getter. I'm positive, upbeat, ambitious, and determined. I've never been someone who sits back and lets life happen to me. I focus on what I can do rather than what I can't, and I don't believe there is much that can stop me when I put my mind to something.
I've worked in the NDIS industry for several years, but more importantly, I've lived it. Disability isn't something I read about in a textbook or learned about in a training course—it's my life. I understand the NDIS from both a professional and participant perspective, which means I know my stuff inside and out. I know what good support looks like, and I know what poor support looks like.
Like many people who have lived with a disability, I have experienced challenges, setbacks, frustrations, and difficult times. Those experiences have shaped who I am and have given me a strong appreciation for independence, dignity, respect, and the importance of having the right people around you.
One thing I want to be very clear about is that my disability is physical. I accept help when I need it, and I appreciate good support, but please don't confuse physical disability with a lack of intelligence, decision-making ability, or independence. I am in charge of my own life, my own wellbeing, and my own decisions.
As you've probably noticed from the initials all over this website, this is my team. However, like any good leader, I have a great team around me. I work closely with my COS, and my mum has been an incredible source of support throughout my life. My family means everything to me. They are deeply involved in my life, they check in on me, spend time with me, support me, and know me better than almost anyone. They can tell what kind of day I'm having from a single word, a facial expression, or a glance.
When you work with me, you won't just be working with me—you'll be spending a lot of time around my family. They are accepting, gracious, supportive, and genuinely good people. Unless you cross my mum, and then you'll see why they call her the Hammer. Family is one of my highest priorities, and I am looking for support workers who understand and value that.
What I'm looking for in my Support Workers
I'm not looking for perfect people. I'm looking for good people. I value honesty, kindness, respect, reliability, and a willingness to learn. I don't expect anyone to know everything, and I certainly don't expect perfection. What I do expect is that you remain open-minded, communicate clearly, and are willing to listen and learn.
Please don't come into my life assuming you already know everything. Every participant is different, and every support relationship is different. The best support workers I've had are the ones who ask questions, communicate openly, and work with me rather than assuming they know what's best for me. Open and honest communication is essential. If something isn't working, let's talk about it. If you make a mistake, own it and we'll move forward. I will always try to be fair, reasonable, and respectful, and I expect the same in return.
Please speak to me and treat me with respect. In return, you'll receive exactly the same from me. My support team is made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds and life situations. Some have young families, some are studying, some are building careers, and some have significant commitments outside of work. I always try to be flexible and accommodating wherever possible, provided my support needs are met and I remain safe. I genuinely believe my current and former staff would tell you that I am fair, honest, and enjoyable to work with. I care about the people who support me, and I want my team members to succeed both professionally and personally.
What I'm interested in
Outside of day-to-day life, I am passionate about developing my career, expanding my professional skills, and contributing to positive change within the disability sector.
I'm naturally extroverted and thrive around people. I enjoy socialising, meeting new people, speaking with others, and getting involved in projects that make a difference. I'm not shy, and I'm certainly not afraid to stand in front of a crowd when there's something worth talking about.
I care deeply about improving the NDIS, the NDIA, and the disability community more broadly. Wherever possible, I want to use my experiences, knowledge, and voice to contribute to positive outcomes for people with disability.
If you'd like to learn more about my professional work and projects, visit:
- My YouTube Channel
- My Flying Wheelies Website
- My Digital Resume
My Dog, Moose
Finally, there is one very important member of the team you should know about.
Moose Hennig.
Moose is my fully certified Assistance Dog and my constant companion. He is a giant fluffy teddy bear who would happily spend most of his life sleeping if given the opportunity. However, despite appearances, he takes his job seriously and plays an important role in my independence and daily life. He loves attention, but when he's working, he's working. And if you really manage to annoy me, you may find yourself having to answer to the furry four-legged beast himself. While he looks like a giant fluff ball, he is more than capable of barking the house down if he thinks something requires his immediate attention.
If you'd like to learn more about Moose, you can his own personal page by clicking the link here