Humans of Nextt: Support in Action

In the spotlight with Stone: Supporting independence, dignity and connection every day.

For Shi Wang (better known by the nickname Stone), becoming a Disability Support Worker wasn’t part of his original plan, it was something he discovered through life experience. 

After more than 35 years working as a chef and running his own business, Stone was drawn to the disability sector by something simple but powerful: witnessing the impact of care. 

Since joining Nextt in 2021, he says this purpose has only grown stronger. As a valued member of the Adelaide Nextt team, Stone says it’s the small, everyday moments – and the long-term relationships – that make his work at Nextt meaningful. 

Below, Stone shares what quality support looks like in practice at Nextt, through real moments that highlight connection, flexibility and the impact of truly understanding each person. 

Putting people first: Choice, dignity and respect 

Stone’s approach to support begins with a simple principle: every client should feel heard, respected and in control of their own life. 

Rather than leading decisions, he focuses on listening and creating space for clients to express their preferences. He takes time to understand what matters to each individual and ensures they are actively involved in shaping their day-to-day support. 

“I always put myself in their shoes. I think, if I was in this situation, what would I want? I support them, but I don’t control them. They make the decisions and I assist,” he explains. 

This approach extends to even the smallest interactions. By offering choices and encouraging participation in everyday activities, Stone helps build confidence while reinforcing each person’s independence and dignity. 

Small changes, big impact 

Stone believes that meaningful outcomes often come from being willing to adjust and try a different approach. 

He shares a moment where he supported one of his clients to reconnect with his mother after a period of difficulty. Over time, their relationship had become strained, and the participant would often withdraw during visits, making it difficult for them to spend meaningful time together. 

Rather than continuing with a routine that wasn’t working, Stone took a step back to understand what might make the interaction feel more natural and less pressured. He recognised that the setting itself could be contributing to the tension. 

Instead of structured visits in the home, he suggested meeting out in the community in a more relaxed, familiar environment where the client could feel at ease. 

“We met like normal people, not like a formal visit. When we did that, everything changed. He was more relaxed, and his mum was very happy. 

What followed was a noticeable shift. The client became more open, the interaction felt more genuine, and the relationship began to rebuild in a way that felt comfortable for both of them,” Stone says. 

Building independence, one step at a time 

A key part of Stone’s role at Nextt is supporting clients with daily activities, a key component of NDIS Core Supports that helps people navigate everyday life with greater independence.  

For Stone, supporting independence is not about quick wins, it’s about consistency over time. 

“You can’t make things happen in one day. You need patience, practice and persistence. Slowly, you will see the change,” Stone says. 

To achieve this, Stone says focuses on breaking goals into small, achievable steps and supporting clients to build routines at their own pace. Through repetition and encouragement, clients gradually gain confidence in their abilities. 

This steady, supportive approach helps people develop skills that contribute to greater independence in everyday life, something Stone finds deeply rewarding. 

Building trust with families 

Alongside supporting clients, Stone places strong importance on building trust with their families. 

He says that consistency, communication and genuine care all play a role in creating confidence, particularly in moments where clients may feel vulnerable or overwhelmed. 

Stone recalls a time when he was supporting a client during a dental appointment, a situation that can sometimes be stressful and unfamiliar. By staying close and providing reassurance, he was able to help the client feel safe and supported throughout the experience. 

“He was very anxious and didn’t want to cooperate at first. So, I stayed with him, made him feel calm and safe, just like we were at home. After that, he relaxed, and the dentist could continue,” Stone says. 

This is the heart of what support looks like at Nextt: showing up with patience, building trust and supporting people through everyday experiences that matter, both at home and in the community. 

A role that goes beyond support  

After five years with Nextt, Stone describes his work as more than just a job. “It’s a role grounded in connection, purpose and impact,” he says. 

Through his work across daily living support, community access and relationship building, Stone plays a key role in helping clients live more independently and confidently within their communities. 

“Nextt is like my second home. Even when I go on holiday, I miss my clients. I feel connected to them,” he says. 

Now in his 60s, he says the role has brought renewed energy and perspective, reinforcing the value of inclusion, respect and continuous learning. 

For Stone, the most meaningful part of his work is seeing progress over time. 

“When I see people become more independent and more confident, that makes me happy. That’s why I do this work.” 

It’s this combination of personalised care, consistency and genuine connection that reflects what quality service looks like at Nextt: creating the foundation for participants to build skills, confidence and independence in their everyday lives. 

Interested in learning more about how Nextt can support you or your loved one to live more independently and confidently every day? 

Learn more about our Core Supports services here or get in touch with our team here.