OT Australia and NIISQ work together to realise Oronzo’s culinary passion
NIISQ
Participation, inclusion and independence – the themes of this year’s OT Week perfectly align with the progress made by NIISQ participant Oronzo as he continues to adjust and thrive in his goals and passions post-accident, thanks to the support of his occupational therapist (OT) Danielle.
Oronzo sustained a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle accident earlier this year, and was referred into the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (NIISQ). Oronzo is now benefitting from the support and expertise of his OT Danielle, from Bridge to Best.
“Life-changing injuries like Oronzo’s understandably take time to adjust,” NIISQ Chief Executive Officer Neil Singleton said.
![](https://otaus.com.au/files/images/OT%20Week/2021/Stories/Oronzo2.png)
..As an OT I feel so honoured to be able to work closely with Oronzo and other individuals to find independence and participate in activities they love to do"
“Occupational therapists provide a valuable service in supporting NIISQ participants through their journey, helping them to settle back into their homes and integrate back into their communities.”
Oronzo has been working hard with his OT Danielle and OT assistants Jon and Alida to return to his love of making fresh pasta and wine from home, and even some ricotta cheese making for ‘special occasions’. By working with him and understanding his passions, Danielle also realised Oronzo is a keen gardener. Jon and Alida have been helping him achieve his goal of taking up gardening again, particularly working on his vegetable garden and fruit trees.
![](https://otaus.com.au/files/images/OT%20Week/2021/Stories/Oronzo1.png)
“Oronzo’s goal is to have the fruit and vegetable garden ready for planting in time for the best season,” Danielle said.
“As part of this, we are completing a few sessions with Oronzo to practically support him and help him gain confidence in tasks that he is able to do himself. The simple things in life can be taken for granted but are so important to live a meaningful life.
“As an OT I feel so honoured to be able to work closely with Oronzo and other individuals to find independence and participate in activities they love to do.”
NIISQ participants are eligible to receive treatment, care and support after sustaining serious personal injuries in motor vehicle accidents in Queensland. The NIISQ Agency works closely with occupational therapists, providing funding and support which helps to contribute to a successful rehabilitation journey and increases participant independence.
The NIISQ Agency is pleased to work closely with OTs, recognising their expertise and skill in providing bespoke support for each participant. With no serious injury alike in its severity and rehabilitation, the tailored support plans provided to each participant by the NIISQ Agency rely on the professional experience and dedication that NIISQ registered providers give to each of their clients.
NIISQ
The National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (NIISQ) is a no-fault scheme that provides necessary and reasonable lifetime treatment, care and support to those who sustain eligible serious personal injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Queensland, on or after 1 July 2016.
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