Winter is here
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Australian web addresses will soon be shorter with the launch of .au domains, allowing people to drop the .com for the first time. We already have BigDogSupport.com.au and BigDogSupport.com but we now also have BigDogSupport.au and BigDog.au which will become our major website address with links from the other sites to this one. BigDog have amended our pricing in line with the NDIS 2022/23 Price Guide and included the bereavement addendum for our SIL supports. We have decided to maintain our current short notice period of 2 clear working days as well as not including the Centre Capital Cost of $2.28 per hr in our current Group rates or for cancellations. These may be considered in the future. A reminder that Superannuation contributions are now 10.5% and that a BigDog additional contribution is rewarded to those who show exceptional work ethics and performance.
In This Issue 2 Editor’s Notes 3 NDIS 2022/23 Price Guide 4 Special Schools 5 NDIS Updates 6 Our Community Rockhampton 7 Community Partnerships 8 Child Safety 9 NGO Training Infographic 10 Toowoomba Group
11 Rockhampton Group 12 WHS 13 Staff Updates 14 What’s happening in July BigDog Newsletter Privacy Notice: Please note that as a subscriber to our BigDog Newsletter which supplies news and events relevant to this organisation, your email address or any other personal information collected will only be used for the purpose for which you gave it to us and will not be disclosed to any other person, body or agency except where you have provided your consent or it is required or authorised by law. 2
BigDog Support Services Magazine
Most supports will see the biggest increase in pricing to date – but there are some notable exceptions.
Support Work prices up 9% Prices dependent on the Disability Support Worker Cost Model have been increased 9%. This significant increase is designed to address the major cost pressures on providers, including changes to the SCHADS Award, minimum wage and superannuation guarantee and costs associated with NDIS registration and the pandemic. It has been calculated based on:
creased, stating: "On balance, it is not considered that an increase in the price limits for Level 2: Coordination of Supports services and Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination services price limit is justified at this time." "It is therefore recommended that the price limits for plan management fees should not be changed."
• 2% temporary loading, reviewed annually
And perhaps most troublingly, in relation to therapy: "On balance, the available evidence argues for a decrease in the current price limits for therapy supports. However, there is significant risk that such a decrease would disrupt the provision of supports to participants in some regions.
• 4.6% increase in award minimum wages
Short Notice cancellations to 7 days
• 0.5% increase to superannuation guarantee charge
In a pretty major change, the definition of "short notice" has been extended in the provider's favour. Previously set at 2 days for shorter supports or 5 days for others, the definition is where a person:
• 1.7% increase to base prices
While it’s great to see many of the cost pressures addressed, there are still some key gaps in the DSW Cost Model, which assumes that all workers are paid 4 weeks annual leave and corporate overheads remain at 12%, despite their own benchmarking evidence showing that only a fraction of providers are operating at this level.
• Does not show up for a scheduled support within a reasonable time, or is not present at the agreed place and within a reasonable time when the provider is travelling to deliver the support; or
Therapy, Support Coordination and Plan Management
• Has given less than seven (7) clear days’ notice for a support.
Providers of therapy, support coordination and plan management will be frustrated to see that the NDIA are not increasing pricing for the second year in a row. While the Pricing Updates page states that “further review” is required, the Annual Pricing Review Final Report is fairly adamant that prices not be in-
Providers are now also allowed to bill for Centre Capital Cost in the event of a short notice cancellation.
Bereavement Addendum As a SIL provider BigDog can now claim a support for up to 4 weeks. 3
Catherine Smith, Lecturer, Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne
This week, the disability royal commission is looking at the experiences of children and young people with disability in different schools across Australia. This includes mainstream schools as well as so-called “special schools”. An estimated 10% of school students (aged 5 –18) in Australia have a disability, although this number is much higher in some states. Most of these students (89%) attend mainstream schools, but an increasing number of students with disability and their families are choosing special schools. Research suggests children fare better in inclusive mainstream settings. So why are more students being enrolled in special schools, and what can we do about it? Every child has a right to education Internationally, it is recognised that every child has the right to education. The Convention of the Rights of People with Disability, to which Australia was one of the first signatories, says children with disabilities should not be excluded from free and compulsory education on the basis of disability. As a result, education systems need to think about what inclusion means, and how to achieve it. The term “inclusion” was first universally advocated for students with disability in the 1994 UNESCO Salamanca Statement. This said integration of children with disabilities could be possible through inclusive mainstream schools. Various legal provisions in Australia, for example the Disability Discrimination Act, the Edu4
cation Act and the Disabilities Standards for Education aim for inclusion of students with diagnosed intellectual, physical, sensory or learning disabilities into mainstream classes. However, nationally there is no agreed definition of inclusive education and no countrywide legislation that mandates it.
Why do we still have special schools? Special schools aim to meet the needs of students with disability by providing support and adjustments away from mainstream classrooms. Disability and education advocates argue special schools are a form of segregation and go against students’ human rights. However, some state governments continue to promote special schools alongside the mainstream system, arguing this still qualifies as “inclusion” in learning. While special schools are often seen to be more cost-effective – they consolidate specialist trained teachers in one place – there is evidence the opportunities for academic advancement and opportunity are not adequate. Students with disability who go to mainstream schools are more likely to enrol in postsecondary education, to be employed and live independently. According to one research review, students in mainstream schools also tend to have better social skills. Meanwhile, all students who are educated in inclusive classrooms hold less prejudicial views and are more accepting of people who are different from themselves. This week is the disability royal commission’s third hearing into education. It is due to hand down its final report in September 2023.
BigDog Support Services Magazine
The NDIA is releasing monthly summary reports as part of their promise to make the data easier to see. The comparison here is May 2021 to May 2022 and shows a growth in spend as well as a clear growth in averaged annual payments per participant not the media reports of drops in the value of all plans. Some, yes, but not all.
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Rockhampton Rockhampton SIL’s have been going really well with the recent implementation of house leaders. The Card St units are like a little community where the guys hang out, with the outdoor area in construction this will benefit them by having a more secure place to get together and do their own thing. A community garden is also in discussion so everyone can put their own ideas forward as to what they want in the garden. Matthew, Stephen, and Darren had a great time at the Rockhampton show buying show bags, seeing the animals and eating all the good stuff. Kathleen now comes to our community centre and is really enjoying it, her smile and personality puts everyone in a good mood. Matthew also attended the Capras all abilities clinic that he thoroughly enjoyed, two Brisbane Broncos trainers gave Matty a signed hat and footy that is now proudly on display in his bedroom.
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BigDog Support Services Magazine
Jobs Fair On the 7th of June Steven and I attended the Toowoomba Jobs Fair where we met and spoke with many aspiring young job searchers and potential future leaders. It was great to see so many people breaking through their barriers and engaging in their future.
The day bought many successes with potential employees called and further created the opportunity to speak with the Member of Groom, Garth Hamilton. After speaking with the member it has arisen the opportunity to have Garth attend the monthly Toowoomba Disability Support Providers Network where he will be open to questions referring to the future of the NDIS with the Liberal National Party in power. Steven was a member of the discussion group on employment in the Disability Sector and talked about key personality and educational requirements of the job.
Disability Support Worker Conference Fast-forwarding to the 15th and we were off again with our eyes set on the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to attend the 2022 Disability Support Worker Conference where our team and business leaders had high hopes of developing their skills and obtaining information for our future leaders and support staff.
To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be a sponsor, please contact WhatsUp via: Office
11-15 Alexander Street, Toowoomba
admin@whatsupindisability.org
Online
www.whatsupindisability.org
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Voices of young people heard as Queensland historic step delivers care and support to 21! Young Queenslanders with an out-of-home care experience received life-changing news from the Palaszczuk Government’s announcing the option to remain in their current care placements till 21 years of age. Until now, when a young person turns 19, their supports ended and they were left with no alternative but to leave care – which statistically is shown to be fraught with challenges. Young people in residential care placements have access new and exciting support which will be shaped by the young people (after extensive consultation across the state). This means that the days of young people in Queensland being expected to transition to adulthood at 19, with no supports post are gone. The announcement of the Palaszczuk Government’s decision heralds a new era, one that is aligned with the recent passing of the Child Protection Reform and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 where young people have a right to have a voice, and this new philosophy, now embedded in Legislation, prioritises listening to young people’s voices, and providing a supportive future. CREATE Foundation CEO Jacqui Reed stated that “This a truly momentous occasion in Queensland’s history, leaving a strong legacy for the Palaszczuk government and young people transitioning from care to adulthood.” “It’s been a long journey, and at times we des-
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paired that we’d ever ‘get there’, but we knew we had the support of Minister for Children, Leanne Linard, and many dedicated people within the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs, which galvanised us in knowing one day it would happen.” In Australia alone, over 45,996 children did not sleep in their own home last night and are presently growing up in out-of-home care. No parent would expect their young adult child to leave home half-way through their final year of high school, nor allow them to become homeless, not finish their education, or be left to fend for themselves without support at 19. Julia is a CREATE Young Consultant and shared her response to the announcement:
“When I heard about increasing care and support to 21 in Qld I was so excited! I’ve been sharing my voice and working towards this change for literally half my life [now in her 20’s]! No-one is usually ready to be independent at 18, especially if in school, and this change is more than a house, it’s a holistic approach including well-being, education, mental health & young people need all of these types of support to become independent.” Key Statistics
45,996 children and young people were reported in 2019-20 as living in out-of-home care across Australia (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, 2021). 30% of young people experience homelessness within the first year of leaving care. (McDowall, J. J. (2020).
BigDog Support Services Magazine
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Boy, do we have a big line up with an adventure every Friday? Queens Park zoo in Ipswich and the Oakey Army Flying Museum, Oh we can’t forget our epic treasure hunt coming up. Great prizes are up for grabs. We have group cooking back in full swing on a Monday after shopping with some amazing mouth-watering treats to make Japanese fluffy pancakes and some loaded fries.
BigDog Day Service Toowoomba Paul Myatt Community Centre 11-15 Alexander Street North Toowoomba 4350
Music Therapy on a Monday now we have had some great dance moves happening. Bowling on a Tuesday is a great hit we have been spending time with Clifford Park Special School. Making new friends along the way. Its been a wonderful 4 weeks getting to know you all. Our lunch outings on a Wednesday have decided to go to Schnitz Grand central and Westbrook tavern.
Wear white to work is our morning tea for this month to support mental illness. Come along for some amazing food and wonderful group chats just a gold coin donation, Staff $5. Birthday shout out to Dean and Angus have a wonderful gentleman. One more wonderful mention David get well see you back at the day centre soon mate.
Coordinator Jess Wright Phone: 4512 6020 dayservice@bigdogsupport.com.au 10
BigDog Support Services Magazine
Thank you for helping us A special shout-out to Kev Brown's Butchery for donating a meat tray to our Rockhampton Day Service bingo day ! It was the most sort after prize. #localbusinesssupportingcommunity #rockybigdog #bingo
BigDog Day Service Rockhampton BigDog Community Centre 170 East Street Rockhampton 4700 Coordinator Caleb Tull Phone: 4573 4611 rockhampton@bigdogsupport.com.au
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Worker Screening Cards If you are registered for Online Services you can access My Worker portal to: • Commence, save and lodge a Disability Worker Screening application (including a combined disability worker screening application and blue card application). • Update your personal details including your name, address and contact details • Withdraw an application that has not yet been decided. What happens when my yellow card or yellow card exemption is about to expire? You can apply for a disability worker screening check up to three months before the expiry of your yellow card or yellow card exemption. To keep working while your application is processed, it needs to be submitted and verified by BigDog before your card expires. If you fail to do so, you may be subject to ‘no card, no start’ rules which will require you to stop working until you receive a clearance. Your obligations It is the responsibility of all disability worker screening clearance card holders and applicants to keep us updated about any changes to their details or circumstances. Clearance card holders must inform us within 14 days of the following: • Change of name • Change of contact details (address, contact number, email address) • Change from volunteer to paid work • Lost or stolen card
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BigDog Support Services Magazine
End of financial year 2021/2022 To obtain your Income Statement PAYG withholding - Login into your myGov account.
Staff Birthdays
Shift Notes Shift notes are being monitored and they are a requirement of the job. Shift notes are needed for the following reasons •
Help with Report Writing
July 2022
•
Evidence that the support happened
•
Record of Events if an injury or incident happens
6th 7th 8th 10th 11th 13th 16th 17th
CareMaster Everyone should have been emailed their log in details and a link to watch the training via YouTube • Please update your availability in CareMaster
• Please update your likes and interests
General Items SIL Training has been held for Toowoomba Staff
18th 24th 26th 27th
Harlem R Maree S Ben Jess W Katherine Kyle P Blake Dylan G Trey B Trinity L Colin B Kirsty Simone H
Cleaning Roster updated and implemented into houses Updated PRN and STA medication forms are available
Have a great day!
Aggressive Behaviour training was held in Toowoomba and we will be taking it to Rockhampton in August. Cameras have been installed in Card Street NDIS Price Guide has landed for 2022-2023 Well done to the following staff in Toowoomba Michael Backman - Outstanding work towards Participant Goals while on shift Nawarf - Loyal and Dedication - Markets Well done to the following staff in Rockhampton Mackenzie and Damien Russel for amazing support work while out in the community and attending the Capra's Football game. GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT WORK, THANK YOU! 13
Empire Theatre Saturday 9 July 2:00pm—4:30pm
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BigDog Support Services Magazine
Justice of the Peace This service is available at the Paul Myatt Community Centre 11-15 Alexander Street Toowoomba (please call first to make an appointment) The JPs in the Community Program is also available through major shopping centres, libraries, court houses and hospitals.
Contact Us BigDog Support Services
232 Ruthven Street Toowoomba QLD 4350 PO Box 234 Harlaxton QLD 4350
(07) 4632 9559 1800 22 44 32 www.bigdogsupport.com.au 15
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BigDog Support Services Magazine
