Jason

Jason’s injuries

In 2017, Jason sustained a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle accident. He also sustained other injuries, including multiple fractures, and experiences chronic pain.

Jason’s goals

One of the key areas a NIISQ Support Planner can assist is through goal setting with participants and their families. Jason had a clear vision for his future post-injury, and his goals included contributing to his community and establishing his farm stay, ‘Stones Throw Away’. Here, Jason created a space where people could connect with nature and farm animals.

As an extrovert with a love for conversation, Jason found his focus on tourism to be a natural fit. “Once I bought this place, I had a yearning to use animals to benefit people. It’s such a beautiful place for people to come and stay here. They love coming to see the animals, like Bonnie and Clyde [Jason’s mischievous goats]. There’s just so much joy,” Jason shared.

Therapy dog, Bruce, has also become an integral part of Jason’s life. “A mate of mine, I contacted him about getting a dog I could use as a therapy dog. Bruce is now my best mate. He comes everywhere with me,” Jason said.

Jason’s partner, Emma, also plays a significant role in their farm stay. Her gentle treatment of their resident cows allows guests to bottle-feed them, adding to the unique experience.

Jason’s farm has already had a positive impact on the community. He shared, “I actually had a brain injury community group visit, they brought eight brain injury survivors from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and they loved it. Watching them feed the animals… seeing their smiles… that makes me happy.”

While Jason’s speech has improved significantly since his accident, he hopes to improve further so he can share his experiences. “I want to use my story to help others,” he said.

Jason and NIISQ

Jason credits the NIISQ Agency for helping him regain his independence. We assisted him in regaining his driver’s licence, as well as obtaining his heavy rigid truck licence. “Getting my licence back gave me my freedom to get out and about. That gave me independence. The support that they [the NIISQ Agency] provide is remarkable,” he acknowledged.

Jason’s Support Planner, Becky, also emphasised the importance of goal setting: “When we hear about goal setting, it can sound intimidating or perhaps irrelevant for some participants. However, having that conversation is so crucial for Support Planners. We get to find out what’s important for our participants. For Jason, that’s clearly giving back to the community and living life,” she said.

Optimism and gratitude

Jason believes in maintaining a positive outlook and being grateful. “With a brain injury, your first thought is negative. So, it comes back to staying positive and having things to be grateful for,” he said.