Well, hasn’t February been stressful?
Our Quality Audit has been conducted and I must thank each and everyone in BigDog for the effort they made in making the Auditors welcome, telling it like it is and displaying their professionalism.
A quote from one of the Auditors was that BigDog staff reflect the values of BigDog. Clients love the support and interaction of staff and the staff take pride in the quality support that they provide.
The Auditors were particularly impressed with our CareMaster software and the work that Leanne has done with the developer to make it the best program of its type that the Auditors had seen.
Our NGO training software is also first class and provides a platform that is user friendly and relevant. With the recent updating of the NDIS Service Standards there were a number of changes including:
• Policies and procedures to outline emergency and disaster management responsibilities and registers for emergency preparedness testing, and staff training in emergency, and disaster management protocols.
• Service Agreements and Service Information amended to include emergency and disaster management.
• 15 NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Practice Standards for staff training
Well done everyone!
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“Our ultimate goal is to use technology as a means to lower the many obstacles that prevent people from participating evenly in society, creating a more inclusive society where avatar robots are the norm.”
DAWN Cafe
But of course, Japan!
These robotic waiters were invented with a great purpose. The goal is to provide real jobs to people who are chronically ill or immobile. Workers can serve tables from the comfort of their own homes and beds while earning money. Many have suffered from devastating spinal injuries making it impossible to move, so they can control these robots through a computer interface and can feel like a park of society while doing meaningful work.
You can find these at DAWN (Diverse Avatar Working Network) robot cafe in Tokyo, Japan, where your coffee is brought to you by an exceptional kind of robot controlled by someone with a disability.
The accessible, barrier-free cafe floor is busy with robot staff. There’s a robot greeting customers at the door, one to help them find a seat, and another to recommend daily specials and take their orders.
There are several reasons why there are many unregistered NDIS support workers. Some of the reasons include:
Lack of awareness
Some people may not be aware that they need to be registered with the NDIS Commission to provide disability services. This could be due to a lack of information or understanding of the requirements.
Difficulty with the registration process
The registration process for NDIS providers can be complex and time-consuming. This could deter some people from registering, especially if they lack the necessary resources or support to navigate the process.
Cost
There may be costs associated with registering with the NDIS Commission, such as fees for police checks, insurance, and other requirements. Some providers may find these costs prohibitive, especially if they are smallscale or volunteer organisations.
In some cases, unregistered providers may be able to offer lower prices or more flexible services, which could attract clients who are not eligible for NDIS funding.
Non-compliance
Some providers may not meet the requirements for registration with the NDIS Commission, such as having the necessary qualifications, insurance, or policies and procedures in place. These providers may choose to operate without registration or may be unable to register due to non-compliance.
It is important to note that unregistered providers may pose a risk to people with disability, as they may not have the necessary skills, training, or safeguards in place to provide safe and effective services. The NDIS Commission encourages people to use registered providers wherever possible, and to report any concerns about unregistered providers to the Commission.
Fraud Fusion Taskforce Media Release 20 February 2023
Set up to tackle fraud against the NDIS, the taskforce has contributed to another two providers being suspended for falsifying NDIS claims.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has taken compliance action against two Sydney-based NDIS providers and two associated individuals.
Fine
Care Pty Ltd and AlliedHealth
Cleaning Services Pty Ltd have been issued suspension notices, prohibiting them from providing NDIS supports and services as registered NDIS providers for a period.
Two people associated with the providers have been issued banning orders, prohibiting them from being involved in the provision of NDIS supports or services to people with disability for a period of two years.
Minister for the NDIS and Government Services the Hon. Bill Shorten MP said the Fraud Fusion Taskforce was quickly proving its worth in finding and fighting fraud.
In reality it is a 10-step cycle that repeats every 3 years
JP’s in the Community Celebrating 20 Years
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the JPs in the Community Program (JPITCP) and JP Branch will host several events across the State to recognise, celebrate and promote the vital role that volunteer JPs and Cdecs play in their local communities.
To quantify the impact of a highly accessible and professional witnessing service, last year the 222 JPITCP locations witnessed over 1.86 million documents for over 624,000 clients, demonstrating the impact of a highly accessible and professional witnessing service.
Every one of these 222 locations are made up of a team of likeminded people who volunteer their time to assist the public with their witnessing needs. According to research, volunteering not only improves our health and happiness, by increasing wellbeing and relieving stress, but it is also a fantastic way to meet new people and create strong social connections.
Existing JPITCP participants frequently express their gratitude for the life-long friends and colleagues they have made, as well as numerous testimonials about their personal and professional growth. Visit www.qld.gov.au/volunteerjp to find out more about how you can get involved and volunteer at your local JPs in the Community Program signing site.
The Australian Football League (AFL) is one of the most popular sports in Australia, with a long and proud history. While the game has evolved over the years, there is still a long way to go in terms of making it truly inclusive. Here are some ways in which the AFL can make the game more inclusive:
The AFL has made significant progress in promoting gender diversity, with the introduction of the women's league in 2017. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of promoting equality and inclusivity across the entire league. The AFL should continue to invest in women's football and work towards equal opportunities and resources for female players.
Australian Football is played in communities across the country, and the AFL should be reflective of the diverse population it represents. The league should work towards promoting cultural inclusivity and diversity, including cultural awareness training for players and staff. The AFL should also work with multicultural communities to ensure that the game is accessible and welcoming for all.
The AFL has made some progress in terms of disability inclusion, with the introduction of the AFL Wheelchair competition. However, more needs to be done to make the game accessible for people with disabilities. This could include improving access to venues and grounds, as well as providing training for staff and volunteers to ensure they are equipped to support disabled fans.
The AFL has a significant role to play in promoting community engagement and social inclusion.
WhatsUp in Disability
Stories in this issue include:
• Matt Hansson
• Never Give Up
• What’s the difference
• Ginger’s Mobile Barber
• NDIS the Musical
• People we lost in 2022
• 2022 in Review
To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be a sponsor, please contact WhatsUp via:
Office 11-15 Alexander Street, Toowoomba
Email admin@whatsupindisability.org
Online www.whatsupindisability.org
Click on the above magazine cover to read this online at Issuu.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is produced by the body when it breaks down purines, which are substances found in many foods and drinks. When the level of uric acid in the blood becomes too high, it can crystallize and settle in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
Symptoms of gout can include sudden and severe joint pain, redness and swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. Gout most commonly affects the joint at the base of the big toe but can also occur in other joints such as the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. Some people with gout may also develop small, white, hard lumps under the skin called tophi, which are a sign of uric acid build-up.
There are a number of factors that can increase a person's risk of developing gout. These include having a family history of the condition, being overweight, consuming a diet high in purines (such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol), and having certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
The goal of gout treatment is to reduce inflammation and manage pain. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation during an acute gout attack. Colchicine, which is derived from the autumn crocus plant, can also be used to reduce inflammation and prevent gout attacks. In some cases, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids such as prednisone to reduce inflammation and pain. Corticosteroids can be taken
orally or injected directly into the affected joint. However, long-term use of corticosteroids can have side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis.
In addition to medications, lifestyle changes can also help to manage gout. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding foods and drinks high in purines (such as red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and beer), staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and limiting alcohol intake.
In cases where gout is chronic and not wellcontrolled with lifestyle changes and medications, doctors may recommend medications that lower the level of uric acid in the blood. These medications include xanthine oxidase inhibitors such as allopurinol and febuxostat, which work by blocking the production of uric acid. Other medications such as probenecid and lesinurad work by increasing the excretion of uric acid in the urine.
In summary, gout is a painful form of arthritis that is caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. Symptoms of gout include sudden and severe joint pain, redness and swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. Treatment for gout aims to reduce inflammation and manage pain, and may include NSAIDs, colchicine, corticosteroids, and medications that lower the level of uric acid in the blood. In addition to medications, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding foods and drinks high in purines, staying hydrated, and limiting alcohol intake can also help to manage gout.
School-based Trainee
We welcome Liam, our 2nd school-based trainee, and we believe the 2nd in Queensland, into the Day Service joining Maddie in
studying Certificate III in Direct Support.
Liam is a student at Wilsonton State High School and has volunteered at the Centre during school holidays and at the Queens Park Markets, so he is already acquainted with most of our attending clients.
Thank you to Robbie from Education Queensland, Wilsonton SHS, Wade from Aurora Training and Erin from MREAL for making this happen so smoothly.
Young people being able to access training while at school are more confident in obtaining full-time employment when they graduate and they bring a youthful vibrance to our service.
BigDog Day Service Toowoomba
Paul Myatt Community Centre
11-15 Alexander Street
North Toowoomba 4350
Coordinator
Jess Wright
Phone: 4512 6020
dayservice@bigdogsupport.com.au
Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability is a condition characterised by significant limitations in cognitive functioning, as well as adaptive behaviour. People with intellectual disability may have difficulties with communication, learning, social interaction, and daily living skills. They may require assistance and support in many areas of their lives, including education, employment, healthcare, and personal relationships.
Social interaction is important for everyone's mental health and wellbeing, and people with intellectual disability may require assistance in developing and maintaining social relationships. They may require support to participate in social activities and events, as well as to
develop social skills, such as communication and problem-solving. Building social connections not only helps individuals with intellectual disability feel more connected to their community but also promotes their emotional and social development.
Daily living skills such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene, are essential for independence and quality of life. People with intellectual disability may require assistance in developing these skills, and may require support to manage their daily routine. They may require specialised equipment or technology, such as communication devices or mobility aids, to help them navigate their daily lives.
In summary
People with intellectual disability have unique needs that require a comprehensive and individualised approach. They require support and assistance in many areas of their lives, including education, employment, healthcare, social interaction, and daily living skills. By providing tailored services and support, we can help individuals with intellectual disability achieve their full potential and live happy, fulfilling lives.
BigDog Day Service Rockhampton
BigDog Community Centre
170 East Street Rockhampton 4700
Coordinator
Macka & Carli
Phone: 4573 4611
rockhampton@bigdogsupport.com.au
Public Transport remains inaccessible
Full accessibility may not be achievable
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) People with disability in Australia 2020 report, one in six people with a disability aged over 15 have difficulty using public transport.
Obstacles include poor access to stations, stops and terminals, difficulty accessing information relevant to their needs, and safety challenges when planning and completing a public transport journey.
The Government has acknowledged work needs to be done to meet its targets, with a spokesperson for Infrastructure Minister Catherine King telling the ABC they are “fully committed to further removing discrimination for people with disability”.
The Government will also provide a number of reforms to the Transport Standards legislation in the second half of this year.
However, some people within the infrastructure sector have called for more flexibility. Ms Pascoe says she has spoken to several operators who cannot afford the upgrades necessary to achieve full accessibility.
“It is unrealistic to expect that every station across the country can be made fully compliant in every part. The cost of doing so is unachievable,” says Ms Pascoe.
“[It’s] really important to understand what the prioritisation looks like. What does good look like, not what does perfect look like.”
Government requests feedback from people with disability
Having acknowledged the need to modernise the Transport Standards, the Government called for public consultation for 54 areas of potential reform. The public consultation process closed in August 2022.
Those reforms are currently being prepared for presentation to the Infrastructure and Transport Minister in the middle of this year.
However, as part of the 2022 Review of the Disability Standards for the Accessible Public Transport 2002, people with disability, their families and carers, advocates and public transport operators and providers are being asked whether they believe the Transport Standards are reducing discrimination for people with disability on public transport.
Experiences with planning a journey, the accessibility of a bus stop or train station, the onboard experience and any transport disruptions are all requested to ensure an accurate picture of public transport accessibility can be painted. Feedback must be provided by 30 June 2023.
Company Wide On-Call
Commencing 20 February 2023 there will only be 1 OnCall for BigDog Toowoomba and Rockhampton. Admin Staff will be on a rotating roster which will be monitoring On Call for both sites.
Please note the following:
• DO NOT Text the On-Call as the phone maybe diverted, and not being monitored.
• The phone numbers remain the same Toowoomba 0427408698 Rockhampton 0429053396
• The on-call phone is only to be used in an emergency, if your shift ended early, if the client was not home or if you are phoning in sick.
• If it can wait until the next morning, wait until the office is open.
• Check shift notes before calling On-Call
• Ensure you know your roster and your clients
• Ask questions during business hours if you're unsure If you have any enquiries or concerns about this change please call the office and seek guidance before you’re required to attend shifts.
• The person manning the on-call phone may not be familiar with the details of your shift and will only be able to refer you to CareMaster
• If you need to report something this can be done through a "high priority" shift note, incident report or phoning the office during office hours.
Thank you everyone for your well wishes!
We have had an additional member in Admin as our miniature dachshund hurt her back and her back legs were paralysed and she had to rest With everyone's prayers and wishes she has seen some remarkable steps in healing and we are now hopeful that she will make a recovery.
Staff Birthdays
10th
Claire
Dylan B
Michael B
14th Ann K
17th Shara
18th
Brett W
24th Brodie
26th Juliette S
Susan H
Have a great day!
Come and volunteer in our Big BBQ Van. Learn cooking skills for eggs and bacon muffins or our sausage sizzle. Learn food handling in preparing the items for the customers. Learn cash handling and customer service skills.
Sunday 19 March
Join Billy and Tahnee at the BigDog stand
Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
(DESBT) have partnered with Employ Toowoomba for Toowoomba's Jobs, Careers & Skills expo on 9 March 2023. This is a FREE event and a great opportunity to meet local employers ready to hire. There will be on the day interviews so bring along your current resume, and dress to impress! This event is for everyone, whether you are looking for a job, a career change or training opportunities. If you know of someone who is looking for a job as a support worker, have them come along. SEE YOU THERE
