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Autumn 2020 Newsletter

From the EO

This is a challenging time for all of us, especially for the people who are feeling vulnerable and isolated. We are working hard to ensure that everyone, including staff and clients remain safe while at the same time we continue to advocate for people with disability. Ensuring the health and safety of all Victorians and New South Welshmen during this period will require care, compassion and cooperation between organisations.

RDAS is committed to playing its part. While most of our staff are working from home, we will continue to work and focus on the rights of people with disability.

I understand that this is a stressful time, and that people are anxious. However, it is now even more important that people are being kind to themselves and others. Information will continue to change daily for the foreseeable future as we both deal with, and confront Covid-19. We will get through it by working together, supporting each other and listening to accurate expert advice. In this edition we have lots of Information about COVID 19.

Regards, Martin Butcher

2019 RDAS AGM - Wagga Wagga venue

Sue Maxwell was farewellee

Debbie Yensch was RDAS Office Manager. Sadly, Debbie passed away suddenly over Easter. The staff and Board were saddened to hear the distressing news.

Although Debbie was with us for only a short time, she was warm and welcoming to everyone who called in at Wodonga office. We will never forget Debbie’s home made morning teas or birthday cake to celebrate special occasions. We all send our condolences to Debbie’s family, especially husband Peter and daughter Grace. We are thinking of you.

Our offices are closed but

PLEASE NOTE

RDAS is still open !

Contact

Intake Advocacy

1800 250 292

Justice Advocacy Service

1300 665 908

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The right way to wash your hands Staying safe from Coronavirus

Corona virus is a virus that is making people sick in Australia and overseas.

Coronavirus is also called COVID–19.

People who have Corona virus may Have a cough Have a fever Be short of breath

Most people with Corona virus will feel unwell but will not need to go to hospital. Some people will need to go to hospital.

How is Corona virus spread Corona virus can spread through the air from a cough or a sneeze. Corona virus can spread when you touch things that someone with Corona virus has touched. It can go from your hands into your body when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

How to avoid Corona virus • Wash your hands with soap and warm

water often. • If you cannot wash your hands then

use hand sanitiser. • Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and

nose. • Try to wash or sanitise your hands

before you do. • Stay away from people who are sick. • Tell your friends, family and support

people to stay home if they are sick.

Social distancing Social distancing helps stop the Coronavirus spreading between people.

Social distancing means • Do not shake hands, hug or kiss. • Try to keep 2 big steps between you

and other people. • Avoid big crowds and busy places. • Go to the shops when they are not

busy. Use public transport at quiet times.

This info guide is funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency. Extracted from https://cid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Staying-safe-from-Coronavirus-council-intellectual-disability-Mar2020.pd

Extracted from https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/how-to-wash-hands-coronavirus-outbreak-chronic-illness/

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COVID SAFE APP

The Australian Government has made an app called COVIDSafe. An app is something you use on your mobile phone. You do not have to use the app. It is your choice. The COVIDSafe app can help everyone during Corona virus. Corona virus is also called COVID-19. The app can: Help the government to let you know if

you have been near someone with COVID19

Help you tell the health workers if you

have COVID-19. It helps everyone to be more aware.

You can download the app on your mobile phone for free. Go to the Apple store or Google Play to download the app on your phone How the COVIDSafe app works COVIDSafe uses Bluetooth. Bluetooth is on your smart phone. It shares information with other people’s phones. COVIDSafe makes a record of the people that you come into close contact with. The other people must have the app too. Your information is private. The only people who can see the information on the COVIDSafe app are health workers. If we all download the app we may be able to leave our homes more often and see our friends.

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Do you need to go to the Shops?

We have been told we can only go out shopping

if we NEED something. We all need food, so

we can go to the supermarket.

If you need medication you NEED to go to the

chemist

What do we need to do to keep safe at home?

Before you leave, home make a shopping list.

This will mean you know what you need and

spend less time in the shop.

Wash your hands well before you leave

home.

When you get to the supermarket wipe down the

handle of the trolley or basket/s .

Keep your distance: Keep a trolley distance

between you and other people.

When waiting for service, stand on the markers

on the floor.

Use paywave and card rather than cash.

When you get home wash your hands again.

Wipe down the things we buy before you put

them away,

This information is from CID NSW website For more videos and Fact sheets on COVID 19 go to www,cid.org.au

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Tips to Stay physical Utility bills

While self-isolation measures are necessary, our bodies and minds still need exercise to function well, prevent weight gain and keep our spirits up during these challenging times.

The Conversation, CC BY-ND

Extracted from https://theconversation.com/how-to-stay-fit-and-active-at-home-during-the-coronavirus-self-isolation-134044

A media release on the 1

st of

April 2020, from the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, advised “No household can be disconnected if they are struggling to pay their bills, provided they’ve contacted their energy company – so it’s vital people know their rights, reach out to their retailer and work out a plan”. You can read Minister D’Ambrosio’s release https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/know-your-rights-and-keep-your-lights-on/ The Essential Services Commission and Government are focusing on the payment difficulty framework (energy) and hardship policies (water) as well as family violence obligations, to ensure that retailers are delivering consistent support to their customers. Due to the nature of the current situation there may be further changes in this area. We encourage you to contact us if a client is having issues with their energy or water retailer so that you can focus on other issues that they may be experiencing. We have initiated two changes in the way we will work with you at

this time.

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Self Advocacy Support (SAS) Corner

What SAS members have to say about the current Self-Isolation ? Although group meetings have been cancelled, the RDAS Advocate continues maintaining contact by phone with SAS members and it has been made clear to them that they are able to contact RDAS to get support by phone. Most members agreed that the self-isolation raised their sense of responsibility and ability to learn to prioritise what is important to them. Some members reported that were experiencing positive change in their lives and their family environment as they stay at home longer. Here are some of the comments: Spent more time with my boy-friend Have saved money from not going to the pub

Started doing a scrap book Learnt good hygiene practice Practiced making scones Rang old friends Caught up with my reading Doing more crosswords and puzzles Enjoying the extra money from the

government Learnt skyping Saving a lot of money; not buying take-away Eating healthier food; cooking my own meals. Despite the above, members are looking forward to getting back to ‘Normal’ times and attending monthly meetings. Below are photos from the meetings and social activities held prior to Self-isolation starting.

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RDAS’ New staff members Farewell Ruth

I am about to retire which seems to promote reflection on what I have done and of course all the things that I want to do.

I first started with DAIS before it became RDAS (Regional Disability Advocacy Service) in January 2015 as an advocate based in Wodonga. I then became the Team Leader of Advocacy in December 2015. In 2016 I had Access Support added to my portfolio. In July 2017 my responsibilities expanded to include the Wagga Wagga office and then later the Griffith office. The advocacy service environment has changed significantly in such a small time and I have appreciated being part of that.

Working here has been an absolute honour and privilege; because of the people I have worked with and those who I have worked for. The resilience and strength of the people I have worked with to resolve issues has been inspiring. We all have days when we feel sorry for ourselves but when you are confronted with the challenges and obstacles that people with disAbility have to contend with on a daily basis and the strength that they show to just keep going, my feelings of self-pity become minuscule and meaningless.

The world and our society has a long way to go to ensure that there is true inclusion and acceptance of difference but the voice is getting louder, so that one day everyone will hear that voice and Advocates will no longer be required. What a perfect world would that be!

I would like to thank RDAS for having me and wish everyone every success and happiness.

Regards, Ruth

NEW STAFF We welcome new staff to the RDAS team.

Rhiannon Last started at RDAS as an Advocacy Assistant but has now taken on the Office Manager role, If you ring RDAS chances are Rhiannon will answer the phone.

Paul McFadyen Paul is the new Manager Advocacy. Paul will oversee our advocacy work including systemic advocacy. Paul has worked as a Senior Engagement Officer with an Australian Government Agency. Paul is well connected with communities across the Riverina.

Stephen Harvey Stephen has joined the team as an Advocate in Griffith. Stephen has had extensive experience in education including facilitating people with diverse needs to access school.

Stephen has replaced Jacquie Ross who is taking on the role as a Support Coordinator with Plan and Connect.

Caitlin Read is an Advocate at the Wagga office. Caitlin’s role will be to support people who want to give evidence to the Disability Royal Commission.

Lynda Lane has joined the Justice Advocate team in Griffith.

Tanya Jones is a Justice Advocate in Wagga.

Lynda and Tanya join Brad to support volunteers and support people with cognitive disability who are in contact with the Justice system.

Caitlin, Tanya and Lynda all have similar experience/background in mental health, leading teams supporting and rehabilitating people as they recover from mental illness.

Regional Disability Advocacy Service provides an independent voice. The information contained in this newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views of the organisation as a whole or any of its funding bodies.

Contact RDAS

Toll free 1800 250 292

Email admin@rdas.org.au

Offices 132 Melbourne Road, Wodonga.

Suites 104-105, 1st Floor, Wollundry Chambers, 63-65 Johnston St. Wagga Wagga.

Mail PO Box 982, Wodonga VIC 3689.

Web www.rdas.org.au

If undeliverable return to PO Box 982 Wodonga VIC 3689

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