WARRINGAH DISABILITY NEWSLETTER No 244 - 16/12/10

Hello!

The newsletter starts with a discobility, special Abba concert, sailing events, a kindergarten camp, free TAFE accredited art and music courses and the Australian National Paralympic Football team.  Carers need to contact RIAP for flexible respite from 17 January onward.  There are three holiday programs for siblings of children with disabilities, a free trial of Kindermusik, and vacancies for children with disabilities in the host program of Northern Beaches Interchange.  Young adults with Aspergers can apply for a TAFE  course starting in January 2011.

Financial issues include an online donation facility for Accessible Arts, scholarships from ParaQuad NSW and Woolworths, toy catalogue as fundraiser for Cubby House Toy Library, and changes in Centrelink’s definition of independence for youth allowance or ABSTUDY.  Resources include services for deafblindness, alcohol and drug addiction, breast cancer survivors; an accessible fishing company; ideas for activities at several websites;  a homeopathic book;  lawnmowing assistance;  apprenticeship / traineeship information.  Your participation would be welcomed as volunteers for Artability, your opinion on the Collaroy Accessibility Tourism Precinct, and selection for the Australian Family Child Care Awards.

Workshops and meetings address basic Makaton, dementia, father inclusive practice, presentation skills, while conferences focus on social enterprises, parenting, inclusive communities, autism and employment.  There is also a position as Social Support Worker.

Your comments and suggestions are welcome, as always!  The last newsletter of 2010 will appear on Thursday 23 December, while the first of 2011 will be sent on 7 January.

Regards, Marjorie Janz, Disability Information Officer, Warringah Council.

Phone 9942 2686, fax 9942 2371.  Also janzm@warringah.nsw.gov.au.  

How do political and government leaders respond to our campaign priorities?

Since our last campaign update we have met with Minister, Peter Primrose, Shadow Minister, Andrew Constance and senior staff of Ageing Disability and Home Care to clarify their intentions and to argue the key requirements of the Self Directed Supports Campaign.

All meetings were very positive. The Minister and senior ADHC staff are genuinely committed to enabling anyone receiving disability services to have the option on having an individualised option by 30 June 2014. The Shadow Minister affirmed the Coalition commitment to offer choice between the current case management model and that of a more personalised service approach in which funding packages enable individuals to direct the services that they wish to have and when.”

All stressed that consultation will be a vital part of implementation and ADHC intends to start engagement prior to the election in March.

We at Family Advocacy and In Control Australia believe that there is bipartisan political support for the general direction of a self directed approach. We are mindful however that ‘the devil is in the detail’ and that we will seek to be proactively involved and will monitor developments closely, particularly in relation to our campaign priorities, summarized below.

Priority 1: Providing all existing and new users of government and non government disability services the opportunity to direct their own support.
We will be looking to ensure that:

·         people who want control over their resources have the opportunity at the earliest time;

·         individualised portable funding arrangements translate into choice, voice and control.

Priority 2: Providing decision making support that is independent of government and service providers. We will be working to ensure that:

• the ‘decision making resources’ are independent of government and service providers, able to be accessed easily and give the person with disability control. 

Priority 3: Transition support for services
We will be working to ensure that:

·          the voices of people with disability and families are heard in the process of service transformation.

Priority 4: Administrative processes consistent with a self directed approach.
We will be working to ensure that:

• the Stronger Together goal of “choice, portability and flexibility in funding and supports” means that people have control over how the money is used;
• government and service provider processes do not intrude into people’s lives; and
• there is a minimum of bureaucracy and paperwork.

Next Steps

It is important to thank the Leader of the Opposition, Barry O’Farrell for his support for Stronger Together funding and to consolidate his support for a self directed approach.

We suggest that you write/email him.

• Start by thanking him for the Coalition commitment to funding for Stronger Together 2 and his commitment to a more personalized approach to service delivery.
• Tell him about your family and the way in which current service provision restricts opportunities.
• Tell him what you might do if you had control over the resources allocated for the support of your family member with disability.
• Finish by letting him know that people will need help with information, planning, advocacy, and support coordination in order to enjoy the benefits of personalized self directed support, and that it is critical that the assistance is independent of government and service providers.

lop@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Leader of the Opposition Parliament House Macquarie Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

We will be in touch early in 2011

Have a safe and good holiday season

Belinda Epstein-Frisch AM

Family Advocacy

For information about Self Directed Supports: A NSW Campaign

http://www.family-advocacy.com/learn-more-about-this-campaign.html.html

to join the campaign http://www.family-advocacy.com/join-the-campaign.html
Follow the campaign on facebook http://www.facebook.com/Self.Directed.Support

Self Directed Supports: a NSW campaign for people with Disability

Dr. Mark Clayton has asked all families to take action to help make self directed funding and management a reality for our disabled family members. Please read and take action.
A self-directed approach enables the person with disability, or those authorised to work on their behalf, to have control of the funds that are allocated to her or him.  These in turn are used to purchase supports that are truly tailored to the individual’s needs.

KEY QUESTIONS FOR SUNNYFIELD

·         Do we believe people with disability are entitled to live an ordinary valued life?

Of course we do.

·         Do we believe people should have highly personalised assistance? (support that they say they need)

Yes we do as that is one of the hallmarks of being truly person centred.

·         Do we believe that we need to transition our services in support of this?

Yes.  For the people we support and their families to achieve self direction should they choose this, there will need to be changes to the way our current service provision operates.

Sunnyfield is committed to the development of a self-directed approach.  We recognise that this new approach to the way people can obtain services is totally consistent with a person centred approach but accept that the way forward may be complex and will take time for individuals and families to understand and accept as well as for Sunnyfield to implement.  A self-directed approach is important to achieving a person centred life as it transfers power and control to the people we support and their carers and families.

Show your support for this:

1.                   Numbers do count so…  Join the campaign by registering your support

on line www.family-advocacy.com/
by post Family Advocacy PO Box 502 Epping 1710
by phone             02 9869 0866, 1800 620 588

2.                   Take Action

Email / write to the Premier or to the Leader of the Opposition.  Ask them to direct ADHC to provide self directed options to all existing and new clients of ADHC and non government services

premier@www.nsw.gov.au	Level 40 Governor Macquarie Tower 1 Farrer Place SYDNEY NSW 2000
lop@parliament.nsw.gov.au	Leader of the Opposition Parliament House Macquarie Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Does Stronger Together deliver?

Premier Kristina Keneally launched Stronger Together stage 2 today providing $2.02billion in funding increases over the five years to 2015/16. This is in addition to the $2.02 billion that continues to fund existing service provision.

This is a welcome substantial increase in funding.

Has Stronger Together addressed our priorities?

Priority 1

Provide all existing and new users of government and non government disability services the opportunity to direct their own support, including self managed options, direct payment, use of a financial intermediary and the ability to move to a different service of their choice.

Stronger Together

“Individualised funding arrangements will become available from 2011/2012 and by the end of 2013/14, anyone receiving disability services will have the option of using an individualised and portable funding arrangement. (This includes funding in day programs and congregate accommodation services.) The policy settings to achieve this goal will be developed in consultation with people with a disability and their families and carers, service providers, peaks and other stakeholders.”(p21)

Our comment

It is great to see a strong commitment with timelines for everyone to have individualised and portable funding arrangements. Whilst we understand that transformation takes time, we will be looking to see that:

• people who want control over their resources have the opportunity at the earliest point in time;
• individualised portable funding arrangements translate into choice, voice and control.

Priority 2

Provide assistance to people to direct their own support allowing them to develop their knowledge and skills. The assistance must be independent of government and service providers.

Stronger Together

“Decision making resources (such as information, planning, advocacy, case management, service brokers and support coordination) will be expanded by $141.2m over the next 5 years to assist individuals, their families and carers to identify needs and goals, plan their service requirements, access specialist disability services and assist with access to mainstream services.” (p21)

Our comment

Decision making resources are important and welcomed. We need to ensure the ‘decision making resources’ are independent of government and service providers, able to be accessed easily and give the person with disability control.

Priority 3

Provide transition support for services.

Stronger Together

“The Sector Development Plan released in June 2010 embraces the shift to person centredness and commits the provider sector to the development required to supply services in a person and family-centred way” (p21)

“Continue to support the development of workforce and industry capacity through training and development initiatives of $5m per year ($25m over 5 years) (p27)

Our comment

Services need significant assistance so that they can support people to direct their own support. The voices of people with disability and families need to be heard in the process of service transformation.

 Priority 4

Amalgamate all disability service program areas into a single funding program (as occurred in Victoria) and realign ADHC processes consistent with a set of principles for a self directed approach.

Stronger Together

Stronger Together is silent on the administrative arrangements that will be put in place to facilitate the commitment that by the end of 2013/14, anyone receiving disability services will have the option of using an individualised and portable funding arrangement.

Our comment

The Stronger Together goal of “choice, portability and flexibility in funding and supports” must liberate people from the constraints of program silos and the requirement to use service providers. True choice, flexibility and portability means people have control over how the money is used.

The backroom strategies of government are of little concern to people with disability and families. The critical feature and our goal is to ensure that government and service provider processes do not intrude into people’s lives and that there is a minimum of bureaucracy and paperwork.

 Other key information about Stronger Together

Supported Living Fund

Stronger Together 2 has committed to introduce 100 Supported Living Fund packages in 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/i4 (300 in total - $60m over 5 years)

Our comment

This is an excellent start. For the first time in decades, people not in crisis will have access to government funding to enable men and women with disability to have a home of their own using paid support to complement the contribution of family and friends.

 Closure of larger residential centres

All large residential centres will be closed by 2017/18

Our comment

This decision is truly welcomed.  We need to ensure that the self directed opportunities of Stronger Together 2 are available as people leave large residential centres.

Next steps

Next week we are meeting with Minister, Peter Primrose and senior staff of Ageing Disability and Home Care to clarify their intentions and to argue the key requirements of the Self Directed Supports Campaign.

We will keep you posted.

Belinda Epstein-Frisch AM

Family Advocacy

NSW LIBERALS & NATIONALS TO DELIVER DISABILITY FUNDING

 Friday 3 December 2010 

  

A NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will provide $2 billion in growth funding for disability services over the next five years and in doing so deliver the Stronger Together disability services plan, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance announced today.

A copy of their Press Release is attached.

WARRINGAH DISABILITY NEWSLETTER No 243 - 3/12/10

Hello!

The newsletter starts with a Family Fun Day, Discobility in Mosman, Christmas party, as well as Ability Counts for kids, and Paralympic football recruitment.  There are also a circus spectacular, and a game with the Sydney Kings against the New Zealand Breakers.  Programs for carers include an Elf competition for young carers, respite camps for teens with intellectual disability, and a call for a family with twins or triplets with autism to link with similar families.

There are scholarships for wheelchair users, and a fundraising concert for the Special Olympics.  Resources include manuals and workbooks for kids and teens with special needs, visual systems to promote play, the discounted 9^th edition of Way Ahead, and Vodcasts on closing institutions in NSW.  Your participation is invited as committee members for Special Olympics at state and regional levels, two surveys, and your feedback on the Collaroy Accessibility Tourism Precinct.

Workshops and meetings address group work solutions, circles of support, Cert IV in mental health training, discounted training in community sector management, and 20 positions for direct support staff at Smithfield.

Your comments and suggestions are welcome, as always!  The next newsletter will appear on Friday 17 December.

Regards, Marjorie Janz, Disability Information Officer, Warringah Council.

Phone 9942 2686, fax 9942 2371.  Also janzm@warringah.nsw.gov.au.  

Welcome to stage 2 of the campaign for a better life for people with disability

Self Directed Supports: A NSW Campaign that aims to give people control of their support and their life

Tomorrow, 3 December, is International Day of People with Disability, surely the perfect opportunity for Premier Keneally to announce Stronger Together 2.

Will it fulfill our vision for people with disability and their families to have as much choice and control in their lives as other people?

The NSW election provides an opportunity for our political leaders to commit to giving people with disability and their families greater control over their lives. In leading this campaign, Family Advocacy and In Control Australia are asking political parties to:

1. Provide all existing and new users of government and non government disability services the opportunity to direct their own support, including self managed options, direct payment, use of a financial intermediary and the ability to move to a different service of their choice.
2. Provide assistance to people to direct their own support allowing them to develop their knowledge and skills. The assistance must be independent of government and service providers.
3. Provide transition support for services.
4. Amalgamate all disability service program areas into a single funding program (as occurred in Victoria) and realign ADHC processes consistent with a set of principles for a self directed approach.

This is the criteria by which we will judge Stronger Together. We will let you know our verdict.

What can you do?

Read our campaign statement (if you have trouble opening the pdf let us know)

Register your support http://www.family-advocacy.com/join-the-campaign.html

Find out more http://www.family-advocacy.com/learn-more-about-this-campaign.html.html

Follow us on facebook  http://www.facebook.com/Self.Directed.Support

AND    Join us in enabling people with disability and their families to have control of their support and their lives.

Belinda Epstein-Frisch AM

Family Advocacy

From the Consultations of the Community Affairs Inquiry into Ageing with Disability

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR (Compliments of Estelle Shields)

Philip Farrow is from Bedford, one of South Australia's best known and most diverse service providers. It is 65 years old. They have 800 people in supported employment, 1900 in open employment, 160 in supported accommodation and 100 in day programs. 80 people live in group homes and another 80 - nearly 90 - live in a congregate setting that Phillip refuses to call an institution. They have MEMBERS of whom 80 or 90 turn up to meetings every month or so. Farrow says the members "provide us with some useful insight into what is going on in the disability field".

Bedford has done research among the older people in supported employment. This research has indicated that there is "an expectation among them that they would still be able to come to work to meet their friends because of the social interaction." Even the ones who have retired "still gravitate back to work". 

The congregate care complex is known as Balyana. One quarter of the residents are in their 50's and a "handful" are older. Phillip speaks about the place:

"Our people find it useful to be at the centre because they have social interaction with the various staff and people as they come and go from the centre. We are fortunate that the centre is not only an accommodation complex. We also run a conference facility out of it. So there is quite a bit of movement of people, with people from the general community coming to and fro. There are activities like that. We also have a network of various recreational types of pursuits. People in our accommodation services are also able to go off on a camp or to the pictures or whatever else in small groups or larger...

"I was particularly impressed by the comment made earlier about the fact that buildings alone do not make an institution or whatever the setting is. It is the policy constructs. It is the way people interact. It is the support the organization provides. It is the way the community embraces it. We have people from schools walking across the grounds of our complex as they are going to and from school. Those sorts of things create a little bit of a sense of community engagement.

"In the congregate setting for eighty we have fifty living in single independent motel type apartments and then another thirty or so around the perimetre of the property with several hectares, living in group homes. There are three of four people on average living in each of those. Everyone has their own bedroom and ensuite type facility. One of the reasons we have been looking at different options is the need for us to upgrade the property. It has been around for a number of decades and needs to be upgraded. At the front we have a very large oval, for want of a better word, and we are looking at ways of creating different configurations. One of the things we have been looking at is whether or not there are opportunities to have some form of accommodation for people with disability and their families living in close proximity, so that there can be longer term relationship and networks set up that way.

"We have also debated how far we should go in terms of moving into community based accommodation. We currently have a number of houses being built around metropolitan and regional Adelaide. One of the things that has emerged as part of that process and through feedback from family members is that sometimes when people leave our larger setting and move into the community, they do not necessarily interact with their neighbours and do not do some things they wish to do as often as they would like, and there have been occasions when people have wanted to go back to our larger setting for those reasons and for greater security. Basically, there are very few constraints on people in that setting; it does not fit the typical institutional model, if I can put it that way. People can come and go as they like; they can have friends over.

The interview ends with Phillip Farrow pointing out that they have a relationship of trust with the families and that the families monitor the proceedings very closely. Also that they work in a setting of careful checks and balances, audits and the like, with the funding bodies.

Estelle's comment : there are still some service providers who listen to the wishes of their families and respond accordingly.

WARRINGAH DISABILITY NEWSLETTER No 242 - 19/11/10

Hello!

The newsletter starts with the Junior Wheelies Christmas Camp, and several celebrations of International Day for People with Disability.  Programs for carers include some fathers’ meetings, self-managed Community Participation Programs, information on circles of support.

Financial issues include fundraising through Christmas cards, wine, challenges and a calendar.  There is also a grant, useful website on energy, seminar on income and retirement.  Resources include Transition care for youth with chronic health issues, resources for kids with special needs, a CD to teach piano playing, software to create alternate formats, several useful guides (life of child with disability, setting up a carer group, carer), the Global Network for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities.    Your participation is invited in research on memory development for preschoolers with Down Syndrome, management of Manly Dam, donating shoes, joining the Arts audience reference group.

Workshops and meetings address using plants to improve health, youth’s health, carer group training, cleft awareness, macular degeneration, parenting groups, emergency readiness, employment, CALD communities, carer strategy, empowering youth.  There is another AGM and also conferences on education, spine care, changing needs of carers, as well as details of two jobs.

Your comments and suggestions are welcome, as always!  The next newsletter will appear on Friday 3 December.

Regards, Marjorie Janz, Disability Information Officer, Warringah Council.

Phone 9942 2686, fax 9942 2371.  Also janzm@warringah.nsw.gov.au.  

Christmas is coming...

Some important news arising from talks at the last Auxiliary meeting.

Christmas Shutdown
Full details are on this document.

Sunnyfield corporate Xmas Party
In case you have not yet received an invitation a copy is here. Should be a good family day - please make the effort and come along.

Sunnyfield Enterprises 2010 Christmas Party site dates/times:
- Allambie - Friday 10 December, 1pm to 4pm.
- St.Marys - Tuesday 14 December, 1pm to 4pm.
- Chatswood - Wednesday 15 December, 1pm to 4pm.
Please note all Supported Employee Family members are welcome, but need to RSVP to the Site Manager or Site Employment Support Officer please (for catering purposes).
Please also refer page 4, of attached most recent circulated Enterprising Times.

A Crucial Time for the Leaders of Disability Services

[Another email extract from NDS showing the importance for families to become more active in encouraging both service organisations and political parties to push hard for change that will improve the accommodation and employment opportunities for their disabled family members. Carefully read the Italic pieces below.]

5 November 2010

NDS members will hear from the three major parties at this year's CEO Meeting, the ALP, the Coalition and the Greens. With power in the Federal Parliament so finely balanced, progress of major disability policy will depend on support across political parties. Senator Jan McLucas, the new Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers; Senator Mitch Fifield, Shadow Minister for Disabilities, Carers and the Voluntary Sector; and Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens Whip have all agreed to speak about their policy priorities.
Also at the CEO Meeting John Della Bosca, National Campaign Director for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, will describe and launch the national campaign that he will drive over the critical year ahead.  The Productivity Commission is on track to release its draft report on disability services reform at the end of February and the final report to Government by the end of July 2011.
In her opening address to the Federal Parliament at the end of September, which outlines the Government's agenda, the Governor-General said: "The long-term care and support needs of people with disability is a national priority that demands a national response. The Government therefore looks forward to giving careful consideration to the Productivity Commission's forthcoming report on a national disability insurance scheme." Minister Jenny Macklin has since reiterated that disability reform will be a social policy priority for the Gillard Government.
In a related development, all State and Territory governments have now agreed to the draft National Disability Strategy. Once it is formally endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments, an implementation plan - including indicators of progress - will be developed. The Strategy will shift the focus of disability service providers and they need to be engaged in working out how the Strategy can best be given practical effect.
The direction of employment services - both open and supported - is currently also a live discussion within Government.
Disability services are potentially facing significant changes over the next couple of years. 

Service rationing limits planning options

[This email from NDS is very encouraging for families who are aiming to avoid Crisis Accommodation decision making for their disabled family member.  The ageing profile and the accommodation needs are, not surprisingly, similar to those we see in Sunnyfield's Member families.]

9 November 2010

This week NDS appeared at a Senate hearing into planning options and services for people ageing with a disability.

To avoid overlap with the Productivity Commission's inquiry into a national disability scheme, the Senate inquiry's terms of reference focus on assistance to people with disability and their carers to plan for the future, rather than on service planning. But in practice the two are inseparable. Carers and people with disability cannot confidently plan for the future unless they have assured access to services and choice about service provision.
Anglicare recently published a study of almost 300 ageing carers who were supporting sons and daughters with severe (mainly intellectual) disability. Two-thirds of the carers were aged over 70 years. Despite expressing anxiety about future care arrangements and recognising the importance of 'transition planning', only one in four carers in the study had any plan for the future care and support of their son or daughter.
In their approach to planning, these carers reflect the limits of the current service system, which is not built around long-term planning but around stretching the capacity of carers to near breaking point and then responding to the impending crisis.
People with disability and their carers need access to a range of services to assist with:

• transition planning, which involves not just being able to organise disability support services, but also access to legal, financial and guardianship advice
• in-home support with personal care and domestic assistance
• respite services for intermittent short-term breaks
• access to long-term accommodation support
• better information about what's available and where to find it.  Navigating the disability services and community care systems is complex.

The Senate Committee also questioned NDS about the dilemma of ageing supported employees, most of whom have no viable retirement options. Three FaHCSIA-funded ADE retirement pilots have now commenced in Victoria, NSW and the ACT, but the lack of retirement options is a national problem which requires a national program. Under the current division of administrative and funding responsibilities, this would entail cooperative effort by Federal and State departments. 
The Senate inquiry is chaired by Rachel Siewert, who will speak at the CEO Meeting on 6-7 December in Canberra.

Contact Information:
Ken Baker, Chief Executive, NDS National, Ph 02 6283 3200, ken.baker@nds.org.au

© This publication is copyright.

WARRINGAH DISABILITY NEWSLETTER No 241 - 4/11/10

Hello!

The newsletter starts with free movie tickets for disadvantaged kids and their carers, several Christmas parties, the Sculpture by the Sea, kids sports club, boccia finals and midnight basketball.  Programs for carers include parenting workshops, carer support groups, a handbook for carers, a workshop on self managed funding, another on anti-bullying, and Siblings Australia.

Financial issues include information about electricity and gas prices and savings, funding from St George Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund, information about Disability Trusts, and Individual Funding approaches.  Resources include health fact sheets, travelling overseas with medicine, tools for person centred review, support for apprentices with learning disability, anxiety self help groups, several meetings for CALD carers, an ultra light wheelchair.  Note that all sections of the Department of Human Services will change their email address in the next few weeks.  Your participation is invited in the International Day of People with Disability, Supported Employment, Supported Living Fund campaign, Australia Day awards.  Placements are required for 50 Third Year Social Work students.

Workshops and meetings empowerment, learning, depression and anxiety, volunteering, parenting education, suicide intervention skills, adolescent mental health, dementia, law, board development, computer assistive technology, inclusive church practices.  There are also conferences on leadership, strength and assets, as well as AGMs of Northside Enterprise and the centre for Disability Studies.  Note that it is Post Polio Awareness Week.

Your comments and suggestions are welcome, as always!  The next newsletter will appear on Friday 19 November.

Regards, Marjorie Janz, Disability Information Officer, Warringah Council.

Located at Dee Why Library, Pittwater Road and St Davids Avenue, Dee Why NSW 2099.

Phone 9942 2686, fax 9942 2371.  Also janzm@warringah.nsw.gov.au.  

Evening about Self Managed Funding Options for your Teen/Adult with a Disability

Hello!

I’m emailing you about this because you attended the evening on Disability Trusts in August 2009, and might be want to become informed about this innovative program.  Two years ago Ageing Disability and Home Care funded two organisations to trial this throughout NSW;   currently both organisations support families with school leavers (aged 18-25) on the Community Participation Program, and one organisation also supports people with a disability for Lifestyle Choices (aged 26-54) or Active Ageing (aged 54-64).

Melise Bourne of Ability Options and Claire Galvin of Lifestyle Solutions, and two persons / families whom they support, will discuss how the program works.  If you were interested, a staff would meet with your family to make decisions about your goals and support needs, and to shape the support rather than having only access to defined service options.  Resource handouts will be available.

When?        Thursday 18 November, 6.30pm to 8.30pm.  Light refreshment on arrival.

Where?       Meeting room, Warringah Mall Library, same level as Hoyts Cinema, Brookvale.  Same room as last time.

RSVP?       Phone me on 9942 2686 or email janzm@warringah.nsw.gov.au to leave your details.

Regards, Marjorie Janz, Disability Information Officer, Warringah Council.

Located at Dee Why Library, Pittwater Road and St Davids Avenue, Dee Why NSW 2099.

Phone 9942 2686, fax 9942 2371.  Also janzm@warringah.nsw.gov.au.  

GIFT WRAPPING HELP

Hi everyone

Sunnyfield have once again been selected as the benefiting charity of Christmas Gift Wrapping at St Ives Shopping Village.  Since our relationship commenced two years ago we have raised $3,500.  It is hoped we can get this figure to reach $5,000 at the conclusion of 2010 Wrapping period. 

This year will see the Wrapping Stall in operation from Monday 13 December until Christmas Eve.  Two rostered shifts will be available between 11.00am - 2.00pm and 2.00pm - 5.00pm. 

I am writing to find out if any members are able to spare a couple of hours in support of Sunnyfield?  If you are, please review and the attached roster and let me know what shift(s) you would like to do.

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Cheers, Lisa

Fundraising Manager
Corporate Services

S u n n y f i e l d
i n d e p e n d e n c e
Tel: +61 2 8977 8823 X8823
Mob: +61 401 998 966
Fax: (02) 8977 2926
Email: l.mcmurtrie@sunnyfield.org.au

We won! All major political parties endorsed the Supported living Fund We won!!!

All major political parties have endorsed the Supported Living Fund and committed to its implementation Last night [28 October 2010?], before a meeting room crammed with over 200 families, the NSW Minister for Disability Services, Peter Primrose, the Shadow Minister Andrew Constance and Greens spokesperson Ian Cohen, unanimously endorsed the 4 key elements of the Supported Living Fund, namely:
     Providing new money
     Extending the target group to include families not in crisis
     Enabling people with disability to have a home of their own, using a combination of paid and unpaid/informal support Enabling families and people with disability to direct their own support

This signals a fundamental shift in the way support will be provided to people with disability and their families in NSW.

We want to thank all who have supported this campaign. Your personal letters, emails and meetings have brought our aspirations and challenges alive.

A verbal commitment is one thing...implementation is another. We will continue to work with both major parties in the lead up to the state election to bed down the next steps.

Finally, we need to build on the momentum generated by the campaign. For us at Family Advocacy, the priority is moving NSW to a self directed approach so that people with disability and their families have the opportunity and support to direct their own support, whatever the source of funding.

We will be in touch soon!!

Belinda Epstein-Frisch AM
Family Advocacy

PO Box 502 Epping NSW 1710, Suite 305 16-18 Cambridge St Epping 2121

ph: 02 9869 0866, Freecall: 1800 620 588, Fax: 02 9869 0722

web:  

For more information about the Supported Living campaign click http://www.family-advocacy.com/supported-living-fund-for-nsw.html

Follow the campaign on facebook 

Update from the National Disability Insurance Scheme - Victorian State Election

Just a quick note to let you know about some fantastic developments in the campaign for a National Disability Insurance Scheme. Both the Victorian Premier John Brumby and the Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu have affirmed their commitment to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and said they would champion the introduction of the scheme with their Federal colleagues.

Both parties have issued press releases saying they would push the Federal Parliament to act after the Productivity Commission releases its final report in July 2011.

Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said, “We believe a landmark scheme like this would provide more peace-of-mind through an on-going system of support to help Australians with a disability no matter where they live.”

Shadow Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said, “The Coalition will champion significant reform of disability services, providing much greater life-long support for Victorians with a disability and their families and giving them the best chance to fulfil their potential.”

Both the Labor Government and Opposition media releases are attached.

The National Disability and Carer Alliance issued a press release in response – that is also attached.

The announcements are significant because reform on the scale of the National Disability Insurance Scheme will require a high level of cooperation and coordination between the Commonwealth and the states.

While their support is very welcome and necessary, it is also important for state governments not to stand still while waiting for the introduction of a national scheme. There are many things state governments can and should do in the short term to relieve the pressure on people with a disability, their families and carers. We will therefore be watching with interest to see what further announcements each party makes in the lead up to the Victorian state election on November 27.

And finally – a very big thank you to all those who have visited Victorian MPs in the last month – those visits helped raise the profile of the NDIS and sent a strong message about the level of interest and level of support for the scheme in the community. Thank you to those who took the time and made the effort – it is much appreciated.

Once again we are delighted that the NDIS has achieved bipartisan support.

The NDIS Team

Supported Living Fund reported in today’s Sydney Morning Herald

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/support-for-living-would-save-lives-from-despair-20101021-16vxg.html

Keep the issue alive with a Letter to the Editor letters@smh.com.au

Comment on the piece at smhopinion@smh.com.au

SUPPORTED LIVING FUND for NSW

Less than a week to go
Political Candidates Forum 25 October 7.15 for 7.30pm

Do you want a Supported Living Fund for NSW?

Do you live in Sydney?

 We need YOU to be present at the Political Candidates Forum

Peter Primrose, Andrew Constance and Ian Cohen will be there!

We believe the media will be there.

We need YOU there as well!

Date:  Monday 25 October
Time:  7.30 - 9pm
Venue: Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, 117 Ryedale Rd West Ryde.

RSVP belinda@family-advocacy.com

Belinda Epstein-Frisch AM

Family Advocacy

Follow the Supported Living Campaign on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/Supported.Living.Fund

group homes and other congregate supports.

Boy there are some interesting perspectives for Sunnyfield Members in here!! (Chris Howells)


Greetings
There is a new posting at the Purple Orange blog.  It explores the issue of group homes and other congregate supports.
The blog is at http://juliafarrrobbi.blogspot.com/

Robbi Williams

CEO, Julia Farr Group

Julia Farr Association, Julia Farr Housing Association, Julia Farr MS Mcleod Benevolent Fund, National Convenor, In Control Australia

Family Advocacy: Planning for now, tomorrow and the future event follow up

Hello: it was good to meet you at Planning for now, tomorrow and the future.

We hope to see you at future events

As was mentioned on the day, Planning for now, tomorrow and the future is just one workshop run by Family Advocacy.

If you were not previously on our mailing list, your name has been added so that you will now receive information about workshops in your area directly.

Upcoming workshops

Family Advocacy are running a weekend event Shaping the future on October 15-17, 2010. If you are interested in helping achieve positive social change for both your family and more broadly please have a look at the attached flier and note applications to attend need to be returned by the end of this week.

Many of you will be aware of Family Advocacy’s campaign for a Supported Living Fund for the people in NSW. As part of this campaign we are hosting a political candidates forum where the Minister Mr Peter Primrose, Shadow minister Andrew Constance and Greens spokesperson Ian Cohen will be attending. This will be held on Monday October 25 from 7.30pm until 9pm. Please see attached Campaign Update with further details.

Workshop follow up

Jeremy referred to two documents at the workshop that can be located on the Mamre web site. I attach those documents and note the web address of the resources section of the web site.

http://www.pavetheway.org.au/resources/index.php

Legal contacts in NSW

The Intellectual Disability Rights Service may be of assistance. They provide free legal advice and have various publications they can also recommend solicitors with expertise in relevant areas.

Contact details:

http://www.idrs.org.au/

FREECALL 1800 666 611 Email IDRS info@idrs.org.au

There are a range of other organisations that provide free advice including Community Legal Centres. You can access contact details at: 

http://www.nswclc.org.au/clcs.html

On the day of the workshop there was a publication from FaHCSIA  on planning. If you didn’t pick up a copy and would now like one, I note the web address below where this can be accessed.

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/carers/progserv/Pages/SpecialDisabilityTrustsBeneficiary.aspx

Resourcing Families

A new initiative at Family Advocacy- Resourcing Families-  is focused on families in NSW who have a son or daughter who is interested in pursuing ordinary community connections including via self directed and informal supports. The focus is young people with disability but, of course, anyone can access the website and information.

www.resourcingfamilies.org.au

You may be interested in our library

As we also mentioned, we have an excellent resource library called the Inclusion Collection. The library contains books, DVDs and articles. You can visit the library online at www.family-advocacy.com or call Family Advocacy to indicate your information needs. 

Another potential source of information is the Family Advocacy web site. You can search around particular areas of interest and find out about upcoming events and actions.

One example of information that you may find interesting on the web site is a link to an interview with Janet Klees. Janet was recently in Australia and was recorded speaking in Queensland about a range of topics including strategies to build relationships and actions that families can take without funding to work towards the good life. If you are interested, you can go to YouTube to hear Janet:

http://www.youtube.com/CommResourceUnit

I hope that you find this additional information useful. Of course, if there are any issues or questions that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to call us on 02 9869 0866 or 1800 620 588 (free call NSW non metro callers).

If you registered on behalf of another person, I would appreciate you forwarding them this email.

  

Regards

Rick Hansen and Karen Tippett, Advocacy Development and Liaison, Family Advocacy

-------------------- PO Box 502 Epping NSW 1710 --------------------

Suite 305 16-18 Cambridge St Epping 2121

ph: 02 9869 0866  Freecall: 1800 620 588  Fax: 02 9869 0722

e-mail: familyadvocacy@family-advocacy.com

web: www.family-advocacy.com

Minister, Shadow Minister and Greens agree to attend Political Candidates Forum Note change of date to 25 October

News update

Political Candidates Forum has been moved to Monday 25 October at 7.30pm to enable the Minister Peter Primrose, Shadow Minister Andrew Constance and Greens spokesperson Ian Cohen to attend,

You can make an enormous contribution to the campaign by being present on 25 October to demonstrate that the Supported Living Fund is a significant political issue.

Bring your friends!

Venue: Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, 117 Ryedale Road, West Ryde NSW 2114

Time: 7.30-9 pm

RSVP belinda@family-advocacy.com

What else can you do?

Ask your local Member of Parliament to raise the issue with the Minister or Shadow Minister

Before 25 October, it is critical that as many people as possible raise the Supported Living Fund with local MPs to secure bipartisan support.

Let Family Advocacy assist you by emailing Belinda at belinda@family-advocacy.com. Or call (02)9869 0866 OR 1800 620 588

If you are not able to attend the Political Candidates Forum, a meeting with your local MP makes your voice heard.

If you are attending the Political Candidates Forum, a meeting with your local MP demonstrates the strength of your commitment.

Getting started:

1.       Find your electorate http://www.elections.nsw.gov.au/state_government_elections/electoral_districts/electorate_index

2. Find your local MP

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/members.nsf/V3ListCurrentMembers

Together we can make a difference!

What do we want?

The NSW Government to commit to a Supported Living Fund that will enable men and women with disability to establish a home of their own while their family still has capacity to support the transition.

When do we want it?

At the NSW State election, March 2011.

Follow the campaign on facebook  http://www.facebook.com/Supported.Living.Fund

Show you will attend the event

http://www.facebook.com/Supported.Living.Fund#!/event.php?eid=146866512018608&ref=mf

Belinda Epstein-Frisch AM