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Sam Braham and Australian Ninja Warrior

Taking Charge with Aiden

The best mistake I’ve made was no longer being ‘nice’ about my disability

AU G U S T 2017

I N T H I S I S S U E

Guide Dog Brogan catches 300th Flight

Welcome to Your Voice, Your ChoiceHi, and welcome to the Your Voice, Your Choice monthly newsletter from The Disability Trust. If you like what we are doing, or have any suggestions or feedback, contact us at sean@disabilitytrust.org.au.

Well it’s finally here, the NDIS has started in all areas of Australia. From 1 July 2017 the NDIS is now available to anyone in Australia. It will take a few years before everyone eligible for the NDIS has their own NDIS plan.

This month we look at Sam Braham’s Australian Ninja appearance, we look at Empower Golf and the things they are doing all over Australia, we hear how guide dog Brogan recently caught his 300th flight, and, as always, we have some excellent opinion articles and all the latest news about the NDIS.

“Your Voice, Your Choice” aims to provide the questions, and hopefully most of the answers,

that will keep you informed and able to use your voice to achieve your choice.

If there is a topic, issue, program, funding, article, event, or anything for people with disabilities, their families and carers, and people working in the sector, that we should know about, then contact us at info@disabilitytrust.org.au.

Editor: Sean O’Neill

The Disability Trust NDIS Services. Trust in Us.

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You can Trust us to provide the supports you need to live the life you choose!

The Disability Trust covers an area from South East Sydney, to South West Sydney, south through the NSW Southern Highlands, Goulburn, Queanbeyan and the ACT, Cooma and south east to Bega, and all along the Coast from Sydney to the Victorian border.

Make The Disability Trust your local NDIS provider.

Contact our Miranda office on 9540 3011, or email info@disabilitytrust.org.au.

Would you like to receive the Newsletter?Subscribe to the newsletter at www.disabilitytrust.org.au/newsletters

For printed copies contact The Disability Trust

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The newsletter is aimed at covering a wide variety of stories and issues across the disability sector. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of The Disability Trust. Should you have a story or information that you would like

included in the newsletter please contact the Editor, Sean O’Neill at sean@disabilitytrust.org.au.

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Melburnian Sam Bramham is no stranger to testing himself physically. The gold medal-winning former Paralympic swimmer has tackled many challenges throughout his life, including reality TV (yes, that was him on Big Brother in 2014).

Sam, who was born without the femur in his right leg, has won over new fans with his latest TV challenge – taking on the gruelling course on Australian Ninja Warrior. He talks to us about his time on the show, and his plans for the future.

What made you want to tackle Australian Ninja Warrior?

The initial want came from seeing a guy with one leg from the US doing it. Someone from the office sent me a YouTube clip and I wanted to do it, too. I always like to revel in new opportunities, if I don’t, I tend to get myself into some sort of trouble.

Ninja Warrior was a great way to give the new prosthetic leg a bashing and to see if my body can still hack being pushed to its limits. Ironically, it wasn’t the leg-focused obstacles that brought my elimination, it was an upper-body one.

How did you train?

I should have prepared more. I arrogantly believed that muscle memory from my swimming days would be the best benefit for me on the course, but I was very wrong. I focused on building muscle [at the gym]. I have had

two shoulder reconstructions, so it was important to get professional support. I definitely want to do it again next year, so I will be working on my rope grip.

What has the reaction been?

I have been really overwhelmed with the feedback. Of course, my immediate contact circle are giving me s— for falling off so early. But it has been great to hear that my participation has been inspiring people in some way. My partner, Rita, seems to be really impressed and we have dedicated ourselves to a fitness regime again – so people’s feedback, in turn, has inspired me. I do hope that does encourage the disability community to give stuff a crack, too. It’s a great way to build confidence and understand what their bodies can actually do. I think the negative stigma

that surrounds disability is disappearing and it’s because we are putting ourselves out there.

What are you up to at the moment?

Still chipping away at random things. I collect antique items and nostalgic marketing pieces and sell them within the collectors’ community. We are a strange bunch of people, but I like it. I am going back to training for a triathlon and a few swimming events coming up. My radio, speaking and commentary work takes up a lot of my time and keeps me out of trouble. My partner and I also want to open up an antique-styled wine bar soon, too.

For the rest of the article go to www.theweeklyreview.com.au/meet/sam-bramham-australian-ninja-warrior.

Sam Bramham and Australian Ninja Warrior

How gaining independence led a young man to love.

Like many, Brisbane couple Todd Winther and Kat Lambert’s love story began online.

She was drawn to his “punny charm”

when the pair began chatting through email two and a half years ago.

Today, now engaged to be married, they are taking nothing for granted.

“I never thought I would find somebody like her,” Mr Winther told TODAY show host Sylvia Jeffreys.

Born with cerebral palsy, Mr Winther has used a wheelchair for most of his

life, which has been defined by a lack of choice.

By 28, he was facing a future in aged care, until he was offered an apartment in a Youngcare complex at Sinnamon Park in Brisbane.

“Living in this complex is like winning the lottery. It gave me the ability to get out and about and contribute to my community, not just be at home,” he said.

The 28-year-old also works for the charity that is dedicated to finding and building homes for young people with high-care needs outside of aged care.

“Through meeting Todd, I have seen firsthand the difference that Youngcare has made to his life, and in turn to mine,” Ms Lambert said.

“If it wasn’t for Youngcare, I don’t think we’d be together.”

For the rest of the article go to www.9news.com.au/good-news/2017/07/18/10/51/love-story-man-with-disability-finds-love.

‘I never thought I’d find somebody like her’

Seventeen-year-old Aiden struggled with motivation in life and at school before Winds of Change.

“I would just give up on things that were too hard and I wasn’t much of a talker,” Aiden says, reflecting on his past self when we caught up with him six months after Winds of Change finished.

“Before, I was so reluctant to get things done. I used to say, ‘No, I’ll do it later, I’ll do it later,’ and I just didn’t do it.’”

Since he came on board the eight-week Sailors With Disabilities (SWD)Winds of Change program in late 2016, one of the biggest changes for Aiden is his new-found take-charge attitude. Although sailing is unpredictable, what

struck Aiden about his sailing experience is how he and what he felt on board.

“I felt in control on the boat. It’s good to feel in control of it because when you’re doing all the other things in life, you’re not,” he said. “And, in school, you get told what to do. But on the boat, you’re in control of it.”

Since Winds of Change, Aiden has felt more able to take charge in his own life. He’s one of a few students who chose to return and sail with SWD on

Sundays in winter, months after his program finished.

For the rest of the article go to www.sailorswithdisabilities.com/news/25230/taking-charge-with-aiden.

Taking Charge with Aiden

After years of sitting on the couch watching TV and playing X-Box, Jake is now working part-time at Outback Steakhouse thanks to the partnership they have with Workskills Disability Employment Service.

Jake had a number of barriers to employment including no previous work history and some anger issues that needed to be addressed. Workskills was able to refer Jake to counselling, and over time his attitude became more positive and he was ready for work.

The Outback Steakhouse and Workskills have a working relationship spanning several years, and have

always provided a supportive employment environment. The business worked alongside Workskills to customise a role that suited Jake’s strengths.

According to the Manager of the Outback Steakhouse, Lachlan Heffernan, Jake has become a valuable member of the team over the last 12 months.

“Jake is one of our biggest success stories. Hospitality can be quite a daunting environment to walk into. Jake has handled it really well and it was great to watch him become confident and come to work with a huge sense of purpose” explained Lachlan.

For employment assistance contact Workskills at info@skills.org.au.

Employment Success!

Dignity Of Risk allows young performers to push the boundaries

When a degenerative disease robbed Holly Craig of her eyesight, she gave up on her dreams of a career on stage.

She quit her Theatre Studies degree in Bathurst and moved back to Sydney.

“I thought that was the end of my performing career or my career in the theatre or doing anything creative,” she said.

Almost a decade later, Craig, now 27, is beginning to dream again, as she takes centre stage for a solo dance in a production at the Australian Theatre for Young People in Sydney.

“When I dance, it doesn’t matter how

much I weigh,” she said, “or that I have a disability.”

The stage floor for the production, Dignity of Risk, has been specially designed to allow Craig to feel her

way around.

“I can really only see light and dark,” she said. “I can see the lights but that’s about all.”

The play brings together actors from youth organisation Shopfront’s Harness ensemble — a group made up predominately of young actors with disabilities — and the Australian Theatre for Young People.

There is a point near the end of the play where the actors try to form a line based on who is most disabled.

In keeping with the rest of the production, the scene is both

humorous and confronting.

“I have mental illness,” Wendi Lanham says, shoving fellow actor Jake Pafumi further down the line.

“I’ve had mental illness,” Pafumi replies. “I’ve had anorexia,” he says, pushing himself back in front of Lanham.

By this stage, it’s unclear which of the 11 actors has a diagnosable disability, and this turns out to be the plays central message.

“I think there’s been a real comfort that we’ve found that regardless of ability we all feel a bit crappy sometimes and that it is hard to navigate through the world, especially as a young adult,” The plays director, Natalie Rose, said.

Each cast member shares intimate details of their anxieties, their fears, and their hopes.

“I feel that this show really represents Australia’s landscape,” Rose said.

Head-Toussaint, one of the actors, added: “Once you share things that you perceived as vulnerabilities, there’s like a weight taken off you and then instead of them holding you back you feel freed, and that freedom drives you forward.”

On his road to rebuilding after a life-changing accident, James had a

little dream to give the gift of golf to other people living with a disability. This dream led to the formation of Empower Golf. Just a few short years later, this year the Empower Golf team will run over 200 free clinics across every State and Territory in Australia.

Using golf as a rehabilitative and recreational activity, Empower Golf enhances the physical, psychological and social well-being of those living with disabilities. Through the game of golf, the clinics help to reintegrate people into the community.

Over the next 12 months Empower Golf will increase its presence to 30 facilities nationally. In conjunction with its success with golf, Empower is beginning to initiate its presence in other sports including swimming, kayaking, cycling, bushwalking and many more.

The ParaGolfer is an all-terrain wheelchair that raises the user into a standing position, to allow a

more conventional golf swing. The ParaGolfer is able to access most areas

of the golf course. Its low-pressure tyres and wide stance allow it to be used on all areas of the golf course (including greens and appropriately designed bunkers), and on the driving range and practice area.

For James, the ParaGolfer was the missing link to his return to the game he loved. You can try a ParaGolfer at any of our regular Come and Try Golf clinics.

Empower Golf are holding a FREE Come and Try golf clinics for people with disabilities all around Australia, including Wollongong, Fremantle and Sandhurst. For more information and to book go to www.empowergolf.com.au, email james.gribble@empowergolf.com.au or call 0466 825 044.

Empower Golf have also been recognised by SunSuper Dreams as a Better World finalist. However to win the final and progress to the grand final, Empower golf need you to vote for them at https://dreamsforabetterworld.com.au/finalist/236.

Empower Golf

Whats onThe NDIS has

landed everywhere in Australia!!

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is now available everywhere across Australia. From July 1st 2017 the NDIS has commenced in all parts of Australia.

If you have any questions about the NDIS please contact Sean at The Disability Trust at sean@disabilitytrust.org.au or phone 4255 3166.

Carers NSW is running Carers and the NDIS workshops across NSW to help anyone caring for a loved one with disability to understand more about the NDIS, what it is and what it means for carers. The two-day workshops are free to attend and run from 10.00am – 1.30pm (lunch is provided).

Go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/ndissdm for more details.

Carers NSW NDIS Courses

Some details have been released on the measures the Australian Bureau of Statistics will take to ensure all eligible Australians can have their say in the upcoming survey on same-sex marriage.

Eligible participants who cannot receive forms by post will be able to collect survey forms in capital cities and there will be services to help those with hearing and speech impairments.

People living overseas during the collection period, who are vision impaired, living in a residential aged care facility or living in very remote areas will have a paperless option.

“In these circumstances, only those eligible Australians will be able to request a secure access code so they can provide an anonymous survey response,” Mr Palmer said.

People with a disability that might affect their ability to participate have also been advised they can ask a trusted person to assist with the completion and return of their form.

For more information, visit the ABS website at www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/AMLPS+-+Participation.

Marriage Equality survey

My Choice Matters is a project of the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, and they work with people with all disabilities and their families.

They aim to support people to live life their way and get the most out of the NDIS.

They have a few projects with workshops around NSW including:

- Get More Skills - a workshop to practice speaking up and setting goals and getting ready for the NDIS.

- My Learning Matters Class – learn how to choose a service provider, build community connections, speak up and manage a budget.

- Become A Leader - a course that will help you be a leader in your life and in the community around you.

The Workshops are being held around NSW including Sydney, Nowra, Bega and Port Macquarie. For more information, and to book the workshops go to www.mychoicematters.org.au.

My Choice Matters

See the Possibilities The See the Possibilities campaign encourages employers and individuals to join the movement and explore the possibilities of employing people with disability.

It says to employers: “Get with the program, drop your fears, and consider employing a person with a disability.” Find out more on the See the Possibilities website at www.seethepossibilities.nsw.gov.au/home.

Mental Health Wellness Walk

ARAFMI is a non-government organisation who support carers of someone with mental health issues, and support the specific support needs of family members, in order to reduce the potential negative impact of the illness and promote mental health and well-being.

Each year Arafmi illawarra and Arafmi Hunter hold a Mental Health Wellness Walk (called Walk of Pride in Wollongong) through the streets of Wollongong and Newcastle to show their support in public.

They invite everyone to bring their bells, drums, whistles and make some noise as they march with our banners held high! Come and show your support for those who live with mental illness and their families.

Wollongong - 9.30am Thursday 12 October meet outside the IPAC Theatre, Burelli St, Wollongong at 9.30am, RSVP: 4254 1699.

Newcastle – 9.30am Saturday 28 October at Civic Park, King st, Newcastle, RSVP: 4961 2842.

Whats on

RALLY12:15pm Tuesday September 26 Crown St Mall, Wollongong

MY JOB COUNTS

The New South Wales Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) delivered their 2017 - 2018 Budget Briefing this week, with a $7 billion spend for the sector in the next financial year, an increase of $459 million (7.1%) in funding from the previous year’s budget.

The Department iterated a commitment to outcome-based objectives, aligning with the Premier’s and State priorities, which emphasize reducing risk and increased benefits to the community, including creating sustainable social housing and the NDIS transition.

In the 2017 - 18 Budget Highlights $3.4 billion has been allocated for

disability services. This includes $2 billion on accommodation and other supports for people with disability to assist them to live with dignity in their communities and promote choice and inclusion; $1.4 billion on supporting people with disability to participate socially and economically in their community and realise their potential; and $37 million capital expenditure to finance and establish new homes in the community for people who currently live in large residential centres.

For more details go to https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0003/374592/FACS_budget_summary_2016-17.pdf.

NSW FACS Budget 2017 - 18

Many people living with a disability, or who have suffered a serious injury or illness face challenges when trying to live in their own home. Modifications made to a patient’s home often make the difference between being able to stay in their own familiar environment and having to move into assisted living.

In early August, Royal Rehab partnered with Liz Ainsworth, a leading occupational therapist from Home Design for Living to offer a bathroom modifications workshop addressing this issue. The event was attended by occupational therapists from across NSW.

The workshop provided occupational therapists with design guidance for building bathrooms to suit the elderly or people with disabilities. Attendees focused on analysing case studies to get advice on different living solutions that can help people with a range of abilities remain at home.

Bathroom modifications workshop helps people

live at home

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) is celebrating their 50th birthday (and they don’t look a day over 21!) on Monday 4 September 2017 from 11am - 1 pm.

Morning tea will be held at multiple locations across Australia so that you don’t miss out on the fun! Enjoy delicious food, catch up with old friends, reminisce and meet new friends.

Locations of celebrations include Little Bay, multiple Sydney events, Tamworth, Mudgee, Alstonville, Wollongong, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide.

You may be eligible for reimbursement of your travel costs. For more information go to www.scia.org.au/50celebrations or call 1800 819 775.

SCIA Celebrates 50 years

The Disability Justice Project (DJP) is a two-year capacity building project, funded by ADHC (Ageing, Disability and Home Care).

It offers a range of free training courses, links to resources and support through Communities of Practice to disability service providers across NSW working with those who have cognitive disabilities and may have contact with the Justice System

The free one day course ‘Supporting Victims of Crime with Cognitive Disability’ will be held in 27 locations across NSW, starting on the 5th September. Go to https://training.disabilityjustice.edu.au/course/DJPVOC for more details.

The DJP has other courses, online courses and webinars, more details at www.disabilityjustice.edu.au.

Disability Justice Project

Nationally, more than 20,000 people with a disability are employed by a disability enterprise in supported employment. However, a case before the Fair Work Commission has potential to destroy disability enterprises. The

Fair Work Commission will hear the case in February 2018.

Show your support to help protect the jobs of workers with a disability by attending the My Job Counts Rally.

Disability rights activists have changed the face of your city

Guide dog Brogan catches record 300th flight

One of the country’s most frequent flyers doesn’t sit in first class when he travels.

He sleeps under a chair.

Brogan — who Guide Dog Australia believes is the country’s most-travelled guide dog — took to the skies earlier this year for the 300th time.

The loyal Labrador was accompanying his handler James Bennett to Alice Springs, to provide services to the blind and low-vision community.

“It’s a huge milestone and a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the degree of independence the dogs give us,” Mr Bennett said.

The event was marked by a special

cake made of meat and carrots, which was practically inhaled by Brogan within seconds.

“That’s a Labrador for you!” Mr Bennett said.

Brogan knows Sydney Airport better than most.

About 75 times a year, he guides Mr Bennett through check-in and security, before

finding the closest counter so they can be directed to the right gate.

He then helps the 70-year-old board, guiding him past the ticket desk and onto the plane.

It is a complex and lengthy process, but Paul Adrian from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT said it was one Brogan had been trained to handle.

“Our dogs are specially bred and raised … they take these sorts of things in their stride.”

For the rest of the article go to www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-17/guide-dog-brogan-catches-record-300th-flight/8715390.

Jeremy the DudJeremy the Dud is a short film (30 mins) partnership between Karingal St Laurence and Robot Army. Jeremy the Dud is intended to lift the lid on disability, and create substantial awareness in a meaningful and funny way.

Imagine a world where everyone has a disability, and those who don’t – described as ‘without speciality’ – are called ‘duds’. By flipping the world on its head, we can showcase people with a disability, and touch on issues of discrimination and disadvantage they face daily - while having a lot of fun along the way.

The trailer was released on Thursday 17 August and had an incredible 1 million views in 48 hours.

The short film will be launched in October, go to www.facebook.com/Jeremythedud for more information and to see the trailer.

ABC Radio National Breakfast program recently spoke to Liz Callaghan, CEO, of Palliative Care Australia about palliative care for people with disabilities.

Around one in five Australians live with a disability — and like the rest of the ageing population, they’ll require end of life care when they become ill.

But close attention and understanding of the palliative care needs of disabled people is sorely lacking. This has left a gap between the type of care received by those with a disability and those without.

So, what can be done?

Go to www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/gap-in-palliative-care-for-australians-with-a-disability/8833418 to listen or download the segment.

Gap in palliative care for Australians

with a disability

A new film Defiant Lives directed by Sarah Barton charts the history of disability rights activism around the world. Screening tonight in Hobart at the State Cinema, the film reveals just how much in our world has changed due to their work. Think of those raised bumps at traffic lights, the sounds and the ramped curbs, which wouldn’t be there without the efforts of activists.

The ABC Hobart breakfast show looked at this in mid-August,

download the podcast of the show at www.abc.net.au/radio/hobart/programs/breakfast/sarah-barton-defiant-lives/8825934.

Federal Government Extends Advocacy FundingThe federal government has extended funding for disability advocacy services to the tune of $60 million, but the not-for-profit sector has warned the biggest risk to advocacy services is the reluctance of the states to continue their advocacy funding.

The Minister for Social Services Christian Porter announced ongoing funding on Wednesday for the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) appeals providers and a new funding round for Disability Representative Organisations (DRO).

Porter said the commitment ensured disability advocacy services would continue to be funded until 30 June 2020.

He said the importance of advocacy services for all Australians with disability was highlighted in the Review of the National Disability

Advocacy Program consultation report released in early August.

“All levels of government have a responsibility to support advocacy for people with disability to ensure they can exercise their rights and freedoms,” Minister Porter said.

“The vast majority of people requiring disability advocacy support will not be NDIS participants.

In a statement the federal government said a national system of disability advocacy support also required “ongoing investment from states and territories to ensure their citizens can resolve issues with state-run services, and advocates can participate effectively in state-based planning”.

Autism Research ProjectResearchers at the UNSW and the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC) are seeking volunteer research participants to take part in a nationwide research study which aims to improve the

understanding of life in adulthood for people on the autism spectrum. The study is called the Australian Longitudinal Study of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ALSAA).

The study is also seeking the participation of adults who are not on the autism spectrum but would like to help those who are, as well as people on the autism spectrum.

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire. The questions will be about many aspects

of life including mental and physical health, employment and coping.

To find out more about the study and register to participate, go to https://autismcrc.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1UoHxlKX4M0WRo1.

Opinions and CommentsThe best mistake I’ve made was no longer being ‘nice’ about my disabilityI used to think to think I needed to be nice all the time. Not rock the boat. I was once invited to write News Corp’s (now defunct) column The Angry Cripple, and I turned it down because I didn’t want to put anyone off side. I worried it would be a reputation risk. For a long time, I stayed middle of the line, just like my Dad told me to. I wouldn’t stray into the angry zone, because I wanted people to like me.

After a while, I realised that being nice in disability activism was a mistake. Speaking out has not been. My

transformation happened gradually, and I’d say it was my good mistake. Not a mistake at all, actually.

As I’ve become more outspoken, which has actually led to more, not less work, Dad’s a little less worried.

Dad recently went to the dermatologist – a place he took me as a patient throughout my life. He told me he saw posters on the wall with messages for women to fix their faces with cosmetic surgery. “Carly would have been so angry she would have

written an article,” he said.

It was then I realised he gets it, he’s proud of what I do, and he realises I’m safe speaking out.

In 2013 when I was abused by a taxi driver – the driver said my face would ruin his car – I made complaints to the taxi company, the

taxi commission and then the Human Rights Commission. I also wrote about it, and the issue was also covered by other news outlets. As I got out of the car, I gave the taxi driver a big “f--- you”. I wrote about this in my complaints, and it was mentioned in mine and others’ articles about the abuse. I’m not afraid to swear. Sorry, Mum.

A lot of the comments on the articles told me that my swearing was just as bad – if not worse – than the driver’s abuse. I swore in defence, in anger. They told me the abuse was justified, because the taxi driver needed to know about my skin and my cream. The driver hadn’t seen someone like me before, so of course they’ll worry for their car seats. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never rubbed my face on a car seat.

For the rest of the article go to www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/news-and-views/opinion/the-best-mistake-ive-made-was-no-longer-being-nice-about-my-disability-20170703-gx3pg6.html. Carly Findlay will release her first book in 2018, a memoir focused on disability feminism.

HOW ATTITUDES DISABLE

Rethinking our assumptions about people with impairments is a critical step towards more inclusiveness

Social epidemiologist Professor Eric Emerson argues that “disability” and “being disabled” really refer to the effects of social and economic marginalisation of people with certain types of physical or mental impairments, and not the personal impact of the impairments themselves.

While some societies have made strides in improving the lives of the people with impairments, we have yet to tackle our fundamental assumptions about

disability and how it arises from the interaction between health conditions and the society in which we live.

“People get excluded, socially excluded, because of their health condition,” says Professor Emerson, “not because the health condition does it but because the cultural expectations, the way society works, means that they are being excluded.

“It’s the disadvantage faced by people with disabilities which really generates and creates their poorer health. It’s not about impairment; it’s about being disabled. It’s about being marginalised and disadvantaged in the society in which you live.”

This issue is discussed on the ‘Up Close’ podcast (available at https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/podcasts/how-attitudes-disable), which features experts and researchers in conversation -- in science, health, technology, law, the arts, and business. Presented by Lynne Haultain.

Opinions and Comments

I RECENTLY enjoyed a chuckle while reading Sam Paior’s translation of a statement released by the National Disability Insurance Agency about how the NDIS has been going so far, and how it will be improved.

Sam, a disability support co-ordinator who runs The Growing Space, managed to convert the 737 painfully bureaucratic words from the statement into a digestible analysis of the NDIS to date.

While her translation was humorous and tongue-in-cheek, it brought to light some serious observations about the language used when communicating with NDIS participants and their families and carers.

The crux of the NDIA statement was this: We know the rollout of the NDIS has been far from smooth, we know we need to do better, we’ve asked for feedback on how we can do better, and now we’re going to do better. Please forgive us and continue to stick it out with us.

This begs the question: Who does this complex, bureaucratic language serve?

It doesn’t serve the participants whose lives are intended to be transformed through the NDIS.

It doesn’t serve their families and carers, who desperately long for a brighter future for their loved ones, and would prefer to avoid digging through a deluge of complex language to reach that goal.

A quick flick through comments on NDIS message boards and Facebook pages reiterate this point 100-fold, with comments like, “I got a headache trying to read this statement” and, “I didn’t bother reading the original — just Sam’s translation!”

Choosing to use language that make people’s heads swim is a sweeping issue in our sector. Whether or not they mean to, many organisations fall into this pattern, and it doesn’t help

anyone.

For the rest of the article by Bill Gamack go to www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-we-can-handle-straight-talk-on-the-ndis/news-story/223b4ddfb83628a3bf5bd7f856ae8019. Bill Gamack has been chief executive of disability employment not-for-profit EPIC Assist for four years, and is passionate about helping people with disability secure meaningful, sustainable work.

Talking Point: We can handle straight talk on the NDIS

Disability advocates in recent times have raised concerns about the impact the legalisation of euthanasia and/or assisted suicide will have on them. There are people within the disability community actively campaigning against both.

Last year, a group of five disability advocates campaigned against the failed euthanasia bill in South Australia

– a group who described themselves as not being “anti-euthanasia activists … [but] are disabled women who have flown or travelled to protest the South Australian assisted-suicide bill from a disability and human rights perspective”.

They told SA parliamentarians that four of them would have been eligible to die under the proposed legislation.

Among the points they made, they noted that many people with disability were “far cheaper to kill than keep alive”. They told the story of a colleague who, although a productive employee

who had quadriplegia, whose care was being paid for by the state (the same people that wanted to introduce euthanasia and assisted suicide to South Australia).

Another disability advocate, comedian Liz Carr from the UK, put a question to them. She used the example of a person on a bridge, ready to jump. “Do you help them jump, or extend your hand to save them?” she asked. “Would you do a different thing if they were disabled? And if you would, should you not ask yourself why?”

The women also pointed out that “being given the right to die before being given the supports and right to live a good life is not really a choice”.

For the rest of the article by Daniel Giles at the Newsweekly website go to http://newsweekly.com.au/article.php?id=57780.

Euthaniasia - What disability advocates say about assisted suicide

NDIS Update

Are you NDIS Ready?

The next round of Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) National

Readiness Grants is openThe National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is now accepting applications for ILC National Readiness Grants (Round 2) in Activity Area One – Information, linkages and referrals (ILC). Applications for this round will close 2pm AEST on Friday 29 September 2017.

Up to $30.08 million of funding is available over 2017-18 and 2018-19 for this round. Organisations can apply for grants of up to 2 years.

The NDIA is partnering with the Department of Social Services (DSS), and organisations can apply for grant through the DSS Community Grants Hub. Previous applicants are welcome to apply in this round.

For more information, including more about the Grant Opportunity Guidelines, visit the DSS Community Grants Hub website (www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/information-linkages-and-capacity-building) and the ILC Grants page on the NDIS website at www.ndis.gov.au/communities/nr-grants.html.

Complaints about the National Disability Insurance Scheme have soared by about 700 per cent in the past year.

Reports to the Commonwealth Ombudsman jumped from 62 in 2015-16 to 429 last financial year, amid the NDIS’ troubled nationwide rollout.

Many issues related to the crucial planning process which determines how much funding — and what supports — people can access.

Participants were not happy with the NDIS’ planning staff, while others were angry that planning meetings were held over the phone.

“I didn’t find it really respectful that

people just phoned to go through what is essentially a really large life plan,” said Ross Joyce from the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations.

Advocates said people with neurological conditions or mental

illnesses were among those impacted by the lack of face-to-face meetings.

Disability organisations said NDIS plans developed over the phone often left people without services and equipment they needed.

“That has now changed … and we’re very grateful that’s been implemented and people with disabilities have been listened to,” Mr Joyce said.

Other complaints related to the NDIS’ online portals, along with delays with quotes and payments.

For the rest of the article go to www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-26/ndis-complaints-to-ombudsman-soar-by-700-percent/8844498.

NDIS complaints being listened to

Local Area Coordinators (LACs) are local organisations who have partnered with the NDIA to deliver the NDIS.

Local Area Coordinators have three key roles - they will link you to the NDIS; link you to information and support in the community; and work with their local community to make sure it is more welcoming and inclusive for people with disability.

For a majority of participants, LACs will work with you to develop your plan, implement and monitor, plus link you to community services.

For more information, including where to find your local LACs, go to www.ndis.gov.au/communities/local-area-coordination.

What is a LAC?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS is the biggest change to the way people with disability are supported in Australia’s history. If you would like to know more about the NDIS call The Disability Trust on 1300 DISABILITY (1300 347 224) or email info@disabilitytrust.org.au.

In mid-August Treasurer Scott Morrison introduced the NDIS full funding bill into Parliament. The bill proposes an

increase to the Medicare Levy and the Treasurer says he is optimistic he has the numbers in the Senate to pass it.

The Senators have heard thousands of Every Australian Counts supporters asking them to end

the uncertainty and get this done now. It’s not too late to add your message.

Go to www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au/tell-crossbench-fully-fund-ndis and send your message to the Senate. The more messages they get, the more they will know just how important this issue is to so many Australians.

For an overview of the details about fully funding the NDIS, go to the Sydney Morning Herald article at www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/treasurer-scott-morrison-confident-of-shock-medicare-levy-deal-with-senate-20170816-gxxljq.

Fully Fund the NDIS Campaign!

This is a story about a mother and daughter – and together, they made a film.

When she was at primary school, Andrea Dundas would head off to school each Thursday morning in her sports uniform, be marked off the roster as a physical education class participant, then slip away and change into her dress uniform before making her way to the oval. There, the PE teacher would note her attire and declare her unable to take part. Back at home, Annette Dundas would toss her daughter’s sports uniform in the wash and put it away until the following week. “Eventually I was called in and told Andrea hadn’t been doing PE,” Annette says. “It took a whole term to realise she’d just won a gold medal for getting out of sport.”

How things have changed.

Now, Andrea’s weeks are filled with activities that enrich body, mind and soul. Gymnastics training, which next April in Adelaide will culminate in her fourth trip to the Special Olympics Australia National Games. Swimming, in which she’s reached state level. Athletics, where she’s turned childhood reluctance into state competition in walking and throwing events.

Mother and daughter are yoga devotees, Andrea fits in weekly tennis too, and her love of gymnastics has evolved into a mentoring role with young children. Annette recalls mentioning to the coaches when

they were looking for extra help with the ‘Gym Fun’ group that she knew someone who was reliable, could follow instruction and was great with little ones. “Have you thought about Andrea?” she asked. “They just looked at each other and said, ‘Done.’”

Filmmaker, Jacob Irvine, loves that Andrea’s professional side as a teacher comes through so beautifully in his mini-documentary, Perspective (external), especially when tutoring niece Ayesha. “Balancing her niece on the beam, walking along with her, she pays such attention to everything she’s doing,” he says of Andrea’s adherence to correct teaching practise when guiding children of Ayesha’s age on the balance beam. “That’s credit to her natural instincts of trying to help others learn and get better. She was so engaged, everything else was blurred to her.”

For the rest of the article go to www.ndis.gov.au/stories/changing-perceptions.html, to see the documentary “Perspectives”, and the other films made as part of the Focus on Ability short film festival go to www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/open-entrant-documentaries.html.

Changing perceptions – a focus on ability

NDIS Update

An intellectually disabled man has won the next step in his battle for the National Disability Insurance Scheme to fully fund taxis from his Moriac home to his job and disability programs in Geelong.

21-year- old Liam McGarrigle relies on taxis to get into Geelong but the National Disability Insurance Agency only wanted to partially fund the cabs. Given there is no public transport, it would have left Liam and his family out of pocket thousands of dollars.

Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) took the fight for full funding to the Federal Court, which ruled in March the laws governing the scheme meant the Agency needed to fully fund cases deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’.

The NDIA appealed the decision, however the Federal Court yesterday set aside the appeal. The court ruled the case be sent back to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Liam’s mother Michelle says the battle had been long but important. She says she believes they need to go through the process to get the NDIS functioning for everyone involved, especially the participants.

NDIS funding fight back to tribunal

The federal government is being urged to clarify when people with a mental illness can access support under the national disability insurance scheme.

A parliamentary committee, in a report tabled in mid August, said there were concerns over the eligibility criteria for people with psychosocial disabilities.

Their approval rate is one of the lowest among broad disability categories, with 81.4 per cent successful to date.

That compares to 97.5 per cent for people with intellectual disability, 98.8 per cent for people with autism and 98.9 per cent for people with cerebral palsy.

Participants found the requirements were difficult to interpret when applied disabilities related to a mental health condition, the report said.

On top of that, there was no validated assessment tool for planners to

assess the eligibility of people with psychosocial disabilities.

“The reported lack of skills and expertise of planners in the mental health field adds to inconsistencies of access to the scheme,” the committee concluded.

It has recommended a review of the NDIS Act and rules, as well as the development and adoption of a ‘fit-for-purpose’ assessment tool.

The committee has also suggested the federal, state and territory governments clarify and make public how they will provide services for people with a psychosocial disability who aren’t participants in the NDIS.

Clarity needed on NDIS mental health care

Self managing your plan

The latest Quarterly Report, covering the period from 1 April to 30 June 2017, is now out.

Thousands of Australians are now being provided with life-changing supports across the country as a result of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Highlights of the report include:

• 15,078 participants received an approved plan in the quarter

• 13,434 plans were reviewed in the quarter and 37,020 plans reviewed in total in 2016-17

• 84 per cent of surveyed participants in the quarter rated their experience either good or very good. The overall average satisfaction rating since the Scheme began is 92 per cent

• 8698 service providers have been registered – a 28 per cent increase in the quarter

For more information go to www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/information-publications-and-reports/quarterly-reports.html.

NDIS UpdateQuarter 4, 2016–17 Report

30 JUNE 2017

90,638 people have received individualised plans, helping them change their lives by accessing the supports and services they need to live more independently and engage with their community.

$7.3b

NSW

43,936

VIC

15,434

ACT

6,047

NT

388WA

3,782

SA

11,634

TAS

2,229

has been committed for participant support to date.

QLD

7,188

NDIS roll out

6,134 children have been referred through the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach to access supports.

More than 90,000 Australians have NDIS plans

NDIS Quarterly Report

Self managing your plan

NDIS Update

NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation ChecklistSpecialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a complicated beast. Disability Services Consulting NDIS Housing experts have produced a checklist with the key actions that organisations should be taking at 5 stages along the SDA journey.

Read the full Disability Services Consulting article at www.disabilityservicesconsulting.com.au/resources/sda-checklist.

Carers and the NDIS: Workshop

NDIA uses digital assistant to get information out

Do you care for an NDIS participant who has a

mental illness?The National NDIS Mental Health Conference will take place in Sydney from 16 - 17 November 2017. With the conference theme ‘towards a good life’, there will be a focus on the of the NDIS for people living with a psychosocial disability. More information is at www.ndismentalhealthconference.com.au/about.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has developed NADIA – world first virtual assistant technology to help provide the best possible service and support to NDIS participants.

Combining a human face and voice with cognitive intelligence, in a system co-designed by the disability community, is a world first – and has resulted in the unique language and

personality model that people with disability want and need. More about Nadia at www.faceme.com/nadia.

Quarter 4, 2016–17 Report30 JUNE 2017

90,638 people have received individualised plans, helping them change their lives by accessing the supports and services they need to live more independently and engage with their community.

$7.3b

NSW

43,936

VIC

15,434

ACT

6,047

NT

388WA

3,782

SA

11,634

TAS

2,229

has been committed for participant support to date.

QLD

7,188

NDIS roll out

6,134 children have been referred through the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach to access supports.

More than 90,000 Australians have NDIS plans

The federal government has announced that, for the first time, the

council will include representatives with intellectual disability and deaf blindness, who will be working alongside other new and long-time members as well as a new panel of five expert advisors.

The expanded council, moving from 10

to 13 members plus the expert panel, started on 1 July 2017.

Minister for Social Services Christian Porter said the new model had been developed under the guidance of the principal member, Professor Rhonda Galbally AO, to ensure a broad range of experience and advice to the NDIS board.

More at https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2017/06/government-expands-ndis-advisory-board.

Government Expands NDIS Advisory Board

The NDIS is built on the foundation that everyone is different, which means the Scheme is going to help different people in very different ways. To get a better idea on what sort of opportunities are available through the NDIS, check out these real life stories of participants and learn how the NDIS could help you.

The stories include Alex Eye Greater Independence, Mario’s story - How we might provide information and referral and

Hussein’s story - An example of how we might provide early intervention support.

See all the stories at www.ndis.gov.au/people-disability/examples-services-and-support.html.

NDIS Stories

Self managing your NDIS plan gives you choice and control over the supports and services you purchase to help you achieve your goals.

Did you know there are four ways that plan funding can be managed?

More information is at www.ndis.gov.au/participants/understanding-your-plan-and-supports.

Dementia Awareness Month - SeptemberYou are not alone... Dementia affects 70% of us. Currently around 244 people are joining the population with dementia each day. www.fightdementia.org.au.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - SeptemberCancer claims the lives of more Australian children than all other diseased combined. Over 10,000 kids are currently fighting cancer, 1 in 5 die within 5 years. www.cancer.org.au/news/#jump_2266.

National Asthma Awareness Week - 1 to 7 September - This chronic condition that affects over 2 million Australians. Dress Blue for Asthma on any day in September. www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/nsw/support-us/dress-blue-for-asthma.

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week - 4 to 10 SeptemberSpinal Cord Injury Awareness Week is a national campaign that aims to create a more inclusive and accessible community for everyone. www.sciaw.com.au.

World Suicide Prevention Day - 10 September

The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/wspd/en.

Foster Care Week – 11 to 17 SeptemberAn annual event that aims to celebrate and acknowledge the work of NSW’s foster carers. www.community.nsw.gov.au/fostering-our-future/issue-42/foster-care-week-2016.

R U OK Day - 14 SeptemberBy inspiring people to take the time to ask “Are you ok?” and listen, we can help people struggling with life feel connected long before they even think about suicide. www.ruok.org.au.

World Alzheimer’s Day – 21 September

This is a day on which Alzheimer’s organizations around the world concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia. www.fightdementia.org.au.

My Job Counts Rally - 26 SeptemberNationally, more than 20,000 people with a disability are employed by a disability enterprise in supported employment. However, a case before the Fair Work Commission has potential to destroy disability enterprises. Rally starts 12.15pm, Tuesday September 26, in Crown St Mall, Wollongong.

Sidetember - 1 to 30 September

Live your own more deliberate life this September with the Sidetember Challenges. 1 month. 12 challenges. Raising funds for Royal Rehab and Brain Injury Australia. https://sidetember.com.

For Your Calendar…