WhatsUp in Disability Magazine Sep Oct 2023

The Editor’s Desk

Hi Disability Media,

On behalf of everyone at R U OK? I’d like to say a huge thank you for your incredibly generous donation of $250.

Your support allows us to develop more FREE resources like these and get them into schools, communities and workplaces around Australia to help everyone learn how to have an R U OK? Conversation when they spot the signs someone in their world might be struggling.

Please take the time to look out for those in your world and ask yourself – are they really ok?

Kindest regards, Katherine Newton CEO R U OK

Bronwyn recently approached me with the idea that we should start to produce a series of Podcasts and YouTube videos on a subject that we are both passionate about, disability.

WhatsUp in Disability has enabled some very talented and devoted people over the last 23 years to make a genuine difference in the public and government’s perception of disability. We have actively promoted access to public buildings and public places, accessible footpaths, gardens and toilets. We have supported the Queensland Government in developing community networks and programs and we have been active in introducing and developing the NDIS.

Now it’s time to extend our readership to the listeners and watchers as well.

Stay tuned for the introduction of The Podcasts.

Steven Paull JP (Qual) President

WhatsUp Toowoomba

Since its inception in 1949, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has flourished and is now an iconic Queensland event.

The brainchild of Essex Tait and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Carnival was created as a way for the city to use its “Garden City” reputation to promote increased economic activity following the hardships of WWII.

On 21 October 1950 the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers commenced with a street procession that stretched three miles in length. Led by a bullock team and watched by a crowd estimated to be 50,000 strong, it was a resounding success.

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has been honoured to receive the Gold Award for Major Festival and Event at both the Queensland Tourism Awards (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) and Australian Tourism Awards (2016, 2017, 2018). In addition Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers was delighted to be awarded Hall of Fame at the 2017 Queensland Tourism Awards and 2018 Australian Tourism Awards.

Festival of Food and Wine

For three mouth-watering days you can sample the world-famous produce of Southern Queensland Country, all in one location. Treat yourself to incredible flavours, produce and wine fresh from the bountiful pastures, orchards and wine vineyards of the region. The talent at this year's festival is blooming great, don't miss a beat!

Join us for cool concert sounds from some of Australia's most popular bands and musicians, while you enjoy fine food and wine at the Festival of Food & Wine. The music makers are going to be filling the Main Stage with cool sounds!

Wine Show and Mediterranean Challenge

Toowoomba Showgrounds Glenvale Road.

Indulge in up to 200 premium local and national wines at the RASQ Wine Show, with a special focus on the finest offerings from Queensland. Discover new and exciting flavours from rich reds to refreshing whites, all expertly judged and curated for your pleasure. Join us for an unforgettable evening of wine appreciation in a charming venue, and raise a glass to the very best of Queensland's wine culture.

Queens Park Floral Displays

Queens Park - Botanic Gardens Cnr Lindsay & Campbell Street, Toowoomba,.

Queens Park has retained the charm and character common to 19th century public parks and botanic gardens, putting on a special show for her visitors during Carnival. Spread across 25 hectares, Queens Park is something to behold, with bright flower beds, large canopies of stately trees and acres of expansive green lawns, plus two playgrounds to delight the kids and an offleash area that keeps the local dogs very happy.

Laurel Bank Park Floral Displays

Laurel Bank Park 50 Hill Street, Toowoomba.

Laurel Bank Park is one of Toowoomba’s premier parks and provides a majestic oasis close to the heart of town.

The park features manicured gardens, mature trees, children’s play equipment, barbecue and picnic areas and two croquet lawns and is a must-see destination during Carnival.

Carnival of Flowers

by Steven Paull

Plants, Art & Gin!

Mills Production 32 Water Street. Experience the beauty of impermanence with 'Botanical Infusions: A Celebration of Art, Gin, and Plants' at The Mills Production Plant Shop during Carnival. This week-long exhibition showcases the fleeting moments that make life so special, with paintings by local abstract artist Amica Aindow displayed in the stunning and unconventional venue adorned with indoor plants.

Grand Central Floral Parade

The iconic Grand Central Floral Parade is one of Toowoomba’s favourite events of the year! Come along to watch street performers, carnival characters and roving entertainment escort the stunning floral floats on their journey through the heart of the city to Queens Park.

Sideshow Alley

Head over to lower Queens Park, for thrill seeking rides, fairy floss, dagwood dogs and shows bags! Have a shot at winning a top shelf prize at one of the sideshow games or take in the bird’s- eye view upside down from the heart stopping 360 degree ride.

Queens Park Twilight Market

Did you know we have some amazing makers at our market and I’m not talking about your usual handmade - on Friday night you can come to our market and taste test Gin varies made right here!

Of course lots of quality goods to browse and next level handmade - we have the finest our region has to offer!

4-8 pm this Friday night

WhatsUp The Transition

Chapter 1: A life hindered

I had always been active. Playing football, volleyball, surfing, walking, umpiring AFL football and travelling on holidays overseas were all regular activities in my life. But over the years, the pain in my knees had grown unbearable. Arthritis had taken its toll, robbing me of the freedom I once enjoyed.

My days became marked by constant discomfort and limited mobility. Simple tasks like climbing stairs, getting in and out of my treasured sports car, or even standing for extended periods became painful ordeals. After consulting with my GP and orthopaedic surgeon, the decision was clear bilateral knee replacement surgery was my best chance to reclaim my life.

Chapter 2: The decision

The prospect of simultaneous knee replacement surgeries was daunting, but my determination to regain my active lifestyle outweighed my fears. I sought advice from friends who had undergone similar procedures and joined a support group to better understand the journey ahead.

With my mind set and support system in place, I scheduled my surgeries and began preparing mentally and physically. I attended pre-surgery consultations, met with the Hospital’s team of physiotherapists, and made necessary home adjustments for my post-surgery recovery including a shower chair, commode, wheelie walker and even an extended reach grabber tool.

Chapter 3: Surgery Day

As I lay on the operating table, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and hope. The epidural and anaesthesia slowly took hold, and my last conscious thoughts were of the life I hoped to regain after the surgery.

When I awoke in the recovery room at St

Vincent’s Hospital, the pain in my knees was replaced by a different kind of discomfort. My lower limbs were heavily bandaged, and a nurse was by my side, reassuring me. The journey of recovery had begun.

Chapter 4: The Road to Rehabilitation

Recovery was a challenging journey. My days started with physical therapy sessions designed to regain mobility and strength in my newly replaced knees. My team of dedicated physiotherapists, Jackson, Taylah and Wendy, pushed me to the limits, always with a smile and words of encouragement.

I diligently followed my exercise regimen, alternating between ice packs and heat therapy. My support system, including my family and friends, visited me in the hospital and played an essential role in keeping my spirits high.

Chapter 5: Small Victories

After 11 days I went home and over the past 2 weeks, each day has brought small victories.

I went from taking my first wobbly steps with a walker to walking independently. My knees no longer throbbed with constant pain, but instead, they hummed with newfound vitality. The muscles were another story as they maintained a dull ache.

My journey of recovering from bilateral knee replacement was more than a physical transformation—it was a testament to human resilience and determination. I have learned that with unwavering commitment and a strong support system, one could overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

While the scars on my knees were a reminder of the trials I had faced, they also represented my triumph over adversity and a greater understanding of people with disability who need our support and assistance.

Picture curtesy of Anneke Logan, Toowoomba Photography Group

by Steven Paull

Jobs for 4.4 million

by David McManus

In a discussion with Talking Disability journalist David McManus, Spinal Life Australia advocates, Dane Cross and Mark Townend AM, have called for Australian recruiters to offer equal employment opportunities.

The theme for Spinal Cord Injury Awareness

Week September 3 – 9, 2023 is employment of people with disability.

Nationally, only 48% of people aged 15 –64, with disability were employed, compared to 80% employment for those without Ahead of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week September 3 – 9, Spinal Life Australia’s Senior Advisor for Access and Advocacy Dane Cross, along with SLA Chief Executive Officer Mark Townend, turned their attention to employment inequality in Australia.

From July – September, employers across the nation were estimated to increase staffing levels by another two points, although the 4.4 million Australians who live with disability were still facing systemic hurdles

Spinal Life Australia representatives cited data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to show how hard it is for unemployed people with an impairment to find work of which, 93% claimed to have significant difficulty when job hunting.

“There are Government incentives, there’s workplace subsidies, there are all of the support services and organisations that are supporting businesses to employ people with disability,” Mr Cross explained.

“I guess it’s become easier for employers the stereotypes [and] the stigmas are starting to be moved. There’s a lot of opportunity, at the moment, for employers to engage with employees seeking work with disability.

“There are vacancies across the board, in all industry types, that could very well be filled

by people with disability.”

In the lead-up to Spinal Injury Awareness Week, Mr Cross called on businesses to engage with employment and accessibility initiatives, such as the ‘EnABLED Business’ program.

Dane said that programs such as ‘EnABLED’ could empower businesses through simple measures, to ensure their organisation is disability-friendly; such as through providing tailored and targeted one-on-one mentoring to businesses, disability awareness training teams, as well as connections to potential employees with disability.

“Our ‘EnABLED Business’ program was funded by the Queensland Government’s Growing Workforce Participation Fund […] was designed to address a gap in the market. We know that right now there are disability employment services working with people with disability to make them more employable, find them jobs and assist them into getting into that space,” Mr Cross added.

“What the gap was and is, in many areas across Australia, was employers who were willing to take on people with disability and it’s not even willing to take on, but just to have the confidence to be able to work to employing people with disability.

“It’s a message to businesses, in the sense that creating an inclusive workplace is not only the right thing to do, but it’s good for business it leads to a more innovative, loyal and satisfied workforce. It enhances the service you provide to your customers, so I’d encourage all businesses to take the first step in that journey of employing someone with disability.”

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week is 3 to 9 September. Ed

WhatsUp

PACE

PACE is the new NDIA ICT business system being trialled in Tasmania and is expected to replace the current NDIA system nationwide in the second half of 2023.

Key features promise easier administration, improved accessibility and a streamlined approach to plan variations and reassessments.

Changes for providers include:

• Removal of service bookings

• Removal of the single claim function with all claims via bulk upload

• More support types and categories

• Updates to Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)

• New provider portal called 'my NDIS provider portal'

While the NDIA say its is committed to minimising the business impact of system changes on providers, early feedback from Tasmania suggests the PACE trial has caused business disruption, particularly the removal of service bookings.

The trial used a process called 'Participant Endorsed Providers' - since renamed 'My Providers'. Under this process, payment for a claim submitted by a provider who is recorded on a participant's plan as 'My Provider' will be checked to ensure available budget before the payment is processed. Where a provider is not recorded as 'My Provider,' an SMS is generated to the participant. The participant can then either dispute the claim and trigger a claims review or take no action and payment will be processed in 7-10 business days.

Conflict of Interest Under Scrutiny

The latest Auditor-General report examined the effectiveness of the NDIA’s management of assistance with daily life supports. One aspect of the audit report focused on service provider conflict of interest, specifically for those who deliver both support coordination and other supports.

The report recommends that the NDIA assess and quantify this conflict of interest to mitigate accordingly.

The NDIA has agreed with the recommendation and says it is:

• Reviewing the guideline for support coordination and regularity of training for support coordination providers.

• Undertaking a detailed data analysis to identify the extent of provision of support coordination and other supports to the same participant, to determine if there are any providers where this may be their practice.

• Obtaining legal advice on the options for introducing a formal requirement whereby providers cannot provide support coordination and other supports to the same participants.

• The circumstances that might warrant exemption (such as thin markets), and how these can lawfully be applied.

• Liaising with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission about potential regulatory measures on provider conflicts of interest.

NDIS Campaign

NDIS Campaign for Indigenous Communities

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities are not accessing the services and support they’re entitled to because they feel the NDIS isn’t for them. Participation rates are low, even for those with serious illnesses and disabilities. The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) wanted to turn this thinking around and commissioned Rhythm, in partnership with Nani Creative, to help do it.

Building trust in the NDIS among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and encouraging them to engage with the complex system was going to be a challenge. There can be distrust with government programs and culturally specific communications about the NDIS had been limited, particularly in remote areas.

They knew hearing from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were successfully using NDIS services was key. But it couldn’t be a collection of talking heads. There’s too much of that going around and it’s ignored. These important stories couldn’t be ignored. Finally, everything had to come back to the NDIS and the message that the NDIS is a program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

‘Part of My Story’ is a collection of videos, posters, online stills, templates and guides that brings Aboriginal people’s experiences with the NDIS to life in unique and visually stunning ways. These deeply personal stories have been shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people using their words and voices.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists

created art for the animation. Each artist was paired with an NDIS participant hailing from a similar region, to give the story its own distinctive style for greater depth and relevance. They all end in the same way: on the story-teller – real and relatable.

“

I was deeply moved when hearing the challenges that so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families have gone through. Connecting each NDIS participant with an artist from their area was a key part of this project and one that’s brought some beautiful diversity to the final work. It was a privilege to be introduced to these people and hear their stories of resilience and hope,” said Laura Morano, Rhythm’s Services Director.

The campaign shows that the NDIS already plays a positive part in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s stories. And, given its reception, will play a part in many, many more.

Accessed That

By Oliver Hunter and Karni Liddell

what the Accessed That podcast offers. Each episode is filled with experiences straight from the horse’s mouth.”

Guests include TikTok star Jimmy Jan, Appearance Advocate Carly Findlay and Artist Prue Stevenson.

Episode 1 Paralysed and going places with Jimmy Jan

Getting around a new city can be a feat no matter who you are. But what happens when you throw having your own mobility issues into the mix? We ask TikTok sensation Jimmy Jan how he navigates new terrain in a wheelchair.

Episode 2 Ichthyosis & leaving your comfort zone with Carly Findlay

Accessed That podcast making travel accessible for every ability

Queensland has partnered with The Peers Project on a new podcast called Accessed That, designed to enact meaningful change for the tourism industry and inspire travel without limitation.

The Accessed That podcast explores what it’s really like to travel while living with a disability. The hosts are Oliver Hunter, an award-winning standup comedian living with Cerebral Palsy, and Karni Liddell, Queensland Paralympic swimmer and TV presenter who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy as a child.

The duo chat with guests, travellers with a range of disabilities, to share their own insights of ‘having been there, accessed that’.

Oliver Hunter said:

“For people with a disability, the best resource to prepare for anything, especially travel, is to hear direct from others with lived experiences. Firsthand reviews are

It’s one thing to have a common disability that people are familiar with already. But what happens when you have something much lesser known? Is it harder to communicate your needs? In this episode, we chat to Carly Findlay all about her experience travelling with a visible skin disorder. From skin prep and packing all the meds to travelling in the Queensland heat.

Episode 3 Autism & exploring sensory pleasures with Prue Stevenson

Travel is often full of fun new experiences along with a lot of new people, noises and smells, so what does that mean for an autistic person? Can you pack comfort in your suitcase? We talk to artist and autistic person Prue about the joy of sensory seeking in travel, plus how to avoid overload when you’re on the go and when you return home.

Look out for future Podcasts through Queensland.com or through Apple Music or Spotify.

WhatsUp Disability Awards

Risk Management

By Peter and William Carroll

Soteria Blue provides tailored situational awareness training for companies working with vulnerable people. This includes theoretical and practical training on identifying threats and conducting risk assessments as well as a hands-on component to build confidence in a safe and controlled environment.

Many care workers providing close contact patient services face the threat of physical assault from clients or patients. Our services offer a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training to equip your staff with the skills they need to mitigate these risks effectively.

Invest in your team’s safety and the wellbeing of those you serve.

Safety Above All

Our commitment to safety is unwavering. We are dedicated to equipping your team with the tools and knowledge they need to prevent injuries and protect those in your care. Safety isn’t just a goal; it’s our core principle.

Customised Solutions

We recognise that every organisation is unique. We take the time to understand

your specific challenges and goals, working closely with you to create risk management strategies that align perfectly with your needs.

Expertise That Counts

Our team includes professionals with years of real-world experience. You benefit from the insights of individuals who have served in the military and worked in law enforcement. This diverse experience ensures that you receive the highest level of knowledge in risk management.

Who can benefit?

Our tailored risk management services are designed for a wide range of organisations and professionals, including:

• Healthcare Facilities

• Educational Institutions

• Emergency Responders

• Social Service Agencies

• Disability Support Workers

Email: info@soteriablue.com.au

Web: www.soteriablue.com.au

Double leg amputee railway signalman, James Wide, photographed working alongside his pet and assistant, Jack Baboon, in Cape Town during the 1880s.

James Wide purchased a Chacma Baboon in 1881 and trained him to push his wheelchair and operate the railway signals under supervision.

WhatsUp

Over 3 years ago, I left the navy after six years. After struggling both during and after service, I lost my will to live. 2 years ago, I started seeking help and was diagnosed with severe depression. I started antidepressants, was flagged as a high-risk patient and went sober for the first time. 1 year ago, I left my marriage after 9 months. I needed to figure out who I truly was without being a sailor or a wife.

I've hit the bottom. I've had the suicidal thoughts flood my mind. I've slumped into the couch unable to move as my world lost all colour. I know what it's like when the heaviness takes over and you can't come up for air. I've wanted to leave this world before I ever truly lived in it.

After enduring some of my toughest chapters, I found a reason to live. I realised I could share what I've learned along my mental journey to show others that even

when you may feel like it, you are never alone. So I started writing. Now, after a lot of tears, hard work and perseverance, Keep Swimming, was born.

Keep Swimming is the book I needed when I was in the thick of my depression. When you are struggling to keep your head above water, this book will be your lifebuoy. Created as a tool for when life get a little too much, you can turn to it to read real-life stories from ten inspiring humans to help you navigate the waves of mental health.

It's not going to be easy. It may even be the hardest thing you've ever gone through, but you can make it through. You can keep swimming.

Just remember - it doesn't matter how fast you move. It doesn't even matter what direction you go. All that matters is that you just keep swimming.

Real Life Stories

By Annaleise Easlea

Brenden Hall

Brenden is a Paralympic, World and Commonwealth Games Champion. At just six years old, his right leg was amputated after complications from chicken pox. This never stopped him.

Brenden has been a high-performance athlete in swimming for the last fifteen years and is now a first-time dad to Bodhi and Winston (the pug).

Kim Churchill

Kim is an Australian folk and blues singer, songwriter and musician. Onstage, Kim performs magically, treating his audience through his voice, guitar, harmonica, drums and percussion.

Laury Houghton

A mother and an empath, Laury is venturing through this world as the strongest version of herself after she found solace in putting pen to paper and turning her thoughts into poetry.

Pharrell Shaymar

Pharrell is a professional boxing coach, so you would expect that he has endured some incredibly tough fights. Yet for Pharrell, none of those fights could ever compare to the lifelong battle he has had with his own mind. Using his lived experience, Pharrell is now fighting to make a difference for trans and non-binary people in combat sports.

Shayelle Lajoie

Shayelle is a passionate biomedical student and yoga instructor. Combining her love for and knowledge of health and fitness, Shayelle now runs retreats to share with others the positive impact that nutrition, mindfulness and movement can have on our lives.

Courtney Welsh

After being blessed with a child with a neurodivergence and facing her own struggles with anxiety, Courtney is using her experience to help other parents feel seen and less alone in their journey, no matter what stage they are in.

Ged Moriarty

After finding the light after their darkest days, Ged uses their voice to raise awareness for mental health and is a passionate activist for feminism.

Loz Lemons

With an infectious stage presence, Loz spreads her joy to others while also shining light on the reality of mental health.

WhatsUp Community

Mayor Retires

by Steven Paull

Everyone at WhatsUp wishes Paul a long and fun-filled retirement and thank him for his generous support.

As Mayor, I have regarded one of my most important roles as being the chief advocate for promoting our Region’s greatest attributes to new residents, investors, business leaders and the higher levels of government.”

“Aside from delivering major projects, planning and advocacy work it is the incredible mix of people I’ve met that has left a lasting impression. In my time I have worked with and seen the bravery and professionalism of our emergency services workers, hundreds of volunteers, business owners of big and small enterprises, school students and their teachers, refugees and migrants adjusting to new lives and dealt with senior religious figures, visiting international Mayors, Premiers and Prime Ministers.

“Across my life, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs have seen many technological, social and economic advances. Toowoomba has grown to become a major regional centre for health, education and commercial services that supports a vast area of southern and

South West Queensland, plus northern News South Wales.”

Deputy mayor Geoff McDonald reflected on the legacy Mr Antonio’s 40-plus year career would leave on the Garden City.

“The Antonio era has been an era of Toowoomba and our region growing up,” he said.

“(Under Paul’s leadership) we have become the city we deserve to be.”

Mr McDonald pointed to the Second Range Crossing, the city’s refugee welcome status, the growth in manufacturing and leadership during floods and Covid as milestones that people will remember Mr Antonio for.

Other councillors shared reflections on Mr Antonio’s career, including Rebecca Vonhoff, Megan O’Hara Sullivan, Nancy Sommerfield and Melissa Taylor.

“The thing I most admire about the Mayor is his work ethic,” Ms O’Hara Sullivan wrote.

“He will be at every event, whether it’s late on a Sunday evening or very early mornings – it’s not just ‘big’ events; he has the time for everyone across our vast region.”

“You have dedicated your life to community service. Thank you,” Ms Taylor wrote.

WhatsUp

The general public has been asked to contribute to the National Autism Strategy online or in person following a newly released discussion paper. The discussion paper was released to give people with autism spectrum disorders and the people in their lives a greater understanding of how the Strategy will be developed.

Notably, the Government is looking to address key findings from the Select Committee on Autism, delivered in 2022, such as:

• Life outcomes for Australians with autism

• Drivers of poor outcomes for people with autism

• How people understand autism

• Identification of autism

• Service and support environments

• Existing gaps in strategy for autism support and social planning

In May of 2023, the Minister for Social Services announced the establishment of the Oversight Council which included eight autistic community and sector members, two research and professional sector members and six Australian Government members.

Co-chair of the Oversight Council Clare Gibellini said she was pleased to see this phase of the National Autism Strategy development launched today.

“It is vital that we capture the voice of as many autistic Australians as we can so that we can ensure that the Strategy represents autistic people regardless of where they live, their intersectionality or their experiences,” Ms Gibellini said.

“I want to invite and encourage everyone to take part in the consultation process as events and opportunities roll out across the country, to share their thoughts in a format that best works for them.

“I want to assure every autistic person that their contributions, no matter how small, are valued and respected by the Council, and will be considered as we continue to develop this historic first National Autism Strategy for Australia.”

Key priorities for the development of the National Autism Strategy which were identified included:

• Building an understanding of autism within key professions and the wider community

• Improving access to early diagnosis and supports

• Improving service integration and coordination

• Improving education, employment and health services for Autistic people

• Supporting parents and carers

• Establishing a national autism research agenda

The new discussion paper, published online, included a range of discussion questions ahead of future policy, with the public encouraged to respond and give their thoughts through an online survey.

Written, video or audio recording submissions, along with the survey results which can be completed anonymously must be sent through prior to the October 16 midnight deadline. Alternatively, an online ‘ideas wall’ has been created for people to share pictures along with text

Autism Strategy

By David McManus

about four key areas: social inclusion, economic inclusion, diagnosis, services and supports, health and mental health.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said that the National Autism Strategy must be informed by the lived experience of those who live with, care for or work in the autism sector.

“I strongly encourage everyone in the autistic community across the nation to have their say on the National Autism Strategy over the coming months,” Minister Rishworth said.

“There will be a range of options to participate in the consultations to suit diverse preferences and needs, including submissions in writing, by phone or video, online workshops and in-person forums that will be held in every State and Territory.

“This is a Strategy for all autistic Australians, wherever they are in their journey. We want to encourage as many people as possible to have their say so we can capture the full diversity of their experiences and what autistic people want and need from the Strategy.”

The 15 different in-person and online webinars can be accessed through the Community Events page online, with dedicated forums specifically for people with autism to contribute independently of the broader community.

The Government committed an additional $3.7 million dollars in the 2023 – ‘24 Budget to undertake consultation and research for the Strategy.

Online at: https://engage.dss.gov.au/ developing-the-national-autism-strategy/ developing-the-national-autism-strategyregister-for-community-events/

Labour Hire loophole close

The federal government will move to close a loophole allowing employers to undercut workers with cheaper labour hire as part of what it calls a “life-changing” tranche of workplace reforms.

The government said closing the loophole would impact about 67,000 workers and result in negligible economic impact.

The Fair Work Commission will be given the power to make orders forcing businesses to pay the same wage to directly employed and labour hire workers, while also preventing them from taking action to avoid their obligation.

The commission will need to consider a range of factors, including whether the enterprise agreement would apply to the labour hire worker or disability support worker if they were directly employed by the company.

The changes to labour hire arrangements form one of four elements of the Albanese government’s closing the loopholes bill, which aim to improve the conditions and pay of gig economy workers and casuals, along with criminalising wage theft with tougher penalties including jail time.

Workplace relations minister, Tony Burke, said there will always be a need for labour hire arrangements when it came to surge work, short-term arrangements and specialist staff but closing the loophole was important for those adversely affected by it.

The bill also makes deliberately underpaying workers a criminal offence, with jail terms of up to 10 years and maximum fines of up to $7.8m – or three times the amount that was underpaid if that amount exceeds the maximum fine.

(07) 4659 5662

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 office at 172 Bridge Street

Toowoomba

Office hours Mon-Fri 9-5pm

Has Moved

Following an exciting period of growth, Akadia has outgrown its previous building and has moved to a new location at 8 Prescott Street, Toowoomba City. The new facility will have a number of groups training rooms, a state-of-the-art simulated practice room, and consulting and tutorial rooms which will enable Akadia to respond more effectively to the need for excellent education and specialised nursing support for the aged care and disability sectors.

Module 1: High Intensity Daily Personal Activities (HIDPA), relevant to the high intensity supports they provide. The skills descriptors provide further explanation of the skills and knowledge expected when supports are delivered by a competent worker who is not a qualified health or allied health practitioner. NDIS providers registered for these should ensure workers meet the expectations of the relevant skills descriptors. The relationship to the HIDPA practice standards is provided in each skills descriptor.

In addition to general training in the knowledge expected to deliver the support, workers will be trained in the specific needs of each participant they support including the appropriate use of equipment. Training should be delivered by an appropriately qualified health practitioner or a person who meets the expectations of this skills descriptor. NDIS providers are responsible for ensuring workers have current skills and knowledge, and that the training of workers is documented and regularly audited.

Do your staff have the skills they need?

NDIS Practice Standards: High Intensity Support Skills Descriptors

The high intensity support skills descriptors (skills descriptors) are supplementary guidance for NDIS providers and workers supporting participants with high intensity daily personal activities (HIDPA). They describe the skills and knowledge that NDIS providers should ensure their workers have when supporting participants who rely on HIDPAs. These supports present some of the highest risks for participants.

Which supports do the skills descriptors apply to?

High intensity skills descriptors apply to providers required to be audited against the NDIS Practice Standards, Supplementary

Akadia has a suite of training workshops developed specifically to meet the needs of the sector. All workshops are facilitated by Qualified Health Practitioners experienced in the fields they are training.

All workshop content has been mapped to meet the requirements of the NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators, most notably Standard 4 – High Intensity Personal Activities and will be updated and kept current as changes occur.

To see the extensive list of training and services Akadia has check out the website at:akadia.com.au

Moving from defining problems to designing solutions to build a better NDIS

NDIS Review Co-Chairs Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM and Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM and Panel members Professor Kirsten Deane OAM and Mr Douglas Herd share an in-depth update on the progress of the review and what they have heard so far. The panel examine 5 key challenges and answer your questions.

10 years of experience with the NDIS also means 10 years of learning that could be applied to make the scheme better. As you know, the Disability Minister has asked us to review the NDIS and especially look to improve the experience of participants and to ensure that the scheme is sustainable. In this report, which we launched a couple of weeks ago, we've outlined what we've heard from you. We've identified five key challenges which we think are the most significant and which the review needs to address in order for us to answer our terms of reference. The significance of those challenges should not be underestimated. They're very significant, and so we will only be able to solve those challenges with your assistance. We're grateful for all the information you've provided today, but we're going to need more help in the months ahead.

1 An oasis in the desert

I don't know about you, but I don't want to live in a desert. I want to live in a thriving community where people with disability are respected, we contribute and we can make our lives positive, contributing and essential community lives just like everybody else. The NDIS was meant to be part of an ecosystem, is what we talk about it. That

ecosystem, just to let you know, what we've discovered is that almost 10 years ago, $8.2 billion was spent on disability supports and that's grown to almost 32 billion in the 10 years since then.

2 Growing gap between Mainstream and Community Services

These days, 93% of all the disability dollars that are spent in Australia are spent through the NDIS, and what that means is that gaps have opened up in education, health, housing, transport, all of those mainstream services that are as much part of our lives as our disability support services are.

For those people with disability, the vast majority who are not on the National Disability Insurance Scheme with individual packages, they need to know that the community will welcome and embrace them. That community services will be there to support them. That all mainstream services will be fully inclusive. That that's the twin challenge that we all face to build in Australia in the 10 years and 20 years and beyond to come, in which we're all welcomed and included, whatever supports we may need.

3 More Children in the Scheme than originally anticipated What is super clear is that the creation of the NDIS has revealed a level of demand for support for children that wasn't really well understood before the scheme started. It's really clear that we know a lot more now about the prevalence of disability amongst children and what their support needs are, than we did 10 years ago when the scheme started.

There's been too much of a focus on diagnosis and not enough on people's support needs. There also hasn't been

Build a better NDIS

enough focus on supporting children and families in everyday settings. Things like in the home, at Kinder, at playgroup, at preschool, or out in the community, and the emphasis on individual therapy has too often gotten in the way of children living ordinary and inclusive childhoods. We've also found that some services and therapies that are designed to support children's development, haven't been based on best practice as recognised by experts in early childhood.

And that means that parents and families haven't been able to make informed decisions about what therapies or supports or services are likely to have the best longterm impact for their child and contribute to their child's development. So that's the problem in a nutshell.

4 The market is not a real market

Let's face it's not really working as a market should. There's many, many, many different markets inside the scheme, and there's many, many places in which participants cannot exercise true choice and control because there's either not enough providers say in a rural community or they're not appropriate, say culturally appropriate in a remote aboriginal community and so on. So we actually have to look at the complexities of a market that's actually being treated in a one size fits all way. So the system's been set up with fee for service as the way of paying for hours.

Some providers at the most complex end often running residential services with

people with highly complex needs are really worried about viability while down the other end of the spectrum, there's a bunch of folks who are probably over servicing or overcharging, and then of course there's the end of the spectrum that the minister talks about, which is the fraudulent end.

5 What does reasonable and necessary mean?

The NDIS Act was created as a rights-based piece of legislation. It was intended to give people with disability, NDIS participants like me, choice and control over their reasonable and necessary supports to help equalize their opportunity to live an ordinary or good life, whatever an ordinary or good life also might be, but what people have told us is that over the last 10 years, we have over complicated some of the answers to all of those questions and we're no longer really clear what reasonable and necessary supports are.

We need to give NDIS participants greater clarity about what that term actually means in people's lives, and we need to recognise the diversity and complexity that makes it more difficult to answer that question all of the time and for everybody.

It's not just people with disability, their families or providers who don't understand what reasonable and necessary means all of the time. It's the people we've charged with delivering this service, and again, it's not their fault that they don't know what reasonable and necessary means. Read at www.ndisreview.gov.au

Adaptive WhatsUp

In the past, most adaptive clothing brands or suppliers focused solely on older people, keeping styles and designs very generic and simple with limited variety. Nowadays, there is a push to provide more accessible options online and more modern, young designs. We have had a look at some different options in the Adaptive Clothing scene in Australia and have done the research for you on what is what.

What is adaptive clothing?

Fashion is an essential part of people’s identities. It can help us express ourselves and can allow us to feel more confident. But what happens when it seems your clothing works against you? This can be a familiar

feeling amongst those with disabilities. That is where the concept of adaptive clothing was created. Adaptive clothing ensures that that the function of getting dressed every day is pain-free and convenient for those with various mobility needs. These days it combines fashion and function, as both are considered equally important.

Is there a need for modern design?

These days, there is a strong focus on making sure that adaptive clothing designs are functional and appeal to everyonefashion-wise. With more and more adaptive fashion lines popping up all over the country, there are more options for those with a disability to feel confident and fashion

Clothing in Australia

by Casey Atkins

-forward. Everyone should feel happy with the fashion choices made available to them, disability or not.

What are the types of adaptive clothing available?

Nowadays, online retailers sell not only clothing articles but also an array of accessories and sensory-specific items. These include items that assist with ease of dressing, easy closure items, seated wear and specific footwear (to name a few!).

Some examples:

Magnetic Based Closures

Used in place of a traditional button, which can be a challenge to utilise due to motor difficulties, limb-based disabilities, etc. Using a magnetic-based closure for clothing items allows people to become more independent and half the time you spend getting dressed! No more fiddly button closures.

Velcro Shirt Openings

Much like magnetic-based closures, this allows people to open and close their clothing items with ease and independently. Examples of these items include adaptive crew tees, jumpers and underwear.

Open Back Clothing

If you have limited mobility, it can be challenging to navigate the task of slipping a t-shirt over your head. Open back clothing allows people to access their clothing items front on. This is very helpful for the person with the disability and carers of those in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

Zipper Shoes

Traditional shoes can be a big hurdle for those who struggle with finger or limb function. That is where zippers can be super

helpful. They allow you to slip your shoe on and off easily and will enable the top of the shoe to open up for people with wider feet.

Seated Wear

Examples of seated wear include leggings explicitly designed for those with catheters, cropped seated jackets and A-line skirts. These different types of clothing make the concept of getting dressed and manoeuvring about your day in a Wheelchair much more functional and user friendly. There are also wide-based pants for those who require lower limb prosthetics.

Unpaired Shoes

Some stores are beginning to stock individual, unpaired shoes marketed towards amputees or those with varying shoe widths or sizes. These single shoes mean less waste, less cost and more accessibility for people with disability.

So, how do you purchase AND claim such items under NDIS?

Do you want to use your NDIS funding to access adaptive clothing items? First, make sure your plan aligns with the products you wish to purchase. This is standard for NDIS plans as is, and it may be worth having a conversation with your Local Area Coordinator, Support Coordinator or Plan Manager to see what you can and cannot claim.

In addition, some suppliers are registered NDIS providers and are approved under Assistive Products Personal Care, which allows for certain items to be purchased under consumables in your plan.

Not sure? Giving your service provider a ring with your questions may help too!

Ed

WhatsUp in September

WhatsUp

www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au

With Sarah Rossiter

New Mayor for Toowoomba Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has welcomed a new Mayor following the retirement of Paul Antonio after almost 42 years in local government.

At a Special Meeting of Council, Councillors voted in Geoff McDonald (pictured) as the region’s new Mayor.

“Firstly, I’d like to pay tribute to our outgoing Mayor Paul Antonio for his outstanding service to the community,” he said.

“He leaves behind a remarkable legacy. To have served for close to 42 years is an amazing achievement and one which may not be seen again in local government in this Region.

“Secondly, I’d like to thank my colleagues for their support by selecting me as the new Mayor for the Toowoomba Region.

“I’m incredibly honoured and understand how much of a responsibility it is to be in this position.

“I’m also aware of how big the shoes are that I have to fill and will do my best to repay the faith which has been shown in me by my colleagues and the community.

“As Mayor, I promise that I will fight and advocate on behalf of this community to get the best possible outcomes for our residents.

“I will represent the community with honour and dignity and do my utmost to be a leader you can be proud of and one that will always be available to each and every resident.”

Rebecca Vonhoff is the new Deputy Mayor.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb has acknowledged Toowoomba Regional Council’s commitment to the Small Business Friendly Business (SBF) program.

The Commissioner met with Council, small businesses and Chambers of Commerce members as part of a tour of SBF program members in the Darling Downs.

“Small businesses are at the heart of our regional communities as major employers and providers of essential goods and services.”

Mayor McDonald said.

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