Independence Through Innovation: How Tunstall's Smart Technology Empowers NDIS Participants
For visual artist Tommy D, creativity isn't just a passion—it's a calling. As the founder of Mix the Art Studio and an accomplished muralist whose work has been featured in the Brisbane Street Art Festival, Tommy exemplifies how artistic talent and determination can flourish despite health challenges.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), about 21.4% of Australians (5.5 million people) have a disability that significantly impacts their social interaction, employment opportunities, and well-being. With the right support, however, people with disabilities can be as productive as the general population and lead independent lives—just like Tommy.
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Tommy relies on Tunstall's Gem5 Watch—a cellular-enabled device that provides 24/7 monitoring and emergency assistance. Unlike traditional medical alarms, this sleek, wearable technology offers advanced features including automatic fall detection, precise GPS location tracking, and SOS alerts that connect directly to Tunstall's Brisbane-based monitoring centre.
"I was initially born with cerebral palsy and attention deficit hyperactive disorder, but since 2018 I have functional neurological disorder and dissociated seizures," Tommy explains.
"Whenever you have a fall or you need duress assistance, you can push the button or activate the alarm, and it will contact the 24-hour Tunstall Monitoring Service for assistance," Tommy shares.
This technology has proven invaluable on multiple occasions, including a concerning incident while waiting for a bus in Brisbane's city centre.
"One time I was in the city waiting for a bus and didn't feel quite right. I had a seizure episode there. At that time, I was using the Gem4 Pendant," Tommy recalls. "After that, I had my Gem5 watch with fall detection activated and I had a one-hour seizure, and they were able to render assistance very quickly."
While the emergency response capabilities are crucial, the true value of Tunstall's Connected Care solutions extends far beyond crisis situations. For Tommy and many other NDIS participants, this technology provides the confidence to live independently and pursue their passions.
This sense of security enabled Tommy to undertake ambitious projects like his "Queen Nala" mural—a massive 2.5 by 3.5-metre artwork created over 12 days with support from his NDIS plan.
"It was a really big milestone within my creative practice," Tommy says with pride.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is an initiative by the Australian government that funds eligible people with disability to access reasonable and necessary support. It currently supports over 500,000 Australians with permanent and significant disabilities.
To be eligible for NDIS funding, you must:
Be aged between 9 and 65
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
Be living in Australia
Have a disability caused by a permanent impairment
Need support to complete daily life activities or reduce future need for support
If you think you or your loved one is eligible, you can contact your local NDIS Office or local NDIS partner to inquire about support and eligibility. Alternatively, call 1800 800 110 to request the NDIS Access Request Form.
The relationship between Tommy and Tunstall exemplifies the person-centred approach that defines quality Connected Care. The monitoring centre staff know Tommy by name, understand his specific needs, and can even provide practical information like battery status during check-in calls.
"You have to be honest with yourself and say if I'm having a bad day, what are the products or services that I need?" Tommy reflects. "For me, they have been very helpful through the general administration and their call centre to support me in the way I need to, and my family. It's a very empowering service to utilise."
Living with a disability presents unique challenges, particularly for those at high risk of falls due to mobility, balance, or cognitive impairment. Without immediate care, individuals may experience aggravated symptoms or injuries that worsen their quality of life.
With personal alarms like the Gem4 Pendant and Gem5 Watch, people with disabilities can ensure quick medical attention in case of an emergency. These devices feature:
Automatic fall detection to alert emergency services without user intervention
Precise GPS location tracking to help responders locate the wearer quickly
Two-way communication through built-in speakers for hands-free conversation
24/7 monitoring by Tunstall's professional response team
Tommy's story demonstrates how the right combination of support, determination, and technology can create a foundation for independence and achievement. By providing reliable monitoring and emergency response, Tunstall's Connected Care solutions offer more than just safety—they deliver the confidence to pursue dreams, express creativity, and live life on one's own terms.
"For me, Tunstall Healthcare has been very helpful through the general administration and their call centre to support me in the way I need and my family. It's a very empowering service to utilise," notes Tommy.
Explore our NDIS-supported products and services today: https://www.tunstallhealthcare.com.au/ndis