AUGUST 2017 - Sam Braham and Australian Ninja Warrior Guide Dog Brogan catches 300th Flight - The Disability Trust
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AU G U S T 2017
IN THIS ISSUE Sam Braham and Australian Ninja Warrior
The best mistake I’ve made was no longer
being ‘nice’ about my disability
Guide Dog Brogan catches 300th Flight
Taking Charge with Aiden
Welcome to Your Voice, Your Choice
Hi, and welcome to the Your Voice, This month we look at Sam that will keep you informed and
Your Choice monthly newsletter Braham’s Australian Ninja able to use your voice to achieve
from The Disability Trust. If you like appearance, we look at Empower your choice.
what we are doing, or have any Golf and the things they are doing
suggestions or feedback, contact all over Australia, we hear how If there is a topic, issue, program,
us at sean@disabilitytrust.org.au. guide dog Brogan recently caught funding, article, event, or anything
his 300th flight, and, as always, for people with disabilities, their
Well it’s finally here, the NDIS has we have some excellent opinion families and carers, and people
started in all areas of Australia. articles and all the latest news working in the sector, that we
From 1 July 2017 the NDIS is now about the NDIS. should know about, then contact
available to anyone in Australia. us at info@disabilitytrust.org.au.
It will take a few years before “Your Voice, Your Choice” aims
everyone eligible for the NDIS has to provide the questions, and Editor: Sean O’Neill
their own NDIS plan. hopefully most of the answers,
The Disability Trust NDIS
Services. Trust in Us.
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provider of services to people with a
disability.
You can Trust us to provide the supports
you need to live the life you choose!
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South East Sydney, to South West Sydney,
south through the NSW Southern
Highlands, Goulburn, Queanbeyan and
the ACT, Cooma and south east to Bega,
and all along the Coast from Sydney to the
Victorian border.
Make The Disability Trust your local NDIS
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Contact our Miranda office on 9540 3011, or
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The newsletter is aimed at covering a wide variety of stories and issues across the disability sector. The views expressed in
this newsletter are not necessarily those of The Disability Trust. Should you have a story or information that you would like
included in the newsletter please contact the Editor, Sean O’Neill at sean@disabilitytrust.org.au.
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E
Sam Bramham and Australian Ninja Warrior
Melburnian Sam Bramham is two shoulder reconstructions, that surrounds disability is
no stranger to testing himself so it was important to get disappearing and it’s because we
physically. The gold medal- professional support. I definitely are putting ourselves out there.
winning former Paralympic want to do it again next year, so I
swimmer has tackled many will be working on my rope grip. What are you up to at the
challenges throughout his life, moment?
including reality TV (yes, that was What has the reaction been?
Still chipping away at random
him on Big Brother in 2014). I have been really overwhelmed things. I collect antique items and
Sam, who was born without the with the feedback. Of course, nostalgic marketing pieces and
femur in his right leg, has won my immediate contact circle are sell them within the collectors’
over new fans with his latest giving me s— for falling off so community. We are a strange
TV challenge – taking on the early. But it has been great to bunch of people, but I like it. I
gruelling course on Australian hear that my participation has am going back to training for a
Ninja Warrior. He talks to us been inspiring people in some triathlon and a few swimming
about his time on the show, and way. My partner, Rita, seems events coming up. My radio,
his plans for the future. to be really impressed and speaking and commentary work
we have dedicated ourselves takes up a lot of my time and
What made you want to tackle to a fitness regime again – so keeps me out of trouble. My
Australian Ninja Warrior? people’s feedback, in turn, has partner and I also want to open
inspired me. I do hope that up an antique-styled wine bar
The initial want came from does encourage the disability soon, too.
seeing a guy with one leg from community to give stuff a crack,
the US doing it. Someone from too. It’s a great way to build For the rest of the article go to
the office sent me a YouTube confidence and understand www.theweeklyreview.com.au/
clip and I wanted to do it, too. what their bodies can actually meet/sam-bramham-australian-
I always like to revel in new do. I think the negative stigma ninja-warrior.
opportunities, if I
don’t, I tend to get
myself into some sort
of trouble.
Ninja Warrior was a
great way to give the
new prosthetic leg a
bashing and to see
if my body can still
hack being pushed to
its limits. Ironically, it
wasn’t the leg-focused
obstacles that brought
my elimination, it was
an upper-body one.
How did you train?
I should have
prepared more. I
arrogantly believed
that muscle memory
from my swimming
days would be the
best benefit for me on
the course, but I was
very wrong. I focused
on building muscle [at
the gym]. I have had
Taking Charge with Aiden
Seventeen-year-old Aiden struggled struck Aiden about his
with motivation in life and at school sailing experience is
before Winds of Change. how he and what he felt
on board.
“I would just give up on things that
were too hard and I wasn’t much of “I felt in control on the
a talker,” Aiden says, reflecting on his boat. It’s good to feel
past self when we caught up with in control of it because
him six months after Winds of Change when you’re doing all
finished. the other things in life,
you’re not,” he said.
“Before, I was so reluctant to get things “And, in school, you get
done. I used to say, ‘No, I’ll do it later, I’ll told what to do. But
do it later,’ and I just didn’t do it.’” on the boat, you’re in
control of it.” Sundays in winter, months after his
Since he came on board the eight- program finished.
week Sailors With Disabilities (SWD) Since Winds of Change, Aiden has felt
Winds of Change program in late 2016, more able to take charge in his own For the rest of the article go to
one of the biggest changes for Aiden life. He’s one of a few students who www.sailorswithdisabilities.com/
is his new-found take-charge attitude. chose to return and sail with SWD on news/25230/taking-charge-with-aiden.
Although sailing is unpredictable, what
‘I never thought I’d find somebody like her’
when the pair began “Living in this complex is like winning
chatting through email the lottery. It gave me the ability to
two and a half years ago. get out and about and contribute to
my community, not just be at home,”
Today, now engaged he said.
to be married, they
are taking nothing for The 28-year-old also works for the
granted. charity that is dedicated to finding
and building homes for young
“I never thought I would people with high-care needs outside
find somebody like her,” of aged care.
Mr Winther told TODAY
show host Sylvia Jeffreys. “Through meeting Todd, I have
seen firsthand the difference that
Born with cerebral palsy, Youngcare has made to his life, and
Mr Winther has used a in turn to mine,” Ms Lambert said.
wheelchair for most of his
How gaining independence led a life, which has been defined by a lack “If it wasn’t for Youngcare, I don’t
young man to love. of choice. think we’d be together.”
Like many, Brisbane couple Todd By 28, he was facing a future in For the rest of the article go
Winther and Kat Lambert’s love story aged care, until he was offered an to www.9news.com.au/good-
began online. apartment in a Youngcare complex news/2017/07/18/10/51/love-story-
She was drawn to his “punny charm” at Sinnamon Park in Brisbane. man-with-disability-finds-love.
Employment Success!
Jake had a number of barriers to According to the Manager of the
employment including no previous Outback Steakhouse, Lachlan
work history and some anger issues Heffernan, Jake has become a valuable
that needed to be addressed. member of the team over the last 12
Workskills was able to refer Jake to months.
counselling, and over time his attitude
became more positive and he was “Jake is one of our biggest success
ready for work. stories. Hospitality can be quite a
daunting environment to walk into.
The Outback Steakhouse and Jake has handled it really well and
Workskills have a working relationship it was great to watch him become
After years of sitting on the couch spanning several years, and have confident and come to work with a
watching TV and playing X-Box, Jake always provided a supportive huge sense of purpose” explained
is now working part-time at Outback employment environment. The Lachlan.
Steakhouse thanks to the partnership business worked alongside Workskills
to customise a role that suited Jake’s For employment assistance contact
they have with Workskills Disability Workskills at info@skills.org.au.
Employment Service. strengths.
Empower Golf
little dream to give the gift of golf to of the golf course. Its low-pressure tyres
other people living with a disability. and wide stance allow it to be used on
This dream led to the formation of all areas of the golf course (including
Empower Golf. Just a few short years greens and appropriately designed
later, this year the Empower Golf team bunkers), and on the driving range and
will run over 200 free clinics across practice area.
every State and Territory in Australia.
For James, the ParaGolfer was the
Using golf as a rehabilitative and missing link to his return to the game
recreational activity, Empower Golf he loved. You can try a ParaGolfer at
enhances the physical, psychological any of our regular Come and Try Golf
and social well-being of those living clinics.
with disabilities. Through the game
of golf, the clinics help to reintegrate Empower Golf are holding a FREE
people into the community. Come and Try golf clinics for people
with disabilities all around Australia,
Over the next 12 months Empower including Wollongong, Fremantle and
Golf will increase its presence to 30 Sandhurst. For more information and
facilities nationally. In conjunction to book go to www.empowergolf.com.
with its success with golf, Empower au, email james.gribble@empowergolf.
is beginning to initiate its presence com.au or call 0466 825 044.
in other sports including swimming,
kayaking, cycling, bushwalking and Empower Golf have also been
many more. recognised by SunSuper Dreams
as a Better World finalist. However
The ParaGolfer is an all-terrain to win the final and progress to the
wheelchair that raises the user grand final, Empower golf need
On his road to rebuilding after a into a standing position, to allow a you to vote for them at https://
life-changing accident, James had a more conventional golf swing. The dreamsforabetterworld.com.au/
ParaGolfer is able to access most areas finalist/236.
Dignity Of Risk allows young performers to push the boundaries
much I humorous and confronting.
weigh,” she
said, “or “I have mental illness,” Wendi Lanham
that I have a says, shoving fellow actor Jake Pafumi
disability.” further down the line.
The stage “I’ve had mental illness,” Pafumi replies.
floor for the “I’ve had anorexia,” he says, pushing
production, himself back in front of Lanham.
Dignity By this stage, it’s unclear which of the
of Risk, 11 actors has a diagnosable disability,
has been and this turns out to be the plays
specially central message.
designed to
allow Craig “I think there’s been a real comfort that
When a degenerative disease robbed to feel her we’ve found that regardless of ability
Holly Craig of her eyesight, she gave up way around. we all feel a bit crappy sometimes and
on her dreams of a career on stage. that it is hard to navigate through the
“I can really only see light and dark,” world, especially as a young adult,” The
She quit her Theatre Studies degree in she said. “I can see the lights but that’s plays director, Natalie Rose, said.
Bathurst and moved back to Sydney. about all.”
Each cast member shares intimate
“I thought that was the end of my The play brings together actors details of their anxieties, their fears, and
performing career or my career in the from youth organisation Shopfront’s their hopes.
theatre or doing anything creative,” Harness ensemble — a group made
she said. up predominately of young actors “I feel that this show really represents
with disabilities — and the Australian Australia’s landscape,” Rose said.
Almost a decade later, Craig, now 27, Theatre for Young People.
is beginning to dream again, as she Head-Toussaint, one of the actors,
takes centre stage for a solo dance in There is a point near the end of the added: “Once you share things that
a production at the Australian Theatre play where the actors try to form a line you perceived as vulnerabilities, there’s
for Young People in Sydney. based on who is most disabled. like a weight taken off you and then
instead of them holding you back you
“When I dance, it doesn’t matter how In keeping with the rest of the feel freed, and that freedom drives you
production, the scene is both forward.”
Whats on
Carers NSW NDIS Courses The NDIS has See the Possibilities
Carers NSW is running Carers and
the NDIS workshops across NSW to landed everywhere The See the Possibilities campaign
encourages employers and individuals
help anyone caring for a loved one
with disability to understand more in Australia!! to join the movement and explore the
possibilities of employing people with
about the NDIS, what it is and what disability.
it means for carers. The two-day The National Disability Insurance
workshops are free to attend and Scheme (NDIS) is now available
everywhere across Australia. From July It says to employers: “Get with
run from 10.00am – 1.30pm (lunch is the program, drop your fears, and
provided). 1st 2017 the NDIS has commenced in
all parts of Australia. consider employing a person with
Go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/ a disability.” Find out more on the
ndissdm for more details. If you have any questions about the See the Possibilities website at www.
NDIS please contact Sean at The seethepossibilities.nsw.gov.au/home.
Disability Trust at sean@disabilitytrust.
org.au or phone 4255 3166.
Marriage Equality
survey
Some details have been released on
the measures the Australian Bureau Mental Health
of Statistics will take to ensure all
eligible Australians can have their say Wellness Walk
in the upcoming survey on same-sex
My Choice Matters marriage.
ARAFMI is a non-government
organisation who support carers of
My Choice Matters is a project of the Eligible participants who cannot someone with mental health issues,
NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, receive forms by post will be able to and support the specific support needs
and they work with people with all collect survey forms in capital cities of family members, in order to reduce
disabilities and their families. and there will be services to help those the potential negative impact of the
with hearing and speech impairments. illness and promote mental health and
They aim to support people to live life well-being.
their way and get the most out of the People living overseas during the
collection period, who are vision Each year Arafmi illawarra and
NDIS. Arafmi Hunter hold a Mental Health
impaired, living in a residential aged
care facility or living in very remote Wellness Walk (called Walk of Pride in
They have a few projects with Wollongong) through the streets of
workshops around NSW including: areas will have a paperless option.
Wollongong and Newcastle to show
“In these circumstances, only those their support in public.
- Get More Skills - a workshop to eligible Australians will be able to
practice speaking up and setting goals request a secure access code so they They invite everyone to bring their
and getting ready for the NDIS. can provide an anonymous survey bells, drums, whistles and make some
response,” Mr Palmer said. noise as they march with our banners
- My Learning Matters Class – learn held high! Come and show your
how to choose a service provider, build People with a disability that might support for those who live with mental
community connections, speak up and affect their ability to participate illness and their families.
manage a budget. have also been advised they can ask
a trusted person to assist with the Wollongong - 9.30am Thursday 12
- Become A Leader - a course that will completion and return of their form. October meet outside the IPAC Theatre,
help you be a leader in your life and in Burelli St, Wollongong at 9.30am, RSVP:
the community around you. For more information, visit the 4254 1699.
ABS website at www.abs.gov.au/
The Workshops are being held websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/ Newcastle – 9.30am Saturday
around NSW including Sydney, AMLPS+-+Participation. 28 October at Civic Park, King st,
Nowra, Bega and Port Macquarie. Newcastle, RSVP: 4961 2842.
For more information, and to
book the workshops go to www.
mychoicematters.org.au.
Whats on
Bathroom modifications
workshop helps people MY JOB COUNTS
RALLY
live at home
Many people living with a disability, or
who have suffered a serious injury or
illness face challenges when trying to
live in their own home. Modifications
made to a patient’s home often make 12:15pm Tuesday September 26 Crown St Mall, Wollongong
the difference between being able to
stay in their own familiar environment Nationally, more than 20,000 people Fair Work Commission will hear the
and having to move into assisted living. with a disability are employed by a case in February 2018.
disability enterprise in supported
In early August, Royal Rehab partnered employment. However, a case before Show your support to help protect
with Liz Ainsworth, a leading the Fair Work Commission has potential the jobs of workers with a disability by
occupational therapist from Home to destroy disability enterprises. The attending the My Job Counts Rally.
Design for Living to offer a bathroom
modifications workshop addressing Disability Justice Project
this issue. The event was attended by
occupational therapists from across The Disability Justice Project (DJP) is
NSW. a two-year capacity building project,
funded by ADHC (Ageing, Disability
The workshop provided occupational and Home Care).
therapists with design guidance for
building bathrooms to suit the elderly It offers a range of free training courses,
or people with disabilities. Attendees links to resources and support through
focused on analysing case studies to Communities of Practice to disability
get advice on different living solutions service providers across NSW working SCIA Celebrates 50 years
that can help people with a range of with those who have cognitive Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA)
abilities remain at home. disabilities and may have contact with is celebrating their 50th birthday
the Justice System (and they don’t look a day over 21!)
on Monday 4 September 2017 from
The free one day course ‘Supporting 11am - 1 pm.
Victims of Crime with Cognitive
Disability’ will be held in 27 locations Morning tea will be held at multiple
across NSW, starting on the 5th locations across Australia so that
September. Go to https://training. you don’t miss out on the fun! Enjoy
disabilityjustice.edu.au/course/DJPVOC delicious food, catch up with old
for more details. friends, reminisce and meet new
friends.
The DJP has other courses, online
courses and webinars, more details at Locations of celebrations include
www.disabilityjustice.edu.au. Little Bay, multiple Sydney events,
Tamworth, Mudgee, Alstonville,
NSW FACS Budget 2017 - 18 Wollongong, Perth, Melbourne and
Adelaide.
The New South Wales Department disability services. This includes $2 You may be eligible for
of Family and Community Services billion on accommodation and other reimbursement of your travel costs.
(FACS) delivered their 2017 - 2018 supports for people with disability For more information go to www.
Budget Briefing this week, with a $7 to assist them to live with dignity scia.org.au/50celebrations or call
billion spend for the sector in the in their communities and promote 1800 819 775.
next financial year, an increase of choice and inclusion; $1.4 billion on
$459 million (7.1%) in funding from supporting people with disability to
the previous year’s budget. participate socially and economically
in their community and realise their
The Department iterated a potential; and $37 million capital
commitment to outcome-based expenditure to finance and establish
objectives, aligning with the new homes in the community for
Premier’s and State priorities, people who currently live in large
which emphasize reducing risk and residential centres.
increased benefits to the community,
including creating sustainable social For more details go to https://www.
housing and the NDIS transition. facs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/
file/0003/374592/FACS_budget_
In the 2017 - 18 Budget Highlights summary_2016-17.pdf.
$3.4 billion has been allocated for
Guide dog Brogan catches record 300th flight Jeremy the Dud
cake made of meat Jeremy the Dud is a short film (30
and carrots, which mins) partnership between Karingal
was practically St Laurence and Robot Army. Jeremy
inhaled by Brogan the Dud is intended to lift the lid
within seconds. on disability, and create substantial
awareness in a meaningful and
“That’s a Labrador funny way.
for you!” Mr Bennett
said. Imagine a world where everyone
has a disability, and those who don’t
Brogan knows – described as ‘without speciality’
Sydney Airport – are called ‘duds’. By flipping the
better than most. world on its head, we can showcase
people with a disability, and touch
About 75 times a on issues of discrimination and
year, he guides Mr disadvantage they face daily - while
Bennett through having a lot of fun along the way.
check-in and The trailer was released on Thursday
One of the country’s most frequent security, before
flyers doesn’t sit in first class when he 17 August and had an incredible 1
finding the closest counter so they can million views in 48 hours.
travels. be directed to the right gate.
The short film will be launched in
He sleeps under a chair. He then helps the 70-year-old board, October, go to www.facebook.com/
guiding him past the ticket desk and Jeremythedud for more information
Brogan — who Guide Dog Australia onto the plane. and to see the trailer.
believes is the country’s most-travelled
guide dog — took to the skies earlier It is a complex and lengthy process,
this year for the 300th time. but Paul Adrian from Guide Dogs NSW/
ACT said it was one Brogan had been
The loyal Labrador was accompanying trained to handle.
his handler James Bennett to Alice
Springs, to provide services to the “Our dogs are specially bred and raised
blind and low-vision community. … they take these sorts of things in
their stride.”
“It’s a huge milestone and a wonderful
opportunity to demonstrate the For the rest of the article go to www.
degree of independence the dogs give abc.net.au/news/2017-07-17/guide-
us,” Mr Bennett said. dog-brogan-catches-record-300th-
flight/8715390.
The event was marked by a special Gap in palliative
care for Australians
Disability rights activists have with a disability
changed the face of your city ABC Radio National Breakfast program
A new film Defiant recently spoke to Liz Callaghan, CEO, of
Lives directed by Palliative Care Australia about palliative
Sarah Barton charts care for people with disabilities.
the history of disability Around one in five Australians live with
rights activism around a disability — and like the rest of the
the world. Screening ageing population, they’ll require end
tonight in Hobart at of life care when they become ill.
the State Cinema, the
film reveals just how But close attention and understanding
much in our world of the palliative care needs of disabled
has changed due to people is sorely lacking. This has left a
their work. Think of gap between the type of care received
those raised bumps by those with a disability and those
at traffic lights, the without.
sounds and the ramped
curbs, which wouldn’t So, what can be done?
be there without the Go to www.abc.net.au/radionational/
efforts of activists. download the podcast of the show
at www.abc.net.au/radio/hobart/ programs/breakfast/gap-in-
The ABC Hobart breakfast show programs/breakfast/sarah-barton- palliative-care-for-australians-with-a-
looked at this in mid-August, defiant-lives/8825934. disability/8833418 to listen or download
the segment.
Federal Government Extends Advocacy Funding
The federal government Advocacy Program consultation
has extended funding for report released in early August.
disability advocacy services
to the tune of $60 million, “All levels of government have a
but the not-for-profit sector responsibility to support advocacy
has warned the biggest risk for people with disability to ensure
to advocacy services is the they can exercise their rights and
reluctance of the states to freedoms,” Minister Porter said.
continue their advocacy “The vast majority of people
funding. requiring disability advocacy support
The Minister for Social will not be NDIS participants.
Services Christian Porter In a statement the federal
announced ongoing Porter said the commitment ensured government said a national system
funding on Wednesday for the disability advocacy services would of disability advocacy support also
National Disability Advocacy Program continue to be funded until 30 June required “ongoing investment from
(NDAP) and the National Disability 2020. states and territories to ensure their
Insurance Scheme (NDIS) appeals citizens can resolve issues with state-
providers and a new funding round for He said the importance of advocacy
services for all Australians with run services, and advocates can
Disability Representative Organisations participate effectively in state-based
(DRO). disability was highlighted in the
Review of the National Disability planning”.
Autism Research Project
Researchers at the UNSW and the understanding of life in adulthood
Cooperative Research Centre for Living for people on the autism spectrum.
with Autism (Autism CRC) are seeking The study is called the Australian
volunteer research participants to Longitudinal Study of Adults with
take part in a nationwide research Autism Spectrum Disorders (ALSAA).
study which aims to improve the
The study is also seeking the
participation of adults who are not on
the autism spectrum but would like to of life including mental and physical
help those who are, as well as people health, employment and coping.
on the autism spectrum.
To find out more about the study and
If you decide to take part, you will be register to participate, go to https://
asked to complete a questionnaire. The autismcrc.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/
questions will be about many aspects SV_1UoHxlKX4M0WRo1.
Opinions and Comments
The best mistake I’ve made was no longer being ‘nice’ about my disability
I used to think to think I needed to be transformation happened gradually, taxi commission and then the Human
nice all the time. Not rock the boat. I and I’d say it was my good mistake. Not Rights Commission. I also wrote about
was once invited to write News Corp’s a mistake at all, actually. it, and the issue was also covered by
(now defunct) column The Angry other news outlets. As I got out of the
Cripple, and I turned it down because As I’ve become more outspoken, car, I gave the taxi driver a big “f--- you”.
I didn’t want to put anyone off side. I which has actually led to more, not less I wrote about this in my complaints,
worried it would be a reputation risk. work, Dad’s a little less worried. and it was mentioned in mine and
For a long time, I stayed middle of Dad recently went to the others’ articles about the abuse. I’m not
the line, just like my Dad told me to. dermatologist – a place he took me as afraid to swear. Sorry, Mum.
I wouldn’t stray into the angry zone, a patient throughout my life. He told
because I wanted people to like me. A lot of the comments on the articles
me he saw posters on the wall with told me that my swearing was just as
After a while, I realised that being nice messages for women to fix their faces bad – if not worse – than the driver’s
in disability activism was a mistake. with cosmetic surgery. “Carly would abuse. I swore in defence, in anger.
Speaking out has not been. My have been so angry she would have They told me the abuse was justified,
written an article,” he because the taxi driver needed to
said. know about my skin and my cream.
It was then I realised The driver hadn’t seen someone like
he gets it, he’s proud me before, so of course they’ll worry
of what I do, and for their car seats. I don’t know about
he realises I’m safe you, but I’ve never rubbed my face on
speaking out. a car seat.
In 2013 when I was For the rest of the article go to www.
abused by a taxi smh.com.au/lifestyle/news-and-views/
driver – the driver opinion/the-best-mistake-ive-made-
said my face would was-no-longer-being-nice-about-my-
ruin his car – I made disability-20170703-gx3pg6.html. Carly
complaints to the Findlay will release her first book in
taxi company, the 2018, a memoir focused on disability
feminism.
HOW ATTITUDES DISABLE
disability and how it arises from
the interaction between health
conditions and the society in which
we live.
“People get excluded, socially
excluded, because of their health
condition,” says Professor Emerson,
“not because the health condition
does it but because the cultural
expectations, the way society
works, means that they are being
excluded.
Rethinking our assumptions about “It’s the disadvantage faced by people
people with impairments is a critical with disabilities which really generates
step towards more inclusiveness and creates their poorer health. It’s not
Social epidemiologist Professor Eric about impairment; it’s about being
Emerson argues that “disability” disabled. It’s about being marginalised
and “being disabled” really refer to and disadvantaged in the society in
the effects of social and economic which you live.”
marginalisation of people with This issue is discussed on the ‘Up
certain types of physical or mental Close’ podcast (available at https://
impairments, and not the personal pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/podcasts/
impact of the impairments themselves. how-attitudes-disable), which features
While some societies have made strides experts and researchers in conversation
in improving the lives of the people -- in science, health, technology, law, the
with impairments, we have yet to tackle arts, and business. Presented by Lynne
our fundamental assumptions about Haultain.Opinions and Comments
Talking Point: We can handle straight talk on the NDIS
I RECENTLY enjoyed a chuckle while It doesn’t serve the
reading Sam Paior’s translation of a participants whose
statement released by the National lives are intended
Disability Insurance Agency about how to be transformed
the NDIS has been going so far, and through the NDIS.
how it will be improved.
It doesn’t serve their
Sam, a disability support co-ordinator families and carers,
who runs The Growing Space, who desperately long
managed to convert the 737 painfully for a brighter future
bureaucratic words from the statement for their loved ones,
into a digestible analysis of the NDIS to and would prefer
date. to avoid digging
through a deluge of
While her translation was humorous complex language to
and tongue-in-cheek, it brought reach that goal.
to light some serious observations
about the language used when A quick flick through
communicating with NDIS participants comments on NDIS
and their families and carers. message boards anyone.
and Facebook pages reiterate this
The crux of the NDIA statement was point 100-fold, with comments like, For the rest of the article by Bill Gamack
this: We know the rollout of the NDIS “I got a headache trying to read this go to www.themercury.com.au/news/
has been far from smooth, we know statement” and, “I didn’t bother opinion/talking-point-we-can-handle-
we need to do better, we’ve asked for reading the original — just Sam’s straight-talk-on-the-ndis/news-story/2
feedback on how we can do better, translation!” 23b4ddfb83628a3bf5bd7f856ae8019.
and now we’re going to do better. Bill Gamack has been chief executive
Please forgive us and continue to stick Choosing to use language that make of disability employment not-for-
it out with us. people’s heads swim is a sweeping profit EPIC Assist for four years, and
issue in our sector. Whether or not is passionate about helping people
This begs the question: Who does this they mean to, many organisations fall with disability secure meaningful,
complex, bureaucratic language serve? into this pattern, and it doesn’t help sustainable work.
Euthaniasia - What disability advocates say about
assisted suicide
– a group who who had quadriplegia, whose care
described was being paid for by the state (the
themselves same people that wanted to introduce
as not being euthanasia and assisted suicide to
“anti-euthanasia South Australia).
activists … [but]
are disabled Another disability advocate, comedian
women who have Liz Carr from the UK, put a question
flown or travelled to them. She used the example of a
to protest the person on a bridge, ready to jump. “Do
South Australian you help them jump, or extend your
assisted-suicide hand to save them?” she asked. “Would
bill from a you do a different thing if they were
disability and disabled? And if you would, should you
human rights not ask yourself why?”
perspective”.
Disability advocates in recent times The women also pointed out that
have raised concerns about the impact They told SA parliamentarians that four “being given the right to die before
the legalisation of euthanasia and/ of them would have been eligible to being given the supports and right to
or assisted suicide will have on them. die under the proposed legislation. live a good life is not really a choice”.
There are people within the disability
community actively campaigning Among the points they made, they For the rest of the article by Daniel
against both. noted that many people with disability Giles at the Newsweekly website go
were “far cheaper to kill than keep to http://newsweekly.com.au/article.
Last year, a group of five disability alive”. They told the story of a colleague php?id=57780.
advocates campaigned against the who, although a productive employee
failed euthanasia bill in South AustraliaNDIS Update
The next round of Information, Linkages
and Capacity Building (ILC) National
Readiness Grants is open
The National Disability
Insurance Agency
(NDIA) is now accepting
applications for ILC
National Readiness Grants
(Round 2) in Activity
Are you NDIS Area One – Information,
linkages and referrals (ILC).
Ready? Applications for this round
will close 2pm AEST on
The National Disability Insurance Friday 29 September 2017.
Scheme or NDIS is the biggest
change to the way people Up to $30.08 million of
with disability are supported in funding is available over
Australia’s history. If you would 2017-18 and 2018-19 for
like to know more about the this round. Organisations For more information, including
NDIS call The Disability Trust on can apply for grants of up to 2 years. more about the Grant Opportunity
1300 DISABILITY (1300 347 224) Guidelines, visit the DSS Community
or email info@disabilitytrust.org. The NDIA is partnering with the Grants Hub website (www.
au. Department of Social Services (DSS), communitygrants.gov.au/grants/
and organisations can apply for grant information-linkages-and-capacity-
through the DSS Community Grants building) and the ILC Grants page on
What is a LAC? Hub. Previous applicants are welcome
to apply in this round.
the NDIS website at www.ndis.gov.au/
communities/nr-grants.html.
Local Area Coordinators (LACs)
are local organisations who have
partnered with the NDIA to deliver NDIS complaints being listened to
the NDIS. people just phoned
Local Area Coordinators have three to go through what
key roles - they will link you to the is essentially a really
NDIS; link you to information and large life plan,” said
support in the community; and Ross Joyce from the
work with their local community to Australian Federation
make sure it is more welcoming and of Disability
inclusive for people with disability. Organisations.
For a majority of participants, LACs Advocates said
will work with you to develop your people with
plan, implement and monitor, plus neurological
link you to community services. conditions or mental
Complaints about the National illnesses were among those impacted
Disability Insurance Scheme have by the lack of face-to-face meetings.
For more information, including soared by about 700 per cent in the
where to find your local LACs, go to past year.
www.ndis.gov.au/communities/local- Disability organisations said NDIS
area-coordination. plans developed over the phone
Reports to the Commonwealth often left people without services and
Ombudsman jumped from 62 in 2015- equipment they needed.
16 to 429 last financial year, amid the
NDIS’ troubled nationwide rollout. “That has now changed … and we’re
very grateful that’s been implemented
Many issues related to the crucial and people with disabilities have been
planning process which determines listened to,” Mr Joyce said.
how much funding — and what
supports — people can access. Other complaints related to the NDIS’
online portals, along with delays with
Participants were not happy with the quotes and payments.
NDIS’ planning staff, while others were
angry that planning meetings were For the rest of the article go to www.
held over the phone. abc.net.au/news/2017-08-26/ndis-
complaints-to-ombudsman-soar-by-
“I didn’t find it really respectful that 700-percent/8844498.NDIS Update
Fully Fund the NDIS Campaign!
increase to the Go to www.everyaustraliancounts.com.
Medicare Levy and au/tell-crossbench-fully-fund-ndis and
the Treasurer says he send your message to the Senate. The
is optimistic he has more messages they get, the more they
the numbers in the will know just how important this issue
Senate to pass it. is to so many Australians.
The Senators have For an overview of the details about
heard thousands fully funding the NDIS, go to the
of Every Australian Sydney Morning Herald article at
Counts supporters www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/
In mid-August Treasurer Scott Morrison
asking them to end political-news/treasurer-scott-morrison-
introduced the NDIS full funding bill
the uncertainty and get this done now. confident-of-shock-medicare-levy-deal-
into Parliament. The bill proposes an
It’s not too late to add your message. with-senate-20170816-gxxljq.
NDIS funding fight Changing perceptions – a focus on ability
back to tribunal This is a story about a
An intellectually disabled man has mother and daughter –
won the next step in his battle for and together, they made
the National Disability Insurance a film.
Scheme to fully fund taxis from his
Moriac home to his job and disability When she was at primary
programs in Geelong. school, Andrea Dundas
would head off to school
21-year- old Liam McGarrigle relies each Thursday morning
on taxis to get into Geelong but in her sports uniform, be
the National Disability Insurance marked off the roster as a
Agency only wanted to partially fund physical education class
the cabs. Given there is no public participant, then slip away
transport, it would have left Liam and and change into her dress they were looking for extra help with
his family out of pocket thousands of uniform before making her way to the ‘Gym Fun’ group that she knew
dollars. the oval. There, the PE teacher would someone who was reliable, could
note her attire and declare her unable follow instruction and was great with
Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) took the to take part. Back at home, Annette
fight for full funding to the Federal little ones. “Have you thought about
Dundas would toss her daughter’s Andrea?” she asked. “They just looked
Court, which ruled in March the laws sports uniform in the wash and put
governing the scheme meant the at each other and said, ‘Done.’”
it away until the following week.
Agency needed to fully fund cases “Eventually I was called in and told
deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’. Filmmaker, Jacob Irvine, loves that
Andrea hadn’t been doing PE,” Annette Andrea’s professional side as a teacher
The NDIA appealed the decision, says. “It took a whole term to realise comes through so beautifully in
however the Federal Court yesterday she’d just won a gold medal for getting his mini-documentary, Perspective
set aside the appeal. The court out of sport.” (external), especially when tutoring
ruled the case be sent back to the niece Ayesha. “Balancing her niece on
Administrative Appeals Tribunal. How things have changed. the beam, walking along with her, she
pays such attention to everything she’s
Liam’s mother Michelle says the Now, Andrea’s weeks are filled with doing,” he says of Andrea’s adherence
battle had been long but important. activities that enrich body, mind and to correct teaching practise when
She says she believes they need soul. Gymnastics training, which next guiding children of Ayesha’s age on
to go through the process to get April in Adelaide will culminate in her the balance beam. “That’s credit to
the NDIS functioning for everyone fourth trip to the Special Olympics her natural instincts of trying to help
involved, especially the participants. Australia National Games. Swimming, others learn and get better. She was so
in which she’s reached state level. engaged, everything else was blurred
Athletics, where she’s turned childhood to her.”
reluctance into state competition in
walking and throwing events. For the rest of the article go to
www.ndis.gov.au/stories/changing-
Mother and daughter are yoga perceptions.html, to see the
devotees, Andrea fits in weekly tennis documentary “Perspectives”, and the
too, and her love of gymnastics has other films made as part of the Focus
evolved into a mentoring role with on Ability short film festival go to www.
young children. Annette recalls focusonability.com.au/FOA/open-
mentioning to the coaches when entrant-documentaries.html.NDIS Update
Quarter 4, 2016–17 Report
NDIS roll out 30 JUNE 2017
90,638 people $7.3b 6,134 children
have received individualised plans, helping them has been committed for have been referred through the NDIS
change their lives by accessing the supports and participant support to date. Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)
services they need to live more independently approach to access supports.
and engage with their community.
More than 90,000 Australians have NDIS plans
NSW SA ACT QLD
43,936 11,634 6,047 7,188
VIC TAS NT WA
15,434 2,229 388 3,782
NDIS Quarterly Clarity needed on NDIS mental health care
Report
The federal
government
is being urged
The latest Quarterly Report, covering to clarify when
the period from 1 April to 30 June 2017, people with a
is now out. mental illness can
access support
Thousands of Australians are now under the
being provided with life-changing national disability
supports across the country as a result insurance scheme.
of the National Disability Insurance
Scheme (NDIS). A parliamentary
Highlights of the report include: committee, in a
report tabled in
• 15,078 participants received an mid August, said assess the eligibility of people with
approved plan in the quarter there were concerns over the eligibility psychosocial disabilities.
criteria for people with psychosocial
• 13,434 plans were reviewed in the disabilities. “The reported lack of skills and
quarter and 37,020 plans reviewed expertise of planners in the mental
in total in 2016-17 Their approval rate is one of the lowest health field adds to inconsistencies of
among broad disability categories, with access to the scheme,” the committee
• 84 per cent of surveyed 81.4 per cent successful to date. concluded.
participants in the quarter rated
their experience either good or That compares to 97.5 per cent for It has recommended a review of the
very good. The overall average people with intellectual disability, 98.8 NDIS Act and rules, as well as the
satisfaction rating since the Scheme per cent for people with autism and development and adoption of a ‘fit-for-
began is 92 per cent 98.9 per cent for people with cerebral purpose’ assessment tool.
• 8698 service providers have been palsy.
registered – a 28 per cent increase The committee has also suggested the
in the quarter Participants found the requirements federal, state and territory governments
were difficult to interpret when applied clarify and make public how they
For more information go to www. disabilities related to a mental health will provide services for people with
ndis.gov.au/about-us/information- condition, the report said. a psychosocial disability who aren’t
publications-and-reports/quarterly- participants in the NDIS.
reports.html. On top of that, there was no validated
assessment tool for planners toNDIS Update
Self managing your plan Do you care for an NDIS
Self managing your NDIS plan gives participant who has a
you choice and control over the
supports and services you purchase mental illness?
to help you achieve your goals. The National NDIS Mental Health Conference
will take place in Sydney from 16 - 17
Did you know there are four ways November 2017. With the conference theme
that plan funding can be managed? ‘towards a good life’, there will be a focus
More information is at www.ndis. on the of the NDIS for people living with a
gov.au/participants/understanding- psychosocial disability. More information is
your-plan-and-supports. at www.ndismentalhealthconference.com.
au/about.
NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Checklist
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
is a complicated beast. Disability Services
Consulting NDIS Housing experts have
produced a checklist with the key actions that
organisations should be taking at 5 stages
along the SDA journey.
Read the full Disability Services Consulting
article at www.disabilityservicesconsulting.
com.au/resources/sda-checklist.
Government Expands NDIS Advisory Board
The federal to 13 members plus the expert panel,
government started on 1 July 2017.
has
announced Minister for Social Services Christian
that, for Porter said the new model had been
the first developed under the guidance of the
time, the principal member, Professor Rhonda
council will include representatives with Galbally AO, to ensure a broad range
intellectual disability and deaf blindness, of experience and advice to the NDIS
who will be working alongside other board.
new and long-time members as well as More at https://probonoaustralia.com.
a new panel of five expert advisors. au/news/2017/06/government-expands-
The expanded council, moving from 10 ndis-advisory-board.
NDIA uses digital assistant NDIS Stories
to get information out The NDIS is built on the foundation Hussein’s story - An example of how
The National Disability Insurance that everyone is different, which we might provide early intervention
Agency (NDIA) has developed means the Scheme is going to help support.
NADIA – world first virtual assistant different people in very different
technology to help provide the best ways. To get a better idea on what See all the stories at www.ndis.gov.
possible service and support to NDIS sort of opportunities are available au/people-disability/examples-
participants. through the NDIS, check out these services-and-support.html.
real life stories of participants and
Combining a human face and voice learn how the
Carers inand
with cognitive intelligence, a
system co-designed by the disability
the NDIS could help
community, isNDIS: Workshop you.
a world first – and has
resulted in the unique language and The stories
personality include Alex
model that Eye Greater
people with Independence,
disability want Mario’s story
and need. More - How we
about Nadia at might provide
www.faceme. information
com/nadia. and referral andFor Your Calendar…
Dementia Awareness Month - Foster Care Week – 11 to 17
September September
You are not alone... Dementia affects An annual event that aims to celebrate
70% of us. Currently around 244 and acknowledge the work of NSW’s
people are joining the population foster carers. www.community.nsw.gov.
with dementia each day. www. au/fostering-our-future/issue-42/foster-
fightdementia.org.au. care-week-2016.
Childhood Cancer Awareness R U OK Day - 14 September
Month - September By inspiring people to take the time
Cancer claims the lives of more to ask “Are you ok?” and listen, we can
Australian children than all other help people struggling with life feel
diseased combined. Over 10,000 kids connected long before they even think
are currently fighting cancer, 1 in 5 die about suicide. www.ruok.org.au.
within 5 years. www.cancer.org.au/
news/#jump_2266. World Alzheimer’s Day – 21
September
National Asthma Awareness Week
- 1 to 7 September - This is a day on which Alzheimer’s
organizations around the world
This chronic condition that affects concentrate their efforts on raising
over 2 million Australians. Dress Blue awareness about Alzheimer’s and
for Asthma on any day in September. dementia. www.fightdementia.org.au.
www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/nsw/
support-us/dress-blue-for-asthma. My Job Counts Rally - 26
September
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week
- 4 to 10 September Nationally, more than 20,000 people
with a disability are employed by a
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week disability enterprise in supported
is a national campaign that aims to employment. However, a case before
create a more inclusive and accessible the Fair Work Commission has potential
community for everyone. www.sciaw. to destroy disability enterprises. Rally
com.au. starts 12.15pm, Tuesday September 26,
in Crown St Mall, Wollongong.
World Suicide Prevention Day - 10
September Sidetember - 1 to 30 September
The purpose of this day is to raise Live your own more deliberate life
awareness around the globe that this September with the Sidetember
suicide can be prevented. www.who. Challenges. 1 month. 12 challenges.
int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/ Raising funds for Royal Rehab and Brain
wspd/en. Injury Australia. https://sidetember.com.You can also read
