We all need a bit of inspiration in the tough world of disability - as you know all of us need all the help we can get.
Have a look at this guy - American Butch Lumpkin, a thalidomide victim - gives you courage to lift our disabled family members as far up as we can.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Carer's Recognition Bill
Please send through your network this link - http://caring4carers.com.au/ - out to ask friends and family to sign the petition to ensure that the NSW parliament passes the oppositions Carers Recognition Bill 1010.
The bill recognises carers exist (sad but true, there is no legislation in NSW or Victoria recognising we exist). The bill entiltles carers to an assessment. It will legislate a Ministerial Carers Advisory Council comprising more than half representation from primary carers.
We need to make the numbers too big for NSW Labor to not pass the bill.
This is the year leading up to a state election early next year, the perfect time to ensure the passage of this bill.
The Herald article from yesterday is attached.
Warm Regards, Nell Brown
The bill recognises carers exist (sad but true, there is no legislation in NSW or Victoria recognising we exist). The bill entiltles carers to an assessment. It will legislate a Ministerial Carers Advisory Council comprising more than half representation from primary carers.
We need to make the numbers too big for NSW Labor to not pass the bill.
This is the year leading up to a state election early next year, the perfect time to ensure the passage of this bill.
The Herald article from yesterday is attached.
Warm Regards, Nell Brown
Friday, February 19, 2010
WARRINGAH DISABILITY NEWSLETTER No 223 - 19/02/10
Hello!
The newsletter starts with dance parties, several sports (deaf sports, rugby, soccer, cricket), a relationship course, travel, touring the NSW Parliament, and several Easter camps for all ages. Activities for carers include a reminder to apply for respite through RIAP, several information sessions, an autism camp, Cubby House’s 30th birthday, Seniors week, and a free expo on learning difficulties, disabilities and early intervention. Financial items include a jazz night, cricket legends lunch, two breakfasts (Northcott, Sunnyfield), the epilepsy awareness ball, and the inaugural “walk with me”. There are also educational grants and scholarships, as well as the NILS loans and CDSE funding.
Volunteers are requested for the Surfing Day at Collaroy, the camp for adults with physical disabilities. Your participation is valued to nominate a mental health consumer of the year, provide feedback about the ADHC draft lifestyle guidelines and satisfaction with NSW Dept of Justice and DJAG service. Resources include a new CarerCar in Manly, mobile hairdressing specials, free internet kiosks for seniors (aged 50+), two interesting TV programs, an autism website, toastmasters club, the CALD framework regarding carers.
Workshops involve combating violent youth, moving out of home, self directed planning / funding / support, how to be a mentor, Tony Attwood on teens with ASD, graphic facilitation, person centred planning, working with interpreters, cooperative learning, person centred planning, family practice. Conferences are run by ACOSS, MHA and ACWA. A report is launched on improving access to CALD women with disability. The position of manager of DARTS is also available.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome, as always!
Regards, Marjorie Janz, Disability Information Officer, Warringah Council. Phone 9942 2686, fax 9942 2371. Email janzm@warringah.nsw.gov.au.
The newsletter starts with dance parties, several sports (deaf sports, rugby, soccer, cricket), a relationship course, travel, touring the NSW Parliament, and several Easter camps for all ages. Activities for carers include a reminder to apply for respite through RIAP, several information sessions, an autism camp, Cubby House’s 30th birthday, Seniors week, and a free expo on learning difficulties, disabilities and early intervention. Financial items include a jazz night, cricket legends lunch, two breakfasts (Northcott, Sunnyfield), the epilepsy awareness ball, and the inaugural “walk with me”. There are also educational grants and scholarships, as well as the NILS loans and CDSE funding.
Volunteers are requested for the Surfing Day at Collaroy, the camp for adults with physical disabilities. Your participation is valued to nominate a mental health consumer of the year, provide feedback about the ADHC draft lifestyle guidelines and satisfaction with NSW Dept of Justice and DJAG service. Resources include a new CarerCar in Manly, mobile hairdressing specials, free internet kiosks for seniors (aged 50+), two interesting TV programs, an autism website, toastmasters club, the CALD framework regarding carers.
Workshops involve combating violent youth, moving out of home, self directed planning / funding / support, how to be a mentor, Tony Attwood on teens with ASD, graphic facilitation, person centred planning, working with interpreters, cooperative learning, person centred planning, family practice. Conferences are run by ACOSS, MHA and ACWA. A report is launched on improving access to CALD women with disability. The position of manager of DARTS is also available.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome, as always!
Regards, Marjorie Janz, Disability Information Officer, Warringah Council. Phone 9942 2686, fax 9942 2371. Email janzm@warringah.nsw.gov.au.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Self Directed Funding for Community Participation
Hi there everyone. No newsletter this time but some important news regardless.
Self Directed Funding for Community Participation
For those of you who are interested in self directed funding, you can apply for a self directed package for Community Participation. Check the ADHC website for details, then call intake and register your request and you can get the ball rolling from there.
What you need to do before hand is make a PLAN of what you want to do with the $. In our previous newsletters there are a few websites as a resource, which it turn have resource websites on their pages you can refer to, so get digging if thats what you want to do.
If any of you know of anyone who has a CP SDF, and would like to share what it looks like, how they got it etc, please put them in contact with us. Then, we all can understand the potential of the funding and how it can be used. Family Advocacy has a very interesting website also, it is certainly worth a look
On the ADHC website there are a number of service providers listed who can help you on your way.
Julie Simpson visiting and helping with planning
Julie will be in Sydney in March helping me commence doing some planning with her for my son. If you would like me to help you once I have done it please get in touch with me via email. Remember, having a detailed plan with the vision for your relative helps you on the way to planning how you will use your SDF $ in the best possible way. So getting started with this important Person Centred Plan for your son , daughter or relative is a fundamental first step.
InControl Self Managed Funding Seminar
What does Self Directed Planning, Funding and Support mean for people with high and complex needs? is a forum that will grapple with what it will take to put self directed funding, planning and support into practice.
Please see attached flyer and see if you can get to this workshop, it really sounds interesting. I will be attending.
Kind regards
Rita Kolano for Pathways to Leadership 0416 017 544
Self Directed Funding for Community Participation
For those of you who are interested in self directed funding, you can apply for a self directed package for Community Participation. Check the ADHC website for details, then call intake and register your request and you can get the ball rolling from there.
What you need to do before hand is make a PLAN of what you want to do with the $. In our previous newsletters there are a few websites as a resource, which it turn have resource websites on their pages you can refer to, so get digging if thats what you want to do.
If any of you know of anyone who has a CP SDF, and would like to share what it looks like, how they got it etc, please put them in contact with us. Then, we all can understand the potential of the funding and how it can be used. Family Advocacy has a very interesting website also, it is certainly worth a look
On the ADHC website there are a number of service providers listed who can help you on your way.
Julie Simpson visiting and helping with planning
Julie will be in Sydney in March helping me commence doing some planning with her for my son. If you would like me to help you once I have done it please get in touch with me via email. Remember, having a detailed plan with the vision for your relative helps you on the way to planning how you will use your SDF $ in the best possible way. So getting started with this important Person Centred Plan for your son , daughter or relative is a fundamental first step.
InControl Self Managed Funding Seminar
What does Self Directed Planning, Funding and Support mean for people with high and complex needs? is a forum that will grapple with what it will take to put self directed funding, planning and support into practice.
Please see attached flyer and see if you can get to this workshop, it really sounds interesting. I will be attending.
Kind regards
Rita Kolano for Pathways to Leadership 0416 017 544
Monday, February 15, 2010
Disability worker shortage to worsen
Sydney Morning Herald, KELSEY MUNRO, February 15, 2010
NSW is facing a vast shortfall of workers in disability services and community care facilities, as demand for carers is set to rise dramatically over the next five years.
Read full article here
NSW is facing a vast shortfall of workers in disability services and community care facilities, as demand for carers is set to rise dramatically over the next five years.
Read full article here
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Auxiliary Meeting Agenda 20Feb10 and Minutes 14Nov09
Neale Parnaby's letter and the Minutes from the last meeting are here.
The Agenda for the Meeting on 20Feb10 is here.
The Agenda for the Meeting on 20Feb10 is here.
Friday, February 12, 2010
FOUR CORNERS: BREAKING POINT - Wendy Carlile's report on care for the disabled in Australia - Monday 15 February at 8.30pm on ABC1
Nell Brown, National Convener of the Carers Alliance, brings this to all our attention. It should be worth watching but more importantly we should maybe add our combined voices to the other families who won't accept the status quo. Please pass this on to all friends & disability families so they too can watch the program.
This week on Four Corners, “Breaking Point”. The heart-rending story that tells what it’s like to live with a disability, or to care for someone who is disabled, in Australia today. Reporter Wendy Carlisle meets the families the nation has neglected.
The system of assistance for people with a disability in Australia is broken. Carers know it, charitable organisations know it and so do the governments. Now the federal government says something must be done. It’s holding an Inquiry, with the intention of creating a new and fairer system. It’s even considering a national disability insurance scheme. But will the system be reformed in time to save the families now at breaking point?
Nells' hard hitting email on this matter is here - it is worth a close read
POSTSCRIPT 1210, 13feb10
Another Email worth a close read. This program will be a must and hopefully will provoke a lot of discussion at the Auxiliary meeting next Saturday.
This week on Four Corners, “Breaking Point”. The heart-rending story that tells what it’s like to live with a disability, or to care for someone who is disabled, in Australia today. Reporter Wendy Carlisle meets the families the nation has neglected.
The system of assistance for people with a disability in Australia is broken. Carers know it, charitable organisations know it and so do the governments. Now the federal government says something must be done. It’s holding an Inquiry, with the intention of creating a new and fairer system. It’s even considering a national disability insurance scheme. But will the system be reformed in time to save the families now at breaking point?
Nells' hard hitting email on this matter is here - it is worth a close read
POSTSCRIPT 1210, 13feb10
Another Email worth a close read. This program will be a must and hopefully will provoke a lot of discussion at the Auxiliary meeting next Saturday.
Monday, February 8, 2010
MAPS and PATHS training program (17-19 May 2010 in Lismore!)
Liz Gehring, Operations Manager: Client Services at MultiTask has emailed information on a training course for Person Centred Planning. She warns "...limited places so payment will secure your place". Their brochure is here and the application form is here. She can be contacted at Ph: 02 6627 5018, Mb: 0428 404 663, email: lgehring@multitask.org.au
National Disability Services NSW 2010 Conference
Global, an agency offering casual disability carers, have issued an email bulletin (#11) and a copy of that is here. There are two attachments one about the the upcoming NDS 2010 conference and a second advertising Global.
I'm not sure we need to publish all material like this but for starters this one is "blogged" mainly because of the NDS 2010 annual conference.
I'm not sure we need to publish all material like this but for starters this one is "blogged" mainly because of the NDS 2010 annual conference.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
National Disability Insurance
This article published in the Australian early last year has reappeared on my "to do" list. I wonder what progress has been made for this potentially valuable Government policy?
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Special Disability Trusts - an update
My posting below is not to be considered advice, this is my personal view only. If you do consider acting on this information you should seek your own professional advice.
As far as I was concerned “Disability Trusts” were a waste of time because of the many restrictions within the rules, particularly the limitation on the categories of allowable expenditure.
If a residence is held trust and that residence is sold, the trust is exposed to capital gains tax (CGT). This tax is not levied on the majority of the Australian population as they hold their residences in their names as their place of principal residence. This unfairly discriminated against disabled people.
Now however it is planned that if a residence, of any value, is held in a disability trust it will be treated as a place of principle residence similar to a private residence, and will be tax (CGT) free. Please refer to the extracts here. Over a life time, with a number of changes in residences this could amount to a considerable preservation of capital for the disabled person.
I have not yet been able to establish whether the 5% stamp duty can be waivered when transferring a residence held in trust for a disabled person into a disability trust for the same disabled person. If disability trusts become popular for the holding of residences, I believe we should campaign to have the stamp duty waivered if this is not already the case.
John Connell
As far as I was concerned “Disability Trusts” were a waste of time because of the many restrictions within the rules, particularly the limitation on the categories of allowable expenditure.
If a residence is held trust and that residence is sold, the trust is exposed to capital gains tax (CGT). This tax is not levied on the majority of the Australian population as they hold their residences in their names as their place of principal residence. This unfairly discriminated against disabled people.
Now however it is planned that if a residence, of any value, is held in a disability trust it will be treated as a place of principle residence similar to a private residence, and will be tax (CGT) free. Please refer to the extracts here. Over a life time, with a number of changes in residences this could amount to a considerable preservation of capital for the disabled person.
I have not yet been able to establish whether the 5% stamp duty can be waivered when transferring a residence held in trust for a disabled person into a disability trust for the same disabled person. If disability trusts become popular for the holding of residences, I believe we should campaign to have the stamp duty waivered if this is not already the case.
John Connell
A Press comment on Personalising Service Delivery
John Connell saw this in the SMH; it is worth a read. If you have not yet seen the full Lib/CP policy paper from Andrew Constance you can find a copy in the "Personalising Service Delivery" January Blog posting (open the Blog archive).
Friday, February 5, 2010
WARRINGAH DISABILITY NEWSLETTER No 222 - 5/02/10
Hello!
The newsletter starts two discobilities, accessible dance classes, annual surfing day at Collaroy, listening group at Mona Vale library, and Auslan / Audio described theatre. There are also two opportunities to explore relationships, and an Easter camp. Activities for carers include counselling support groups in various locations, an evening for fathers / grandfathers of children with ASD, and dementia respite and support group. Financial items include two accessible homes, a free photocopier, and a request for an office space for Brain Injury Association.
Your participation is requested for a petition for Kingsdeen Special School, surveys regarding parental support and sport participation, feedback regarding housing in Warringah, invitations to enter the Local Government Cultural Awards or the Other Film Festival, chance for sharing your travel experiences, and need for a volunteer to transport someone to Sailability Manly. Resources include the AIDER program, free dinner on the Northern Beaches, an access guide for the arts.
Training involves Triple P, violence of youth, the Ombudsman, understanding young carers, disability and sensory issues, information for aged care and end of life. ADHC and several partners have organised a month of workshops for professionals, carers and families (see summary). . Conferences and meetings focus on leisure and disability programs, ADHD, World Down Syndrome Day, inspiring communities, intellectual disability. There are also calls for presentations at two conferences, as well as several vacancies at Sunnyfield.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome, as always!
Regards, Marjorie Janz, Disability Information Officer, Warringah Council.
Located at Dee Why Library, Pittwater Road and St Davids Avenue, Dee Why 2099.
Phone 9942 2686, fax 9942 2371. Alternate email janzm@warringah.nsw.gov.au.
The full newsletter is here...
The newsletter starts two discobilities, accessible dance classes, annual surfing day at Collaroy, listening group at Mona Vale library, and Auslan / Audio described theatre. There are also two opportunities to explore relationships, and an Easter camp. Activities for carers include counselling support groups in various locations, an evening for fathers / grandfathers of children with ASD, and dementia respite and support group. Financial items include two accessible homes, a free photocopier, and a request for an office space for Brain Injury Association.
Your participation is requested for a petition for Kingsdeen Special School, surveys regarding parental support and sport participation, feedback regarding housing in Warringah, invitations to enter the Local Government Cultural Awards or the Other Film Festival, chance for sharing your travel experiences, and need for a volunteer to transport someone to Sailability Manly. Resources include the AIDER program, free dinner on the Northern Beaches, an access guide for the arts.
Training involves Triple P, violence of youth, the Ombudsman, understanding young carers, disability and sensory issues, information for aged care and end of life. ADHC and several partners have organised a month of workshops for professionals, carers and families (see summary). . Conferences and meetings focus on leisure and disability programs, ADHD, World Down Syndrome Day, inspiring communities, intellectual disability. There are also calls for presentations at two conferences, as well as several vacancies at Sunnyfield.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome, as always!
Regards, Marjorie Janz, Disability Information Officer, Warringah Council.
Located at Dee Why Library, Pittwater Road and St Davids Avenue, Dee Why 2099.
Phone 9942 2686, fax 9942 2371. Alternate email janzm@warringah.nsw.gov.au.
The full newsletter is here...
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Message from the Chair of Sunnyfield
Dear Auxiliary Members
My thanks to Neale Parnaby for the invitation to place a message on the Sunnyfield Auxiliary website. I am delighted and humbled to accept the position of Chair of Sunnyfield. As the mother of a 21 yo daughter with Down Syndrome currently working at Sunnyfield and living at home, I have direct and personal knowledge of many of the problems facing the families of the people we support. Sunnyfield has many challenges ahead to implement its far reaching strategy, and to continuously improve the services we provide. I am committed to that strategy, because I believe it will significantly improve the lives of the people we support and their families. The support of the Auxiliary members for Sunnyfield, its Board and management team in this task will be most welcome.
The Board has now established a new committee, tentatively called the "Families and Communication Committee", to consider the needs of our families, the way in which we communicate with families, and the issues raised at the AGM. Margie Payne will be the Chair, and we will keep families informed of the discussions and outcomes of that Committee.
Sunnyfield is developing key position papers in response to requests from families for specific information on a number of issues. The first three papers have been developed and focus on Person Centred Practices, Accommodation and Individualised Funding. The papers have been developed to provide important background, up-to-date information and Sunnyfield's perspective on each key issue. They are available on the Sunnyfield website and I hope you find them interesting and informative.
I look forward to the assistance of the members of the Auxiliary over the next year, to help the Board ensure that Sunnyfield meets the four cornerstones of its objectives: to be truly person centred, a facilitator of plans, a driver of social and legislative change and financially independent to build a sustainable future.
Patricia McKenzie
Chair Sunnyfield
My thanks to Neale Parnaby for the invitation to place a message on the Sunnyfield Auxiliary website. I am delighted and humbled to accept the position of Chair of Sunnyfield. As the mother of a 21 yo daughter with Down Syndrome currently working at Sunnyfield and living at home, I have direct and personal knowledge of many of the problems facing the families of the people we support. Sunnyfield has many challenges ahead to implement its far reaching strategy, and to continuously improve the services we provide. I am committed to that strategy, because I believe it will significantly improve the lives of the people we support and their families. The support of the Auxiliary members for Sunnyfield, its Board and management team in this task will be most welcome.
The Board has now established a new committee, tentatively called the "Families and Communication Committee", to consider the needs of our families, the way in which we communicate with families, and the issues raised at the AGM. Margie Payne will be the Chair, and we will keep families informed of the discussions and outcomes of that Committee.
Sunnyfield is developing key position papers in response to requests from families for specific information on a number of issues. The first three papers have been developed and focus on Person Centred Practices, Accommodation and Individualised Funding. The papers have been developed to provide important background, up-to-date information and Sunnyfield's perspective on each key issue. They are available on the Sunnyfield website and I hope you find them interesting and informative.
I look forward to the assistance of the members of the Auxiliary over the next year, to help the Board ensure that Sunnyfield meets the four cornerstones of its objectives: to be truly person centred, a facilitator of plans, a driver of social and legislative change and financially independent to build a sustainable future.
Patricia McKenzie
Chair Sunnyfield
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