Newsletter Issue 1 | Autumn 2020
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
Issue N THIS
Hristo Finds his Ideal Home Welcome – Julia Squire, CEO In Focus – Therapy Supports Name our Newsletter Competition! Practice & Outcomes Update from Michelle Hodge Vacancies in Accommodation NDIA Makes Coordination of Supports More Accessible During COVID-19 Lauren and Both Find a Place to Call Home Greenwood and Valley View Group Homes ANZAC Day at Home Growing our Employer Partnerships Looking for Centre Based Respite on the Mid North Coast? WorkReady’s Colourful Interactive Activity Steve Gets Connected Jess Finds her Ideal Role Contact Us Staying Connected
Hristo Finds his Ideal Home Hristo has been receiving Coordination of Support services since 2016. In late 2019, Hristo and his family met with their Support Coordinator, Krystal, to talk about him moving out of home into supported independent living, with access to 24/7 support. Krystal coordinated with Anna, our Supported Independent Living Engagement Specialist and arranged information sessions to support the family to make an informed decision. Following the sessions, Anna also arranged for Hristo and his family to visit a few of our available accommodation properties. “I felt confident with the process because I trusted the people involved in making this happen,” said Mary, Hristo’s sister.
The Ashfield group home was identified as an ideal match for Hristo’s support needs and social goals and he moved-in, in March 2020. Krystal worked with Hristo’s support network, including his GP, OT, Clinical Nurse, and Ability Options Accommodation Team, for a smooth transition. “The transition ran smoothly, everyone was on board and helpful, and I can’t believe how everyone involved worked together in collaboration with the shared goal of transitioning Hristo into his new home,” said Mary. Two months on, Hristo has settled very nicely into the group home. continues on page 6
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
Welcome – Julia Squire, CEO Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter! This first newsletter is something we have been planning for a little while to engage more directly with our customers, families, and guardians. We will produce one every season, and we hope that, together with improved day to day communications and a real focus on outcomes, this helps keep us all connected. We have taken a number of actions in recent months to improve communications and ensure that participants and families know how to raise questions and concerns with us and where to go if these need more attention. These actions include: – enabling Team Leaders to be present in group homes most of the time. This has meant increasing the number of Team Leaders. – having senior Managers and Directors out and about more – meeting with participants and families regularly and responding quickly to issues raised. This issue is filled with information as well as inspiring stories on how participants and employees are ‘Staying Connected’ with each other and their communities. As always, our priority is on the health and safety of our participants, employees, and the community at all times. We have communicated before about our COVID-19 response. We had just updated our Emergency Management Plans after the 2019/20 bushfires when the pandemic arrived, so the new plans have had a real-life test in the last few months. Our Incident Management Team has been meeting two or three times a week, and at all times, we’ve taken Government advice and prioritised safety above anything else. In discussion with participants and families, higher risk activities have been suspended except where participants have needed ongoing
2
NEWSLETTER | ABILITY OPTIONS
support. We’ve had social distancing, remote working, and extra vigilance over hygiene. We had deep cleans undertaken in all our homes to help our teams keep up standards of cleanliness. Where possible remote servicing of customers and working from home remains in place. There have been some fine and imaginative ways of ensuring that customers are still connected with families and have choices of activities and entertainment in many places. There has been much fun had despite the serious nature of the challenges we’ve faced. Keeping our employees safe and protecting their jobs remains key to keeping customers safe and well supported. Employees have, therefore,
“
As restrictions ease, we’ve relaxed our guidance on visiting so that families can more easily connect with their loved ones.
”
had extra training, communication, support, and resources. We’ve enabled flexible use of leave. We’ve helped at-risk employees stay at home. We have registered for JobKeeper and ensured we have continued to pay our employees whether they are eligible for JobKeeper or not. Ensuring our employees can pay their rent and feed their families means we are delivering our Mission just as we do in supporting our customers. Colleagues are colleagues, and eligibility for JobKeeper does not change that. So we’ve paid employees who can’t work because customers have preferred to stay home, colleagues who are casual and have worked
with Ability Options for less than a year have been paid. Colleagues on working visas who don’t qualify for JobKeeper or JobSeeker have also been paid. Without that, many of our employees would have struggled, and I’m proud that all of our colleagues have had this support and continue to do so. This means, hopefully, they will all be with us as the recovery phase starts. As restrictions ease, we’ve relaxed our guidance on visiting so that families can more easily connect with their loved ones. Team Leaders are the best contact, and they will ask you to provide some notice so that we don’t increase risks by having too many people visiting at a time. They will also ask you to observe strict hygiene and social distancing for everyone’s safety. We have started to talk to customers about how they would like their suspended services restarting, and we’ll do that with your advice and support, making sure as far as possible all safety measures are taken. You should use your usual contact to discuss your own needs or call our friendly Customer Service Team 1300 422 454, who will assist you. Enjoy reading about some of the innovative ways we have adapted our servicing to ensure people we support continue to enjoy services from us and meet their goals. Enjoy reading your newsletter, and don’t forget to enter the competition to name this newsletter. I look forward to some creative ideas! Please let us know what you think of our newsletter so that we can make sure it meets your needs marketingteam@abilityoptions.org.au
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
In Focus – Therapy Supports Our therapy team are continuing to support participants on a daily basis via telehealth – this includes (Zoom, Skype, phone calls among others) as well as face to face where essential (on a case by case basis). They’ve had some really great success with telehealth, particularly with capacity building. So many parents, family members and support workers have adapted to this change and are having fun in the therapy sessions! Therapy have been working with people to achieve their goals in a number of ways, looking at innovative
ideas to help individuals and their support networks navigate this difficult, and sometimes overwhelming, time. The team are keen to support families put therapy practice into everyday activities, and can provide a number of ideas to help you. Our Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Counsellors all have capacity at present. Our counsellors have specific vocational counselling experience, so can also support anyone who is looking for employment, and/or navigating changes to their current employment status. This specific employment support can be provided through NDIS (Finding and Keeping a Job – Employment Related Assessment and Counselling) or via Disability Employment Services (DES) or jobactive. To discuss what supports you need and to explore the available options, please contact us on 1300 422 454 for an informal review of your needs.
Name our
Newsletter Competition! We REALLY need to give this Newsletter a name and we’d love for the new name to come from you! Email us your proposed name and let us know in under 50 words why you chose it, to WIN a $200 VISA Gift Card. So get inspired and send your entry to marketingteam@abilityoptions.org.au The winner will be contacted directly and their name published in the next newsletter. NEWSLETTER | ABILITY OPTIONS
3
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
Practice & Outcomes Update from Michelle Hodge Chief Outcomes & Practice Officer – Accommodation & Supported Living you to tell us what we can do better, how we can improve, what you would like to see from us.
The Practice & Outcomes team have been busy since our communication with you in December last year introducing our team and providing information on the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of people with disability. We attended the hearings facilitated in Sydney in relation to Health and were closely monitoring the work of the Royal Commission. Unfortunately, the Royal Commission, alongside most Australians, have been worried about the impacts of COVID-19. They have decided not to hold any hearings or further events until further notice. We have attached an Easy Read document relating to the Royal Commission COVID-19. This doesn’t mean their work will stop, they are still looking to improve the lives of people living with disability, and we at Ability Options are looking at how we can improve our services and ensure people are happy with the support they receive. One of the key areas we feel we can do better is the way in which we communicate and consult. We would really like to improve this. So, we are inviting you to participate in improving our services. We want
4
NEWSLETTER | ABILITY OPTIONS
Before the recent social distancing guidelines were introduced, several people being supported in Sydney were participating in workshops with Council for Intellectual Disability. They have been learning about their rights and how to speak up. This was the first step towards our goal of establishing a committee of people receiving support and family members. Even though we have been forced to stop these workshops in the short term, we are very keen to invite people to express their interest in becoming part of this group.
“
This committee will have a human-rights focus and make recommendations to our Board. This is such an exciting opportunity and has been a long time in the making.
”
This will be a group of people who can share their views, review our practices, inform and educate our employees and management on key issues. This committee will have a human-rights focus and make recommendations to our Board. This is such an exciting opportunity and has been a long time in the making.
Once formed, the committee will make some decisions on how often they meet, how many members to include, and vote for key roles such as Chairperson. We know that The Ability Options community now covers a large area of NSW, from Wollongong to Coffs Harbour and we encourage people from all regions to express their interest. In addition to the establishment of this committee, we will be sending newsletters more often and with greater consistency so that you know when to expect a message from us. We also acknowledge that not everyone has access to computers and emails and so we will be sure to send newsletters through the post to those who have listed this as their preference. Finally, we are looking to improve through the use of innovative ideas. We have been trialling an online app to complete inspections in our accommodation services. These inspections review the cleanliness of the home, how we are making sure staff are completing their tasks, even things like checking that medication has been packed properly by the pharmacy. We have used this app to interview people living in our services to see if we can improve. We have made sure all of the paperwork we need to complete for NDIS is current and complete. This has been a successful trial and its possible that staff may be using an i-pad to complete some of these inspections in the near future. For more information send an email to Practice&Outcomes@ abilityoptions.org.au or call Michelle Hodge on 02 8811 1775.
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
VACANCIES AVAILABLE NOW
Supported Accommodation for Independent Living We currently have vacancies in some of our group homes. If you know anyone who is interested to learn more about supported independent living options, please get in touch today! We have vacancies in Sydney Innerwest, Sydney Northwest, Sydney Southwest, Hunter Valley and Port Macquarie. For any enquiries, contact Anna De Leon on Anna.DeLeon@abilityoptions.org.au or 0429 893 701. *If you’re ready to make the move, you will need to have Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding included in your NDIS package.
NDIA Makes Coordination of Supports More Accessible During COVID-19 The NDIA have recently announced short term changes to ensure NDIS participant’s and their families have what support they need to manage the impact of the Coronavirus. Support Coordination will be available to any participant who may require it during this difficult time. This means, even if you do NOT have Support Coordination in your current plan, this support can now be billed from the CORE supports funding category. Our amazing team of Support Coordinators currently have capacity to provide this support. Please contact us on 1300 422 454, if you or anyone you know have any questions or would like to know more about how our Support Coordinators can help during this challenging time.
NEWSLETTER | ABILITY OPTIONS
5
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
Hristo Finds his Ideal Home – continued from page 1 He loves his new-found independence, living with two other like-minded individuals in a welcoming and friendly home. Using the person-centred approach, the core team has consulted Hristo’s family to develop a care plan that enables him to live as independently as possible. This includes making a van available for him to get out and about, and fulfill his social and community participation goals.
Mary (Hristo’s sister) says, “Ashfield team, from upper management to the ground staff are doing a fabulous job. They are always friendly and answer all questions I have with ease. Every time I visit the property, Hristo is well presented, showered, and smiley. I feel confident entrusting the care of my brother to them. Thank you, Ability Options, for your support”.
Lauren and Both Find a Place to Call Home Lauren and Both (pronounced Booth) were referred to the Ability Options Coordination of Supports (COS) team in mid-March looking for supported accommodation. Lauren was referred as she was based at Springwood Hospital with no medical reason to stay there. During Lauren’s first appointment with the Support Coordinator, Karen, she and her family expressed their desire for her to move into a permanent home to call her own. Within two weeks, Lauren relocated into a fully accessible apartment that Karen, had sourced through her networks.
6
NEWSLETTER | ABILITY OPTIONS
Following a stroke in September 2019, COS participant, Both required medium-term accommodation. Karen coordinated a team of people, including his Therapist, Social Worker, General Practioner, and Supported Independent Living provider and sourced a fully accessible apartment with 24/7 supports, completed his transition plan, and successfully requested funding – all within two weeks, including the Easter break. Enjoy your new home Both and Lauren.
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
Greenwood and Valley View Group Homes ANZAC Day at Home Anzac Day is a day all Australians come together in remembrance. But this year, most of us come together in spirit.
Residents of the Greenwood and Valley View Group Home kept the ANZAC spirit alive through engaging activities organised by their Support Workers and Team Leaders. Residents honoured our veterans by making a hand-crafted wreath and poppies. Everyone also enjoyed a barbeque – all from the safety of their homes.
NEWSLETTER | ABILITY OPTIONS
7
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
Growing our Employer Partnerships Aussie Gardening & Cleaning (AGC) is a family-owned business that became a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider servicing Western Sydney in 2017. Olympus Solutions, the employment service of Ability Options, partnered with AGC to assist with their recruitment efforts. Working with our employer specialist team, it was identified that the best fit for the roles at AGC were mums who were wishing to re-enter the workforce and needed to work school hours, and secondly, people looking for a second chance to enter the workforce but unable to work full-time. AGC has employed 15 participants from Olympus Solutions. Owners, Jess and Scott, and their management team (as seen in the photograph) have been able to support their employees in learning new skills to perform at their best in their roles. The Olympus Solutions team continues to support the recently
placed participants through regular contact, vocational counseling, organising necessary certifications, fuel vouchers, and work clothes. Kudos to Aussie Gardening and Cleaning for their inclusive approach to recruitment by actively encouraging and supporting the
employment of people with disabilities as well as being a champion employer in assisting job seekers in finding meaningful employment.
Looking for Centre Based Respite on the Mid North Coast? Mid North Coast Disability Services (MNCDS) currently have vacancies MNCDS have two five bedroom purpose built houses, complete with a large variety of equipment ensuring the safey, enjoyment and comfort of our guests. MNCDS offers short term accommodation services at Seabreezes in Port Macquarie and Bonville house in Coffs Harbour. To attend, participants must be aged between 7 and 65 and have NDIS funding. For further information contact Toni-Ann Drury (Respite Client Liaison Officer) on 1300 368 757 or email respite@mncds.org.au
8
NEWSLETTER | ABILITY OPTIONS
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
The Australian Government’s dedicated hotline for people with disabilities, their families, carers, support workers and services who are concerned about or affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). The helpline is free, private, and fact-checked. For more information, visit www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp
WorkReady’s Colourful Interactive Activity While our WorkReady service has not been able to offer in-person services such as work experience and travel training, individual appointments and group workshops are still being offered through digital platforms. Participants meet with their consultant through Zoom for a 1:1 session to work on goals specific to them. They also have the option to join in an employment-focused group workshop. Additionally, the WorkReady team conducts an Interactive Activity where they set a new challenge to complete and present to the group at their next workshop. Each week the winner receives a certificate. Recently, the WorkReady team set a fun domestic skills challenge. All group members had a great time participating in the challenge and presenting their work. If you are looking to gain skills, knowledge and real-world experience to enter or re-enter work or further training with confidence, get in touch with the WorkReady team. For more information contact emma.murphy@abilityoptions.org.au or call Emma Murphy on 0420 308 873.
NEWSLETTER | ABILITY OPTIONS 9
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
Steve Gets Connected! Steve has been working with our Hunter Therapy team over the past few years to improve his mobility and communication. Steve is a non-verbal communicator and previously communicated by nodding/shaking his head and using facial expressions and gestures. Two years ago, with support from his Occupational Therapist (OT), Steve received a new wheelchair. This started the process of trialling, funding and installing a communication device to the wheelchair. In consultation with Steve and his Coordinator of Supports (COS) and Speech Pathologist (SP) a device was chosen and a request for purchasing the device was lodged with the NDIS. In February 2020 Steve received his device! Our Speech Pathologist provided some initial training to Steve, his regular support workers and facility staff. Additionally, the OT team assisted with installing a mount on Steve’s wheelchair thereby improving device accessibility. Steve is extremely happy with his device and uses it to communicate via Grid 3 Fast Talker which
10
NEWSLETTER | ABILITY OPTIONS
verbalises what he types. He also uses the device to email, access social media, make phone calls and read. Despite the current COVID-19 restrictions, Steve’s therapy has continued through telehealth. He has been hard at work learning and setting up his device further, through video chats, emails, and text messages with his Speech Pathologist. The team has even been able to see Steve’s device screen and assist with downloading new software (such as messenger, youtube, and Whatsapp). Steve is now able to communicate much more easily giving him more independence, decision making and express his fun personality. This is a great result for Steve and the team who have worked over the years for this fantastic outcome! For more informaton call 1300 422 454.
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
Jess Finds her Ideal Role Seventeen-year-old Jess had been feeling disengaged from school for a few months and signed out of school before completing Year 11. Based on a recommendation from a friend, Jess’s mum contacted our Schools and Community Liaison Officer (SCLO) in the Illawarra to discuss how Olympus Solutions, the employment service of Ability Options could assist Jess to move forward with her career. Jess was already working two shifts per week at HOYTS, however, this was not what she wanted to do as a long term career. Jess was keen to work with her hands and decided she would like to work in a non-traditional role as a motor mechanic, preferably working on bikes. Jess’s resume was tailored for this particular career, and the Employment Engagement Consultant (EEC), along with Jess, started contacting employers, including Steve Riveiro at REVY’s Auto Electrical & Air Conditioning. Steve was so impressed with Jess he offered her an Apprenticeship as either an Auto Electrician or an Auto Mechanic. Steve gave her a few weeks work experience in each of these roles so she could get a feel for them. Jess decided on an apprenticeship as an Auto Electrician.
With the support from her consultants and Jess’s ability to remain positive, it only took her less than three months from registering with the service to obtaining a position in her chosen career. Today you can’t wipe the smile from Jess’s face. Get in touch to learn how we can assist you to achieve your employment goals. Contact us at sclo@abilityoptions.org.au
Contact Us Suite 1.14 29-31 Lexington Drive Bella Vista, NSW 2153 Ph: 1300 422 454 abilityoptions.org.au Connect with us Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram
Trust | Respect | Courage | Inclusion | Leadership NEWSLETTER | ABILITY OPTIONS 11
Tr u s t
|
Respect
|
Courage
|
Inclusion
|
Leadership
Staying Connected Some fabulous images of group home residents celebrating Easter, enjoying in-home activities like art and craft, baking, painting or simply going about their daily routines.
Members of the Ability Options community