Working with Leap in! “life-changing,” says artist Kerry Frost.

Kerry Frost is a successful artist who lives and creates in Brisbane but that hasn’t always been her story.

Kerry was born with vision impairment and told at the age of 17 that she would eventually have only 10% vision. At 42, Kerry’s vision dropped from 25% to 10%, leaving her legally blind.

She had to retire from her busy and rewarding career as the administrator of a women’s refuge. It was a dark time for Kerry, and she experienced depression and alcoholism while adjusting to life with a permanent disability.

A visit to the local library was a significant step in Kerry’s recovery. She signed up for a free craft class and left with three very ordinary handmade Christmas cards. It sparked her creative side and she spent the next few years making and selling cards at local markets.

One thing led to another, and Kerry spent four years learning to paint at a local community centre. She has now overcome her addictive behaviour and become a successful artist. Kerry’s art went on front covers of calendars and diaries sold Australia wide, helping raise funds for Vision Australia. She has also donated from exhibition sales to the Fred Hollows Foundation.

[Image description: Kerry holding one of her acrylic paintings]

Life before and after Leap in!

Kerry was looking for a plan manager to help maximise her NDIS funding when she discovered Leap in!

“I just got lucky. I was Googling and came across Leap in! They had a lot of positive reviews, so I decided to give them a go,” said Kerry.

“Using Leap in! has changed my life and given me more confidence to navigate my disability because there is always a helpful and informed person at the end of the phone to answer my questions. The Leap in! team must be extremely well trained because they have been able to answer every question I’ve thrown at them.”

Kerry appreciates being able to contact Leap in! by phone instead of having to do everything online.

“It makes it so much easier to have my questions answered quickly and effectively. Recently I needed to buy a walker. I called Leap in! and they put me in touch with a supplier in my area. It was so easy,” she said.

“I’ve been able to access services and buy mobility aids that I didn’t even know were available. Leap in! has been incredible; they are really knowledgeable and can tell me what I can and can’t have approved as part of my budget.

“Leap in! are so efficient. My invoices are paid quickly and they don’t muck me around,” said Kerry.

Kerry is so happy with Leap in! that she encourages other NDIS participants to join.

“A close friend was having so much trouble with another provider. I had been singing the praises of the team at Leap in! so she gave them a call. She has found them to be extremely helpful and responsive.”

“Their customer service is faultless. Leap in! has enhanced my life because I know I can rely on them. I now have more confidence to navigate through my disability.”

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