Clarke is a 23-year-old lifelong Canberran with a moderate intellectual disability.

Her life is filled with friends, hobbies and her favorite colour, purple. Like many other people in their early twenties, she is itching for independence and adventure, beaming with excitement for what her future may hold.

"I want to move out of home, have a job, support myself - and mum can just have a rest from us kids," she said.

While Clarke is becoming more independent she needs support to achieve her goals.

Much of her support has come from the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which she signed on to in 2017.

She uses her funding to attend Capital Region Community Services, which provides classes and activities for people with disabilities.

"It's helping me a lot. It's been a tough challenge from high school to college, then finishing college," she said.

"My friends are in the same classes with me. We hang out, get coffee, go to cafes sit and chat, go to movies, go out for dinners"

During COVID-19 restrictions, many of the activities and classes run by Capital Region Community Services were cancelled.

"[It was] pretty lonely... it was really hard for me and my friends. "

She and her friends beat the loneliness by catching up on Zoom and Houseparty and virtual dance classes run by the Capital Region Community Services.

Clarke has completed a hospitality certificate while at school, and she has had work experience at Big W, the Labor Club, and cafes.

"[I worked at a cafe] in Belconnen, [it was] really good experience, the customers were nice, I served coffee, did cleaning."

Clarke says she requires clear instructions at work. She is seeking help from disability employment agencies and considering the help of an NDIS support worker for work.

Clarke wants employers to see and respect the value of disabled workers.

"I just want to be treated like anybody, treated nice, treated fairly," she said.

Not only has the NDIS assisted Toby, it has also been beneficial for her mother Carolynne who was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.

The network of friends and supporters from the NDIS and Capital Region Community Services meant that Carolynne was able to leave Toby and her two younger brothers at home when she left for surgery in Sydney.

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"I was away from home for two to three weeks," she said.

"Giving her the routine, giving her somewhere to go to where she knows she was safe, [and] hang out with friends, but also the support people there were checking on her and letting me know she was safe."

Carolynne recently found out that her condition has improved to the point where she only needs a checkup every six months.

"She's recovering really well," Toby said, putting her hand on her mother's shoulder.

Toby is excited for what her future will bring.

"I just want to get out in the world and express who I am as a human."