In this issue:
· Message from the CEO
· The NDIS journey for Lynne Foreman
· Practical Design Fund spotlight: Ability House
· Regional update from South Australia
· Meet Agency staff
· Notices
From 20 September 2013, the name DisabilityCare Australia will revert to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Going forward, the Agency will be known as the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Our approach to re-naming the Scheme and the Agency will be to minimise associated costs by, for example, letting existing DisabilityCare branded stocks run out before ordering replacement stocks bearing the new names. The Scheme's branding, i.e. our colours, font and design will remain the same, and changes will be made in-house to the maximum extent possible.
Message from the CEO, David Bowen
Hello,
Welcome again to the NDIS News update.
With the federal election behind us, we look forward to working with the new government and the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield. As many of you would know, Senator Fifield played an active role in the disability sector during his time as Opposition spokesperson for disabilities and carers, and now takes on the role in Government with significant experience and familiarity of the issues facing people with disability. We look forward to working with Senator Fifield in his new role.
Our seven offices in the four NDIS launch sites have been open for business for almost three months now. The overwhelming message that I get as I travel around the regional offices is that it has been a great experience for everyone who works for the Agency. It's very satisfying to start to work with Scheme participants, to assist people with disability and their families to make plans and start their journeys towards realising their long-term goals and aspirations.
As at Friday 13 September, more than 1300 plans are agreed or under development and we are working closely with people with disability who are making the transition from existing State or Commonwealth arrangements to their personal plan as part of the NDIS. Although these are very early days in the development of the Scheme it is interesting to see the different ways different people exercise the choice and control that is built into our new ways of supporting people. Many people are satisfied with their current arrangements and are very happy to continue with the support they receive on the same basis as before. Some people want to try out new ways of doing things because they feel that gives them the flexibility that suits them better right now. And we are seeing early but clear evidence that some people with disability want to take more direct control over their support arrangements by self-managing some or all of their support plan.
It's also encouraging that some people with significant and permanent disability who have not been part of any service system before are contacting us to start the conversations that may lead to a personal plan for support. Our staff will do their best to work with scheme participants - whether existing service users or new - to put in place the individual plans they need.
In this edition, you will find excerpts from the personal diary of Lynne Foreman, a participant from the Barwon region, as she records her encounters with the NDIS.
There is also the latest news from the Practical Design Fund where a web-based virtual house is making it easier for people with disability to explore options for greater independence in their homes.
This edition also includes a regional update from South Australia where there is quite a bit of activity.
Best wishes,
David Bowen
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The NDIS journey for Lynne Foreman
Lynne Foreman is a Geelong resident who has Arthrogryposis (Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita), a muscle disorder that causes multiple joint contractures at birth. She is keeping a diary about her experiences with the NDIS and getting her personal plan in place, and we've shared some of her entries below.
2 July - planning day
Today was planning day where I was able to have my husband Alex and my close friend Jacqui accompany me. I was introduced to my planners and after a number of formalities such as an identification check, I was told I would need to complete a number of forms to outline what services I currently receive, what services I would like in my immediate plan and what I would like to include in the future.
I was well informed in the lead up to the appointment so I had prepared a list of things that I wanted help with (even things like mowing the lawn), the services that I receive and the things I would like to add or change.
The planners were great! There was no hurry and we didn't even realise the time passing by. All the staff had left for the day by the time we had finished my appointment. They allow you to carry out an evaluation of the planning day with the staff to see if you have any issues or just in case you need to vent. I was told that one of the planners would call me the next day, which they did at 3pm.
10 July
This next appointment was about getting down to the nitty gritty of the goals and aspirations I had requested. All of my requests had been approved in principle except for the gardening. What I will now receive is three bowel shifts, extra hours of shopping, an occupational therapist and physiotherapist, acupuncture on my shoulder, exercises to strengthen my back, a new power chair and the shoes I have been waiting on for two years as well as something to sit on in the bath.
Most importantly for me, I will receive a queen size, height adjustable bed! For the past three years, my husband and I have had to sleep in separate beds and finally we can be husband and wife again. My plan also includes some assistance for when I travel on holidays to Western Australia. I am leaving the administration to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) as I am not interested in self-funding. That is my choice and although I have an accountancy background, I want to sit back and enjoy my life.
23 July
My planner rang to confirm that everything had officially been approved and I was read out my plan again over the phone. I have another appointment in a week's time to sign the plan and go through it again to make sure it's exactly what I want. This will also be an opportunity for me to allocate different care providers.
29 July
My day is finally here!! Woo hoo! I have a package that I can call my own after sitting on the Disability Support Register for the past nine years. Now I am finally getting the support I need, no more juggling my hours. I was given a 16 page document which is my Plan, and which has every detail from my age, who I live with and it even includes our little dog.
30 July
The last thing left to do is send out an agreement to my service providers so they are aware that NDIA is handling the funds on my behalf.
Practical Design Fund spotlight: Ability House
The Practical Design Fund aims to support individuals and grassroots organisations by funding a range of projects to identify practical solutions and innovative methods to help people with disability, their families, carers and the disability sector to prepare for the Scheme.
A web-based virtual house is making it easier for people with disability to explore options for greater independence in their homes. Ability House is a Practical Design Fund project developed by Ability Technology. It enables people to explore options for controlling appliances and facilities at home, through the use of computer and home control technology.
"To develop a new vision for themselves and embrace new options, people need access to information in a way that enlarges their thinking," says Dr Graeme Smith of Ability Technology, a non-profit organisation based in Sydney.
"Home control technology can be very technical and people don't know what they don't know. We saw a virtual house as an opportunity to provide a new pathway for people to intuitively explore options in this area," he says.
The result has impressed people with disability and therapists who have used the pre-release version of the website.
"One therapist described it as a 'game changer' in terms of getting information to people with disability. We feel it will reduce the need for assistance at home, enabling people with disability to be more independent. This in turn will increase their sense of worth and self-esteem, with likely spin offs in other areas of their lives. But the process will often start in the most important domain for people with disability - their home," says Dr Smith.
For more information on Ability House, visit their website.
A full list of the approved Practical Design Fund projects can be found on our website.
Regional update from South Australia
Launch Manager Meryl Zweck leads the teams at the St Marys and Elizabeth sites.
Meryl has extensive senior management experience in the disability and health fields, including roles with Health Workforce Australia and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).
Meryl's experience in policy development and program implementation in both mainstream and Indigenous affairs settings, as well as in cross-government collaboration, contributes to her capacity to develop a strong launch site for the scheme in SA.
The state office has been engaging families and service providers by running information sessions.
The team will also be running IT workshops for registered service providers in October.
Those interested in these events can find out more from the NDIS website.
Feedback from a regional service provider registered with the agency was also favourable. Andrew Cockington, Executive Manager, Community and Family Services, UnitingCare Wesley Country SA, said he is excited about working with the Scheme.
"We strongly support the NDIS recognition that people's needs are not met just by providing basic services but that the wellbeing of individuals and communities is improved by supporting all people to participate as full citizens," Mr Cockington said.
"We believe we are at the start of a journey that has the potential to make a significant commitment to meeting those needs."
"In regional communities we see flexibility in the development of an individual's plans and its funding as critical to meeting needs where service resources may be scarce or non-existent."
Meet Agency staff
Interview with Peter Mulham – NDIS Planner, Hunter, NSW
What did you do before joining the NDIA?
I was a team leader in a supported accommodation service for 10 years. I am also involved in the DeafBlind Association of NSW in my spare time.
How are you enjoying living in the Hunter area?
I live on the Central Coast and commute to the office daily and it's a nice change!
What does your role involve?
My role involves meeting with the participants (and their family) and working with them to put together a plan which utilises community, mainstream and funded resources to provide the participant with the supports needed to minimise the impact of their disability and enhance their ability to be involved in the community.
How do you approach working with people with disability?
Having a hearing impairment myself and working with people with disabilities for over 25 years, I understand the issues and frustrations from both sides of the fence - by far the biggest issue is attitude. People need to stop putting people with disabilities in the "you're a pain" or the "too hard" basket. When I meet participants, I acknowledge that they are the experts, because they have had years of experience with their disability, so I talk with them, listen to them and work with them on finding ways to help them.
What are some of the challenges you've encountered so far?
Getting familiar with the software we work with – in a hurry!! Another challenge is working with participants with rare and challenging issues. For example, trying to follow the conversation with someone who is very difficult to understand – and do that without giving the impression that I am having a problem hearing them!! (In other words, it's not their fault!)
What is most rewarding thing about your role?
Working with participants and finding ways to make a positive difference to their lives.
How are you finding working in the Charlestown office?
It is absolutely brilliant! We are all very supportive of each other and the wealth of experience that we can all tap into is enormous. At the same time, it is a huge learning curve for all of us. When I was doing training, we (another deaf staff and I) had access to live captioning. The speaker's voice was captured on microphone, sent by phone landline to Brisbane, where the stenotypist converted it to text, and it was then sent by landline back to us in Newcastle where it came up on the laptop screen for us to read. I was also able to use an FM microphone and receiver system. Everyone here is aware of making sure the deaf and hearing impaired staff are included in the conversation at all times. We really appreciate the support and effort, and for me, it makes a huge difference in knowing that I am clearly part of that team effort and that I can freely ask for support or ask lots of questions.
Notices
Provider Portal
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Provider Portal is currently being redeveloped to make it easier for providers to use. The new look Provider Portal will be released in late October 2013. Further information will be posted on the website and information sessions for registered providers will be held in all launch sites in October.
Webinar
We are in the process of preparing for our first Webinar - an interactive online discussion that can be accessed live through your home or work computer. A range of discussion topics are under consideration. Promotion of these events will commence once dates and further details have been finalised. Watch this space!
Upcoming events
There are a number of upcoming events on various topics that will be held in our launch sites between now and the release of the next newsletter. We've highlighted some events below, and more detailed information is available on the 'Upcoming events' section of the NDIS website.
Our launch sites will be holding a number of community forums where members of the public can learn more about the Scheme.
South Australia
A number of family morning teas will be held in our SA shopfronts for families with a child who is about to enter the scheme. The morning teas will aim to provide families with more detailed information about the Scheme, help them to understand the various staff roles, and to prepare for the planning and assessment process.
· 22 October 2013, 10am-11.30am at 47-49 Elizabeth Way, Elizabeth
· 24 October 2013, 10am-11.30am at 15-31 Ayliffes Rd, St Marys
There will be four IT workshops for service providers to show registered providers with an active portal account how to use the portal.
· 2 October 2013, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm at 31 Ayliffes Rd, St Marys
· 3 October 2013, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm at 47 - 49 Elizabeth Way, Elizabeth
Tasmania
NDIA will be participating at the Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo 2013, which is part of Mental Health Week 2013 (6 - 12 October). This annual event aims to encourage community involvement in activities which promote good mental health, and to raise awareness and understanding of the needs, experiences and issues of people with a mental illness.
· 11 October 2013, Inveresk Tram Sheds
Victoria
Students Leaving Schools is an information session for students due to complete secondary education at the end of 2013. These forums will provide detailed information relevant to this age group and also provide the opportunity for families to receive assistance in completing consent or Access Request forms.
· 9 October, Nelson Park, Geelong
· 9 October, Geelong Umpires rooms, Geelong
· 10 October, Shannon Park, Geelong
Respite Forums will provide information to participants who are currently accessing the range of Community-Based and Facility-Based Respite Services that are due to phase in during the October/November period. Personal assistance will be provided to families who require assistance to complete Access Request forms.
· 7 October, Geelong Umpires Rooms, Geelong
· 10 October, COPACC, Colac
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