October, 2024 No 6
From the Director’s Desk
Hello dear staff and participants.
I have just attended a DSC Provider Viability Summit at the Brisbane Convention Centre. The programme was full and the food was amazing! I managed to get 5 pens including a really cool one with wild hair from Fabic (behavioural specialists) in orange which is my favourite colour. There was a lot of information about politics, policy, people and purpose! We all have an opportunity to make changes at Proactive Support that will result in even better supports for our participants.
Some important birthdays were celebrated recently – there is a rumour going around that one of our staff even celebrated the big SIX OH! (You know who you are!)
I thought you might like this pic of Geoff with a participant at his 40th. It was a triumphant occasion with hugs all around. Five of our support workers attended along with a host of other family, friends and support staff. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible.
The end of the year approaches fast and everyone is so busy doing life, but we are taking the time to hold meetings with all staff to support connection and information sharing. Geoff has also made some visits to have face to face check ins with people about their community access supports so let him know how things are going for you.
You have a great day and we will be in touch soon.
Proactive Adventures
September was a very active month for Proactive Adventures!
The 17th was a beautiful day in Queensland at Australia Zoo with the jaw-snapping action of the Crocodile show!
The 24th was Ten Pin Bowling - fast becoming a favorite activity of choice!
The 26th was Sea Life Aquarium, Sunshine Coast.
Looking forward to hearing about more fun Proactive Adventures coming up!
Upcoming Events
6 Steps to Successful Hand Washing
It’s simple to get the basics right.
The perfect hand-washing process.
Participant Spotlight – Julia
It was a random visit to a chiropractor where Julia received her life-changing diagnosis of DISH. She was providing transport to someone else to attend their appointment, but she asked for x-ray too. The results came back, and it was obvious that Julia had Diffuse Idopathic Skeletal Hypertosis. Since then, chiropractic treatment has assisted in dropping the pain levels dramatically for her however Julia is mainly wheelchair bound and a fall which led to a broken shoulder last year was a bad set back for her. The healing process is not straightforward as because of the DISH all her connecting tendons are calcifying when healing.
Julia has a positive outlook though and describes herself as ‘stubborn’ which is perhaps one reason why she is still alive today. She used to being able to do so much more and has struggled with letting go and letting others care for her. Her psychologist described this as ‘adjustment disorder’ which Julia laughs about – adjusting to other people doing things the way she would NOT do it!
Julia is married to an amazing husband who is burnt out from the heavy load of care. Her NDIS plan is insufficient for her needs and although a request has been lodged for a Change in Situation, nothing has happened. We at Proactive Support have successfully lobbied the local MP, Deb Frecklington to help out. This has resulted in a call from Shayne Newman’s office, and a Parliamentary Mention, but still Julia is waiting. . .
In the meantime, she has a lot to keep her busy. With 4 children and 15 grandchildren there is always someone visiting. One of her favourite activities is playing online games with her grandchildren. She recommends Hay Day and Words with a Friend 2 which she plays with her 19 year old grand-daughter in America. (We will leave you guessing as to who wins 98% of the time)!
When asked what she would change if she could, Julia wishes she was more mobile. As the connecting tendons at the base of her lungs are also affected by DISH she is not able to breathe as well so that is a barrier for her. She also wishes the NDIS were easier to deal with, however despite all the trials and set-backs Julia says when the supports are working it’s great. She hopes she will get a review soon and a brighter future with the supports she needs.
All the best Julia!
Happy Birthday 8 October to Paula Ward, Marketing
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How did the student feel when he learned about electricity? Totally shocked.
Feature Website Resource: Men Care Too
Men Care Too is dedicated to increasing awareness and recognition of the 1.2 million Australian men in unpaid, informal caring roles. These men, including sons, fathers, uncles, and friends, provide care for loved ones with disabilities, mental illness, chronic conditions, or age-related health issues. The organisation encourages men to openly discuss the challenges and rewards of caregiving, helping to reduce isolation and build a visible community of male caregivers.
Focusing on awareness, wellbeing, and engagement, Men Care Too offers resources such as blogs, videos, and weekly email updates. They also promote events and activities aimed at men, encouraging self-care and connection. If you know someone who could benefit from this support, please pass on the information and visit mencaretoo.org.
I couldn't figure out why the baseball kept getting larger. Then it hit me.
What Will NDIS Fund?
3rd October was an important day in the history of The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The newly published ‘in’ and ‘out’ lists attempted to provide some clarity about the specific types of supports that the NDIS can and cannot fund or provide. The jury is out as to whether that clarity was achieved with grey areas and a lot of debate and analysis. There is some wriggle room as there may be situations where participants can apply for ‘replacement supports’. Participants can have this conversation with their Support Co-ordinator if they need to. Read about it here:
NDIS media release about new lists
What is and isn't a NDIS support
Under the law, the NDIS cannot fund or provide supports that:
- Are Illegal
The NDIS will not provide any funding for services or products that are unlawful.
- Replace Income
The NDIS is not designed to provide income replacement, so it will not offer compensation for lost wages or earnings.
- Cause Harm or Pose Risk
Supports that could potentially cause harm to the participant or pose a risk to others will not be funded.
- Are Not Related to the Disability
Supports that do not directly relate to the participant’s disability, or do not help them meet their goals, will not be funded.
- Day-to-Day Living Costs Unrelated to Disability Needs
The NDIS will not cover regular living expenses such as groceries, rent, or utility bills, unless they are directly related to the participant’s disability. These costs include:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Groceries
- Utility bills (e.g., electricity, water, gas, internet)
- Home repairs or maintenance that are unrelated to the disability
- Duplicate Other NDIS Supports
The NDIS will not duplicate support that is already being funded elsewhere, such as other government programs or services. E.g. Education, Health, Housing, Justice etc.
When Living Costs May Be Funded
In some cases, the NDIS can fund living costs if they are directly related to the participant’s disability. This includes situations where:
- The costs are directly caused by the participant’s disability.
- The living costs are tied to other supports in the participant’s plan.
Examples
- Nigel's Specialised Shopping Basket
Nigel uses a wheelchair due to his disability and needs a specialised shopping basket to help him carry items while grocery shopping. While everyone generally pays for grocery bags or baskets, Nigel needs this specific item due to his disability. Because the cost is directly related to his disability support needs, it may be funded by the NDIS.
- Maria's Lunch at Australia Zoo
Maria visits the zoo with her support worker and buys lunch during the trip. Since buying lunch is a regular living cost and not related to her disability, the NDIS will not cover this expense.
- John’s Parking and Toll Costs for Medical Visits
John has cerebral palsy and regularly visits a neurologist at his local hospital. Each time, he has to pay for parking and takes a toll road to get there. Because these costs are directly related to his medical treatment for his disability, the NDIS may fund both the parking fees and the tolls.
By ensuring that funding goes towards supports directly linked to a participant's disability, the NDIS can focus on providing the right assistance to those in need.
Marketing
Hello, Proactive Participants & Staff! Have you checked out our Facebook and Instagram accounts recently? September had some fun activities and great resources posted. Remember to like, follow, and also share with others that you feel could benefit!
Paula Ward
Marketing
communications@proactive-support.com.au
