WhatsUp Mar/Apr 2018 Magazine

WhatsUp $5.50

in Disability March/April 2018

Toowoomba and Southern Queensland

Volume 2, Issue 80

Subscription $33 PA

Disability Information Services by People with Disability Proudly supported and printed by Toowoomba Region

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WhatsUp

Welcome CONTENTS

I start off this magazine with the sad news that Professor Stephen Hawking has died aged 76.

We join his family in saying how deeply saddened we are that this great man has passed away. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years.

His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.

Cover Page Stephen Hawking Drawing by Marc Ratner Page

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DDA 25 years

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NDIS Plan reductions

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Advocates Forum

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Donation

The English physicist was known for his ground breaking work with black holes and relativity — the nature of space and time.

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Hand Heart Pocket

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Stories of Strength

He was the author of several popular science books including A Brief History of Time and was also the subject of Oscar winning film The Theory of Everything in 2014.

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NDIS Update

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Photographs from around town

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Chef Mark

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PwC Skills

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National Disability Coordination Officer Program

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Feedback Session

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NDIS Complaints

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Every Australian Counts

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mycommunity directory

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NDIS Pathway

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Mainstream & Me

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Volunteering

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Movies

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Travel

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What’s Happening

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Copyright and Disclaimer Notices

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Advertiser’s Index

The famed physicist contracted motor neurone disease - a form of motor neurone disease that attacks the nerves controlling voluntary movement - in 1963 and was given two years to live.

Additionally, he performed several cameos in the US comedy series The Big Bang Theory.

He once said, ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’

I also acknowledge Sir Roger Bannister, the first person to run a mile in under four minutes has died aged 88 His time of three minutes 59.4 seconds, set at Iffley Road sports ground in Oxford on 6 May 1954, stood as a record for just 46 days but his place in athletics history was assured.

Steven Paull JP (Qual) President

WhatsUp In Disability (the magazine) was first published in 1994 to give local people with disabilities and carers, information on a growing multitude of local disability services, local news and issues, with the purpose of not only supplying information to people with disabilities, but of giving choices to people and to give local services a specialist media outlet where they could give information on their services.

To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be an advertiser, please contact the WhatsUp office at 4/33 Bell Street, Toowoomba or call on 4632 6678.

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Rear Cover XXI Commonwealth Games

WhatsUp

Disability Discrimination Act

25th Anniversary Australian Disability Discrimination Commission Alistair McEwin.

25 years ago on the 1st March the Disability Discrimination Act came into effect.

It was Australia’s first piece of legislation to protect the rights of people with disability.

A quarter of a century on, the DDA has been used by thousands to fight discrimination in areas including employment, education and access to goods and services.

Notwithstanding the successes and progress, people with disability in Australia still face challenges and barriers in almost every aspect of life.

It is important that we acknowledge and try to progress the areas in which we have stagnated, and reflect on why we have seen such limited development in certain areas, such as eliminating disability discrimination in employment.

No law is perfect. That is why we must always consider the possibility of law reform. The law is designed to reflect the society in which we live, but also to act as a mechanism for change in the hope that attitudinal and behavioural shifts will follow. As it stands, the purpose of the DDA is to prohibit unlawful discriminatory practices in areas of public life such as employment and education.

After 25 years, it is important that we acknowledge all that the DDA represents for Australians with disability.

Equally as important, we need to explore where Australia should ideally be in another 25 years.

When we reach that time, I hope to be in a position to reflect on the ongoing positive systemic outcomes that have been achieved through the Commission’s conciliation process or the court process.

Australian Disability Discrimination Commission Alistair McEwin

DDA Guide The DDA makes it against the law to discriminate against someone if they have a disability in the following areas of life: Employment. When someone is trying to get a job, equal pay or promotion.

Education. When enrolling in a school, TAFE, university or other colleges.

Access to premises used by the public. Using libraries, places of worship, government offices, hospitals, restaurants, shops, or other premises used by the public.

Provision of goods, services and facilities. When a person wants goods or services from shops, pubs and places of entertainment, cafes, video shops, banks, lawyers, government departments, doctors, hospitals and so on.

Accommodation. When renting or trying to rent a room in a boarding house, a flat, unit or house.

Buying land, buying a house, a place for a group of people, or drop-in centre.

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

Activities of clubs and associations. Wanting to enter or join a registered club, (such as a sports club, RSL or fitness centre), or when a person is already a member.

Sport. When wanting to play, or playing a sport.

Administration of Commonwealth Government laws and programs.

For example, when seeking information on government entitlements, trying to access government programs, wanting to use voting facilities.

The definition of "disability" in the DDA includes: 

Physical

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Intellectual

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Psychiatric



Sensory



Neurological

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Learning disabilities, as well as

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Physical disfigurement



The presence in the body of disease-causing organisms.

This broad definition is meant to ensure that everyone with a disability is protected.

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WhatsUp Local Toowoomba NDIS Plan reduction

NDIS Plan Reductions

Mum

There was a 7 news story that ran on Toni Mitchell recently.

Standard NDIS response is to appeal the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Since when should a single mother with a high needs child need to do this, the system is complex and without a good advocate or a solicitor how could she navigate the Tribunal process. She doesn’t have the money to pay solicitors and there are so many cases not all can be represented by pro-bono solicitors.

Building Better Lives Reasonable and Necessary: Making Sense of the NDIS is a new podcast series by the Summer Foundation, hosted by Dr George Taleporos.

When we consider Toni’s story, the message from Dr George on this podcast and the words from Alistair McEwin on page 3 become even more potent.

Editor SLOW STARTERS TEN PIN BOWLING LEAGUE for Disabled

SUNSET SUPERBOWL 07 4634 0233

South & Greenwattle Toowoomba

10.00 am every Saturday $18 per session 3 games Sports Registration $32 (membership) Glenda (07) 4614 1136 Kathy (07) 4630 5221 Page 4

WhatsUp Disability Advocates planning forum over NDIS problems The Chronicle – Tom Gillespie

Representatives from the ALP, the Greens and One Nation are expected to be at a forum organised to discuss problems with the NDIS. Disability advocate Alyce Nelligan said she had received support from three senators to attend the forum, which was sparked by several reports about clients having their NDIS funding cut.

"There are major issues with the scheme, and if it keeps going this way it's getting to crisis mode," she said.

"You'll find that there are so many rules about what you can

Advocates Forum

and can't spend the money on.

weeks.

"I'm working with about five people trying to get their story heard.

"We are organising a forum and we've also got support from different political parties. We want to get that dialogue opened," she said.

"We're looking at holding a forum to gauge how many people are having this experience."

Calls for a forum were sparked last week when two Toowoomba residents reported losing about $100,000 from each of their plans.

To register for the forum, send an email to speedy_star_86@msn.com

In both cases, the funding was cut because it wasn't spent last year, largely because the right service providers weren't available in Toowoomba at the time.

Ms Nelligan is working with fellow advocate and former One Nation candidate Paul Wilson to establish the event within a few

Wellways Healthcall Toowoomba, Brisbane, Roma Mackay and Townsville Providing: 1. In home and out of home disability support and nursing services 2. Day Services 3. Providing respite services through Siena House in Toowoomba Please call 07 4638 7159 or 1300 363 898 99a Russell Street Toowoomba We look forward to discussing your support needs.

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp

Donation

Purpose-built housing secures bright future for people with disabilities Efforts to ensure more people with disabilities have access to appropriate housing on the Darling Downs have been fasttracked, thanks to a generous donation from a Masonic charity to YellowBridge QLD. The $450,000 donation from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland will enable the construction of a purpose-built three-bedroom unit in Toowoomba, which will accommodate two people with disabilities and a carer.

The unit is one of four fully customised units being built by Enabled Living, which will meet individual needs, include assistive technology, and help

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empower residents to lead more independent lives.

YellowBridge QLD Chief Executive Officer Penny Hamilton said the donation couldn’t have

come at a better time. “We are in the midst of a disability housing crisis on the Darling Downs, where people with disabilities, especially those

WhatsUp

Hand Heart Pocket

whose ageing parents can no longer look after them, have nowhere to go,” Penny said.

supporting more than 4,000 people to lead more meaningful and connected lives each year.

“We know of 40 people in this position. While many have the means to buy or rent their own place, there is simply no suitable housing for them in the region,” she said.

“Our purpose is to provide sustainable support that delivers positive outcomes; to provide a hand up to communities, charities and individuals that have limited access to other funding sources,” Mr Mark said.

“A few will never have the means to pay for a place to live.”

“Having access to appropriate housing is an important part of the equation for improving the overall quality of life of people with disabilities, so we are very grateful for this support.”

Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer, Gary Mark, said the local Freemasons were vocal supporters of YellowBridge QLD, due to its proven record of

“Alleviating the stress on ageing parents who care for their disabled children - through the provision of innovative purposebuilt housing - aligns with our values of equipping people to lead better lives,” he said.

“We are delighted to partner with YellowBridge QLD on this important initiative and know it will be a catalyst for changing the landscape of disability housing in the region.”

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

About Hand Heart Pocket As an independent charity founded by the Freemasons of Queensland, Hand Heart Pocket helps in areas of state-wide and local need that have limited access to other funding. We work with other charities to identify and fund initiatives that have real, life-changing potential. We also collaborate with Masonic Lodges across Queensland and help individuals in times of extreme need to get them back on their feet.

We use our funds wisely to give a hand up - to build potential, not encourage permanent dependence.

For more information about Hand Heart Pocket, visit www.handheartpocket.org.au

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WhatsUp

Stories of Strength

Women’s Week Film Disability Law Queensland launched their Stories of Strength video – a collation of inspiring stories from women who have children with disability, on 5th March at a gala event in South Brisbane.

Parent to Parent QLD Planning Facilitator Beth Hawes recalled how there are often times when she had to call one or maybe a few of her friends, sometimes at night, where we are all texting each other to talk about the day’s problem and get the support that you need.

“As we all know, if you’re not being supported then it’s hard for your kids to be supported.” Beth said.

“And I’m so grateful for the women in my life that walk this journey with me.”

View the short film here: https://youtu.be/uLOPyOS9erQ DLQ hold free succession planning workshops for families with loved ones with disability. Check out their website or their Brisbane phone 07 3622 1250 for dates and times.

10 East St Gatton P: 5462 3272 admin@anuha.com.au Supported Employment * In Home Support * Community Access Diversional Therapy * Counselling * Accommodation Commercial and Domestic Recycling Services Secure Document Destruction We also produce a wide selection of jams, chutneys and pickles made fresh from locally sourced produce

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Our knowledgeable Support Coordinators Rachael Maher and Amy Kostka, provide a specialised service to eligible participants.

Queensland The St Vincent de Paul Society has been in Queensland since 1894.

More than 8,500 members and volunteers across Queensland help those who are struggling to take control of their lives whilst restoring their dignity; providing a hand up, not just a hand out.

variety of support services from, in home support, individual and group activities, as well as community access while encouraging you to live as independently as possible. With the 2017 roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, St Vincent de Paul Society expanded the service to include Support Coordination.

This service is tailor made to suit your needs as Rachael and Amy assist you to understand your plan and engage with a variety of providers to meet your needs.

From Killarney to Crows Nest, Dalby to Ipswich, we will empower you to navigate your NDIS plan and encourage you to believe, achieve and succeed.

Last year, the Society in Queensland supported almost 288,000 people and provided approximately $11 million in financial assistance to those in need.

Toowoomba St Vincent de Paul Society has been a dedicated disability support provider in the Toowoomba and surrounding regions for over 30 years.

"We provide a flexible, professional and participant driven service which enhances the lives of people with a disability " states the program manager Ms Eversteyn.

Our committed staff deliver a

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp NDIS Update NDIS Quarterly Report Released 22nd February

The latest NDIS Quarterly Report for the period 1st October to 31st December shows that the Scheme continues to grow, with 142,266 people with disability now receiving supports under the NDIS. Of this number 132,743 people had an approved NDIS plan and 9,523 children had been referred through the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach.

NDIA CEO, Robert De Luca said the life-changing NDIS continues to grow from strength to strength.

"The number of Australians with disability now benefitting from the NDIS has grown significantly over the last 12 months with the numbers of providers registered to deliver services under the Scheme growing from 5,110 to 12,328 in the same period," Mr De Luca said.

"These figures demonstrate the pace and successful progress of the NDIS, which will ultimately deliver reasonable and necessary supports to Australians with disability to help them achieve their goals, and increase their

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economic participation."

and

social

The report also contains survey data illustrating that the NDIS continues to support participants to achieve their goals and encourage more community participation.

Of the participants aged 25+ years who entered the Scheme in the first two quarters of 20162017 and had their plan reviewed in the first two quarters of 2017-2018:  72% indicated that the NDIS had helped them with activities of daily living  68% indicated that the NDIS had helped them with choice and control  62% indicated that the NDIS had helped them with social, community and civic participation "These results demonstrate that the NDIS is supporting Australians with disability to participate in the community, increase their independence and exercise greater choice and control," Mr De Luca said.

While the national rollout of the NDIS is on track, with the Scheme expected to be available

to all eligible people across Australia (with the exception of WA) by July 2019, the NDIA reiterates its commitment to getting the balance right between participant intake, the quality of plans and the sustainability of the Scheme.

Solid progress continues to be made against the original participant intake schedule, underpinned by Productivity Commission estimates.

Overall participant enrolment for the Scheme is tracking at 82% of the cumulative NDIS bilateral estimate.

The bilateral agreements are estimates only, based on available state and territory records, which estimate the number of people expected to enter the NDIS, by quarter, in each jurisdiction over the three years of Scheme transition.

The NDIA will continue to bring people into the NDIS in line with available records in future quarters.

The NDIA is also working to bring eligible participants into the Scheme who did not previously receive support.

"We have seen positive progress in the number of plans approved

WhatsUp

Quarterly Report this quarter. A total of 19,965 participants received plans, over 3,000 more than the average number of plans approved in prior transition quarters," Mr De Luca said.

The report shows that 83% of surveyed participants in the quarter rated their experience either good or very good.

While the December quarter's rating is consistent with the experience since the start of Transition, the NDIA acknowledges the need to continually improve and continues work to significantly enhance the experience that participants and providers have with the NDIS. The Productivity Commission's report on NDIS Costs released in October 2017 confirms that $22 billion remains an appropriate estimate for the cost of the full scheme.

Plan approvals by state: Queensland 12,939, ACT 6,459, New South Wales 72,513, Victoria 27,041, Tasmania 3,519, Northern Territory 661, South Australia 15,077, Western Australia 4,057.

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp

around town

Wednesday 28th February, WhatsUp and BigDog Support Services held a morning tea fundraiser for research into Ovarian Cancer We raised $53.10 for ovarian cancer thank you to Sharon and your team for a lovely morning tea.

More than 8000 fans packed into Clive Berghofer Stadium to see the Broncos outplay and outscore their Queensland cousins, 38-10.

Each team had their good share of seasoned NRL players with veteran Sam Thaiday leading out the Broncos whilst Kane Elgey led his Titans out.

The Broncos meant business from the outset with James Roberts collecting two tries even before the Titans blinked.

If the Saturday night game is any indication, the Titans have some work to do prior to Round 1 as they lacked aggression and seemed disorganised at times.

The Titans will need to improve if they are to be a force come their Round 3 encounter against the St George-Illawarra Dragons on Sunday, 25th March in Toowoomba Page 12

WhatsUp

Chef Mark

Chef Mark

By Bec McDermott Mark comes from a family of chefs, his dad was a chef. Mark followed in his dad’s footsteps because he didn’t want to go to university because his sister had just gone to university and he thought it was too much work for him so he got a traineeship in cooking.

Now Chef Mark is a 5 star classically trained chef who donates his time to teach people with a disability and people trying to get a second chance in life how to cook. Mark now also co-owns a little cafe called ParisiAnne Patisserie. Before he owned the cafe he was a teacher at TAFE. Teaching many different types of people to cook and this is where he tort his first person with a disability to cook.

He loves to teach people with a disability how to cook because they tell you how it is. He loved his job at TAFE but he got fired from Campbell Newman. Chef Mark loves to donate his time because he loves teaching people and making them happy with his food and chef mark does not have a favourite food because it changes all the time depending what he is cooking.

87-93 West Street Toowoomba 0420 906 186

Parisiann Boutique French patisserie Getting ready for Easter. Over the next 3 weeks we will be releasing our Easter range. Please order early as stock will sell quickly. Al 3 items are gluten free preorder your choice of colour/flavour 1. Passionfruit Macarons 2. Chocolate Macaron egg baskets 3. Rose Water and White choc Mousse Bomb on a choc brownie base Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp Inclusion of People with Disability in VET Focus Groups – Price Waterhouse Coopers PwC's Skills for Australia for the Inclusion of People with Disability in VET project have identified key barriers to the inclusion of people with disability in vocational education, employment, and customer service environments. They will be starting a round of Focus Groups, to discuss the skill and knowledge gaps that need to be filled to address these barriers.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your views, inform recommendations, and help shape the future of support for people with disability in Australia.

PwC Skills for Australia

Virtual Reality Our virtual reality googles have been popular with schools. The virtual reality resource is all about being immersed in the university learning experience enabling prospective students to get a real life insight into what a tertiary students is all about.

Created with rural and remote students in mind to allow them

to visual university life as attending university open days is difficult due to proximity. However this resource is great for anybody!

If you would like to use the googles for an activity you have planned, head to our website.

It’s free to loan look for the virtual reality register box.

Focus Groups will be held on four topics, each focusing on several key barriers to inclusion.

They will be held via teleconference, and each will run for 2 hours.

For more information about the project and our consultations, please visit https:// www.skillsforaustralia.com/cross -sector-projects/inclusion-ofpeople-with-disability-in-vet/ or email info@skillsforaustralia.com

Employment Services Supporting people with a disability to gain and maintain employment that is valued by the client, the employer and the community.

3 Finchley Street PO Box 1715 Toowoomba QLD 4350 P: (07) 4688 3900 F: (07) 4688 3911 employment.toowoomba@uccommunity.org.au www.uccommunity.org.au/employmentservices

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WhatsUp NDCO Program Thank you everyone for reading my regular articles and supporting our program. If you are considering looking at education, training and employment I hope these articles are useful, and please don’t forget to look at our website for handy resources and web links.

Multicultural Presentation Recently NDCO presented at the Cultural Diversity Network highlighting the many enabling higher education and vocational courses available in Toowoomba.

Statistics from the National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) states that one in every four people with disability is a person of either first or second generation NESB, this represents approximately 1 million people across Australia.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and discuss need in our CALD community.

Webinar Series Our last webinar on Customised Employment had close to 500 attendees.

They heard from Transition to Employment

Flexible Respite Options * Breakaway Guesthouse- Highfields. Offers short term respite to children and adults with a disability in a comfortable and relaxed environment which is fully staffed. * In-home and/or Community Access Support that is flexible and focused on meeting individual family needs. * Rural and Remote Offers respite support to people with disabilities and their families in rural and remote South West Queensland. * Vacation Care Respite support for children with disabilities and their families during school holidays.

27 Mort Street Toowoomba Telephone: (07) 4639 5100 Fax: (07) 4639 5079 Email: info@breakawaytmba.org

Project Workers from NDS WA about this successful employment model. Customised Employment is an individualised approach to vocational supports and services: one person at a time. It consists of two stages: Discovery and Job Creation. The goal is to tailor jobs/selfemployment to fit the skills, interests, strengths, and support needs of the individual whilst meeting the needs of business/ the market for a service or product.

University Speciality Employment Partnership Jane from USC, Quita from Mylestones met recently with

NDCO to discuss progression on this university graduate program. We hope to have this commencing very soon. USEP is about improving graduate employment outcomes for students with disability by establishing an on-campus specialist recruitment service that links a Disability Employment Services (DES) consultant with university career advisors and disability support officers. To be eligible you need to be a current university students with disability in their final year of study and have recently graduated. We hope to roll this pilot program out in other areas over the coming years.

www.ndco.stepscs.net.au Information and referral services for people with disability or medical conditions of any working age, who are interested in post school education, training and/or employment at Certificate III level or higher.

Debbie Rooskov M 0400 721 451 E debbier@stepsgroup.com.au

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp Feedback Discussion Story by Alyce Nelligan This morning I attended a public "feedback discussion" at Carer's Queensland's office so I could assist in giving them feedback about the NDIS. Yesterday 2 out of 3 families I am working with were told they were not welcome at the forum.

There are no words to describe my anger. They were told that it was not the time to bring up their issues with the board or the CEO and it would ruin the 'mood' of the day.

I’ll tell you what ruins my mood.

When Brendan has to push me at my public events because I cannot afford to repair my wheelchair. When I see families go without respite. When Mum's and Dad's cannot leave the house to have a break because their child is too high care for a service provider. When carer's worry about oxygen, nappies, tube feeding and transport for their sick family members because some bureaucrat has decided adults do not need as much community access funding because they are not working or studying.

That ruins my mood.

And when is the time to bring it up? When a carer ends up is hospital? When a child's health declines because they did not have access to service they need? When an adult goes into aged care because there are no options left?!

Feedback

So let me just tell you that we ALL went in there today, proudly.

We will not quit. We did not back down. But they were worried about the WRONG people.

Every single person at that forum was angry, distressed and in need of urgent assistance.

Every single person there, disabled or carer was willing to stand up and say the system is fundamentally flawed.

Carer's Queensland was not prepared for organised, upset people who are willing to challenge the system.

And yet their response beyond pathetic.

was

The CEO did not address one single concern that consistently came up. Instead she read from a speech she had already prepared.

They gave the impression that nothing will come from this.

They are not supporting carers.

We were dismissed by all but the odd worker who realised this is a crisis. Besides the fact that a hour to hear us out was grossly inadequate.

Despite their woeful response as we were leaving I heard what cemented for me that we live on the other side of a cultural divide.

A member of the Toowoomba Board turned to me over the break time and said to my face "These people expect too much!" waving her perfectly manicured hand dismissively at the room

full of vulnerable people. Then she looked me in the eye and said "You know it." tapping my chair, "you know it".

I do not know why she thought she had an sympathetic ear in me because despite my own pearls I know what it is like to live in poverty, not find a house to rent, to live without equipment. To be told to stay in bed for the 6 months my wheelchair was going to take (to repair).

I looked her dead in the face and said "Well seeing as no service provider in this town can handle me that Brendan has to go with me into hospital, that I am too high care to be looked after do you not think it is the government's responsibility to step up and make sure we are accommodated to?" Her eyes glazed over. She had no interest in what I had to say. In that moment you know you have lost. They have no idea how we live.

THESE ARE THE PEOPLE MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT US. These are the people that say how many showers or what speech device you get. NOT. Because our needs are routinely rejected as not reasonable or necessary.

Well this is the end of the line folks. All the organisations you are officially on notice. We are coming. There will be no more decisions made about our lives without us.

We have had enough.

ADRA Services Toowoomba Op Shops

29 Bell St Mall 74 vanity St (shed F3)

Counselling service ADRA “Place of Hope” Ph. 0447 166 072 for an appointment Conference room for hire Mob. 0421 335 547

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112 Russell Street, Toowoomba

Rehabilitation for people who experience mental health issues.

To find out more:

www.toowoombaclubhouse.org.au

Or Phone: (07) 4632 4688

1800 777 723 www.pt2pqld.org.au

WhatsUp Complaints about NDIS soar amid anger at delays to payments The Guardian – Christopher Knaus Sat 24th Feb 2018 The Quarterly Report shows gripes about the NDIS rose sharply although 83% say their experience was good or very good.

Complaints about the NDIS have increased again, driven by growing anger at delays within the agency handling the landmark reform.

The Report showed there were 3,880 complaints made directly to the National Disability Insurance Agency [NDIA], which manages the NDIS, in the three months to December.

That’s above the average levels seen during the NDIS transition so far, and is up from the 2,961 and 1,669 complaints in the two previous quarters.

The increase is partly explained by the NDIA manually entering complaints from a previous

NDIS Complaints

quarter into its systems.

“Notwithstanding this observation, the NDIA is concerned about the level of complaints it has received,” the agency’s quarterly report to the council of Australian governments said.

By far the most common complaint to the NDIA last quarter concerned delays.

There were 1,235 complaints (37% of all complaints) about the NDIA’s timeliness in the December quarter, a significant increase from the 782 complaints (30%) the quarter prior.

The next most common individual complaint was that the NDIA did not take individual needs into account (22%).

In total, there have been 13,113 complaints made so far during the NDIS transition. That means 11.4% of all NDIS participants have complained, mostly about the NDIA, but also about disability service providers.

The rising number of complaints has not been accompanied by

any significant drop in the overall satisfaction rate with the NDIS. About 83% of those surveyed rated their experience as either good or very good, which is largely consistent with previous quarters.

There were also positive signs coming from participants who have had their support packages reviewed so far this financial year.

About 72% said the NDIS helped them with activities of daily living, 68% said it had helped them with choice and control, and another 62% said it assisted with social, community and civic participation.

The report also shows NDIS support plans were approved for 19,965 new participants in the December quarter, taking the total number covered to 132,743. Another 9,523 children have been supported through early childhood early intervention supports.

The NDIS has only achieved about 82% of the participants it was thought would be signed up by this point. The report warned the NDIA may not have the ability to keep track with the estimates.

“There are significant challenges posed in keeping pace with bilateral estimates,” the report said.

The NDIA warned it may be difficult to reach the estimates because of difficulties contacting potential participants, people not wishing to enter the scheme, being found ineligible, or no longer requiring support. It also said the estimates were made from incomplete data.

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp

Every Australian Counts

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. It’s time to introduce the Every Australian Counts Champions!

Lynne Foreman Lynne is a married mum with three children. She describes herself as a ‘doer’ and is well known for her community work. Recently Lynne was selected to be part of the Commonwealth Games baton relay. Lynne has been a proud Every Australian Counts campaigner since 2011. She has faith in the NDIS but knows there is always room for improvement.

Peter and Linda Tully Peter and Linda Tully have always been strong advocates for people living with disability and making sure they get what they need from the NDIS. They are active in their local community, and passionate about making a difference. They want to do this by sharing their personal experience of living with disability with parents, teachers, and service providers.

Ben Paior-Smith Ben is a talented athlete who has won many medals and trophies for sprinting. Ben is a proud advocate for the NDIS and is determined to make a difference for people living with disability. He wants to make sure young people with disability are included at school and have the chance to get a good job. Like other teenagers, Ben also loves music.

Carleeta Manser When she is not working as a braille teacher or travelling to different places to meet with other deafblind people, Carleeta spends her time trying to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disability in the community. Carleeta is a strong advocate for the NDIS, but keen to see it become flexible enough to meet everyone’s needs.

Chris Riordan Chris is a keen sailor and holds several national and international titles. He works in the disability sector as an IT support officer, and is passionate about highlighting the experiences of people living with disability in rural and regional towns. Chris is enthusiastic about seeing an NDIS that lets everyone reach their full potential.

Quality Lifestyle Support Address: 108 Mort Street Toowoomba Telephone: (07) 4659 5476 Fax: (07) 4659 5452 Email: qlstoowoomba@bigpond.com

Enhancing the Lives of Individuals Respite care, Community Access and In Home Care are provided to people in innovative and flexible ways working within the principles and guidelines of the Disability Services Act. Director: John Hart ABN: 43 092 474 872

Page 18

We encourage client input and control over the service they request.

WhatsUp

mycommunity www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au

Toowoomba Region Community Directory Proudly Sponsored by

Council’s top priority is to ensure that all residents are safe and well informed about the potential dangers of such events.

The Natural Disasters and Emergency Action Guide has been developed to offer advice on how best to prepare your home or business for a disaster, as well as offer guidance for enduring and recovering from a disaster or emergency.

The best time to prepare your home is now. Taking steps now to secure and protect your property can improve the safety of your home during a bushfire, storm, flood or cyclone.

Understanding your risk is key to any preparation task. Once you have identified potential risks, preparing for them becomes easier. Here are a range of suggested tasks to assist you in preparing your home and property to minimise potential damage.

Identify where and how to turn off the main supply for water, power and gas Have items on hand, such as water storage containers, spare fuel for your vehicle (ensure you store it safely), camp stove and fuel for cooking without power For more information visit: http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/ community-business/community -safety/managing-disasters

Ensure your home, contents and car insurance is current and adequate. Check your policy includes debris clean up and removal Identify your strongest room to shelter in during severe storm

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

Page 19

WhatsUp NDIS Pathway NDIS Pathway Review Report Released Released 26th February 2018 Central to the new participant pathway is the commitment to face-to-face engagement for all NDIS plan development, if this is the participant's preference.

Other key features of the participant and provider pathways are:  A consistent point of contact, who plays a key role in empowering participants to achieve their identified outcomes. Participants will maintain a relationship with their Local Area Coordinator (LAC) throughout the participant pathway, if that is their choice;  A stronger focus on the broader system of supports for people with disability, including improved interactions with other government services such as health, education and transport, to promote greater inclusion and a sense of

community for people disability;

with

 Communication which emphasises the objectives of the NDIS, with a clear focus on outcomes and goals during planning discussions;  Information that is clear, consistent and available in accessible formats, such as Easy English, braille, and languages other than English;  An improved NDIS portal and tools, combined with more

straightforward processes that will reduce administrative cost for providers.

Providers also wanted clearer and more consistent information and policy guidance, "to be able to resolve issues more easily", as well as improvements to the portal and payment processes.

Work is underway in both these areas.

The ‘Evolution to Inclusion’ Mardi Gras float promotes the right to sexual expression for people with disability We are all committed to an inclusive Australia for all people with disability to participate in their communities. NDIS were proud supporters of the Evolution to Inclusion float in the Sydney Mardi Gras. Watch their Mardi Gras recap and connect with them on social as they marched with the LGBTIQA+ community.

The 40th Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras aired on Sunday, March 4 at 8:30pm on SBS.

Page 20

Independent Pricing Review (IPR) The Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) have just released the Independent Pricing Review (IPR) Report undertaken by McKinsey & Company, giving in principle support to all of the Report's 25 recommendations.

Key recommendations made by the IPR include:  Adding a third tier to the complexity loading to account for higher level skills or experience of workers and additional training required;  Allowing providers to charge up to 45 minutes of travel time in rural areas;  Allowing providers to quote on the delivery of services in isolated regions;  Changing the cancellation policy to allow providers to recover 90% of their costs if a cancellation is made after 3pm on the day before the service;

 Removing the annual $1000 travel cap for therapy supports and aligning the travel policy with the attendant care travel policy;  Changing therapy prices to better reflect different therapy types, and introducing a second tier of pricing for therapy assistants;  Introducing temporary overhead assistance equivalent to a 2% to 3% loading on the price for providers delivering attendant care for the next 12 months.

Other recommendations relate to price limits, interventions to address specific market challenges, and improvements in market monitoring and engagement.

The NDIA will now ensure the recommendations are implemented in a thorough, timely and diligent way that reflects the NDIA’s commitment to strong implementation and drive to deliver better outcomes for NDIS participants and providers.

While some recommendations require additional work to understand their full impact, implementation will be phased so that those recommen-

dations, that produce the greatest benefits for providers and participants, will be actioned first. This is consistent with the NDIA’s commitment to delivering better outcomes for both NDIS participants and providers alike Other considerations in determining the phasing have been urgency, timing and the scale of each recommendation.

HSQF Audits and Notifiable Issues The Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services requires organisations delivering services funded under a service agreement or other specified arrangement to comply with various legislative, policy and/or contractual safeguards.

Audits under the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) provide an opportunity for independent auditors to assess whether organisations have effectively implemented these safeguards, as appropriate to the type of services being delivered.

WhatsUp in Disability

Advertise here Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

Page 21

WhatsUp Mainstream and Me Project Funded by the NDIS through the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) National Readiness Grants Mainstream and Me project has been created to meet the Federal Governments Information, Linkages and Capacity building (ILC) goals. The program is funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Parent to Parent Qld has the contract to deliver the program in Queensland.

Eight young adults with an intellectual disability have been employed to co-design and deliver presentations to businesses and community organisations building awareness around the capacity of their ability to work in Mainstream. Topics covered include: 

What is an intellectual disability?



People first language



Disability Statistics in Australia



Myth busting



Benefits of disability employment



Job Customisation



Employment Case Study

Job customisation and the right supports have been identified as key elements to build successful outcomes.

The engaging presentations delivered by the community educators captivate the audience and increase the opportunity for more awareness to empower change.

Individual Lifestyle Support Service

07 4639 4026

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

Providing Disability Support and Assistance Increased Social & Community Participation Living and Lifestyle Skills and Support Accommodation Support Capacity Building

or Contact us Phone: 07-46 380 399 Email: warrinas@warrinas.com.au or visit our new office at 172 Bridge Street Toowoomba Office hours Mon-Fri 9-5pm

Page 22

WhatsUp agencies, but many say they could take double to meet demand.

Nutritious food for charities by providing high quality food to agencies which may not have been previously available.

Savings for charities as vital funds saved from grocery bills can be redirected to education, rehabilitation and other programs.

Protecting the planet by ensuring good food gets eaten rather than going to landfill helps reduce the negative impact of food waste on the environment.

OZHARVEST BigDog is pleased to partner with OZHARVEST in stopping good food going to waste and getting it to people in need helps in many ways: OZHARVEST organisation

was the first in Australia to

rescue perishable excess food.

We now work with over 3,000 food donor businesses to collect quality surplus food and deliver it directly and free of charge, to over 1000 local charities.

The demand for food relief continues to rise, with two million people relying on charitable organisations for food support each year.

We are working hard to ensure a regular supply of nutritious food to many

Savings for food donors through reducing costs for excess food disposal and storage costs, and increasing the positive impact on the local community.

OZHARVEST HQ is in Sydney, with operations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Toowoomba, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, and Perth. They also have a growing number of regional chapters run entirely by passionate volunteers, mentored by OZHARVEST to get them established with local food rescue operations.

Down Syndrome Support Group Inc. (Toowoomba & District)

Offers people with Down Syndrome and their families an opportunity to make contact with, and to meet other people in a friendly and inviting environment.

Contact: President Kara Wren Mobile: 0439 661 349

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

Page 23

WhatsUp Upcoming Movies You don’t want to miss these

Peter Rabbit Based on the stories of Peter Rabbit created by Beatrix Potter. The film stars Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne and Sam Neill, with the voices of James Corden, Daisy Ridley, Margot Robbie and Elizabeth Debicki.

Live action scenes were filmed at Centennial Park in Sydney. and Central railway station in Sydney which was depicted as London Paddington station.

Peter Rabbit and his three sisters - Flopsy, Mopsy and CottonTail enjoy spending their days in Mr. McGregor's vegetable garden. When one of McGregor's relatives suddenly moves in, he's less than thrilled to discover a family of rabbits in his new home.

Christopher Robin The film is inspired by A. A. Milne's book Winnie-the-Pooh and is a live-action/CGI continuation of the Disney franchise of the same name.

The film will star Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin, with Hayley Atwell, Bronte Carmichael, and Mark Gatiss in supporting roles, along with the voices of Jim Cummings, Chris O'Dowd, Brad Garrett, Toby Jones, Nick Mohammed, Peter Capaldi, and Sophie Okonedo

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre 256 Stenner STREET TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350 Providing information, support and emergency / short term respite to Carers of people who may be elderly, have a disability and chronic or terminal illness.

Information:

1800 052 222 Page 24

WhatsUp Why Australians can’t get enough of cruising!

In the last decade, Australians have become world champions of cruising. We outperformed everyone else in increased passenger numbers year on year, eventually broke the million annual passenger mark, and recently overtook Americans as the biggest cruisers per head of population. In short, we lead the world cruise market.

In pure passenger numbers, we're still a heady fourth: impressive for a country of such modest size.

The startling thought in the midst of this enthusiasm is that most Australians still haven't cruised. Indeed, fewer than 5% of people in any of the world's top cruise markets have settled into a ship's cabin.

You can't help thinking that we've seen nothing yet, and the next 10 years will be spectacular.

The last decade has been amazing enough. More of the world is accessed by cruise ship than ever. There are more ocean cruises to exotic destinations such as the Arctic, Iceland and Cuba, and in 2013 the arrival of P&O

Travel

Cruises' Pacific Dawn in Papua New Guinea opened up our nearest neighbour to mainstream cruising.

The decade, too, has seen a notable move towards short ''sampler cruises'' of just a few days from our capital cities, as well as event cruising with itineraries organised around special occasions such as the Melbourne Cup, Australian Open and Sydney's New Year celebrations.

One thing has, however, remained a constant: oceancruising Australians (39%) still favour the South Pacific, by far our most popular cruise region.

No surprise that more ships are homeporting in Australia than ever, and visiting more Australian destinations, particularly new Queensland cruise ports such as Moreton Island, Mooloolaba, Gladstone and Fraser Island.

Pictures on the right are from the recent cruise organised through BigDog Support Services where a number of young men experienced cruising for the first time. Their feedback included “Wow there was lots of food”, “The crew on the ship were really helpful”, “There were lots of things to do and the night shows were awesome!”

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

Page 25

WhatsUp

in March Jamie’s Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen The fully equipped mobile kitchen classroom is now set up at Baillie Henderson Hospital, Tuke Annexe, Building 24 Carpark, on the corner of Willow and Boyce Streets.

Queensland Women’s Week 3rd – 11th March Queensland Women’s Week recognises and celebrates the achievements of Queensland’s women and girls.

Everyone has a role to play in creating a Queensland community that respects women, embraces gender equality, and promotes and protects the rights, interests and wellbeing of women and girls.

This year Queensland Women's Week celebrations will be held from 3rd to 11th March with the theme 'Celebrate wellbeing. Everybody wins'.

Parks Week 10th - 18th March 2018

Designed to get people out and about enjoying their local parks and open spaces.

Get together with friends and family and head to a fun Parks Week activity near you: • Magical Parks • Nature Play activities (Commonwealth Games theme) • Trail Yoga • Fitness classes • Parkrun • Kids activities

Page 26

Sessions run until Wednesday 28th March with dates and times as follows: Monday 5, 12, 19 & 26 - 1pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Tuesday 6, 13, 20 & 27 - 9.30am, 12pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Wednesday 7, 14, 21 & 28 March - 9.30am, 1pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Thursday 1, 8, 15 & 22 - 1pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Friday 2, 9, 16 & 23 - 9.30am, 12pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Saturday 3, 10, 17 & 24 - 9am, 11.30am &

2pm

Easter Friday Friday 30th March 2018 On this day, Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In different traditions, the date is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday or Easter Friday.

It marks the start of the Easter long weekend, which includes Easter Monday on 2nd April.

The day has been coined “Good Friday” because the word “good” means pious or holy.

Neighbour Day Sunday 25th March 2018 Neighbour Day is celebrated with the aim of fostering strong personal connections that last the whole year round.

The aim of Neighbour Day is to build better relationships with the people who live around us, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Responsibility for Australia's Neighbour Day belongs to everyone; every person, in every community.

WhatsUp

in March

The Queen’s Baton Relay The Commonwealth Games is almost upon us and promises to be huge for South East Queensland. So what’s that got to do with Toowoomba? Well the Queens Baton will travel through the city on 28th March on its way to the coast and there is an opportunity for First Nations people to be part of this historic event.

A group has been working with the Toowoomba Regional Council to put aside Gallery Park on the corner of Ruthven St and Little St entirely for First Nations people to hold an art/ dance event prior to the baton arriving and escort the baton through the park and onto the Civic Centre grass. Once the Baton is on stage and welcomed to country by Conrad, Kyesha Stewart will sing the National Anthem in language and then a welcome dance by a combined dance troupe.

Winter Paralympics

This is an amazing chance for the ‘Toowoomba Tribe – One Mob’ to stand together and show the strength of First Nations people in this city.

Athletes representing 49 National Paralympic Committees are participating in these Games, which mark the first time that South Korea has hosted the Winter Paralympics and the second Paralympics held in the country overall, after the 1988 Summer Paralympics in Seoul.

The Baton arrives just after 5:00pm and you are invited to be at Gallery Park from 3:30pm to be a part of this exciting ‘One Mob’ event.

The 2018 Winter Paralympics is the 12th Paralympic Winter Games, and also more generally known as the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, are an international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), that is currently taking place in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province, South Korea, from 9 to 18 March 2018.

Email: whatsupindisability@bigpond.com

Page 27

WhatsUp

in April

Body Wizards Toowoomba Colour Run On Sunday 15th April 2018, we will be holding the Toowoomba Colour Walk/Run. Held at Glenvale Park, Harvey Rd, Glenvale, We will have a 5km track marked out for everyone to follow with multiple colour stations along the way.

You can walk, Jog, Run or a mix of it all. It’s completely self-paced.

Once ticket has been purchased your race pack (Race Number, safety Pins, Personal chalk bag) collections available from 8:30am with the Run starting at 9:30am.

Suicide - The Ripple Effect BCC Cinemas Toowoomba Strand Wednesday 18th April 2018 6:30pm

This film is part of a global mission to help reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts around the world. Through sharing stories of survival and recovery we are creating significant awareness of this health crisis, while helping people find the support they need to stay alive, heal and #BeHereTomorrow!

Page 28

WhatsUp

New to disability?

First Points of Contact Centrelink Payments and Services

132 468

Carers

132 717

Disability Support Pension

132 717

Health Care Card

132 490

Family Assistance

136 150

Indigenous Call Centre Emergency Crisis Payment

1800 136 380 132 850

NDIS General Enquiries

1800 800 110

NDIA Toowoomba Office

07 4592 4057

Local Area Coordinator

07 4646 2800

Medicare General Enquiries

132 011

Pharmaceutical Benefits

132 290

MyGov Help Desk

132 307

Queensland Government

Toowoomba Disability Information Office Open 5 days

(core times 10am to 1.00pm) A question on disability or a service you require? Try us, most of our Information Officers have a disability themselves and will be glad to assist you. If we can’t help, we will refer you elsewhere.

Shop 4 / 33 Bell St Mall Toowoomba (07) 4632 6678

Child Safety

07 4699 4255

Disability Services

07 4615 3900

Toowoomba Hospital

07 4616 6000

Department Housing

07 4699 4400

Community Groups Carer Advisory Service

1800 242 636

Carer Respite

1800 059 059

Lifeline Darling Downs

1300 991 443

Relationships Australia

1300 364 277

There are a number of support groups for most disabilities available in this region.

To change or add details to the ‘WhatsOn’ pages contact WhatsUp on: Phone: 07 46326678 Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

A volunteer disability service organisation run by people with disabilities

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

Page 29

WhatsUp Executive Team

PUBLISHER: Disability Media Association Inc (Australia) (DMAA) TELEPHONE: (07) 4632 6678 OFFICE:

Shop 4 /33 Bell St Mall Toowoomba (Bell St Mall) (open Monday to Wednesday 10am-1.00 pm)

POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 3621 Toowoomba Qld 4350 E-MAIL: admin@whatsupindisability.org MANAGEMENT BOARD: Steven P aull (P resident) W endy Adams (Editor) Jeremy Scamp (Secretary) Ann Paull (Treasurer) ADMINISTRATION: Alyssa Storm, Bec M cDermott and Sandra W iseman REPORTERS / WRITERS: W endy Adams, Bronw yn Herbertson, Sharon Boyce, Steven Paull and many more.

PUBLISHED: J anuary/ M arch/ M ay/ J uly/ September/ N ovember ABN: 72 821 350 911 PRINT POST APPROVED: P P 424022/ 1811

STEVEN PAULL President

DISCLAIMER/INDEMNITY: Articles and adverts reproduced on these pages are accepted and published in good faith. It is a condition of acceptance that advertisers and article writers accept full responsibility for their advertisements and articles, and will fully indemnify the producers in the event of any claims or legal proceedings against them. Articles published are not necessarily the view of the publishers. Advertisements are also accepted on the basis that they do not conflict with any discrimination laws or other laws currently in force.

ADVERTISING: Although we are a volunteer and non profit organisation, we are not funded in any way, and have to cover costs of this publication by charging for advertising. Please request a quote by ringing (07) 4632 6678 or by email.

All new adverts must be received 4 weeks preceding month of publication.

WENDY ADAMS Editor

WhatsUp reserves the right to adjust, resize or move advertisements when necessary to allow for editing WHATSUP IS AVAILABLE FROM: 1) SUBSCRIPTION (In advance) $33 per year (includes postage).

2) A single edition of WID can be bought at the WhatsUp office and selected outlets. You may also subscribe by using the form on the outside cover.

3) Reference copies are held in the Tourist Office and Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre.

JEREMY SCAMP Secretary

COPYRIGHT: Copyright Protected. All pages are subject to copyright law and may be copied only with the permission of DMAA. Copies are not to be used commercially or for profit or for personal financial gain. Permission may be granted to copy only if the purpose is to give it away to others for their personal interest but not to any other organisation or service.

DISCLAIMER: All articles are accepted in good faith and are not necessarily the view of the Editorial team or Management. Articles are accepted on the understanding that in the event of any claims against WhatsUp, the writer of the article will take full responsibility and indemnify WhatsUp in the event of legislation against it. Articles are also accepted on the understanding that the contents do not breach any Disability laws or other legislation currently in use.

ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY/ COPYING

ANN PAULL Treasurer

Page 30

WhatsUp In Disability is provided as a Master Copy to individuals and organisations. We are environmental friendly, we do not print any more copies than is absolutely necessary. We prefer and encourage the practice of passing the magazine from person to person or copying the whole magazine to pass on to others. Permission is needed to copy (see Copyright above) When copying the magazine we require that the pages be marked ‘copy’.

DMAA PO Box 3621, Toowoomba, QLD 4350

WhatsUp

Advertiser Index

Accommodation / Respite

Information Services

Adaptable Home Solutions

Page

21

Auslan Sign Language Course

P age 25

BigDog Respite House

Page

29

Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre

Page 24

Breakaway Toowoomba

Page

15

Down Syndrome Support

Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre

Page

28

(Toowoomba and District)

Page 25

Epilepsy Queensland Inc.

Page

Every Australian Counts

Page 18

NDCO (Steps)

Page 15 Page 16

Support Services 8

9

Anuha Services (Gatton)

Page

BigDog Support Services

Page

4

Breakaway Toowoomba

Page

15

Parent To Parent

CPL (Choice Passion Life)

Page

10

The Advocacy & Support Centre (TASC) Page 11

Quality Lifestyle Support

Page

19

Toowoomba Disability Information

Salvation Army

Page

24

Pharmacy

St Vincent de Paul

Page

9

Warrina Services

Page

24

Wellways Healthcall

Page

5

Slow Starters Tenpin Bowling

Page

Yellow Bridge

Page

7

Toowoomba Sunset Superbowl

Page 14

Toowoomba Region

Page 19-

Employment Toowoomba Clubhouse

Page

16

Uniting Care Community Employment

Page

14

MedTech Mobility Equipment

Page

20

Reben Mobility

Page

11

‘Regatta’ Noosa

Page

25

Sunshine Coast Supported Holidays

Page

25

Equipment /Adaptations

Holiday / Transport

Scott Street Pharmacy

Page

4

Page 17

Recreation 4

Other Services BigDog Cleaning Services

Page

6

BigDog Lawn Mowing Services

Page

6

ParisiAnn

Page

13

Toowoomba Disability Information

Page

29

Therapy ADRA Services (Counselling)

Page 16

www.whatsupindisability.org To contribute to the next edition please send your article to

WhatsUp In Disability

admin@whatsupindisability.org

is proudly printed by the Community Development and Facilities Branch of the Toowoomba Regional Council

by the 20th February/April/June/August/October/December or reserve a space

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

Page 31

WhatsUp In Disability PO Box 3621 Toowoomba Qld 4350 Phone: (07) 4632 6678 Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

Good Luck to all our Australian Athletes competing in the XXI Commonwealth Games from everyone at WhatsUp in Disability

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