NDIS win for Queensland woman and seizure alert dog

UPDATE FEBRUARY 12, 2025:

A woman with a debilitating condition has had a major funding win after her support assistance dog was initially knocked back for NDIS support.

For seven years, Dani Stevens' seizure alert dog Baloo was by her side, barking three to five minutes before she experienced a fit so she had time to lie down, get safe and let it pass.

The NDIS recognised Baloo as part of Stevens' care, providing funding for her training and upkeep.

But when it was time for Baloo to retire, the scheme claimed it would not pay for her new assistance dog, Nina.

Less than two weeks on from our first story, the NDIS has backflipped on the call.

"We got funding for Nina!" Stevens told A Current Affair.

"We think it's a combination of A Current Affair, the community and our federal member."

Watch the full video in the player above.

ORIGINAL STORY FEBRUARY 1 2025:

Living with uncontrolled seizures caused by refractory epilepsy, Queensland woman Dani Stevens considers her furry friend Baloo her lifesaver.

The assistance dog can sense chemical changes in Dani's body when she's about to have a seizure, so she can lie down and find somewhere safe.

Dani says she cannot imagine life without Baloo, but at 10-years-old, he is ready to retire.

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So Dani's mum Kerri recently reapplied for funding for a new support dog for her daughter.

The cost of Dani's new four-legged friend, Nina, was at least 10 times cheaper than organising carers for her, so the family presumed the NDIS approval would be straightforward.

Instead, they have been gripped in a battle that defies logic, makes no economic sense and could end up costing their daughter her life.

Watch the full video in the player above.