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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NDIS
FOUNDATIONS SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY IN AUSTRALIA
FOR LIFE
ELIGIBILTY HAVE YOU CHECKED?
TIPS & ADVICE
YOUR
20-PAGE GUIDE TO NAVIGATING THE NDIS
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
MEET YOUR
REGIONAL MANAGER
We’re here to help you
live your best life Registered NDIS Provider EF110.GCB.0718
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NDIS ROLL-OUT The NDIS has been rolling out across the nation since 2013 with 460,000 people to be supported by the end of 2019 1 JULY 2013 Geelong, Tasmania (rolling out in age groups until 2019) 1 JULY 2016B Townsville 1 NOVEMBER 2016 Mackay, Whitsundays 1 JANUARY 2017 Toowoomba,Southern Downs, Western Downs, Maranoa 1 JUNE 2017 Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim (existing Queensland Government clients only) 1 JULY 2017 Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim (new clients), Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley, Tweed, Lismore, Kyogle, Ballina, Byron.
1 SEPTEMBER 2017 Bundaberg (existing Queensland Government clients only) 1 OCTOBER 2017 Bundaberg (new clients) 1 NOVEMBER 2017 Rockhampton, Gladstone (existing Queensland Government clients only) 1 JANUARY 2018 Rockhampton, Gladstone (new clients) 1 JULY 2018 Cairns, suburbs of Brisbane, Fraser Coast, North and South Burnett, Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Strathpine, Caboolture. 1 JANUARY 2019 Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Noosa.
INSIDE
FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE
F
or too long, Australian families have been waiting for change in the disability sector. And now that change is a reality for the people of the Gold Coast. On July 1, the National Disability Insurance Scheme became available to the region. Dubbed the biggest health reform since Medicare, the NDIS is set to not only significantly increase the number of people accessing much-needed disability support, but allow for a tailored approach for every individual. Gone are the off-the-shelf support services that may or may not suit you or your loved one’s needs. Gone is the inability to change service providers that don’t match up with your requirements. And here is the chance to build the best possible foundation for the life you want to live. We at the Gold Coast Bulletin know how important this reform is for our community,
and we want to equip you with the right tools and information to ensure you make the most of the scheme. Inside this 20-page guide, we’ve touched every corner of the NDIS journey from pre-planning to registering, eligibility and what it means for early childhood. On pages 4–5, we’ve simplified the entire process into your very own roadmap so you can see exactly where you are and where you’re headed – no matter where you are on your own NDIS path. We’ve pulled out some of the most frequently asked questions and had the experts at the National Disability Insurance Agency answer them, plus we’ve got personal stories from those already taking advantage of the NDIS and how it has changed their lives. Hang on to this guide to ensure you’re well-equipped with everything you need to know about the NDIS. >>The Bulletin team
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WHAT IS
THE NDIS? National Disability Insurance Scheme replaces inefficient support system with individual needs at the forefront
T
he National Disability Insurance Scheme is the new way of providing disability support – with your needs at the forefront. The scheme aims to give power back to recipients, and instead of toting an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution, the NDIS allows you to receive tailor-made support with a program as unique as you. The NDIS provides all Australians under the age of 65, who have a permanent and significant disability, with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life. It has been rolling out in various areas in Australia since 2013 and will continue until 2019 when the NDIS will support about 460,000 Australians. The NDIS replaces a disability system that was unfair and inefficient with a new, national system that is world-leading, equitable and sustainable. This provides certainty and consistency for people with a disability, their families and carers. Australians will now have peace of mind that if their child or loved one is born with, or acquires, a significant disability that is likely to be with them for life, they will get the support they need, when they need it. n
THE SCHEME AIMS TO GIVE POWER BACK TO RECIPIENTS, AND INSTEAD OF TOTING AN ‘OFF-THE-SHELF’ SOLUTION.
FIVE TIPS TO
PREPARE CONTEXT EXAMPLE John* has received care from a service provider for the past 10 years. He is not necessarily happy with the level of service, or how it fits into his lifestyle, but it has been the only option for him. With the NDIS, John and his carer will work with a National Disability Insurance Agency staff member or representative to link him with the best service provider for his needs. He will then work with the provider to create an individualised support program to meet his requirements, and see it through for the rest of his life. If at any time John is not happy with his new provider, he can change to another of his choosing. *Case example
If you haven’t started preparing for the NDIS, start now. The scheme was made available to the region on July 1 and if you don’t have your support plans in place, here’s how to get started.
1
Assess your situation: Write down your current needs, the current support you receive and anything else you require or would make life easier. Gather all the information you can about your disability including medical assessments and reports. If you don’t have access to any records, don’t worry, your NDIS caseworker can help you arrange them.
2 3
Think ahead: What do you want your future to look like? Think about the perfect scenario, what you hope to achieve and any ideas on what you might need to get there. Again, write all this down so it’s ready to show your caseworker. Day in the life: Diarise a typical day or week in your life. Ensure you include any barriers you face, any support you receive etc. Make note of things you think could help make these everyday tasks easier.
WHERE POSSIBLE, TRY TO CONNECT WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND FAMILIES IN A SIMILAR SITUATION AS YOU.
4
Network: Where possible, try to connect with other people and families in a similar situation as you. Compare notes and seek various perspectives. This will help you better understand what others are doing, any things you may not have considered, or types of support you could also be entitled to.
5
Research: Become familiar with the language associated with the NDIS. Understand what the various components are and what certain terms mean. Keep up to date with information on the NDIS website, and keep this guide handy to refer to as you need to. Start looking at providers in your area so you are familiar with who they are and how they might be able to help you. n
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YOUR NDIS
JOURNEY YOUR STEP-BY-STEP ROADMAP FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACCESSING THE NDIS
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1. ASSESS THE SITUATION Do you currently receive disability support, or care for someone who does? Is there anything that prohibits you from leading an ordinary life? Do you think you may be eligible for NDIS support? If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, you may be eligible.
2. ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
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You can access the NDIS depending on your age, residency and disability. »» Age: If you are under 65 years of age when the NDIS reaches your region. »» Residency: If you are a permanent resident in Australia or are an Australian citizen. »» Disability: If your disability is likely to be with you for life and you require support to manage everyday activities. Early intervention can also help children under six years old with developmental delay. For a full eligibility checklist, head to www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist
3. PREPARE
3
Envisage what you want your future to look like. Write down any supports you need and what would make your life easier. Diarise your typical day to document any barriers you have. Where possible, collate any medical records about your condition.
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5 5. CONTACTED BY THE NDIA After receiving your letter in the mail, you will be phoned by a NDIA representative and asked if you’d like to do your request over the phone, or through a paper form.
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6. LODGE ACCESS REQUEST If you chose to complete your access request in paper form, you will need to send it to the address indicated on the forms. If you did it over the phone, you don’t need to post anything.
7 7. FIND OUT IF YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED
6
Your application will take 21 days to process and be either approved or denied. You will be contacted by a NDIA representative if there is a delay.
POST OFFICE
8 4
8. ASSIGNED A LOCAL AREA COORDINATOR Once you have been notified by the NDIA that you are eligible to receive NDIS funding, the NDIA will assign a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to work with you in developing your support plan. Your LAC will discuss your situation with you, and help you seek community activities and services in your community that will help you reach your goals. You can choose the providers you feel are the best fit for you. Your LAC will be able to support you throughout the whole process.
4. NDIS IS HERE If you are currently receiving disability services, you will receive a letter in the mail from the NDIA outlining your next steps. If you are not currently receiving disability services, but think you may be eligible, phone the NDIS on 1800 800 110 between 8am-11pm local times, Monday to Friday and let them know you think you may be eligible.
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9. YOUR FIRST PLAN Your first plan will stay in place for 12 months. After that first year, you will reassess your situation and adjust if required.
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HOW TO ACCESS THE NDIS? Ensure you have the best chance at receiving the support you need
N
ow the NDIS is available in the region, it’s time to access the support you need by lodging an access request. This is where you officially lodge yourself as someone who would like to receive the NDIS. If you are currently receiving disability services, you will receive a letter in the mail prior to a phone call to let you know an NDIA representative will soon make contact. You will then be asked if you’d like to do your request over the phone, or through a paper form. If you choose to process over the phone, you will be asked a series of questions, including: >> C onfirmation of your identity and/or a person’s authority to act on your behalf >> Q uestions in relation to providing consent to enter the scheme >> Q uestions to determine if you meet the NDIS eligibility requirements.
If you would prefer not to do the request over the phone, the NDIA representative can send you the appropriate paperwork to complete. Following the initial access process, you may be asked to submit further information regarding your disability. If this is the case, you will be sent a letter and a form to have completed by a health professional. You will be informed within 21 days if your access request has been approved or denied. If you have not been approved, you can request a review of the decision within three months of the decision being made. If there is a delay in the application approval process, you will be informed. n If you are not currently receiving disability services, but think you may be eligible, phone the NDIS hotline on 1800 800 110 between 8am– 11pm, Monday to Friday.
WHAT SUPPORT IS COVERED? Every case is evaluated on an individual basis and support provided accordingly. In a general sense, the NDIS provides personalised: »» Information and referral »» Support to access community services and activities »» Individualised plans and supports »» Early intervention »» Where necessary, funded supports that may be one-off support or a funded support package. Examples of funded supports include assistive technology, Auslan and housing.
WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY? Assistive technology, as defined by the World Health Organisation, is ‘any device or system that allows individuals to perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do or increases the ease and safety with which tasks can be performed’. Some examples of assistive technology that an NDIS participant may be eligible to receive funding for include (but is not limited to): »» Mobility cane »» Over-toilet frame »» Non-slip bathmat »» Video magnifier »» Non-electronic magnifiers »» Bed rails »» Talking watch »» Wheelchair »» Long-handled or adapted grip equipment »» Hoist »» Shower stool/chair »» Hearing aids »» Bath seat
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A LITTLE VISION
SPONSORED CONTENT CONTENT SPONSORED
GOES A LONG WAY
I
t’s amazing what a group of loving and motivated parents can do collectively for their children. When Jannita Barnes’ daughter Meg Barnes was completing her final year of high school last year, she got together with a group of parents to talk about what their kids would do after they graduated from Mudgeeraba Special School. After brainstorming ideas, they joined forces with Endeavour Foundation who put together a unique lifestyle program for young people with disabilities aged between 18 and 24. The program is designed to help them develop life skills that encourage their independence.
“We were relieved to know we had somewhere for them to go,” Jannita says. Meg, 18, started the program with a group of friends and familiar faces from school in January. Maintaining these friendships and networks in itself has been hugely beneficial. Although she is nonverbal except for the word “mum”, Meg has expressed in other ways how happy she is to be doing the program. Meg has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes physical and intellectual disability. “She’s really happy, she loves (the program). Even though she’s non-verbal she’s very physical, so there’s a lot of
Jannita Barnes and her daughter Meg benefit from Endeavour Foundation support.
and give cuddling and holding hands and she gets extremely excited when she sees someone them that she knows. She will sit with a couple of the opportunity to try girls she knows and just hold their hand,” something, Jannita says. you never Endeavour Foundation is working know whether closely with Meg to try to find new ways they can or not. of helping her communicate on an app Give them a go in a different environment on a tablet. The program was a massive where there are other kids doing it and they change for Meg, who had attended the just might do it and enjoy it,” she says. same school for 12 years and was starting As for Jannita, she has noticed a big a different routine in a completely new difference at home environment. Jannita since Meg started is incredibly proud SHE HAS REALLY the program. of how well Meg has “She’s going adjusted. EMBRACED THE WHOLE into the kitchen “She has really CHANGE. SHE’S GROWN UP A more to get what embraced the whole LOT AND SHE’S REALLY HAPPY she wants for me change. She’s grown to make her a up a lot and she’s drink, getting bread and other things out really happy,” she says. for her sandwich, she’s communicating more The Endeavour Foundation program by actively doing something, she’s picking teaches the group of young adults important life skills such as how to prepare things up in the morning, putting her shoes out,” she says. food and meals, fold laundry, cook on “She’s doing things immediately and a barbecue and go shopping or to the she’s really listening which makes life a lot movies. easier.”n Upcoming activities include Tai Chi, For more information about how planting a vegetable garden and going Endeavour Foundation can support you to the library. Jannita says although they and help you navigate the NDIS, might not do some or all of these things email hello@endeavour.com.au or at home, it’s amazing what being with phone 1800 112 112. different people in another setting can SPONSORED BY ENDEAVOUR help bring out of them. FOUNDATION “If you don’t give these kids a go
Hey Gold Coast! At Endeavour Foundation, we are at the heart of your community, offering development and employment opportunities to empower people with disability to live, learn, work and flourish. Our services across the Gold Coast include: • Employment opportunities • Learning and Lifestyle programs • Accommodation
Call Endeavour Foundation today to book a tour of one of our services.
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hello@endeavour.com.au
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MEET YOUR
LOCAL NDIS MANAGER The man leading the charge for the Gold Coast roll-out
P
eter Smales is the Queensland South Regional Manager for the NDIS, servicing the Gold Coast. We caught up with him to find out who he is, what his role means for the region, and to get his take on how the roll-out has gone so far across the state.
WHAT DOES THE NDIS MEAN TO YOU? The NDIS means all people who live with a permanent and significant disability that affects their lives can access supports so that they can live a better life. The NDIS is the largest social reform since Medicare and will see the consistent delivery of disability supports across Australia.
WHICH GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS FALL WITHIN YOUR REMIT? My region is Queensland South. Despite the title, my region extends from Grafton in northern New South Wales, across the border into Queensland, Gold Coast, Logan, Redlands and all the way west to the south west Queensland borders through Ipswich and Toowoomba.
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AS A REGIONAL MANAGER ENTAIL? My role is wide and varied; however, my main responsibility is to ensure the smooth transition for participants in my region into the scheme. I am very
focused on providing our participants the best possible experience so that they can go forth and reap the benefits of this world-leading and innovative scheme.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHY DID WE NEED CHANGE? For too long people with a disability have either been living with inadequate supports or without supports entirely. They have also had no choice and control about who, how and when those supports are provided. The scheme deliberately places participants at the centre by allowing them to have control over the supports they need. No longer do they have to settle for the supports offered to them, but now become active consumers in a wider, dynamic and innovative market of disability supports.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE NDIS? I think the main misconception of the scheme is around fear of the initial planning process. In my region we have been assisted by our Local Area Coordinator partners and have conducted over 10,500 planning meetings to date. These have gone extremely well. We have dedicated teams of staff who are committed to supporting eligible community members in all aspects
NDIS Queensland South Regional Manager Peter Smales.
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Contact Details Jared Goddard | 0439 095 772 info@inmotionorthotics.com.au GCBE01Z01MA - V1
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YOU’RE APPROVED...
NOW WHAT? Once you have been notified by the NDIA that you are eligible to receive NDIS funding, you will be assigned a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to work with you in developing your support plan. The LAC will discuss with you your current situation and support, which will form the basis of your first plan. It may include the same or similar support and services you currently receive including family, community or mainstream supports. You will continue to receive your current support until the NDIS plan is in place. Once your plan is approved, it is time to put it into action. Your LAC and the service provider can help you kick it into gear, for example, your LAC might help you find community activities and the mainstream services that help you achieve your goals. You can choose the providers you want to deliver the services you need. You can also choose to self-manage your funding. After that first year, you will be able to determine if that service worked for you, how you’d like it adapted and if there is any additional support you require.
CREATING YOUR FIRST PLAN Your first plan is the start of a life-long relationship with the NDIS. To create your first plan, which is a blueprint of the support you will receive, you will have a conversation with a NDIA representative about your current situation and support. You will also discuss your future needs and everyday routines like showering, cooking and cleaning. This will form the basis of your plan. If you currently receive some level of support, you will be contacted by the NDIA to arrange this conversation.
WE HAVE DEDICATED TEAMS OF STAFF WHO ARE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING ELIGIBLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE SCHEME. of the scheme. The other suggestion I would make for participants considering joining the scheme or preparing for the scheme, is to seek advice from experts. Those experts are participants already accessing supports. There is nothing more powerful than speaking with participants who have already experienced the journey and living the benefits of the scheme.
provide them with the tools and supports to bring that dream closer to reality for the first time.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? I have always worked in the human services area. I commenced my career in the State Government including Corrective Services, Child Protection, Youth Justice and Disability Services. I enjoy working in operational areas and in particular green field projects. As such, the NDIA was a perfect fit for me. However, what drives me is the dedication of my staff and the positive outcomes they are achieving for their participants. n
YOUR PLAN MAY INCLUDE: »» Informal supports: the care and help you get from your family and friends »» Community supports: the activities and services you can get from people or groups in your local community »» Mainstream supports: the support and services you get from your doctor or school »» Reasonable and necessary funded supports: the supports and services the NDIS can fund. These are things related to your disability that you need to live your life and increase your options such as getting a job or doing more activities in the community. Your first plan will be in place for 12 months. This will give you time to think about how those supports are working for you, and what else you might need to help you achieve your goals before you do your next plan. If you are not currently receiving disability services, but think you may be eligible, phone the NDIS hotline on 1800 800 110. n
THE NDIS HAS ALREADY ROLLED OUT IN OTHER PARTS OF AUSTRALIA. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY LEARNINGS AND ADJUSTMENTS FROM EARLY ROLL-OUTS? There have been numerous changes in the way we have rolled out the scheme. One of the many strengths of the agency is that we are a learning organisation. That is, we learn from experience and feedback from our participants and stakeholders. I think it is important that we embrace changes particularly as they benefit our consumers.
AND WHAT BENEFITS HAVE ALREADY BEEN FELT? As I mentioned, we already have over 10,500 participants in the scheme across my region. This is 10,500 individuals who are exercising choice and control regarding the disability supports they require. We regularly hear from them with their stories of the great positive changes that the scheme has made in their lives. Some of these changes may seem small, but could have profound impact on their lives. Our goal is to assist people with a disability to live an ‘ordinary life’. My team and I all know that an ‘ordinary life’ is sometimes an impossible dream for some. Our aim is to
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A WHOLE NEW WORLD FOR HARRISON TRIPLETS
For sisters Shaye and Gemma Harrison, the NDIS means they can embrace their independence.
W
hen Sandra Harrison was told 23 years ago that she was pregnant with triplets, she thought the doctor was joking. “I was first told at seven weeks that I was pregnant with twins and I thought I could deal with that. Then at 18 weeks, the doctor said ‘did they tell you about the third one?’,” she says. “I said ‘that’s not funny’ and he said ‘I don’t joke about things like that’. I just cried going home because I didn’t know how I would handle three. “It was a bit daunting but you just do what you have to do.” The triplets - Kayla, Shaye and Gemma were born six weeks premature and, despite Kayla having two surgeries on a duplex kidney as a baby, Sandra thought her three babies were developmentally on track. Shaye and Gemma, who are identical, however still weren’t sitting up at 10 months and an MRI at age two and a half led to a
diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Genetic testing just last year found the initial diagnosis was incorrect, and the girls were diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called KIF1a which affects just 141 people in the world and only three in Australia. The only saving grace was that Shaye and Gemma were diagnosed with a KIF1a mutation which was not degenerative, unlike most other people with KIF1a.
I WANTED TO TRY AND GIVE THEM THEIR OWN CHOICES. JUST BECAUSE THEY’RE IDENTICAL TWINS DOESN’T MEAN THEY LIKE EXACTLY THE SAME THING. Shaye and Gemma are both in wheelchairs, have scoliosis, intellectual impairment and impaired vision. Gemma also has epilepsy, and seizures every morning when she wakes. Both have also endured numerous spinal surgeries, with Shaye developing staph in the spine which left her on antibiotics for three years. Until a year ago, the girls received very limited hours of support per week, with one support worker between them, and Sandra
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was forced to “beg, grovel and fundraise” to pay for weekly physiotherapy and speech therapy. That was until the National Disability Insurance Scheme became available in their home town of Laidley, which gave them significantly more support hours in addition to a support worker each, as well as funding for speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and music therapy. The music and speech therapy especially has seen the girls come along in leaps and bounds with a newfound ability to exercise choice and independence from one another. “Before, they could say five-word sentences but a lot of people couldn’t understand them. Now it’s just flowing more and people can now sit and have full
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conversations with them,” Sandra says. “We had a support worker from when they were young who says to me now ‘I still remember when you used to say, “if only they could say yes or no” and look at them now’.” Sandra says funding for an additional support worker now meant that Shaye and Gemma had their own choices about what they would do day-to-day. “We used to only have one support
worker between the two girls but one person couldn’t push two wheelchairs so they used to spend a lot of time at home. Now that they have one each they can go out into the community and do things. They never had that before, and now their worlds have opened up,” she says. “I wanted to try and give them their own choices. Just because they’re identical twins doesn’t mean they like exactly the same thing. So now they can each choose to do what they want to do.” Shaye and Gemma now volunteer one day a week at a local aged care facility where they spend time talking with the residents, helping the staff, and putting on country music concerts with the aid of their music therapist. They also enjoy picnics, fishing and sailing with their support workers, and have even been away on overnight trips with the local youth centre, which Gemma was never able to do before due to frequent epileptic seizures. “The NDIS has paid for the youth centre staff to be trained to administer medication if Gemma has a seizure so that she can go on overnight excursions,” Sandra says. “Shaye was also always too scared to spend a night away from Mum, but now she’s learning that you can go away from home, have a good time, and you’ll still come back to your home and your bed. She’s never done all those things, but now she’s realising she can. “They have choices now.” n
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mproving and promoting dignity for the elderly and disabled is the ethos behind Gold Coast-based business, The Bidet Shop. Located at Australia Fair in Southport, The Bidet Shop has, for the past 15 years, been the largest supplier of bidet toilet seats in Australia and New Zealand, and boasts more than 500 resellers throughout the country. The business is the official supplier of Coway & Eco Bidets and stocks the very latest in electric and natural water bidets, also known as the Japanese toilet seat. A study into the benefits of bidets undertaken by Meredith Gresham, a senior consultant for HammondCare’s Dementia Centre, found that wash and dry bidets significantly enhanced the quality of life for those people requiring assistance when using the toilet. The study also found that bidets were a huge benefit to carers who required less physical assertion when helping patients. The Bidet Shop’s general manager, Peter Phan, says the bidets are changing lives for the better. “The bidets have many advantages, not only for the patient, but for the carer as well,” he says. “They’re more hygienic, they reduce carer strain, and they are more environmentally friendly as they cut down on sanitary pads and toilet paper.
“The bidets also help to save money, so they are a great investment for those involved in the care industry.” The bidets can be adapted to suit everyone’s needs - from the elderly - to those with a disability. Mr Phan says the bidets were having a positive impact on people’s lives. “Because the products we sell are technologically and aesthetically the best, they have been embraced by government departments, health services, hospitals, leading hotels and they are a proud addition in thousands of Australian homes,” he says. “Our motto is ‘we care’ and we are proud of our achievements in helping so many people with independence and quality of life.” SPONSORED BY THE BIDET SHOP GCBE01Z01MA - V2
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Early Childhood Early Intervention available for children aged 0-6 years
WITH NDIS
Early intervention was the key to getting Axel French ready for mainstream school.
T
wo years ago, Tiffney French couldn’t see a future for her three year old son Axel. Axel couldn’t speak well or comprehend language, struggled with his fine motor skills, and was so frustrated by his inability to communicate that he was violent and had frequent meltdowns. He didn’t want to play with his older brother and sister and would only rarely say ‘mum’ and ‘dad’. He frequently escaped from home through locked doors and six-foot high fences, and had no understanding or awareness of danger. His frustrated parents had tried everything to get his behaviours under control, but nothing was working. After much trial and error, Tiffney finally found a group therapy program that seemed to work, and he slowly began to show progress. Joining the NDIS shortly thereafter was the cherry on top, giving the family the funds to allow Axel to continue in their chosen program, fully funded by the scheme.
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The result, Tiffney says, is a thriving five-year-old boy who is looking forward to starting prep in a mainstream school next year – something she never thought would be possible a few years ago. “We were just surviving before but now everything is so much easier,” she says. “I look back at where he’s come from to where he is now, and he’s a different child. We’re getting him ready for prep now, which has been a big goal. “If you met him when he was two, you would say that’s not the same child.” Tiffney says the NDIS has allowed Axel to access the early intervention therapy he needed to progress so far that mainstream schooling was now a viable option for him. “He’s come so far in his development that I’m hoping he won’t even need a support person when he starts school next year,” Tiffney says. “But if he does, we’ll work on that with the NDIS.” Tiffney says Axel no longer has meltdowns, is now able to talk and have conversations lasting up to five minutes, and regularly plays with his siblings and other children. “He’s just completed his first term with his Autism Queensland kindy group and is able to play with the other children in a small group. For part of the week, he goes to a mainstream kindy with 24 kids in the class and is helped by a support worker, and he copes well,” she says. “He knows how to write his name already
and I’m very hopeful that he’ll be able to integrate into the classroom easily and be able to do things like sit on the mat and follow the teacher’s direction, which he can now do at kindy.” Tiffney says that before the NDIS, she was concerned for Axel’s future as many existing services ceased providing support once a child reached the age of seven. “It was quite daunting to have a child with a disability before the NDIS, especially one with autism, because they didn’t do anything other than early years support,” she says. “I’m so happy he was able to get his funding. Now I know he will be able to get the support he needs throughout his life which will mean that he will be able to one day live independently. “I never used to be able to see that as a possibility, but now I do see that he will be able to have a family one day, hold down a job, and be a part of society. “With his supports in place, my beautiful boy will be able to have a happy life.” Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) is available under the NDIS to children aged 0-6 years. We’ve mapped out a five-point plan (see right) to help get your child’s ECEI journey underway. n
YOUR ECEI JOURNEY
AXEL NOW THRIVING
YOUR FIVE-POINT PLAN TO ACCESSING ECEI SUPPORT
1
Connect with an ECEI partner: You will be connected with an early childhood partner to discuss your child’s disability or concerns you have about their development.
2
Get some helpful information: Your early childhood partner will provide you with guidance and information that will help you make decisions.
3
Work out support needs: Your early childhood partner will help you understand what supports and services in your community can help your child achieve their goals.
4
NDIS Access: If your child will be best supported with an NDIS plan, your early childhood partner will work with you to request NDIS access, develop a plan and connect you with providers of your choice.
5
Monitor progress: Your child’s progress will be monitored against the goals you set. Your early childhood partner and service providers will work with you towards improving your child’s independence and participation in everyday activities.
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NDIS answers long-awaited call, writes Tonya Turner
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FOCUS SHIFTS
TO SHINE LIGHT ON ABILITIES I
n Otober, Sydney will host the world’s fourth Invictus Games for injured service personnel from 13 nations. More than 400 disabled competitors will take part in nine adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and indoor rowing. While the Paralympics might be the world’s premiere sporting event for disabled athletes, the popular Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014 after visiting the US Warrior Games the previous year, has been lauded to help send positive messages and challenge perceptions about people with disabilities. For many Australians with disabilities, every day can feel like a battle - against
life with some level of disability. The NDIS aims to help those aged under 65 with permanent disabilities to live independently, find work and feel socially included. It was 2009 when a damning report titled Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia was released, shining a light on a broken system. Prepared by the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council, the landmark study was the result of 750 submissions and discussions between 2500 people in every state and territory in Australia over three years. Among the results, the report found that 56 per cent of people identified exclusion and negative social attitudes as
developed countries in employment participation rates for people with disabilities. In 2011, the Productivity Commission released its report into disability care and support. It concluded that Australia’s system was “underfunded, unfair, fragmented and inefficient” and gave “people with a disability little choice and no certainty of access to appropriate supports.” According to Dr Lisa Stafford, lecturer of public health and social
work at Queensland University of Technology, the NDIS is one of the most significant Australian social economic reforms since the de-institutionalisation of people with disabilities in the 1980s and 1990s. “The NDIS provides people with disabilities and families choice and control over their supports – this is significant,” she says. “A young man who I interviewed just recently echoed this, saying how important it was for him to have a team of people, who
THE NDIS PROVIDES PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND FAMILIES CHOICE AND CONTROL OVER THEIR SUPPORTS. discrimination, bureaucracy or in the worst cases, abuse. Just as the Invictus Games celebrates the fighting spirit of its competitors, so too has Australia finally begun to answer the call to help people with disabilities to reclaim their future with the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Almost one in five Australians live with a disability and at birth, Australians can expect to live on average more than a fifth of their
critical issues, that people in wheelchairs aren’t able to access public facilities such as playgrounds, cinemas, swimming pools, cafes and hotels, that children with disabilities are excluded from local schools and kindergartens, and accessing public transport is an ongoing struggle for people with mobility aids. Just a year later, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development found Australia ranked 21 out of 29
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Kurt Fearnley took home first place in the T54 marathon at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
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Brisbane’s Madeline Stuart became the first professional model with Down syndrome.
he chose, to be supporting his vision.” Dr Stafford says one of the biggest issues with the old system was that it wasn’t based on the needs and goals of individuals. “Programs were based on prioritisation systems of urgent and critical, or were program specific – such as family support, or transition, which impacted on the person as they moved through their life. Many people under the old system missed out on essential supports to achieve full participation in everyday life and realise their visions and goals,” she says. Providing further evidence of the importance of the implementation of the NDIS, in 2013 research by disability service
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AS A SOCIETY, WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE HOW WE THINK.
provider Scope, in partnership with Deakin University, found that people with a disability overwhelmingly felt excluded from society. Chief executive of Scope, Jennifer Fitzgerald, said at the time: “People with a disability are among the most marginalised of our population. And this social exclusion is a breach of their basic human rights as equal citizens.” The survey was completed by 761 Australians with a disability and found 94 per cent did not have their need for meaningful participation in their community met; 90 per cent did not have their need for access to services met; 90 per cent did not have their need to feel valued and to belong met; and
91 per cent did not have their need for social contact and support met. Most concerning of all, it also found the biggest change needed to increase social inclusion of people with a disability – above health, physical access, money and transport – was the attitudes of others in the community. Many people with disabilities over the years have provided inspiration and served as role models to others to help them overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. Most recently, Brisbane model Madeline Stuart became the first professional adult model with Down syndrome. Since her before-and-after modelling shoot posted on social media went viral in 2015 garnering more than seven million views, the 21-year-old beauty has walked the runways at fashion shows in New York, Paris, London, Dubai and China and last year secured her first sponsorship with Worldhotels. Her mother, Rosanne Stuart, told Vogue: “We have to stop thinking that if we use someone who’s a bit different in advertising it’s a negative thing. As a society we have the opportunity to change how we think.” A change in attitude can go a long way. In the four decades to 2002, the life expectancy of Australians born with Down syndrome more than tripled from 18 years to 60 years due to medical advances and a positive shift in public attitudes towards the condition. Paralympic athletes such as Kurt Fearnley are other shining examples of people challenging perceptions of those with disabilities.
As well as winning medals at the Paralympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and marathons around the world, in 2009 Fearnley crawled the Kokoda Track. At the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, he crossed the finish line in the T54 marathon in his racing wheelchair taking first place in front of a home crowd. In the first Games to include a big program of para-sports that counted towards the medal tally, it couldn’t have been a sweeter victory. With the roll-out of the NDIS, it is hoped more Australians with disabilities will be able to achieve their dreams, whether that’s living independently, finding employment or winning a gold medal. Although the NDIS has increased funding to the sector from about $8 billion each year to $22 billion by the time it’s fully operational in 2019, it has not been without its challenges. “The NDIS is a major national reform. With any such reform, complications will be evitable,” Dr Stafford says, adding it needs timelier responses, resolution of processing issues, improved planning and gaps to be addressed, particularly relating to eligibility. Just as important is how each and every one of us treat people with disabilities in everyday life. Dr Stafford says campaigns such as The R-Word, encouraging people to stop using the hurtful and demeaning insult, is just one example of how people with disabilities have to fight for respect and dignity. “People with disability are valued members of society and are your neighbours, family members, a classmate, a co-worker, your lecturer, your doctor, your parliamentary representative,” she says. “Treat every person with the same value, dignity and respect you would expect.” n
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RIDING A WAVE
TO A NEW FUTURE
Surf’s up for inspirational go-getter Megan Turner
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atching a wave in the sparkling Gold Coast surf is just one of the feats Megan Turner has accomplished in the past nine months, as the Ipswich woman enjoys a new lease on life after joining the NDIS in July last year. Megan couldn’t have imagined taking part in such exploits this time last year. After acquiring a brain injury during a
I FEEL LIKE I AM LIVING AGAIN AFTER BEING IN HIBERNATION FOR SO LONG fall at age 10, followed by multiple brain surgeries from the age of 11, Megan experiences significant difficulty with concentration which has resulted in a tendency for hoarding, where she starts to declutter and rearrange things in her house multiple times then loses concentration. Prior to July last year, Megan did not receive any regular support which meant daily activities like cooking, keeping her house in order and finding enjoyable hobbies were challenging. Through the NDIS, Megan now receives
funding for a support worker from community organisation Alara Queensland to visit weekly and help her to de-clutter her apartment, rearrange her living space, and help her to cook herself meals. Megan says her experience with the NDIS has given her the confidence to be able to go out in the community and live her life, and become involved in activities she never thought possible. “I feel like I am living again after being in hibernation for so long,” Megan says. “I would encourage people to apply for the NDIS because it has made such a difference to me, and it is flexible according to an individual’s personal needs and goals.” Megan says her newfound independence has paved the way for a bright future where she is once again able to find and do things that she enjoys. “I feel inspired to try new things. I have always enjoyed art and now I am in a regular art class and I am enjoying it,” Megan says. She has also developed a passion for surfing; enjoying the Gold Coast ocean with the help of the Gold Coast Disabled Surfers Association. “I can’t wait to get back and be swept away with surfing again soon,” she says. “It is wonderful to have things to look forward to again.” n
Megan Turner is stoked she can get back to living her life with the support of the NDIS backing her all the way.
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JAIMI BOWLING THEM OVER WITH OLYMPIC MEDAL HAUL NDIS helps talented athlete charge full speed ahead
A
Nothing is standing in the way of Jaimi Dann.
fter blitzing the field in independence, his confidence and ten-pin bowling at the 2014 his communication skills. Special Olympics with two He’s always been non-verbal but gold medals and one silver medal, now he expresses some words about Bundaberg’s Jaimi Dann has brought his experiences, which is great. home two gold medals from the ‘Adelaide’ has been one I’ve been 2018 games held in Adelaide in hearing a lot of,” Raelene says with April. a smile. Jaimi’s mum, Raelene Whalley, says Raelene says Jaimi was also competing in the Special Olympics showing positive signs in other had been a life-changer for her areas of his life, which she and Glen 27-year-old son, put down to greater who has severe continuity of supports SINCE THE autism, and she and through Jaimi’s NDIS her partner Glen funding. OLYMPICS, had never imagined WE’VE SEEN SO “Jaimi’s local provider, the extent of his Impact, has been MUCH PERSONAL abilities. wonderful. With the GROWTH IN HIM. “When Jaimi introduction of the NDIS, was chosen for the Impact changed its entire Special Olympics program and now he back in 2014, we were really gets to choose what he would like surprised and really happy,” she says. to do from a menu of activities,” “We never expected him to come Raelene says. home with two gold and one silver “The support worker who runs medal! Jaimi’s construction class rang me “Since the Olympics, we’ve seen the other day and said Jaimi is doing so much personal growth in him. things he never thought he could He has been able to see different do, and this is coming from someone parts of Australia and he just loves who has had years of experience meeting new people. working with people with disability. “Being able to compete at Special “We’ve noticed a huge difference Olympics local, state and national in him over the past year. He loves events has definitely increased his the NDIS. He called it IDS for a
ESSENTIAL SUPPORT SPONSORED CONTENT
couple of weeks,” she laughs. Jaimi has been involved in the entire NDIS process, from the initial planning conversation to choosing his supports. “I wanted to give him the opportunity to tell the planner about what he wanted to do so he knew he had choices and he didn’t have to do the same programs over and over again if he didn’t want to,” Raelene says. “The continuity of supports and being able to access activities not usually offered to him has really opened up Jaimi’s world. “Now he can look forward to achieving so much more in an environment that focuses on people’s abilities, not their disabilities.” n
NDIS made easy Life sounds better with choice ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Can I access? Create my plan Start services Review my plan
To find out more about the NDIS and how easily 3SA can help you with planning and services, call our friendly team on 1300 900 091.
F
or thousands of Australians living with a disability, three things are essential to their wellbeing and independence – having a home, a job and life skills. Providing all three is at the heart of Third Sector Australia (3SA), a registered NDIS provider with 30 years’ experience supporting and caring for vulnerable people. 3SA CEO Karen Murphy says the NDIS could be daunting but, with some expert help, most people had a positive experience with the scheme. “Everyone has unique needs, so we put them right at the centre of deciding where and how they want to live,” Ms Murphy says. “Our expert support coordinators are available to plan, manage and negotiate
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the best outcome for each NDIS participant, and we can also help ensure an individual’s NDIS funding is properly controlled and recorded. “3SA provides supported and independent housing, employment and training opportunities for NDIS participants such as our popular Tweed Op-Shop and garden crew. “Most importantly, we help people build the skills and confidence they need to get out in the community and enjoy life.” 3SA offers specialist NDIS services in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. To find out more, phone the 3SA Customer Service Team on 1300 900 091. SPONSORED BY 3SA
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YOUR NDIS QUESTIONS
GET ANSWERED Q. If I feel a support coordinator is not acting in my best interests, or is excluding me from some decisions, can I change coordinators? A. Yes, you can change your support coordinator at any time. Generally you will need to provide 28 days’ notice to your support coordinator. You may be able to negotiate a shorter period depending on your circumstances
sheets find fact I n a c re Q. Whe rmation? and info d sheets an rther fact v.au/ fu o r .g o is F d . A head to n , n do ti -a a heets n inform ity/fact-s il b a is d le peop ons.html publicati
Q. Is there a NDIS mobile app where I can manage funds instead of using the MyGov website on my computer? A. No, there isn’t. However you might find it handy to save the NDIS myplace login page to your mobile phone home screen, so that it’s right there, easy to access.
ON AN IPHONE: 1. Open the myplace participant portal in the Safari app (myplace.ndis.gov. au). You will be taken to a mobile version of the myplace portal where you would enter your myGov username and password to log in. 2. Before you log in, tap the ‘actions’ icon at the bottom of your screen (it looks like a square with an arrow coming out the top), and you will see on the bottom right of your screen an option that says ‘add to home screen’. 3. Tap on ‘add to home screen’ (if you like, you can change the shortcut name from “myGov, Sign in” to “NDIS myplace portal”) and it will add an icon on your phone’s home screen that looks like an app.
Q. Does the NDIS cover a CPAP machine?
1. Open the myplace participant portal in Chrome (myplace.ndis.gov.au). You will be taken to a mobile version of the myplace portal where you would enter your myGov username and password to log in. 2. Before you log in, tap the ‘actions’ icon at the top right of your screen (it looks like three vertical dots) and you will see an option that says ‘add to home screen’. 3. Tap on ‘add to home screen’ and it will add an icon to your phone’s home screen that looks like an app. 4. Tapping on this icon will take you straight to the myplace login page in Chrome.
IN NATIVE ANDROID INTERNET BROWSER
A. The myplace Participant Portal allows you to claim online, removing the need to submit forms to the NDIA. The only paperwork activity is to keep the following information for a period of five years:
A. Your plan is a 12-month budget, calculated for how you would use it on a weekly or monthly basis. If you don’t need as much support one week, that’s fine – you can be flexible with how you use your support hours.
4. Your iPhone will automatically close your browser and show you where the icon has been saved. When you tap that icon, it will launch the participant portal login page in your mobile browser.
IN MOBILE CHROME:
Q. What records do I need to keep to self-manage my plan, or a family member’s plan, and how do I make claims?
Q. Do unused support hours accumulate, or do you have to use them as stated, eg. weekly?
1. Open the myplace participant portal in the internet app (myplace. ndis.gov.au). You will be taken to a mobile version of the myplace portal where you would enter your myGov username and password to log in. 2. Before you log in, tap the ‘bookmarks’ icon in the bottom right corner. It looks like a ribbon with a star. Add the page to your bookmarks.
A. Generally, a CPAP machine is related to a medical condition and is usually more appropriately funded or provided through other general systems of service delivery or support services such as the health care system, rather than the NDIS.
Q. How do I follow up a plan review if I don’t think the plan reflects my goals or the goals of the person I care for? A. If you are unhappy with a decision about the support budget(s) in your plan, you may request a review of the plan decision. To find out more about requesting a review of your plan you can phone the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or visit the internal review of a decision page at ndis.gov.au.
3. Navigate to the bookmarks folder in your internet browser by tapping the bookmarks icon in the bottom right corner, and tap on the myplace portal bookmark that you just created.
• Your bank statements, or a printout of the transactions from your NDIS bank account;
4. Tap on the ‘actions’ icon in the top right corner (the three vertical dots) and select the option that says ‘add to home screen’. An icon that looks like an app will be added to your home screen.
• All invoices and receipts that you have submitted a claim for.
5. Tapping on this icon will open the myplace login page in your default browser.
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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE NDIA AND NDIS It can be hard to decipher acronyms at the best of times, and now is no different. Recently, you would have heard NDIS and NDIA mentioned in the same sentence – so we’re here to clarify exactly what is what.
NDIS: NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME The NDIS replaces the current disability support system. Instead of recipients only having access to ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions, the NDIS is tailored to each individual. The NDIS recognises that everyone’s needs and goals are different and provides people with individualised support and the flexibility to manage their supports to help them achieve their goals and enjoy an ordinary life. It’s called an insurance scheme because it is social insurance, not welfare. As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach to support, not just the needs of that person right now.
NDIA: NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE AGENCY The NDIA is the independent Commonwealth Government agency responsible for implementing the NDIS. Those who work for the NDIA, work with those seeking disability support. They provide information, referrals, links to services and activities, individualised plans and funded supports to people over their lifetime. They help link the dots between service providers and those seeking assistance. NDIA staff are based across Australia. The NDIA is partnering with the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments and well-known community organisations to deliver the NDIS in your local area. n For more information on the NDIA or NDIS, head to ndis.gov.au.
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SCHEME AIMS TO
BACK CARERS AND FAMILIES
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he National Disability Insurance Scheme recognises that families and carers play an irreplaceable role in the lives of their family members with disability. It’s a fact families and carers give love, care and support to their family members. They do whatever they need to do to make sure their loved one has the best opportunities in life. It’s also a fact families provide help and support that cannot be replaced by formal services or paid support workers. What the NDIS aims to do is support carers in that role – as a mum or dad, partner or spouse, brother or sister, grandparent or extended family member. For many NDIS participants, the views and experiences of their families will play an important part in helping them prepare for the NDIS and to help them get going with their first NDIS plan. Each NDIS participant will have their own plan reflecting their goals, personal circumstances and disability support needs. While the focus of the plan is the person with disability, the types of supports in the participant’s plan may also have direct or indirect benefits for families and carers. A NDIS participant’s plan may include such things as: »» Personal care–to support a participant in their home or the community.
»» S ocial and community supports – to enable a participant to enjoy social and community interaction without relying solely on family members. »» Assistance with daily living – including help to improve a participant’s ability to do things for themselves. »» Training for family members – to provide care that is reasonable in relation to the participant’s age and your family circumstances.
»» E mployment services – guidance for participants to move to employment programs that prepare them for work. The NDIS can also advise you about supports that are available to you under other government-funded programs, including training and peersupport programs. n For more information, head to ndis.gov.au/families-carers.
The NDIS means something different for everyone. It’s about creating the life you want.
Always ready for game day
Maybe it’s the chance to get out with friends and barrack for your favourite team or take to the field yourself. We work with people with disabilities who have all kinds of dreams and aspirations. Some want to learn new skills, some want support to help them live well at home and some people just want to be more independent. Whatever it is you would like to do more of, our qualified team are passionate about helping you reach your goals and live the life you choose.
Let’s talk about your goals Call 1300 236 822 www.centacarebrisbane.net.au/ndis
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KICKING GOALS
THANKS TO THE NDIS
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here was never a more Paralympic Games. mischievous child than Jeffrey “I love soccer. I’m stuck inside a lot Morrish. so soccer is something I can do, and He was forever climbing where the people who play are my friends,” he shouldn’t, and touching what he Jeffrey says. mustn’t, and pushing every toddler “I want to make the Queensland boundary. team, and then maybe the national Even on the day his mum Cheryl team later this year.” was told that her son had Duchenne Jeffrey had played balloon soccer, Muscular Dystrophy – a genetic, hockey and rugby since the age of 11 degenerative disorder with no cure and even competed at national level, Jeffrey was creating a bit of harmless but became increasingly unable to havoc in the specialist’s office. keep up with the other players in his “He really was the most mischievous child ever I LOVE SOCCER. I’M STUCK known,” Cheryl says. INSIDE A LOT SO SOCCER IS “We just thought he was SOMETHING I CAN DO, AND THE a little slow in developing PEOPLE WHO PLAY ARE MY FRIENDS his motor skills. It wasn’t until he was three that we noticed he would avoid climbing up traditional wheelchair. on obstacles, and struggled to pull Last year Jeffrey received NDIS himself out of the pool.” funding for a Strike Force sports Seventeen years on and having wheelchair, which meant he could used a wheelchair for most of his life, finally get back on the soccer field to Jeffrey still has the same mischievous do what he loves best. sparkle in his eyes and cheeky smile “This chair has been on his face, and is now crushing designed specifically every hurdle in his path to fulfil his for Power Soccer. dream of playing soccer for Australia. It is lower to the Jeffrey is a skilled player of Power ground and won’t Soccer - a sport for people in tip over, and with electric wheelchairs - which is being a top speed of 15 considered for inclusion in the 2024 kilometres per hour, I
can keep up with the other players,” he says. “My regular wheelchair used to overheat, and I could only ever play in the role of goalie. Now I can play as a winger. “I thought that I would have to give up soccer, but this is now letting me play again.” Playing soccer gives Jeffrey the opportunity to hang out with his friends regularly as well as giving his mum and dad a break from their fulltime caring duties. The most important thing that Jeffrey’s new wheelchair represents however, is happiness. “There is always someone worse off than yourself, and I try not to feel sorry for myself,” Jeffrey says. “For me, it’s about quality of life – about doing the things that you can, and enjoying them.” “All I want is to make life the best it can possibly be.” Jeffrey is currently awaiting news on whether he has made the Queensland team to compete at the National Powerchair Football Championships on September 24-30, which will be held at Brisbane State High School. n
From naughty kid, to star on the soccer field, Jeffrey Morrish continues to make a name for himself.
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RECOVERY AT HOME SPONSORED CONTENT
O
ne of the challenging parts of recovering from an injury or managing a health condition is getting to and from physiotherapy and other allied health provider appointments. Which is why Generation Physiotherapy & Allied Health Services is a completely mobile service, its team of practitioners offering evidence-based treatments in the comfort of the patient’s home or aged care facility. Founded by Bond University graduate and Gold Coast local Dr Jordan Gauder in 2015, Generation Physio has tripled in size to now service the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Ipswich regions. Dr Gauder says he developed the business to help patients recover faster, in their own homes without the pressure of having to be at a clinic. “We’ve had amazing feedback as people recover better if they can do the rehab in their own home, “ he says.
Home visits
“When you go to a physio, they always give you exercises to do at home so it makes sense to be able to learn those exercises in the comfort of your own home rather than having to attempt them after the clinic appointment.” He says they specialise in caring for patients who have multiple disabilities or chronic conditions which require various allied health services. Generation Physiotherapy’s services are also available to patients who are covered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme including: physiotherapy, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, podiatry as well as hydrotherapy. Dr Gauder says they can help patients navigate the NDIS, help assess eligibility as well as help identify a patient’s health goals and aspirations which the NDIS may fund. SPONSORED BY GENERATION PHYSIOTHERAPY
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Quality consultations in the comfort of your own home Physiotherapy Podiatry Hydrotherapy
Occupational Therapy Remedial Massage Exercise Physiology
1300 122 884
genphysio.com.au
Gold Coast | Brisbane | Sunshine Coast | Ipswich | Tweed Heads
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Adjustable Beds
Liberty HealthCare Adjustable Beds can be custom made to suit the user and carer’s specifications. A large range of accessories are available to make this very functional bed look right at home in your bedroom, including bed rails and head & foot boards. Ask about our companion sets available throughout our range.
25
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*Custom sizes available
Better Sleep ~ Better Health ~ Better Life • Electric powered recliner/tilt Chairs •
Scooters / Walkers and much more...
1300 885 853 www.libertyhealthcare.com.au G O L D V1 - GCBE01Z01MA
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Live your best life with Endeavour Foundation Gold Coast At Endeavour Foundation, we are at the heart of your community, offering development and employment opportunities to empower people with disability to live, learn, work and flourish. Our services across the Gold Coast include: • Employment opportunities • Learning and Lifestyle programs • Accommodation
Call Endeavour Foundation today to book a tour of one of our services.
EF113.GCB .0718
1800 112 112 hello@endeavour.com.au endeavour.com.au Registered NDIS Provider
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