WhatsUp July/Aug 2019 Magazine

$5.50

July/August 2019

Toowoomba and Southern Queensland

Volume 4, Issue 89

Subscription $33 PA

Proudly supported and printed by ToowoombaWhatsUp Region in Disability

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WhatsUp

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Community Achievers

Highlights July/August 2019 Edition

03 11 14 17

New NDIS Minister Stuart Robert MP

2019-2020 NDIS Price Guide

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Taxi Subsidy Scheme

Warrina at Home

Queenslanders with Disability Network New Initiative

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Bus Ride of a Lifetime

Logie for Dylan Alcott

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Cover Page L to R Hon Stirling Hinchliffe Minister for Local Government, Liz, Councillor Geoff McDonald and Josh Marshall from Inclusion Access at the opening of JE Duggan Park

Winter Wonderland

Liz Schneidewin Editor

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New NDIS Minister Prime Minister Scott Morrison has appointed the first ever dedicated minister for the NDIS, as part of a major cabinet reshuffle in wake of the federal election.

Liberal MP Stuart Robert will enter cabinet as the minister for the NDIS after the scheme was taken out of the social services portfolio.

This appointment builds on Morrison’s pledge to prioritise the NDIS, which has been beset by problems around access, pricing and implementation.

“Top of the list for improving services will be ensuring we deliver on the National

The first ever dedicated federal minister for the NDIS, Liberal MP Stuart Robert

Stuart Robert after being sworn into the office by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove

Disability Insurance Scheme, working to our goal of the NDIS supporting 500,000 Australians by 2024/25,” Morrison said.

“The NDIS is a major social reform and there is much work to do to improve the delivery of these services on the ground.”

Disability groups have welcomed Robert’s appointment, as well as Senator Anne Ruston’s appointment as minister for social services – replacing Paul Fletcher who becomes the new minister for communications.

Mr Robert sent out this Tweet on his official Twitter account to celebrate his appointment to this ground-breaking portfolio.

Stuart Rowland Robert is an Australian Liberal Party politician serving as Minister for Government Services since 2019, and has served as Member of Parliament for Fadden since 2007.

Stuart Robert served in the Abbott Ministry as the Assistant Minister for Defence from 18th September 2013 until 21st September 2015

WhatsUp in Disability

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2019 Community Achievement Awards Launch Exciting news for everyone at WhatsUp in Disability Our fearless—and, as many know, tireless— President, Steven Paull has been nominated for the 2019 Community Achievement Awards.

The nomination was made following the official launch by Mayor Paul Antonio on the 28th May. These awards recognise those that work tirelessly to improve their communities by promoting the social, economic and environmental prosperity of that community.

Last year’s recipient of the award, Matthew

Greg, is the person behind the highly beneficial Metro Care Outreach Program which has supported thousands of people by collecting nearly 50 tonnes of food through his organization’s, ‘Loads of Appeal’.

Steven has been nominated for his work with numerous organisations around town including WhatsUp in Disability magazine.

Steven’s nomination will put him amongst an impressive lineup of community champions from all over Queensland.

The judging will take place in September with the awards ceremony taking place in November with a gala dinner to be held at the Royal on the Park in Brisbane.

All smiles at the launch of the 2019 Community Achievement Awards were Member for Toowoomba North, Trevor Watts MP; Matthew Greg who was last years winner from the Metro Care Outreach Program and our own Steven Paul who has been nominated by Mr Greg for this year’s award. We wish you the best of luck, Steven.

WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp

Qld Taxi Subsidy

Every day thousands of NDIS participants rely on Maxi-taxi’s for safe, reliable and affordable transport.

Anyone with a disability who relies on taxis, and particularly maxi-taxis for their transport needs, will be very aware of the vital importance of the Taxi Subsidy Scheme in their lives. But that ticket to freedom for thousands of Australians with a disability may be about to disappear.

needs to travel in a wheelchair.

It allows thousands of disabled Queenslanders, who often have access to no other form of transport, to live their lives and express their choices freely about where they want to go and what they want to do.

THE HISTORY

With the introduction of the NDIS, it has been proposed that the Taxi Subsidy Scheme be withdrawn, with all costs and responsibilities for disabled transportation falling under the umbrella of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. There have been two attempts to withdraw the scheme so far, but both attempts have been repealed due to a general outcry from the effected members of the disability community. There have also been well organised campaigns by advocacy groups such as Spinal Life on behalf

The Queensland Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) was first introduced in 1987. Starting off as a paper-based voucher system, it was updated in 2006 to operate with smart cards.

It works by providing a co-contribution of up to $25 per trip for people with severe disabilities.

In addition to this, a lift payment of $20 is provided to taxi drivers for each wheelchair accessible trip taken by a TSS member who Page 6

WHAT’S CHANGING?

Scheme Continued for a Year 

of the community as a whole.

The Queensland Government has recently announced that Taxi Subsidy Scheme membership for eligible NDIS participants will be extended to 30 June 2020. This means that TSS members who have an NDIS plan will continue to receive the same level of subsidy they currently receive throughout the 2019/20 financial year.

The Queensland Government states that it is “focused on ensuring appropriate transport support arrangements are in place for NDIS-eligible TSS members and will continue to work with the Commonwealth to address this matter”.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE TSS? To be eligible to be a TSS cardholder you must be a permanent resident of Queensland and fully meet at least 1 of the 6 eligibility criteria listed next:



  



Physical disability requiring dependence on a wheelchair for all mobility outside the home.

Severe ambulatory problem that cannot functionally be improved and restricts walking to an extremely limited distance.

Total loss of vision or severe visual impairment (both eyes).

Severe and uncontrollable epilepsy with seizures involving loss of consciousness.

Intellectual impairment or dementia resulting in the need to be accompanied by another person at all times for travel on public transport.

Severe emotional and/or behaviour disorders with a level of disorganisation resulting in the need to be accompanied by another person at all times for travel on public transport.

WHAT THE TSS MEANS TO ME...

Sheryl has had her TSS card for more than 5 years and, like many of us, relies on it to get to her many specialists appointments.

Fluentha (whose name means ‘Soft Wind’ uses her TSS card to access the community including shopping and a computer course at the Town Library.

WhatsUp in Disability

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Queensland Updates Queensland Budget invests $200 million in disability services Vital services and supports for Queenslanders with disability will continue post-NDIS, with the Palaszczuk Government investing more than $200 million in disability services in the 2019-2020 State Budget.

Minister for Disability Services Coralee O'Rourke said while more than 45,000 Queenslanders were now receiving supports from the NDIS, it was important for some vital services and support to continue to be funded.

“The full scheme rollout of the NDIS on 1st July doesn’t negate our responsibility to ensure that Queenslanders with disability are supported to live their lives with the dignity they deserve,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Funding in the State Budget will ensure we can continue to deliver quality accommodation support and respite services and high quality care and support for individuals with an intellectual and/or cognitive disability subject to involuntary detention, care, support and protection under a forensic order (disability).

“We’ve also committed $7 million in the State Budget to continue supporting community transport services for people with disability.

“We know these services are vital to ensuring Queenslanders with disability are able to participate, and be included, in their thriving communities.”

Disability advocacy services will also receive support in the State Budget, with funding of $8.7 million over two years to 2020-21.

There is also $10.9 million in additional funding included in the State Budget for complaints and investigations, coordination of state disability planning, and continued support for peak bodies and Guide Dogs.

Mrs O’Rourke also highlighted how the State Budget would continue to fund ongoing disability functions post-NDIS. “The State Budget provides $19.5 million over four years for ongoing functions including restrictive practices, worker screening and NDIS performance monitoring,” she said.

COAG Quarterly Report 31st March Age profile of active participants 00-06 yrs

4,639

11%

07-14 yrs

9,341

22%

15-18 yrs

3,225

8%

19-24 yrs

4,050

10%

25-34 yrs

4,567

11%

35-44 yrs

4,290

10%

45-54 yrs

5,328

13%

55-64 yrs

6,146

14%

812

2%

65+ yrs

Primary disability of active participants Intellectual

11,211

26%

Autism

11,656

27%

Psychosocial

3,167

7%

Cerebral Palsy

2,417

6%

Neurological

2,341

6%

Developmental delay

1,613

4%

Other Physical

2,514

6%

ABI

1,764

4%

Hearing

1,767

4%

Visual

944

2%

Sensory/Speech

229

1%

Multiple Sclerosis

818

2%

1,957

5%

4 Other

WhatsUp in Disability

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Updates The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission is an independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services.

We regulate NDIS providers, provide national consistency, promote safety and quality services, resolve problems and identify areas for improvement.

When the NDIS was launched, governments agreed that a nationally consistent approach to quality and safeguards would be a critical component of the scheme. The NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework was developed to achieve this. The framework is designed to promote high quality supports and safe environments for all NDIS participants.

The NDIS Commission brings together various quality and safeguards functions under a single agency for the first time, with a suite of education and regulatory powers that will apply across Australia. This will improve consistency in regulation and registration for providers in different states and territories.

As the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission comes into effect across Australia, participants will notice changes to the complaints process, and to the way behaviour supports and restrictive practices are managed.

Providers will notice changes to registration, complaints, incident management and reportable incidents, behaviour support and worker screening. These changes will simplify quality and safeguards requirements, as they will become nationally consistent and proportionate once we are operating in all states and territories by mid-2020.

Workers employed or engaged by NDIS providers will benefit from the introduction of a new national worker screening check, and work under a new NDIS Code of Conduct and complaints management process.

For more information: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/

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Code of Conduct

The NDIS Code of Conduct sets clear and enforceable expectations for ethical conduct in the delivery of supports and services.

Respect individual rights and selfdetermination Respect privacy Act with integrity, honesty and transparency Deliver services safely and competently Ensure quality and safety Prevent and respond to violence, neglect, abuse, exploitation and sexual misconduct Provider Responsibilities The Code of Conduct applies to all NDIS service providers (registered or unregistered), and workers.

1. Apply the NDIS Code of Conduct In the event of a complaint against you or a serious incident occurring, the NDIS Commission will consider your compliance with the Code of Conduct. Applying the Code is an expectation of doing business in the NDIS. 2. Support workers to understand the code You must also support all workers to both understand and apply the Code of Conduct in the course of their daily work.

2019 - 2020 NDIS Media release from the Minister 25 June 2019 Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Stuart Robert, has today announced an increase to price limits for NDIS services.

Mr Robert, said the significant price increases will positively impact all Scheme participants and providers, building on the Government’s commitment to taking a considered and methodical approach to reforming service delivery to better support all Australians.

‘From 1 July 2019, providers will see increases to remote and very remote plan funding and price limit loadings; changes to billing for travel, cancellations and non -face-to-face services; and a temporary loading for attendant care and community participation supports—including group based supports—to assist organisations transitioning to the NDIS,’ Minister Robert said.

‘The increases are part of the Independent Price Review—with its 25 recommendations having been progressively implemented since July 2018 with the aim of transitioning the NDIS market to cope with significant demand growth, improving efficiency and quality of care and reaching the longerterm goal of price deregulation.’

Price limit increases and changes to take effect nationally from 1 July 2019 include:

 a remote loading of 40 per cent (increased from 20 per cent) and a very remote loading of 50 per cent (increased from 25 per cent) on price limits

 provider travel claiming has increased from the current cap of 20 minutes to

Prices

30 minutes within city areas, and from 45 minutes up to 60 minutes in regional areas

 a Temporary Transformation Payment of 7.5% in the first year for attendant care and community participation supports for providers who comply with certain conditions

 an hourly rate for non-face-to-face care activities conducted on behalf of the participant.

Support coordinators will also be able to claim the increased travel time, as well as claim for non-face-to-face coordination activities.

These price increases are in addition to the base rate increases announced for therapy, attendant care and community participation in March 2019, representing the final outcomes of the 2019-20 Annual Price Review.

Price indexation in line with ABS Wage and Consumer Price Indexes and the decisions of the Fair Work Commission will also be applied to various other supports from 1 July 2019, including:

 4.5% for supports listed under Assistance with Daily Activities and Social and Community Participation

 2.1% for capacity building supports, including support coordination and therapy

 1.3% for supports listed under Consumables, Assistive Technology and Home Modification and Specialised Disability Accommodation.

Funding in participant plans will be automatically adjusted from 1 July 2019 to reflect the changes to indexation and the new price limits.

WhatsUp in Disability

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Breaking NEWS How the NDIS and Health Services will work together

Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Meeting 28th June 2019 Disability Reform Council (the Council) held its first formal meeting for 2019 today at the Gold Coast, Queensland. The Council welcomed the incoming Commonwealth Minister for the NDIS and Minister for Government Services, the Hon Stuart Robert MP as Chairperson of the Council.

The Council reiterated its continued commitment and shared responsibility to deliver on the NDIS’ objectives with action, and quick resolution of emerging challenges so the NDIS meets the needs of Australians with disability, as well as their families and carers.

Ministers agreed to maintain a strong focus on improving the operation, transparency and governance of the NDIS, and to this end will reconvene in September 2019 to seek to resolve critical issues.

The Council resolved a number of longstanding issues, including the interaction of the NDIS with the health system and how to support families with children who are unable to live in the family home because of their complex disability support needs.

Every Australian Counts is the original grassroots campaign responsible for bringing the dream of the NDIS to life.

They fought to get the scheme started and they are continuing the fight to get it working the way it was intended. www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au/

Well some good news...

At this meeting the disability ministers from around the country agreed what health supports the NDIS will pay for.

The list now includes:

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Dysphagia supports, including swallowing therapy



support to manage diabetes, including daily care where a person cannot manage themselves due to their disability



Continence support, including catheter changes and cleaning



wound and pressure lymphedema garments



respiratory supports, including tracheostomy equip and CPAP machines



nutrition support, including PEG and HEN equipment and thickeners



Podiatry



epilepsy supports monitoring

care,

including

including

seizure

The changes will be introduced from the 1st October 2019.

The statement from the meeting says that in deciding whether any health support will be included in a plan, "a practical approach to each participant’s individual circumstances" will be taken.

It also says more information for participants and their families will be released soon. https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/ documents/06_2019/attachment-drccommunique-fact-sheet-health-relatedsupports.pdf

WhatsUp in Disability

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Warrina at Home My first encounter with Warrina Services was speaking on the phone to Robert, their financial officer. During the conversation, he invited to visit them for an interview.

When I asked him where we should meet he suggested I come to their Bridge Street address and I noticed there was an unmistakable tone in his voice of pride mixed with anticipation. Driving up to the Bridge Street building a few weeks later in a maxi-taxi (thank you, by the way, Raj and Garry from B&W) - I understood why.

The house, named ‘Coorawee’ is a gorgeous traditional timber Queenslander built around 1917 with all the Warrina Services is housed in ‘Coorawee’, a trimmings. Described in an old auction bro- Queenslander built by the O’Brien family around chure as a ‘character home’, it was built by 1917 and restored by Kevin McGrath through TP (Thomas Patrick) O’Brien of the famed the 1980s to 90s.

Defiance Flour clan and his wife Muriel for their family of nine children. Old stories told by one member of the family tell of a sprawling ‘ramshackle’ home where the five boys played rugby in the backyard while the sound of their mother’s piano echoed through the hallways.

Years later the home was purchased and restored by Kevin McGrath and then used as a business premises for the next 15 years. Now its crows ash floors, leadlight windows and high ceilings are home to Warrina Services, who purchased it at auction in May 2015.

Warrina Services, like the building it is now housed in, was a grand design with a humble start. It began when a group of interested community members and parents got together to arrange social activities for people with a disability including fishing trips; Saturday night social gatherings and a monthly folk club. They While chatting with Robert, I was treated to a cup of coffee and a stroll through a fascinating history, including a preserved Queensland Certificate of Title for the property.

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also raised funds with raffles, quiz nights and walkathons and soon became a selfsupporting cooperative which promoted and sponsored many community projects and programs for people with a disability. In 1992, they established Personnel West Employment which is now a separate business itself which specialises as an employment service for marginalised individuals in our community.

Today, 30 years later, Warrina Services is a leading provider of individualised support in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. The staff there, all experienced carers, design programs that empower their clients to reach beyond their disability to achieve their hopes and dreams. Like so many other companies I have encountered in this industry, their care is genuine and their hopes are high that people with a disability can be part of their wider community without limit or restriction.

They’re call to action is, “Enriching lives

Technology LEGO LAUNCHES BRAILLE BRICKS Lego has created a version of its building bricks printed with letters and numbers from the braille alphabet, so blind and partially sighted children can learn to read as they play.

Presented at the Sustainable Brands Conference in Paris in April, the Braille Bricks feature the same number of studs used for individual letters, numbers and symbols in the Braille alphabet.

The bricks, which are compatible with Lego's wider collection, are also printed with standard numbers, symbols and letters.

This means that teachers, friends and family members can play along.

There are 250 bricks in total, covering the full alphabet, numbers between zero and nine, and a selection mathematical symbols.

It is hoped that the interactive nature of the design will give children with visual impairments an opportunity to develop new skills.

Robert Fernandez is proud to be a part of the Warrina Services family and to continue to share the history of the building they are housed in.

through positive everyday experiences.� In the opinion of this writer, just turning up to the house of Bridge Street is a positive experience in itself.

To find out more about Warrina Services, visit their gorgeous home on 172 Bridge Street, or start with the website: http://www.warrinaservices.org.au/

"Blind and visually impaired children have dreams and aspirations for their future just as sighted children," said John Goodwin, CEO of the LEGO Foundation. "They have the same desire and need to explore the world and socialise through play, but often face involuntary isolation as a consequence of exclusion from activities.

"With this project, we are bringing a playful and inclusive approach to learning Braille to children. I hope children, parents, caregivers, teachers and practitioners worldwide will be as excited as we are, and we can't wait to see the positive impact."

WhatsUp in Disability

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

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

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 $50 (membership) Glenda (07) 4614 1136 Kathy (07) 4630 5221 Page 16

New Initiative Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke Tuesday, May 28, 2019 Businesses, organisations and individuals will be able to better engage with Queenslanders with disability thanks to a new initiative of the Queenslanders with Disability Network.

QDeNgage will provide consultancy, engagement, training and speakers for Queensland businesses and organisations.

“Thanks to QDeNgage, Queensland businesses and organisations will be able to improve their engagement with people with disability,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“This new initiative will help businesses and organisations undertake disability inclusion health checks, conduct disability inclusion training for staff, and host customer and consumer engagement sessions with people with disability.

“Through QDeNgage engagement consultants will work with business, services, researchers and Government to plan, design, deliver and evaluate services, products, environments and policies to deliver on quality, accessibility, affordability, inclusion and innovation.

“The aim of this work is to make businesses, products and services more inclusive and accessible for Queenslanders with disability.”

QDN CEO Paige Armstrong said QDeNgage consultants had a diverse range of skills, knowledge and abilities.

“Consultants can assist organisations to design, deliver and evaluate their services, products, and policies to include the perspective of people with a disability,” she said.

“A lot of organisations are seeing the real value in engaging a QDeNgage Consultant and we are looking forward to working with businesses, organisations and Government agencies who want to give themselves this market edge.”

QDN chairperson Nigel Webb said by involving people with disability from the beginning, businesses and organisations could design products and services the meet the needs of customers.

“QDeNgage can help you connect with 20% of the population who identify as people with a disability and grow your market share and deliver inclusive services and products,” he said.

“One in five Queenslanders identify as having a disability and want to be customers and consumers of all that business, industry and the community has to offer.”

“We want to create thriving communities where Queenslanders, regardless of their ability, can be included and participate in their communities, be resilient and enjoy social and economic wellbeing,” she said.

WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp The Bus Ride of a Lifetime on the 10th of June was the brainchild of Kim Stokes from Kim Stokes Communications. Kim has been a long time supporter of the Toowoomba Disability community and wanted to show Toowoomba employers and community members alike that amazing things can be

The Bus Ride achieved by anyone with a disability. To that end she organised a tour to two of HELP’s facilities in Brisbane, stopping at both to their Eagle Farm workshop and their latest enterprise, the McIntyre Centre which offers horse riding for disabled people.

Included in the excited group were members of the disability community, advocates and carers from the community, Toowoomba Region counsellors Joe Raimi and Greg McDonald and community leader (and legend, if I say so myself) Clive Berghoffer.

Ready to take the Bus ride of a Lifetime were keen participants (L-R) Jye, Sharron, Cathy who chatted with Gail from Yellowbridge while they waited for the trip to begin.

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 call in and see us at the WhatsUp office at 4/33 Bell Street, Toowoomba or call us on 4632 6678.

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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

of a Lifetime After a warm welcome and an informative introduction by our hosts from HELP Enterprises, guest speaker Karni Liddell, reminded us that people shouldn’t be impressed by our small actions such as getting up in the morning and going to work, but that getting on that bus this day was ‘no small action’.

After these inspiring words we were led on the tours of the HELP facilities, where there were more than a few jaws dropping as the group learned the surprising way HELP has proved that the only true disability is a lack of positive thinking.

Although the Bus Ride of a Lifetime was tremendous fun for all involved and a good break away from the everyday, it was also an eye opening reminder of the possibilities that can be achieved when people, with or without disability, work together to build a business that is not only socially responsible, it is also profitable.

If you are an employer or community member who would like to join the next ‘Bus Ride of a Lifetime’, keep an eye on Kim’s Facebook page @kimstokescommunications and be ready to sign up fast for the tickets.

The demand is sure to be high.

Karni Liddell spoke passionately about the power of ‘small actions’ in overcoming seemingly huge problems.

Phil from Stonestreets Coaches was happy to demonstrate how smooth the ride is on his company’s specialised coach’s wheelchair lift.

WhatsUp in Disability

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Warrina Services is a specialist support agency that has been providing individual support to people of the Darling Downs since 1986. We support people with a diverse range of needs and also provide mental health services to assist personal recovery.

We can help you to achieve positive outcomes in your life.

These may be related to choice and independence, education or training, attending social activities, increasing skills, getting a job or contributing to your community.

If you would like further information please visit our website www.warrinaservices.org.au Or contact us Phone: 07-46 380 399 Email: warrinas@warrinas.com.au or visit our new office at 172 Bridge Street Toowoomba Office hours Mon-Fri 9-5pm

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Special Sporting Moments French Open 2019

Special Olympics NAB Sponsorship

Dylan Alcott beats David Wagner to clinch first ever Roland Garros quad wheelchair title

It’s the awe-inspiring competition that has the power to change the lives of athletes.

And a new partnership is set to give it a huge funding boost for now - and in the years to come.

In a win for Special Olympics Australia, NAB has announced it is expanding its support of the event to become Principal Partner until 2022.

The Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities.

Jessica Disalvo, Mark Jensen, Mike Baird and Keiran Kelleher as NAB announce the sponsorship with the Special Olympics athletes. Photo Jeremy Piper While the spotlight was on Ashleigh Barty's win at Roland Garros, fellow Australian Dylan Alcott was busy making history of his own at the French Open after he and David Wagner teamed up to win the men’s quad doubles final.

The victory continued Alcott's brilliant wheelchair tennis career, and puts him one win away from holding all four of the grand slam titles simultaneously.

It has grown from a backyard camp into a global movement that has been transforming the lives of people with an intellectual disability for almost 50 years.

And the global sporting community was pioneered by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of US president John F. Kennedy.

Today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.

WhatsUp in Disability

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Have Your Say on Autism autism research priorities that reflect the autistic person, their experience and interaction with society and the built environment.

A further four implementation research priorities acknowledge that the core autism research priorities need to be implemented systematically into many areas of society.

The Australian Autism Research Council (AARC) called on autistic Australians, families, carers, and the autism community to have their say on the future of autism research priorities. The outcome of this community consultation process will help guide the future focus of autism research activities and research funding in Australia.

Priorities established by AARC and the consultation process will help guide the future focus of research activities and research funding. This will be relevant to activities and funding by government as well as research and development undertaken by nongovernment organisations and other industry members who provide programs and services for the autistic community.

An online survey and submissions process was undertaken during the month of June.

Autistic Australians were the key primary stakeholder in this consultation. That definition encompasses at least 1 in 100, or currently over 250,000 Australians on the autism spectrum. “The autism spectrum is broad and people’s views on research priorities are expected to be diverse,� said Dr Wenn Lawson, Co-Chair of the Australian Autism Research Council (AARC).

The AARC includes representatives of the autistic and broader autism communities, as well as service providers, health and education professionals, government program managers and policy makers, and researchers.

After considering domestic and international commitments, and existing global and Australian surveys on autism research priorities, seven broad research priorities were identified and are now available for consultation and feedback. The draft identifies three core Page 22

https://otsimo.com/en/typicalcharacteristics-autism-spectrum-disorder/

‘I turned on the TV and no one was like me’

Dylan Alcott delivers powerful Logie acceptance speech Wheelchair athlete Dylan Alcott has won the Graham Kennedy award for most popular new talent, and the trophy signifies a very personal win for the rising star.

The Logie win means more to the rising star than just adding another award to his already impressive trophy cabinet, it was time someone who looked like him was celebrated as normal.

"Growing up I deeply struggled with being in a wheelchair, and the worst thing was when I turned on the TV no-one was like me," Alcott told reporters on Sunday night.

“One of the reasons I did hate it was when I turned on the TV, I never saw anybody like me and when I did see someone like me, it was a road safety ad where someone drink drives, has a car accident, and the next scene was someone like me whose life was over. And I was like ‘that’s not my life.’ I

wanted to get a job on TV because I love sharing stories but also to show that people with disability can be talented, funny, humorous, just normal people enjoying their lives.”

During his acceptance speech Alcott joked he didn't think he'd win because he couldn't see a ramp leading up on stage, but realised soon after there was a suitable back entrance.

The paralympic gold medalist and radio host said his Logie Award showed that people resonated with diversity and different kinds of people on television.

Alcott, who recently won the French Open title is off to Wimbledon in a few days, and made sure to check-in with his coach before celebrating his success.

"I wasn't going to drink but I just texted my coach and said couple of beers, and he said, a few."

WhatsUp in Disability

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Down Syndrome Support Group Inc. (Toowoomba & District)

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

Contact: President Kara Wren Mobile: 0439 661 349

Address: 108 Mort Street Toowoomba Telephone: (07) 4659 5476 Email: admin@qualitylifestylesupport.com Respite care, Community Access and In Home Care are provided to people in innovative and flexible ways working within the principles and guidelines of the Disability Services Act and NDIS guidelines Director: John Hart ABN: 43 092 474 872

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

QCOSS 60 years 

This year, QCOSS is celebrating 60 years of service to the community.

For 60 years, they have been fighting for social justice. Together with the community and community sector, they have led and will continue to lead the charge for social change.

In 2019, they are using their 60-year anniversary as a catalyst to refocus their efforts and their vision. They are shifting their focus from poverty and disadvantage to recognising the strengths of communities and working alongside them to achieve our shared vision: equality, opportunity and wellbeing for every person in every community in Queensland.

They will do this by: 

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rebooting the system – overturning systems and structures that create and perpetuate inequality being in service – creating a service system that truly supports and reflects the community in which it operates starting a social revolution – building hope and optimism across Queensland through engaged, inclusive and thriving communities joining forces – mobilising a force for equality, opportunity and wellbeing leading together – inviting and motivating people and organisations to walk with then, because we are stronger together, and

walking the talk - being a strong, sustainable, relevant leader to achieve excellence.

QCOSS believes that every person in Queensland – regardless of where they come from, who they pray to, their gender, who they love, how or where they live – deserves to live a life of equality, opportunity and wellbeing.

They are a conduit for change. They bring people together to help solve the big social issues faced by people in Queensland, building strength in numbers to amplify our voice.

They listen and engage with people with lived experience and share their success stories of what can be achieved with improved circumstances. By bringing stories to the forefront, we aim to increase understanding and connection within communities and beyond.

They create positive social change through their work in advocacy, policy development, engaging and empowering the social service sector and communities. They're committed to reconciliation and promote equity and opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Their vision for equality, opportunity and wellbeing for every person, in every community, is bold, and they can't do it on their own. We all need to join forces to make our shared vision for the future a reality.

WhatsUp in Disability supports QCOSS to achieve their social justice mission.

Visit their website to find out more. www.qcoss.org.au

WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp

in July VOICE. TREATY. TRUTH. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.

The Indigenous voice of this country is over 65,000 plus years old.

They are the first words spoken on this continent. Languages that passed down lore, culture and knowledge for over millennia. They are precious to our nation.

East Creek Community Centre has been approached by a representative of Realtime Research who is currently seeking a very specific demographic of people to have their survey about their attitudes towards Australian society and values.

Males & females aged 55+ who are culturally and linguistically diverse in a 1 3/4 hour focus group Earn: $100 EFTPOS card If this sounds like something you may be interested in contact call Olivia on 1300 135 451 or email Kathryn@rtr.com.au

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It’s that Indigenous voice that include know-how, practices, skills and innovations - found in a wide variety of contexts, such as agricultural, scientific, technical, ecological and medicinal fields, as well as biodiversity-related knowledge. They are words connecting us to country, an understanding of country and of a people who are the oldest continuing culture on the planet.

And with 2019 being celebrated as the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages, it’s time for our knowledge to be heard through our voice.

WhatsUp

in August

City Golf Club Monday 19th August 9:00am - 1:30pm All Health and Industry Professionals that work with children, people with disabilities and limited mobility will benefit from this training by ensuring that their clients are travelling safely. This session will be provided at no cost to the attendee.

Register at http:// www.cvent.com/d/cyq1v2 WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp mycommunity www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au

Wheeling in a Winter Wonderland

By Liz Schneidewin

When I heard a rumour that the Winter Wonderland ice-skating rink in Toowoomba was wheelchair friendly, I just had to find out for myself. And the rumours are true!

The ice-rink has ramps with easy access all the way up to the preparation tent, but I needed to be lifted over a bar to get onto the ice itself.

The ice is slippery and it can take a bit of pushing to get your chair to move, but in my case a friendly fellow skater offered to push me around the rink a few times and we got up quite a good rhythm together.

Stopping is very difficult, so I wouldn’t try to go too fast around the edges and I would recommend you to take along a capable skater as your friendly pushing companion.

Wheelchairs weren’t made for the ice, but you can still have fun on it anyway, with a bit of help.

Front Cover Story

By Josh Marshall

Liz and I had a great day with the opening of the JE Duggan Park here in Toowoomba.

This is the first of four accessible parks planned to be built in our region for people with a disability allowing access to wonderful lookouts and picnic areas.

This park is not only suitable for wheelchair users, but also has sensory signage and Tactile ground surface markers. There is even a rope which leads you along some of the walking path for the visually impaired.

I thank and commend Toowoomba Regional Council, Queensland Government , and the RADAC (regional access disability advisory committee) for funding this park and making it a reality.

This photo is of Liz and myself with The Hon Stirling Hinchliffe, State Minister for local Government and Councillor Geoff McDonald.

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WhatsUp

WhatsUp

New to disability?

First Points of Contact Centrelink Payments and Services

132 468

Carers

132 717

Disability Support Pension

132 717

Health Care Card

132 490

Family Assistance

136 150

Indigenous Call Centre

1800 136 380

Emergency Crisis Payment

132 850

NDIS General Enquiries

1800 800 110

NDIA Toowoomba Office

07 4592 4057

Local Area Coordinator

07 4646 2800

Medicare General Enquiries

132 011

Pharmaceutical Benefits

132 290

MyGov Help Desk

132 307

Queensland Government

Toowoomba Disability Information Office

Child Safety

07 4699 4255

Disability Services

07 4615 3900

Toowoomba Hospital

07 4616 6000

Department Housing

07 4699 4400

Community Groups Carer Advisory Service

1800 242 636

Carer Respite

1800 059 059

Open 5 days

Lifeline Darling Downs

1300 991 443

(core times 10:00am to 1.00pm)

Relationships Australia

1300 364 277

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

Shop 4 / 33 Bell St Mall Toowoomba

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

Contact WhatsUp in Disability on: Phone: 07 4632 6678 Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

(07) 4632 6678 A volunteer disability service organisation run by people with disabilities

WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp Executive Team

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

Shop 4 / 33 Bell St M all Toow oomba (Bell St M all) (open Monday to Friday 10:00am-1:00 pm)

POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 3621 Toowoomba Qld 4350 E-MAIL: admin@whatsupindisability.org MANAGEMENT BOARD: Steven P aull (P resident) Liz Schneidew in (Editor) Tasha Grundon (Secretary) Ann Paull (Treasurer) ADMINISTRATION: Alyssa Storm, Bec M cDermott and Sandra W iseman CONTRIBUTORS: Liz Schneidew in, Bronw yn Herbertson, Sharon Boyce, Steven Paull and many more.

PUBLISHED January/March/May/July/September/November ABN: 72 821 350 911

STEVEN PAULL President

PRINT POST APPROVED: P P 424022/ 1811 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

LIZ SCHNEIDEWIN Editor

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.

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

2) A single edition of WhatsUp can be bought at the office and selected outlets.

You may also subscribe by using the form on the outside cover.

3) Reference copies are held in the Tourist Office and Toowoomba Library.

COPYRIGHT

TASHA GRUNDON Secretary

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

DISCLAIMER All articles are accepted in good faith and are not necessarily the view of the Editorial team or Management. Articles are accepted on the understanding that in the event of any claims against WhatsUp, the writer of the article will take full responsibility and indemnify WhatsUp in the event of legislation against it.

Articles are also accepted on the understanding that the contents do not breach any Disability laws or other legislation currently in use.

ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY/ COPYING

ANN PAULL Treasurer

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

Advertisers

WhatsUp Accommodation / Respite

Training

BigDog Respite House

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Akadia Training

Breakaway Toowoomba

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Cedar Centre

Commonwealth Carer Respite

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Information Services

Support Services

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Auslan Sign Language Course

P age 24 Page 12

Anne’s Angels

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Commonwealth Carer Respite

Anuha Services (Gatton)

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Down Syndrome Support

BigDog Support Services

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8

Breakaway Toowoomba

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CPL (Choice Passion Life)

(Toowoomba and District)

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16

Epilepsy Queensland Inc.

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Every Australian Counts

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Quality Lifestyle Support

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Parent To Parent

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Warrina Services

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TASC National

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Wellways Healthcall

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Toowoomba Disability Information

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Yellow Bridge QLD

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Slow Starters Ten Pin Bowling

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Toowoomba Sunset Superbowl

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Toowoomba Region

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BigDog Cleaning Services

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BigDog Lawn Mowing Services

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Tony Wigan Show 4DDB

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Toowoomba Clubhouse

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Support Coordination St Vincent de Paul

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Uniting Care Community

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MedTech Mobility Equipment

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Reben Mobility

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

Toowoomba’s Civic Precinct is set to be transformed again in 2019 into a Winter Wonderland from 21 June to 14 July. The ice skating rink on the Civic Square will be back again along with the addition of an ice slide for this year. There will be food, drinks and entertainment for the second year of the event. So pull on your winter woollies and join in the fun!

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