ABC Central Victoria

Topic: People With Disability

Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 2:43 pm

Joshua Ruff was on Gardening Australia for his garden design.

In short:

A gardener who was on TV got help from the NDIS after speaking out.

Joshua Ruff has a muscle disease and manages his own care.

What's next?

Mr. Ruff can manage his care for six more months.

Joshua Ruff got a temporary reprieve from the NDIS after speaking out.

Joshua Ruff has muscular dystrophy and lives on a farm.

He has managed his NDIS funds since 2017 with family help.

His family got approval to be his support workers.

Last weekend, Mr. Ruff made a video about the NDIS.

He said there was no warning or assessment.

The video got a lot of views and support.

The NDIS let Mr. Ruff manage his care for six months.

The NDIS was concerned about Mr. Ruff's high-intensity needs.

They think he needs care from qualified workers.

Mr. Ruff's sister said the extension is welcome but not enough.

She said Mr. Ruff still has a fight ahead.

Joshua Ruff was on Gardening Australia in 2025.

His support team is trained to manage his care.

They can understand his needs very well.

Mr. Ruff has been managing his NDIS plan since 2017.

The case shows a bigger issue with the NDIS.

The NDIS should visit participants to understand their needs.

They make decisions without knowing the person.

Mr. Ruff got help from his local MP, Lisa Chesters.

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Lisa Chesters said the NDIS makes decisions independently.

The NDIS usually doesn't pay family members for support.

The temporary reprieve doesn't solve Mr. Ruff's long-term care issue.

ABC Central Vic — local news in your inbox

Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 2:43 pm

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