WhatsUp $5.50
in Disability March/April 2019
Toowoomba and Southern Queensland
Volume 2, Issue 87
Subscription $33 PA
Inclusion Access Murray’s Story Disability Information Services by People with Disability Proudly supported and printed by Toowoomba Region
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WhatsUp
Welcome
Welcome to our new editor Liz, I’m sure that with her experience and guidance WhatsUp will develop into a magazine that we will all be proud of and enjoy reading.
CONTENTS Cover Page
The NDIS released a new Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) grant round on 15 February 2019 to boost economic participation for people with disability.
Kylie at WhatsUp office for her interview with Sandra
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Meet our new Editor
The goal of the Economic Participation of People with Disability grant round is to build the capacity of businesses and organisations to employ people with disability through community engagement, improved resources and training.
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Inclusion Access
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Murray’s Story
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International Wheelchair Day
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Kylie and Trevor
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NDIS Updates
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COAG Report
Future funding opportunities for Economic and Community Participation will be coordinated in partnership with input from the Participant Employment Taskforce.
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Productivity Commission Report
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10 Pin Bowling
Specifically the grants aim to build capacity of employers to attract, employ and retain people with disability, open pathways to employment by supporting people with disability to build skills for workplace settings and support projects that build entrepreneurial and self-employment capability for people with disability.
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Disability Support Guide
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RADAC Meeting
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Wellbeing
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Cleanliness
The grant is open to all employers, employment agencies and organisations that work with people with disability.
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Queensland Business
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What a memory
Steven Paull
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What’s Happening
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Toowoomba Region
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Copyright and Disclaimer Notices
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Advertiser’s Index
The round will help lay foundations for the Economic and Community Participation Program that is part of the new ILC Investment Strategy.
JP (Qual) President
WhatsUp In Disability (the magazine) was first published in 1994 to give local people with disabilities and carers, information on a growing multitude of local disability services, local news and issues, with the purpose of not only supplying information to people with disabilities, but of giving choices to people and to give local services a specialist media outlet where they could give information on their services. To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be an advertiser, please contact the WhatsUp office at 4/33 Bell Street, Toowoomba or call on 4632 6678. Page 2
Rear Cover Queensland Women’s Week Queensland Youth Week
WhatsUp
at WhatsUp
Meet our new Editor By Sandra Wiseman There’s a few new faces making an appearance at the WhatsUp office, including our new Editor, Liz Schneidewin, an experienced writer and three times nominee for Hardest Surname To Spell Ever While Liz was getting used to the office, Sandra took the opportunity to find out more about her. Sandra: So, Liz. Can you please tell me how you heard about being the editor? Liz: I was at the Accessibility Technology Expo last year when I met Alyssa and Marissa who were telling people about the magazine and handing out copies. I chased them down and told them I am a writer and editor and they asked me straight away to come and visit the office and find out more about the magazine. As soon as I arrived, I knew it was a place I would like to be. Sandra: Do you like doing the job so far? Liz: I am really enjoying working for the magazine. I love working with other writers and artists; it’s something I have always wanted to do, and I don’t think I’ve made too many mistakes so far. Sandra: What are the best stories you’ve read so far and why do you like them? Liz: There have already been lost of great stories in the magazine since I joined it, but I especially like the Op-Shop reports and game reviews.
Liz: I think it’s important to write a bit every day, but you only have to work on one story at a time until it is as good as it can be. Sandra: Do you like jokes? Liz: I do like most jokes but not if they’re too rude. My favourite jokes are elephant jokes. Sandra: How long would you like to stories to be? Liz: Every story should be about one page long, but definitely less than 500 words for your longest stories. I really like there to be a picture with every story too.
Sandra: Do you think I write good stories? Liz: I think you write very good stories and I’m looking forward to more of your stories in the future. Sandra: How many stories a day would your like me to write? Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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To find out more visit Josh’s Website at: Inclusionaccess.com.au
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WhatsUp
Inclusion Access
What do you normally take with you when you go out to your favourite café or restaurant? Your wallet or your phone? Of course. But would you take a tape measure with you? If you are Josh Marshall from the Inclusion Access Project, the answer is—you wouldn’t be without it. Josh Marshall is the founder and Co-Director of a brand new social enterprise, Inclusion Access. The project aims to improve the disability community’s access to all public venues and events, starting with the local cafes and restaurants around Toowoomba. It all began when Josh became a full time wheelchair user. ”I would go out with my wife and friends, like usual, but suddenly I found there were places I just couldn’t get to anymore.” Josh began to take note of which restaurants and cafes were suitable to go to in his wheelchair and which ones weren’t, and he soon realised that other members of the community who are wheelchair users or have other mobility issues might also benefit from knowing which venues were easily accessible. With this in mind, Josh started at website of his own where he could share his feedback about the accessibility of different venues around town, even devising a ratings scale that would help him explain his experience.
impact this project has already made is largely due to the fact that Josh and his teammates are taking an open and honest approach to their investigations, involving the owners or managers of each venue in the process from the very start. Josh explains, “I always ask to speak to the owner or manager. Then I’ll give them a letter that explains the project and how the rating scale works, and let them know that the rating will be posted on the website and Facebook page.” And then what usually happens is that the owners and managers of the venue down with Josh to discuss what can be done to improve their accessibility. “It’s amazing how open they are to this idea once we start talking,” says Josh. “I’ve found that noone is making decisions to prevent accessibility on purpose, it’s just that they’ve never really thought about it before.” Although it is only in its early stages, the project has already drawn the support of additional team members, including media expert and passionate disability advocate, Kim Stokes. “This project is already making a difference,” she says, a smile beaming across her features. “It really is a fantastic project with so much potential to help so many people.”
“I was a nursing educator for more than 15 years, so I used my own knowledge, as well as the advice of other health professionals I knew, to devise a scale that made sense and looked at accessibility features consistently and reliably. Then he began visiting food venues around Toowoomba, noting his experiences and applying the rating scale. But he didn’t just take his measurements and leave anonymous negative feedback on social media as some people might do. The huge
Josh, Kim and the team are working hard to make sure Inclusion Access helps remove barriers wherever they find them.
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp
Murray’s Story
By Mandy Maybanks
This Toowoomba job seeker was crying tears of joy as he finally achieved his dream of employment. Murray, who lives with a disability, had a lengthy and frustrating search for employment having exhausted every avenue he could think of; hundreds of resumes, phone calls, letters and even job classifieds. He had also tried a number of Disability Employment Service providers over several years, without luck. That was until he joined HELP Employment & Training. CEO Greg Luck said his team focus on what a job seeker can do, not what they can’t. "Murray chose to come to us only a few months ago. We are proud to have sourced a job for Murray and we will continue to support him and his employer to ensure ongoing success for both,” Mr Luck said. Presenting Murray with his own work shirt at Country Range Farming, just outside Toowoomba, was a particular highlight for Mr Luck and his team. "When you see your job seeker (Murray) physically in tears, hugging their employer, hugging myself and my team and even bringing the journalist to tears, it makes you realise why we get out of bed every day and do what we do at HELP,” he said. Country Range Farming Manager, Roxanne, said her newest employee was already settling in after just three weeks. "He's been fantastic. He had a little bit of anxiety at first, but he has fitted in so well and become part of the team very quickly," she said. Roxanne admitted she was anxious about introducing someone with a disability into the workplace, something she's glad she looked past. Mr Luck said employer fear or anxiety was a common obstacle facing people with disability trying to enter the job market. “We not only move Heaven and Earth to get our job seekers employed, but we also do the same for Employers. Workforce diversity and inclusion is a key business imperative these days and we provide businesses with advice, strategies, suitable candidates and ongoing support after the
employee starts their new job, at no cost. Employers don’t have to do this alone or fear it, HELP is there for them also,” Mr Luck said. HELP has supported nearly 50,000 job seekers, 18,000 employers and specialises in helping people with health conditions or disability; by creating employment pathways into local businesses and leading by example through directly employing over 350 staff with disability in a wide range of jobs within HELP. "Murray is a classic example of someone's life being changed because they can now participate in the economy, and enhance their own lifestyle and independence. HELP is proud to have played a role in changing Murray’s life," Mr Luck said. If you have a vacancy and need help looking for suitable staff or are wanting to increase workforce diversity and inclusion please contact us to discuss more. Help Employment & Training is a local Queensland-based not-for-profit that provides tailored employment and training solutions to job seekers, employers and students: www.helpemployment.com.au/
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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Wellways Healthcall Toowoomba, Brisbane, Roma Mackay and Townsville Providing: 1. In home and out of home disability support and nursing services 2. Day Services 3. Providing respite services through Siena House in Toowoomba Please call 07 4638 7159 or 1300 363 898 99a Russell Street Toowoomba We look forward to discussing your support needs.
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WhatsUp By Liz Schneidewin Wheelchairs are, for hundreds of people in the Darling Downs including myself, a cause for celebration! International Wheelchair Day was first launched on March 1, 2008. It started when a wheelchair user in the UK, Steve Wilkinson, searched the internet for information about ‘International Wheelchair Day’ and found nothing at all. Being a proactive kind of person, he decided to start one himself.
Here at WhatsUp, we’ve come up with a few ways you might like to celebrate your Wonderful Wheelie Mate.
Take a photo and post it on social media including @whatsupindisability (our facebook page)
Go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go in your wheelchair
Give your wheelchair a makeover or a tuneup
He declared March 1st, 2008 to be International Wheelchair Day in honour of his mother’s birthday and soon groups from all over the world were embracing the chance to celebrate not only the freedom given to them by this wonderful invention, but also the makers and sellers behind the scenes who make this freedom possible.
Tell the people who provide you with your
The aims of International Wheelchair Day are to enable wheelchair users to celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has in their lives; to celebrate the great work of millions of wheelchair providers, designers, manufacturers and salespeople to make the world a more accessible place for people with mobility issues and to acknowledge and act on the needs of the millions of people around the world who need a wheelchair but haven’t been able to get one.
http://wheelchairsteve.com/internationalwheelchair-day/
wheelchair how much to appreciate them
Donate to a reputable wheelchair charity If you want to know more about the great things that happen on International Wheelchair Day, visit Steve Wilkinson’s Website:
The history of the wheelchair The earliest record of wheeled furniture dates all the way back to ancient times, but it wasn’t until 1595 that the first wheelchair was invented. It was designed for King Phillip II of Spain, so it had an elaborate design but lacked the ability to be self-propelled.
Chinese philosopher Confucius (c1680) in a wheelchair Professor Meredith Thring (c1960) is one of the inventors who have tackled the problem of stairs Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp
Kylie & Trevor with Sandra Wiseman
The team had a great laugh and a good chat with Kylie and Trevor when they visited us at WhatsUp.
We were thrilled this month when Kylie, a volunteer at Trevor Watts’ office in Toowoomba, came to visit us. Here’s some of the interview Sandra had with them.
Trevor (in the background): Mention me, mention me. Kylie: and of course Trevor is great too.
Sandra: What is your job?
(Laughter from everyone)
Kylie: I am currently just volunteering at Trevor Watts’ office, trying to find employment at the moment.
Sandra: Do you have any hobbies?
Sandra: How did you get this job? Kylie: Well actually, I took a gap year and I got really bored. My dad suggested that I call around and I said “You know what? I will,” and I did. I rang Trevor’s office and I came in for an interview, for a two week period. Sandra: How long have you been there now? Kylie: I think for about a year now, in April, it will be a year, so for about 10 months. Sandra: What do you like most about the job? Kylie: I really like the people that I work with, they’re amazing, the two ladies in the office are my mentors...
Kylie: I am a person who loves to socialise. I love to go to cafes and catching up with my friends. Also driving, I love driving. Sandra: Do you have any challenges in your life? Kylie: I do but, I’ve realised that because of my disability, but I don’t see it as a challenge, but how can I do it differently. Lyn: What would have to say to anybody else who might be afraid that their disability would stop them from having a go? Kylie: I have struggled for a long time, particularly during school, but this year I have embraced it that you are different, and you are different for a reason. That what’s makes me unique.
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp New Price Guide 1st Feb A new NDIS Price Guide is in effect 1st February 2019 and the changes that have been made are not exactly what were expected Very High Intensity Pricing This was recommended by the Independent Pricing Review and announced in December of last year. While this change was expected, its execution is surprising. It was recommended then that it be linked to the complexity of a Participant’s support needs so that, for example, somebody with “severe behaviours of concern” would receive funding at the highest level. However, the actual implementation of the pricing tier is linked not to the Participant’s support needs but the wage of the worker. The levels are listed below with the VIC/NSW/ QLD/TAS price for Assistance With Self-Care Activities - Weekday Daytime for comparison: Level 1 (“standard”) – where a shift is undertaken by a worker who is classified at SCHADS Award 2.3 or below: $48.14 / hr Level 2 (“high intensity”) – where a shift is undertaken by a worker who is classified at SCHADS Award 2.4 or 3.1: $50.73 / hr Level 3 (“very high intensity”) – where a shift is undertaken by a worker who is classified at SCHADS Award 3.2 or above: $52.98 / hr The obvious benefit of this third tier is that it creates another step on the vocational pathway for Support Workers and recognises the skill they bring to their work. It also encourages providers to support Participants who they might otherwise not have. Most troubling of all, the NDIA have made the
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NDIS
Updates
confusing statement that “it is anticipated that in most cases the total cost of the mix of supports that participants can purchase will not increase as a result of the changes.” For those of you playing along at home – yes, this means that the NDIA estimate that people with complex support needs will not spend more on support, despite the cost per hour increasing. This can only mean that they imagine people will purchase fewer hours of support. The statement continues, “The number of plan reviews is therefore expected to be limited” and advises that any review request will be subject to their standard prioritisation process . This comment begs the question, who decides which Participants should be supported by higher skilled workers? If it is the Participant, will the Planner then need to agree to put the required funding in the Plan or does the NDIA somehow expect that Participants who want more trained workers will find a way to pay for this within the same budget? Providers and Participants both have some fairly significant work ahead of them now to understand how this change impacts existing plans. This includes rewriting service agreements, recalculating budgets, aligning rostering and invoicing systems so the correct rate is charged and having reliable mechanisms in place to make sure that unexpected shift changes don’t have an adverse effect on a Participant’s budget. This means that for all supports delivered from 1st February, providers can charge the higher price. It is unclear if Participant Plans will be scaled up to account for this loading in the meantime so while this is good news for providers, it remains unclear who is really paying the price in the meantime.
WhatsUp
COAG Report the number of scheduled plan reviews has significantly increased. In aggregate, over the period of transition, 236,642 plan reviews have been undertaken. This is broadly equivalent to the number of people in the Scheme and the ECEI program. Reflecting the rapid acceleration of the Scheme roll-out, 52,117 plan reviews were undertaken in the past quarter and 90,463 over the last six months. When the number of plan approvals is added to the scheduled reviews, this brings the total number to 83,143 for the quarter and 147,439 for the half year, or a run rate of 1,180 a working day for the half year. The number of plans and reviews will continue to increase through to full Scheme, even though the NDIA is proactively taking steps to lengthen the period between plan reviews for participants whose conditions are stable and unlikely to change. The Scheme remains within budget, and has done so every year of its operation. It is projected to remain within budget for the rest of the financial year.
At 31st December 2018, 244,653 eligible people with disabilities had joined the NDIS representing a 17% increase over the prior quarter. In January 2019, the quarter of a million mark was reached. During the quarter, an additional 31,026 participants received an approved plan. This compares with 19,965 in the same quarter the previous year. In other words, more than 1.5 times the number of participants received NDIS benefits in the past quarter versus a year ago. This is a significant increase in the pace of the roll-out. Excluding children in the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) program, 32% of participants or 73,956 individuals are receiving funding for the first time. In the December quarter, 36.6% of participants gained support for the first time versus 31.0% in prior quarters.
As an insurance Scheme, the NDIS takes a lifelong approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life. The NDIA closely monitors cost pressures to detect and respond to risks to Scheme sustainability as they emerge. It does this in a way that is consistent with the principles of the Scheme and the purpose for which it was created. Equally, it is recognised that maintaining Scheme sustainability is in the short and long-term interests of all participants. The NDIA has also released a revised ILC Investment Strategy, with the objective of enhancing the support for individuals and communities that proactively work with people with disability. A copy of the complete report can be downloaded https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/publications/ quarterly-reports
As the roll-out of the Scheme accelerates, Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp Productivity Commission Report End the blame game, stop letting people with disability fall through the gaps and pull your finger out to ensure action on areas other than the NDIS. That’s the short version of the Productivity Commission’s report released this month. The report confirms what people with disability and their families all around the country have known for years – that not enough is being done to improve the quality of life of all Australians with disability. According to the report, finger pointing between levels of government, lack of clarity around roles and responsibilities and an all-consuming focus on the roll out National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has left many people with disability and their families to fall through the gaps, and has failed to lift the quality of life of all Australians with disability. No surprises here. In releasing the report Professor Fitzgerald could not have said it better:
Robert
“With so much focus on the NDIS, limited attention has been placed on achieving better outcomes for the many people with disability who are not supported through the NDIS. There’s about 3.8 million people with disability in Australia who are not supported by the NDIS. Most people with disabilities are not and never will be covered by the NDIS yet their rights, needs and aspirations matter.” So what does this report mean? Last year the Productivity Commission conducted a review into the National Disability Agreement (NDA). The NDA is one of a series of agreements between the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments which cover major areas like health, education and housing. The goal of the NDA is to “enhance the quality of life for people with disability, their families and carers”. In theory it is supposed to ensure co-operation between governments, clarify roles and
responsibilities and hold governments accountable for what they are (and are not) doing. But in their report the PC found that in reality the NDA was outdated, had a weak influence on policy and as a result had done little to improve life outcomes for people with disability. Nothing new here. In particular the PC found that in focusing on the roll out of the NDIS, governments had let many, many other important things fall by the wayside. “There has been very little progress in meeting previously agreed goals such as raising labour force participation rates for people with disability or improving the wellbeing of carers.” “We have identified key gaps in the areas of advocacy services, support for carers, and supports for people with disabilities arising from mental health conditions, as well as access to community and inclusion programs,” Commissioner Fitzgerald said. Commission’s Findings The Productivity Commission’s findings are exactly the same as what they told us at Make it Work forums all around the country last year – that in rolling out the NDIS governments appeared to have downed their tools on all other areas that affect the lives of people with disability – really important things like education, health and transport. These areas are critical to the lives of all four million Australians with disability – way beyond the 460,000 people who will eventually be supported by the NDIS. But downing tools was only the half of it. You also told us that programs and services that helped people who were not eligible for the NDIS were also being wound down, leaving people and their families without critical support. The Commission’s report concludes that a new, reinvigorated NDA could be a strong positive force to guide future disability policy, to promote better access to mainstream and disability services and to improve outcomes for people with disability.
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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Flexible Respite Options * Breakaway Guesthouse- Highfields. Offers short term respite to children and adults with a disability in a comfortable and relaxed environment which is fully staffed. * In-home and/or Community Access Support that is flexible and focused on meeting individual family needs. * Rural and Remote Offers respite support to people with disabilities and their families in rural and remote South West Queensland. * Vacation Care Respite support for children with disabilities and their families during school holidays.
27 Mort Street Toowoomba Telephone: (07) 4639 5100 Fax: (07) 4639 5079 Email: info@breakawaytmba.org
Employment Services Supporting people with a disability to gain and maintain employment that is valued by the client, the employer and the community. 3 Finchley Street PO Box 1715 Toowoomba QLD 4350 P: (07) 4688 3900 F: (07) 4688 3911 employment.toowoomba@uccommunity.org.au www.uccommunity.org.au/employmentservices
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WhatsUp
Tenpin Bowling
Headway Bowling Group Thursdays can be a bit of an odd day sometimes. You’re over hump day on Wednesday but Friday has not quite arrived. So what do you do. For one group in town the answer is clear... You go bowling. For around 20 years the Headway Bowling Group at Sunset Superbowl has been getting together to have a great time and knock over some pins while they’re at it. The group is composed of any and all disability care and support groups from around the community and all are invited to join in the fun. The games and groupings are arranged by Bec, who is quick to remind people that the real force for good behind this well loved program is a lady called Norah, who started the group simply because, as Bec explains it, “She loves seeing people smile and have fun. And that is just what is happening. In every corner and down every alley, balls are crashing against pins and players are celebrating victories both small and large. Speaking to a few of the people there that morning, the stories were different, but the message was clear—Bowling is a life enhancing experience for everyone involved.
Inspired by Norah, Bec Asgill keeps an eye on the lanes and makes sure everyone has fun.
Holt Challenge comes to Toowoomba
Valma and Linda from Platinum Care Sammy from Breakaway with Heather and
Holt Challenge Incorporated, known simply as "Holt", provides Tenpin Bowlers in Australia with the opportunity to compete on a level playing field against others of similar ability. Since 2007, this organisation has conducted a highly successful event known as the Darrell Holt Tenpin Bowling Carnival, during which numerous challenges and trophy events are hotly contested. Sunset Superbowl 10th to 22nd August 2019 All bowlers are welcome! If you're interested in participating in a fun and friendly tournament with some good prizes on offer, contact your local branch for more information!
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp DPS Guide to Disability Support DPS is Australia’s leading independent multiplatform media company providing vital resources for senior Australians and people living with a disability. Their innovative approach is changing the way Australians make decisions about their care and lifestyle by delivering the power of informed choice. The guide provides a gateway to connect Australians living with a disability, their families and carers with disability support providers through their industry-leading suite of resources including the DPS Guide to Disability Support, www.DisabilitySupportGuide.co m.au and www.talkingDisability.com.au. The guide helps you compare, choose and connect with your preferred provider and are relied upon daily by NDIS participants, their family and carers, allied health professionals and a host of government agencies. Backed by Australia’s leading independent aged care information provider DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au is Australia’s first multiplatform disability information resource empowering people with a disability and their families to make informed support decisions. Learn about the different services available, understand the NDIS, find out how funding works and what costs are involved. It can assist you in preparing for your planning meeting and consider the questions you should ask.
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Disability Support Guide
WhatsUp
RADAC
Toowoomba RADAC Meeting Monday 4th February was the first open meeting of the New RADAC group in the Groom Room of the Toowoomba Council Chambers. If you haven’t heard of RADAC before, they’re a useful group to keep on your radar. RADAC stands for the Regional Access and Disability Advisory Committee. This is the group of people who have been selected to bring the many needs of the disability community to the attention of Toowoomba Region Council on all of our behalves. These are the dedicated folks who take a few hours out of their day once a month to drill down to the nitty gritty of problems in the disability community in Toowoomba and surrounding areas and find ways to make real and lasting changes happen for the whole of our community.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation held the Grand Opening of Daniel House in Palmwoods, Queensland today.
The RADAC group has representatives from the community covering hearing and vision impairment, mobility and non-typical necrologies and physiologies.
Bruce and Denise along with the Hon. Di Farmer officially opened Daniel House in front of 150 invited guests. Guests included representatives of Queensland State Government, over 100 local businesses who had contributed to the Daniel House project and friends and supporters of the Morcombe Family and Foundation.
http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/about-council/ councillors-meetings/advisory-committees/9681regional-access-disability-advisory-committeeradac
Daniel House is now the Foundation's National Office and includes the "Walk Tall" Program which offers free counselling services for child survivors of crime.
It’s not a fun job, by any means, but it is vital to the wellbeing of the community as a whole.
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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Individual Lifestyle Support Service
07 4639 4026 Providing Disability Support and Assistance Increased Social & Community Participation Living and Lifestyle Skills and Support Accommodation Support Capacity Building
Warrina Services is a specialist support agency that has been providing individual support to people of the Darling Downs since 1986. We support people with a diverse range of needs and also provide mental health services to assist personal recovery. We can help you to achieve positive outcomes in your life. These may be related to choice and independence, education or training, attending social activities, increasing skills, getting a job or contributing to your community. If you would like further information please visit our website www.warrinaservices.org.au Or contact us Phone: 07-46 380 399 Email: warrinas@warrinas.com.au or visit our new office at 172 Bridge Street Toowoomba Office hours Mon-Fri 9-5pm
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WhatsUp
Wellbeing Coeliac Awareness Week
Digital Speech Amplifiers and Headphones By Sandra Wiseman Hearing Impairment is a hot topic here at the WhatsUp in Disability Magazine office. Our dedicated team member, Sandra, who has a hearing impairment, has been unable to hear properly for weeks now due to ill-fitting and mislaid hearing devices. But fortunately, she recently found a solution… Digital Speech Amplifiers and Headphones I have this device to help me hear and it is fantastic. It just looks like I’m listening to music but I’m not. I can hear people talking and every kind of noise that people make, even people walking with their shoes. At a very long distance you can hear big trucks before you see them. I think they are so much better than a hearing aid because a hearing aid is a pain. All you have to do is put the headphones on your ears, clip it to your shirt and turn it on by a button and hold it on for a couple of seconds and you’re all good to go. You don’t use batteries, you charge it at night. I think you hardly miss out on anything with them on. If you’re interested, I got mine from Australian Hearing.
Coeliac Awareness Week is held annually from the 13th - 20th March. Coeliac disease remains one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in Australia. Public recognition of coeliac disease and the potential reactions to gluten (often selfdiagnosed!) have never been higher, yet awareness of the condition among medical professionals continues to be low.
Take the online assessment at
https://www.coeliac.org.au/ Sandra enjoying the sounds of the world
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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Down Syndrome Support Group Inc. (Toowoomba & District)
Offers people with Down Syndrome and their families an opportunity to make contact with, and to meet other people in a friendly and inviting environment. Contact: President Kara Wren Mobile: 0439 661 349
10 East St Gatton Address: 108 Mort Street Toowoomba Telephone: (07) 4659 5476 Email: admin@qualitylifestylesupport.com Respite care, Community Access and In Home Care are provided to people in innovative and flexible ways working within the principles and guidelines of the Disability Services Act and NDIS guidelines Director: John Hart ABN: 43 092 474 872
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We encourage client input and control over the service they request.
Supported Employment * In Home Support Community Access * Diversional Therapy Counselling * Accommodation Commercial and Domestic Recycling Services Secure Document Destruction We also produce a wide selection of jams, chutneys and pickles made fresh from locally sourced produce
Phone: 5462 3272 Email: admin@anuha.com.au
WhatsUp
Cleaning and Garden Maintenance For many people, the phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” is a motto they live their life by. But for some people with a disability, keeping their house clean or doing the gardening can be extremely difficult – and in some cases, impossible. At WhatsUp we often get questions from NDIS participants who want to know if they can use their funds to hire a gardener, cleaner or handyman. What you can or can’t fund depends on your particular situation and what’s in your NDIS plan, so there’s no single answer to this question. That said, there are some basic things to keep in mind, and some handy hints that can make the decision as easy as possible for you. Does the NDIS fund gardening, cleaning and home maintenance? In short, yes – the NDIS can provide funding for support with gardening, cleaning and home maintenance. But it’s important to point out that it will only fund these supports if they’re reasonable and necessary and directly related to your disability. So, if you’re unable to perform a task, like vacuuming or mowing the lawn, because your disability makes it impossible, then the NDIS can fund it.
Cleanliness
If a person without a disability would have to hire a specialist to perform the job, such as hiring an electrician to rewire a socket, it won’t be covered by the NDIS. Use the chart above to help you work out if you can use your NDIS funds to help pay for a gardener, cleaner or even a handyman. The NDIS includes support with gardening, cleaning and home maintenance under the support category Assistance with Daily Living in your NDIS plan. So if you have budget allocated to this category in your NDIS plan, you can use it for this support, provided you meet the criteria outlined in the above section. It’s also worth noting that, as Assistance with Daily Living is a ‘core support’, you can use this budget in other core support categories (Transport, Consumables and Assistance with Social & Community Participation) as well. Because a lot of cleaners, gardeners and handymen are small businesses, the majority are likely not to be registered with the NDIS. They may not be aware of the NDIS, or haven’t gone through the process of registering with the NDIS. However, you can still access them with your NDIS funds – provided your NDIS funds are plan or self-managed.
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp Queensland Small Business Week 2019 QSBW will run from Monday 27th May to Friday 31st May 2019. As one of the most important events on the Queensland business calendar, QSBW 2019 aims to give small business owners the opportunity to learn and acquire new ideas, skills and tools to take their businesses to the next level. There are many ways to take part in this year’s celebration. First of all, subscribe to the QSBW 2019 newsletter and get weekly notifications for events happening in your region. Host a QSBW event QSBW events can be in many formats, including conferences, seminars, workshops, webinars, podcasts, networking and professional development activities. As an event host, you will receive:
marketing and promotional support from the
Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
an event listing on the events calendar on the Business Queensland website
exposure and promotion via QSBW 2019 advertising
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Queensland Business electronic files of QSBW 2019 marketing material and graphic elements
access to the QSBW 2019 event host community group
supporting guides and templates Take part in QSBW 2019 by hosting an event in your region today. Queensland Small Business Week 2019 is delivered by the Queensland Government, in partnership with Bendigo Bank and in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.
2019 Queensland Training Awards
Nominations now open! Becoming a Queensland Training Awards finalist or winner can help build your career or further develop your business’ reputation as an organisation of choice. Across 14 categories, the awards recognise individuals and organisations that strive for and have achieved success, best practice and innovation in vocational education and training (VET). Closing 17th March 2019 www.qta.qld.gov.au
WhatsUp
What a memory!
By Suzanne Smith There is something quite magical in watching Sean, from BigDog in Rockhampton draw. The images appear on the drawing page exactly as he last saw them. Sean memorises images from movies and TV and recreates them through his drawings and paintings. The drawing is highly detailed as if the image was right in front of you or I. Sean is also able to replicate foreign language particularly Japanese in one of his drawings which was quite spectacular. Sean also communicates his emotions through his drawings as he often cannot express how he feels. Therefore if he is sad or happy this will be drawn in the faces of the characters he is drawing.
His drawings sometimes reflect how he is feeling
He had a sore throat a recently and drew a character eating a Strepsils Lozenger to let us know how he was feeling. Some of our favourite drawings and paintings at BigDog are 21st Century Fox, the control centre for the TARDIS from Dr Who, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons and Cars. The drawings are done on different surfaces including canvas, paper and whiteboards.
Autistic Savant Autistic savants are children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and who display remarkable abilities or skills in one or several domains. Savant abilities and/or splinter skills, may be exhibited in the following skill areas or domains: memory; hyperlexia (the exceptional ability to read, spell and write); art; music; mechanical or spatial skill; calendar calculation; mathematical calculation; sensory sensitivity; athletic performance; and computer ability.
Sean produces his drawings entirely from memory
These skills may be remarkable in contrast to the disability of autism, or prodigious in relation to the typical population. http://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/en/factsheet/savant-skills Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp
in March
The Toowoomba Royal Show is an unrivalled production of the very best in entertainment and agriculture displays on the Darling Downs since 1860. Every year they have new entertainment so bring the whole family and enjoy world class acts, competitions and exhilarating rides in sideshow alley. The 155th Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show will be held from 28th - 30th March 2019. Over 500 volunteers assist during the show. Without their dedication and effort the show could not function. Page 26
WhatsUp
in April
ANZAC DAY This is the day when we remember those who have fought for our freedom. We are grateful for every Australian who served and died in war and on operational service. It’s through their sacrifice that we’re able to live freely and in safety today. The ‘Ode of Remembrance’ is a verse derived from the poem ‘The Fallen’ written by Laurence Binyon. This excerpt is used in services around the world as a tribute to remember fallen soldiers of war, and remains a legacy to their sacrifice. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them
Thursday 4th April 2019 7.00am - 8.30am Picnic Point Function Centre
Email: whatsupindisability@bigpond.com
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WhatsUp mycommunity www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au
CR Paul Antonio Mayor 2019 is already set to be a fantastic year for the Toowoomba Region as we all continue to make the Region an enviable place to live, work and play. In December last year I had the absolute pleasure of attending the opening of the first section of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC). The $1.6 billion project has been a real boost to the broader community during the construction period. The project’s contractors committed to spending 75% of the total spend locally, and from all reports have achieved in excess of that. This is absolutely fantastic news for our economy. Currently 3,500 trucks and up to 20,000 cars per day travel up the existing range crossing through James Street. The TSRC completion will mean much of this traffic is redirected out of central Toowoomba area, which will have a very positive effect on traffic flow. Our Region is continuing to face some very dry times and this is impacting on all of us. Our water supplies are feeling the strain and it has been a very difficult time for many on the land. I encourage everyone to conserve water wherever possible and pay close attention to the water restrictions in your local area. I hope that there will be rain in the not too distant future to fill dams and water supplies across the Region. It’s exciting to see various tourist bodies working together to reinvigorate tourism across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. When our communities work collaboratively and in conjunction with their local councils to promote the local ar-
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ea, we create wonderful opportunities to share our beautiful Region and lifestyle. I hope that you enjoy the latest edition of Bold. Our team always welcomes feedback to make sure we deliver a publication that is enjoyable to our residents.
WhatsUp
WhatsUp
New to disability?
First Points of Contact Centrelink Payments and Services
132 468
Carers
132 717
Disability Support Pension
132 717
Health Care Card
132 490
Family Assistance
136 150
Indigenous Call Centre Emergency Crisis Payment
1800 136 380 132 850
NDIS General Enquiries
1800 800 110
NDIA Toowoomba Office
07 4592 4057
Local Area Coordinator
07 4646 2800
Medicare General Enquiries
132 011
Pharmaceutical Benefits
132 290
MyGov Help Desk
132 307
Queensland Government
Toowoomba Disability Information Office
Child Safety
07 4699 4255
Disability Services
07 4615 3900
Toowoomba Hospital
07 4616 6000
Department Housing
07 4699 4400
Community Groups Carer Advisory Service
1800 242 636
Carer Respite
1800 059 059
Open 5 days
Lifeline Darling Downs
1300 991 443
(core times 10:00am to 1.00pm)
Relationships Australia
1300 364 277
A question on disability or a service you require? Try us, most of our Information Officers have a disability themselves and will be glad to assist you. If we can’t help, we will refer you elsewhere. Shop 4 / 33 Bell St Mall Toowoomba
There are a number of support groups for most disabilities available in this region. Contact WhatsUp in Disability on: Phone: 07 4632 6678 Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
(07) 4632 6678 A volunteer disability service organisation run by people with disabilities
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp Executive Team
PUBLISHER: Disability Media Association Inc (Australia) (DMAA) TELEPHONE: (07) 4632 6678 OFFICE:
Shop 4 /33 Bell St Mall Toowoomba (Bell St Mall) (open Monday to Friday 10:00am-1:00 pm)
POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 3621 Toowoomba Qld 4350 E-MAIL: admin@whatsupindisability.org MANAGEMENT BOARD: Steven P aull (P resident) Liz Schneidew in (Editor) Tasha Grundon (Secretary) Ann Paull (Treasurer) ADMINISTRATION: Alyssa Storm, Bec M cDermott, Chloe Ellevsen and Sandra Wiseman REPORTERS / WRITERS: Alyse N elligan, Bronw yn Herbertson, Sharon Boyce, Liz Schneidewin, Steven Paull and many more. PUBLISHED: J anuary/ M arch/ M ay/ J uly/ September/ N ovember ABN: 72 821 350 911 PRINT POST APPROVED: P P 424022/ 1811
STEVEN PAULL President
DISCLAIMER/INDEMNITY: Articles and adverts reproduced on these pages are accepted and published in good faith. It is a condition of acceptance that advertisers and article writers accept full responsibility for their advertisements and articles, and will fully indemnify the producers in the event of any claims or legal proceedings against them. Articles published are not necessarily the view of the publishers. Advertisements are also accepted on the basis that they do not conflict with any discrimination laws or other laws currently in force. ADVERTISING: Although we are a volunteer and non profit organisation, we are not funded in any way, and have to cover costs of this publication by charging for advertising. Please request a quote by ringing (07) 4632 6678 or by email. All new adverts must be received 4 weeks preceding month of publication.
LIZ SCHNEIDEWIN Editor
WhatsUp reserves the right to adjust, resize or move advertisements when necessary to allow for editing WhatsUp IS AVAILABLE FROM: 1) SUBSCRIPTION (In advance) $33 per year (includes postage). 2) A single edition of WhatsUp can be bought at the office and selected outlets. You may also subscribe by using the form on the outside cover. 3) Reference copies are held in the Tourist Office and Toowoomba Library.
TASHA GRUNDON Secretary
COPYRIGHT: Copyright Protected. All pages are subject to copyright law and may be copied only with the permission of DMAA. Copies are not to be used commercially or for profit or for personal financial gain. Permission may be granted to copy only if the purpose is to give it away to others for their personal interest but not to any other organisation or service. DISCLAIMER: All articles are accepted in good faith and are not necessarily the view of the Editorial team or Management. Articles are accepted on the understanding that in the event of any claims against WhatsUp, the writer of the article will take full responsibility and indemnify WhatsUp in the event of legislation against it. Articles are also accepted on the understanding that the contents do not breach any Disability laws or other legislation currently in use. ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY/ COPYING
ANN PAULL Treasurer
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WhatsUp In Disability is provided as a Master Copy to individuals and organisations. We are environmental friendly, we do not print any more copies than is absolutely necessary. We prefer and encourage the practice of passing the magazine from person to person or copying the whole magazine to pass on to others. Permission is needed to copy (see Copyright above) When copying the magazine we require that the pages be marked ‘copy’.
DMAA PO Box 3621, Toowoomba, QLD 4350
Advertiser Index
WhatsUp Accommodation / Respite
Medical
BigDog Respite House
Page
20
Scott Street Pharmacy
Breakaway Toowoomba
Page
16
Toowoomba Central Discount Drug Store
Commonwealth Carer Respite
Page
23
Information Services
Support Services
Page 16 12
Auslan Sign Language Course
P age 22 Page 10
Anne’s Angels
Page 10
Commonwealth Carer Respite
Anuha Services (Gatton)
Page
22
Down Syndrome Support
BigDog Support Services
Page
14
(Toowoomba and District)
Page
22
Breakaway Toowoomba
Page
16
Epilepsy Queensland Inc.
Page
16
CPL (Choice Passion Life)
Page
20
Every Australian Counts
Page
15
Quality Lifestyle Support
Page
22
Parent To Parent
Page
20
Salvation Army
Page
20
TASC National
Page
10
Warrina Services
Page
20
Toowoomba Disability Information
Page
29
Wellways Healthcall
Page
6
Recreation
Yellow Bridge
Page
6
Toowoomba Sunset Superbowl
Page
16
Toowoomba Region
Page
28
BigDog Cleaning Services
Page
22
BigDog Lawn Mowing Services
Page
22
Tony Wigan Show 4DDB
Page
29
Toowoomba Clubhouse
Page
20
Support Coordination St Vincent de Paul
Page
22
Employment HELP Enterprises
Page
Uniting Care Community
Page
16
MedTech Mobility Equipment
Page
16
Reben Mobility
Page
10
Mobility Equipment
Other Services
www.whatsupindisability.org To contribute to the next edition please send your article to
WhatsUp In Disability
admin@whatsupindisability.org
is proudly printed by the Community Development and Facilities Branch of the Toowoomba Regional Council
by the 20th February/April/June/August/October/December or reserve a space
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp In Disability PO Box 3621 Toowoomba Qld 4350 Phone: (07) 4632 6678 Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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