Solutions ISSUE 11 : APRIL 2013 - DSA Business Services
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Solutions ISSUE 11 : APRIL 2013 Ruby (Far right) started her Transition to Work (TTW) Using her time in TTW to increase her communication, program in 2012 and has shown incredible commitment, money handling and independent living skills, Ruby soon achieving some amazing outcomes. started work experience at Bowral Pets and Aquarium. Initially working three mornings a week, this soon turned Ruby, her family and TTW worked together to create a into four days a week and an offer of paid employment. A DS 013 personalised program that included Commercial Cookery and Bakery courses at TAFE as Ruby wasn’t sure which of Owner Jeremy Maitland describes Ruby as “a breath of am e 2 urf her interests she wanted to pursue, cooking or animals. fresh air” with her always positive attitude and bright smile! e T th S in ity2 Find and follow us on facebook and twitter C
FROM THE CEO 2013 is shaping up to be another year of After much hard work by many at DSA and Thank you for your ongoing interest, I excitement and challenges as we continue METS, our new websites were launched in encourage you to visit our new websites along this pathway to fundamental sector January. The sites serve as an additional and pass back any comments or reform. vehicle for us to communicate with and suggestions you may have via the feedback build on our relationships with customers, area on the sites. We’ve started this year reaffirming our community and supporters, providing up to commitment to personalisation. We have You can find them at: date information that is simple and easy to a major focus on repositioning the way access. we work, using the experiences, skills and www.dsa.org.au talents of our clients, staff and community The new DSA website shares our vision and so that people with a disability and their journey towards more personalised services, www.dsabusinessservices.com.au families exert greater choice and control assisting people with a disability and their www.mets.org.au over the services they receive. families to maximise their choice and control. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill was recently passed in the Federal Parliament. This legislation sets up the legal framework for the establishment and operation of the NDIS and NDIS Launch Transition Agency. The new legislation and the announcement in December by the Federal and NSW State Governments regarding the funding agreement for the full rollout of the NDIS in NSW reinforce the importance of continuing our journey towards personalisation. Late in 2012, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations announced that 121 Employment was one of a large number of Disability Service Providers unsuccessful in maintaining CEO Mark Spurr with Access and Transition Manager Naomi Barber, winner of the NSW Young their current contracts in the re-tendering Business Woman of the Year for 2012 and Louise Mooney, General Manager Employment Services. process. We are greatly disappointed that DSA is We are all very proud of Naomi’s wonderful achievement in winning the Young Business no longer providing an open employment Woman of the Year Award for NSW at the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards. service however we have formed alliances This prestigious honour is a great acknowledgement of Naomi’s talents and an honour with the remaining DES providers to ensure for DSA and the disability sector generally. that the people we support will have continuing access to Open Employment. Sailability – by Lee from Camperdown During the warmer months of the year the people from Camperdown Day Options take part in the amazing program known as Sailability. This service is run by Sailors With disAbilities who are able to provide a wheelchair accessible boat and qualified sailors to take groups out onto Sydney Harbour. Camperdown Day Options has been taking part in the program since 2010 and everyone loves getting the opportunity to be Captain, work the winches, hoist the sails and generally have a fantastic afternoon sailing around the best harbour in the world. Here’s a picture taken on a recent day on the Harbour! 2 YOUR LIFE • YOUR FUTURE • YOUR CHOICE
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Update The National Disability Insurance Scheme Set up of the National Launch Transition Agency (NLTA) for the Hunter region is underway, Bill, an historic national reform that is with the appointment of the NSW State Manager and the first office located in Charlestown. well overdue, was passed in Parliament The 3 year launch period will include 10,000 participants. As a result of the historic on 21 March. The legislation sets up the agreement reached between the Australian and New South Wales governments in legal framework for the establishment and December last year, the NDIS will roll out in full across NSW by July 2018, providing care operation of the NDIS and NDIS Launch and support to around 140,000 NSW residents with disability. Transition Agency (the Agency). The challenge for the sector is the growth in clients from 50,000 to more than 140,000 The Agency will work with people with when the scheme is fully implemented. The roll out to a full NDIS in New South Wales is disability to develop a personal plan that scheduled as follows: identifies the person’s needs, goals and life aspirations, and recognises the support they Launch period Local Government Area Number of people receive from family and friends. This plan 1 July 2013 – 30 June 2014 Newcastle 3 000 forms the basis of the person’s funded NDIS 1 July 2014 – 30 June 2015 Lake Macquarie 2 000 support package which they can choose to manage themselves or with the help of local 1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016 Maitland 5 000 Agency workers (such as DSA), family or 1 July 2016 – 2017/18 Remainder of NSW TBC friends. 1 July 2018 Full Scheme TBC The first stage of the NDIS will commence from July 2013 in launch sites in South The Government also recently announced the new name for the scheme – Australia, Tasmania, the Hunter area in DisabilityCare Australia. This name reflects the core principle of the NDIS, namely New South Wales and the Barwon area of that all Australians with significant or profound disability receive the care and Victoria. The Australian Capital Territory will support they need and have choice and control over that support, regardless of commence in July 2014. It is important to how they acquired their disability. note that the NDIS Launch is not a pilot; it is the implementation of a system of reform. • Copies of the legislation and the explanatory memorandum are available at the Australian The launch period provides an opportunity Parliament House website at www.aph.gov.au for learning for what works and does not • An easy English version of an overview of the Bill is available on the NDIS website at: work to support the full roll out by 2018. www.ndis.gov.au This approach will ensure that the • Additional information is available on the Every Australian Counts implementation of the scheme is informed Campaign Website www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au by feedback from people with disability, their families and carers, service providers and • Keep up to date on the DSA website www.dsa.org.au and community organisations and by the lessons • You can also contact Caron Rooks at DSA on P: 9791 6599 or of the launch. E: personalisation@dsa.org.au for more information. • Visit the DSA website www.dsa.org.au DSA in the Hunter launch site While DSA’s current systems, policies and DSA recognises the barriers that may stand procedures have served us well to date, in the way of the people we support and we The NDIS will give people with they are based on the traditional models of are resourceful in our efforts to work with disability a right to realise their program delivery. Responding appropriately people to overcome them, finding new and potential, to make choices and to the new self-directed environment with better ways of doing things. the Hunter NDIS launch commencing be in control of the decisions in July 2013 and individualised funding At DSA we believe everyone has the right to that affect their lives. a good life and to being valued as equals. arrangements across NSW available from 1 For the people we support this includes July 2014 requires DSA to understand the respecting their rights to make choices impact of change and respond quickly. and empowering people to have voice and DSA’s Board of Directors have approved an control over their own lives. NDIS pilot project which means we will have We will be running a number of focus a strong presence in the heart of the Hunter groups and would value your involvement. launch region when it kicks off on 1 July 2013. An important part of the DSA Pilot is If you are interested in learning more or the opportunity it presents for us to work contributing your thoughts and experiences alongside people and their families in this you can contact Caron Rooks on P: 9791 new environment. 6599 or email personalisation@dsa.org.au or visit the website www.dsa.org.au We will be talking with people about what they want, what’s important to them, how they would like to spend their time and how DSA can help them achieve it. YOUR LIFE • YOUR FUTURE • YOUR CHOICE 3
2012 Employee Achievement Awards DSA’s Annual Employee Achievement The success of DSA’s TTW program is John Murray, President of the Bankstown Awards were celebrated at the Bankstown dependant on the progressive employers Sports Club presented the 121 Employment Sports Club with special guests Paralympic who engage with the program. We had Job Seeker of the Year Award to Tracey Swim Champion Matt Cowdrey and Rugby many organisations worthy of the TTW Williams. Tracey’s colleagues report that her League’s Mario Fenech. Employer of the Year Award and it was cheerful manner, sense of humour, efficiency difficult to narrow it down to the following and professionalism makes working with her The Annual Awards are about recognising five finalists: Bowral Pets & Aquarium, an absolute delight. the significant contribution made by people Greenacre Neighbourhood Centre, Neil’s with a disability in the Australian workforce It’s great to recognise the achievements Liverpool Mechanical Repairs, PCYC and the many progressive companies of the people we support at DSA but it is Woolloomooloo and Southern Cross who understand and enjoy the economic also important to recognise the employers Tenison Apartments. and social benefits of supporting the and businesses providing jobs and work employment of people with a disability. The TTW Employer of the Year Award opportunities. Nominees for the 2012 Open was presented to Jeremy Maitland from Employer of the Year were: Aboriginal Affairs Awards were presented in a number Bowral Pets & Aquarium. Bowral Pets and NSW, Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, of categories including recognition of Aquarium has gone above and beyond Delaware North Companies Australia, GN achievements made by participants in our to support job seekers to gain skills and Resound, Liberty Church, Neuroscience Transition to Work (TTW) Program and 121 increase their independence. They have Research Australia, and WEHBE Group. Employment and employees working in our participated in multiple work experience Australian Disability Enterprise. The 121 Employer of the Year Award was placements and have been very flexible, presented to Hasara Abeygunaratne from DSA’s TTW is a two year work readiness striving to meet job seeker support needs Delaware North Companies Australia, a program funded by Ageing Disability and while encouraging job seekers to attempt catering company with many sites nationally Home Care. The program aims to equip new tasks. and internationally. They are in partnership school leavers with the skills for work that The staff are always friendly, helpful and with Hungry Jacks at Central Station in the will assist them to achieve their employment understanding and DSA’s partnership with Sydney CBD providing food and beverage goals. them has proved to be very valuable with services to customers visiting the area. We are currently supporting more than jobseeker Eleanor (Ruby) securing paid 70 young people in this program and employment. the TTW Job Seeker of the Year Award acknowledges the program participant who shows the greatest commitment and Nominees for the 121 Employment Job Seeker of the Year for 2012 were: Rebecca Long Service D’Hereux, Fuaaro Tusa Faalili, Laura diligence. Nominees were Mohammed Heathcote, Abbas Jasim, Alexandre Saneev, Fares, Jason Kirby, Steven Hunt, Camilla Tony Thrasy and Tracey Williams. Lean–Lane and Elizabeth Tiebosh. Awards Mario Fenech presented the TTW Job Seeker of the Year Award to Elizabeth Tiebosch in recognition of her persistence in working towards the achievement of her careers goals. Our Long Service Awards are an inspirational part of the day where we recognise those employees who have reached length of service milestones. DSA’s Vice Chairman, Mr Tom Leahy presented awards to the following recipients: • 15yrs service David Dingley, Glen Jarvie, John Kardoulis, Kylie Hammond, Magdalena Jaslovska, Robyn Lochmund • 30yrs service Chris Green, Jacqueline Peterson, John Kane, Karen Loveday, Neil Loveday, Patrick Green • 40yrs service Clifford Mead, Con Scortis, Foula Stoikakis 4 YOUR LIFE • YOUR FUTURE • YOUR CHOICE
Business Charles Appiah recognised for Services his passion for Employees working with people with a of the Year disability The Business Services Employee Charles Appiah from DSA’s Day Options Achiever Awards recognise those program in Blacktown was a recent winner employees who show the most positive of the 2012 METS Outstanding Student of attitude and contribution to the goals of the Year Award from a group of more than our Business Services operation. 600 eligible trainees. All our employees are great achievers Awards were presented in recognition of but nominees for the 2012 Employee students’ achievements in studying towards of the Year Awards are further nationally recognised qualifications in recognised by their fellow employees Children’s Services and Disability Work. as outstanding. The nominees for 2012 were: In the three years since Charles joined DSA he has completed both his Certificate • Jake Burton III and Certificate IV in Disability through • Melissa Semeti DSA’s Registered Training Organisation METS. Charles impressed the judges with • Kevin Westren his passion, focus, resilience and discipline, • Jason Campbell completing his studies while working and supporting a family of four young children. • Lee Klein When it comes to his career and improving • Matthew Lawler his skills, Charles is tenacious with a strong commitment to advocating for people with • Andrew Kalnin a disability. • Jasinta Ulugia If you would like more information • Paul Elliott about gaining qualifications in Children’s Services or Disability Services call METS • Louise Ford on 9838 0567 or visit www.mets.org.au • Bernie Sullivan • Andrew Lamesa • Brett Foster • Georgina Seroukas • Locklan Lee • Adrian Macrias • Glen Jarvie • Steve Nickou • Ken Tanner • Anthony Ireland • Arsina Zacharian Paralympian Matt Cowdrey presented Employee of the Year awards to: Kevin Westren from Braemar, Jasinta Ulugia from Condell Park, Georgina Seroukas from Mascot and Jake CEO Mark Spurr presenting Charles with his Burton from Seven Hills. Student Recognition award YOUR LIFE • YOUR FUTURE • YOUR CHOICE 5
Every weekday James is so excited he bounces “I can tell by the way James gets out of the James loves – like listening to music, swimming, getting outdoors and dancing. car he likes being there,” says his dad Bill. When James arrives each morning, he knows exactly what he wants to do! “He comes in “He bounces out of his seat! One morning and goes straight into the music room and indicates he would like you to help him turn the he got so excited he jumped up and head- radio on,” says Support Worker Tan Nguyen. butted me in the nose.” This may not sound very important – but for someone like James it is a crucial milestone. James attends DSA’s Day Options Program One of the main goals listed by his parents and now established as part of James’s person in Bankstown in Sydney. He is non-verbal centred support plan is developing his communication methods using pictures and photos. but his enthusiasm when he is dropped By guiding a support worker to something he wants, James is a step closer to being able to off every weekday is the best possible give input into his own day-to-day activities, opening up the chance for him to have greater indication of his enjoyment! self-determination and freedom. To know James has found a place where he Another key goal for James is accessing activities in his local community including is happy and on the path to becoming more swimming. He is making new discoveries all the time, trying activities and experiences that independent as a young adult is a joy to his not only add variety to his life but stimulate his progress. parents Bill and Sharon too. When James finished high school, they were dreading the future for their son. “We felt absolutely traumatised,” says Sharon. “There were 100 things to worry about.” James was born with a very rare condition called Ring Chromosome 22 that causes severe disability. Until he was nine months old his parents thought he was just small like them. But on a routine visit to the baby nurse “she said, ‘This little boy isn’t doing things he should be doing,’ ”remembers Bill. “He had blood tests and that’s when we found out. It was probably the biggest kick in the guts I’ve ever got in my life.” Now 22, James needs around-the-clock care. “He can’t get things out of the cupboard or turn TVs on or go to the toilet on his own,” says Bill. But he still has a boundless passion for life and the things he loves – like swimming, the footy, having a birthday party, listening to music and watching James Bond movies. With James’s very high, complex and specific needs, his parents were understandably concerned about where he could go when he transitioned from high-school. As autistic traits are also part of his disability, he is extremely dependent on structure and routine. When they found out about the support for James at the Day Options Program in Bankstown, they were incredibly relieved. Our Day Options Programs run from 14 locations in NSW and create social, therapeutic and recreational opportunities designed for each person around their goals, interests, ideas and support needs. The centre at Bankstown specifically assists people with autism, encouraging communication skills and providing consistent routines in an environment designed specifically for people with autism. At the same time there are plenty of outlets for fun that match with the many things 6 YOUR LIFE • YOUR FUTURE • YOUR CHOICE
It’s game on It’s time to start training for Kenneth Individuals’ goals have always been our Kenneth is not so different from any other for City2Surf 2013! focus at DSA but we recently took the young man. His dream was to become landmark step to make the personal goals a South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league and aspirations of people with a disability football club member and watch his and their families our number one priority. favourite team win. Based on Kenneth’s wishes we developed a support plan to help him realise his dream. There are many things Kenneth has never been able to do. He has high medical needs and minimal mobility relating to his cerebral palsy and intellectual disability. Simply getting out and about is extremely difficult. Being non-verbal, communicating his needs and feelings is also hard. Kenneth’s expression shows what he likes best. Our staff worked with him using communication tools to suggest support options with his family and carers also putting forward ideas. We then began making the many practical arrangements needed to fulfil his dreams. These included numerous phone calls organising two Rabbitohs memberships with wheelchair Members of Team DSA are excited to once accessible seats for Kenneth so assistance again be lining up to participate in The Sun- staff could accompany him to games. Herald City2Surf, raising funds in support of Kenneth is now a proud Rabbitohs Club projects to provide opportunities for people We are thankful for role DSA Supporter Mark member. In 2012 he saw his beloved team with a disability to live a healthier, more “Panno” Pannowitz the host of the popular make the NRL finals finishing third on the active life. radio program Talking NRL played in realising ladder and recently received a surprise visit City2Surf is the world’s largest run and Kenneth’s dream. from Rabbitohs great Mario Fenech. Sydney’s favourite sporting event. Join Team DSA and 85,000 other people on Sunday August 11 for the 14km journey from Hyde NEWSFLASH Park in Sydney’s CBD to Bondi. We’d love you to join us either as a member of Team DSA or as a supporter on the day. Contact the Communications Team on Beware of NDIS Scam 9791 6599 or community@dsa.org.au for information on how to get involved. People are being warned to beware of contact from anyone claiming to work for the Government who tries to make them pay an administration fee to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). These claims are false. There is no need for people to pay a fee to join the National Disability Insurance Scheme. If people are concerned that their privacy has been breached or they have provided personal details as a result of one of these calls, they should report it to the police. People can also report a scam and get further information at the Government’s Scamwatch website, www.scamwatch.gov.au, or call the hotline on 1300 795 995. If you have any further enquiries about this scam email helpdesk.fraud@fahcsia.gov.au If you want to know more about the facts of the NDIS please go to the Government’s Some of the members of Team DSA 2012, who official website at www.ndis.gov.au ran, jogged and walked the 14kms and raised a whopping $18,000! YOUR LIFE • YOUR FUTURE • YOUR CHOICE 7
it Doesn’t 24-year-old Neciptake startedMuCH a new life two years “If you think ago when he began receiving the service you’re too small to make a difference wealone offer you’ve obviously never toourMake at a Autism Specialist DiFFerenCe spent a night Centre at Bankstown. room with a mosquito.” in a Anita Roddick, Body Shop founder Figen Ada looks up and says “thank you, By the time Necip was in his early 20s his reflective of their goals. Necip’s list, written Nick* loves God” everybike timeriding, she seeslovesher thesonfeeling of his off for need for specialised support and constant by his mother in line with his aspirations, speed and that day program at Bankstown.special kind of freedom of vigilance meant his parents were barely able stresses community inclusion and becoming watching the world fall behind him as he races to take him out of the house although they a valued member of his community. “To look at where he is now,” she explains, along with the wind in his it.” face. Nick is like a longed to, and they were struggling just to “I honestly can’t believe “He’s going swimming and shopping. The new person. He is enthusiastic, happy and for go shopping or to the doctor. goal at the moment is to go shopping at the When we met Necip, he was virtually the first time in a long time he is happy to get People with high-level needs, including those supermarket and not be distressed by all housebound, isolated and sleeping most up the andday. out of bed before with significant autism, like Necip, require the people. So we’re starting small, going to of Today, he is midday. a youngWatching man who the transformation a specialised day program. Chris Faulkner, a corner shop with two staff, being patient walks into the has centre been ona weekday thrill and extremely mornings Assistant Co-ordinator at the Bankstown and moving on when Necip is ready.” with a lively rewarding forloud “hello”, the staff whoready and willing are working with to Autism Specialist Centre, has been thrilled to try the new youngchallenges. people in our new Leaving Care “Our focus is to assist people to do the watch Necip gradually expand his world. Program. things they can and want to do. Maybe These are things that Figen and her “It’s been little baby steps for him,” says Necip can’t turn on the oven but he can roll husband feared would never be possible The Leaving Care Program assists young people Chris. “Initially he wouldn’t come in to the up a sausage in pastry and is building his for Necip – especially when their son was with a disability in NSW whoand are leaving the Parental centre. He would get very agitated with self-esteem in seeing the end result.” diagnosed with autism an intellectual other people around him. Now he’s coming Responsibility disability of the3Minister at just years old. for Community They’d been Services There are others hoping for the same here and he’s socialising; he wants to come concerned – what you may when knowhe aswouldn’t the care ofjoin in games the state. support as Necip but it is essential that and see his friends. He’s got a mischievous and Somedidn’t have beentalk removed like theirfrom nieces and nephews their families, were we not overcrowd our Autism Specialist streak, he’ll say hello and wave and he likes but hoped he would start when he was Centres. Change can be distressing and homeless or in other trouble. you to copy what he’s doing.” ready. Suddenly the future they’d dreamed routines and environments need to be of Manyforhave Necip grown was upgone in veryand theyand unstable were volatile Central to DSA’s focus on maximising carefully organised. As you can imagine this terrified situations ofwithwhat lay ahead. few good role models. Where others choice, inclusion, achievement and requirement puts pressure on our existing opportunities for people with a disability services and necessitates opening up new “Any child their age are islooking very at precious,” a future fullremembers of promise, lucky to be spaces one of ourtosupport mentoring, is education, developing teamwork and a personalised physicalplan support activity, outreach meet workers. the highA demand. recent Figen. these young people were facingNecip “For my husband, was his the potential of a from cycling to going on bushwalks, washing the car personal highlight for Jack was seeing three of everything. It was absolutely devastating downward spiral, at risk of remaining devastating. or even mowing the lawn. This could be their first the five young people he is working with begin the Nothing was easy for Necip or for us, but victims of abuse or of being drawn into criminal experience of adult life and its potential where they Transition to Work program. step by step the grief we felt turned into the activities ifofnot‘Let’s thought for thehelpintensive intervention our little son.’ ”they have opportunities and responsibilities. “It’s a huge achievement!” he says. “With ongoing receive from DSA. An estimated 64,600 Australians have One of the staff brought their bike in from home for support every person we help will have the chance autism Our Leaving– a Care dysfunction Program focusesof the on central working with Nick to try and he now he goes bike riding regularly, to be independent, they will be able to manage their nervous system that changes young people to help break a destructive cycle that how sometimes for as far as 14 kilometres. That might not money, work, and be fully participating members of individuals understand their world, in could potentially lock them in for life by meeting their sound important but since he’s achieved that level of the community.” particular affecting people’s communication, individual social needs to help interaction, andtheirtheir transition into adulthood. behaviour and discipline we’ve been able to encourage him to use Even simple things, like the pleasure of riding a bike, We provide interests. access to fl exible support linked to secure that discipline to go to his transition to work training, can make a significant difference. Please consider accommodation. learning job readiness skills on a path to becoming In Necip’s case, says Figen, “he depends on supporting our appeal raising much needed funds to me employed. This is a major breakthrough for Nick as Staffto doparticipants help everything to –build grooming, shaving,and personal strengths provide healthy lifestyle options, including sport and brushing his teeth, going to the toilet, getting out of bed was a challenge not so long ago. develop independent living skills such as paying bills, Your donation to our new Autism Specialist outreach recreational facilitiesequipment would makefor the the people we support. same intensive preparing snacks. He has behaviours. He’ll shopping and cooking. Confidence, more positive Achieving change assistance takes that hasgreat giveneffort and time so much but and his family, available to more people and their to Necip say a word over and over then it turns into attitudes and social aggression. inclusionand He shouts are fostered stampsthroughhis feet.” families. being part of it is a privilege. Jack*considers himself *Names have been changed to protect privacy Name: Address: Postcode: Email: Telephone: Donations are tax deductible. I enclose my cheque/money order for $ ......................................................... Please detach and mail to: OR please charge that amount to my Visa Mastercard Amex Disability Services Australia Ltd Reply Paid 287 Condell Park NSW 2200 Card Number: You can donate over the phone by calling Signature: Exp date: 1300 372 782 or online at www.dsa.org.au 7090DSA_ART_DSAlogo+Byline2_CMYK.ai Name on card: Please send me, at no obligation, FILE NAME: CLIENT: Disability Services Australia DATE: 03/07/2012 Darling Brands VERSION: ART CMYK DESIGNER: ET information on how I can include Disability Suite 2/ 314 Norton Street Leichhardt ART 1 I would prefer to receive future Solutions Newsletters by email. My email address is: Sydney NSW 2040 Australia FINAL SIZE: COLOURS: T: +612 9569 2461 F: +612 9569 2462 ART % AT: N/A darlingbrands.com Services Australia in my will. ........................................................................ @. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 g r o w i n g s o l u t i o n sYOUR • LIFE g i v i n g• s o lYOUR u t i o FUTURE n s • w o•r k i n YOUR g s oCHOICE lutions • living solutions
You can also read