Assistive Technology

On Thusday 21st July Support by Design hosted an Assistve Technology session for consumers.  Information sharing about the fundamentals of Assistve Technology and was provided by Brisbane base Organisation Life Tec.  Life Tech are all about enabling people of all abilities to actively engage in home, work, school and community life.  Support staff attended with their clients and came away armed with ideas and inspired.

Andrea and Teddy

All Terain Wheelchair - Including Beach Areas

Sean Glenn and Andrea - checking out Assistive Technology Items

 

Paul's New Wheels - Check Out my New Wheels

Everyone gets excited at the prospect of new wheels, shiny duco, comfort, speed and more.  My new wheels mean a lot to me.  They are more comfrtable than the old ones.  They are faster, lighter and more manoeuvrable.  They even have a tray table that I can eat at and sort through my treasures on.  Thie week I got a surprise, all my christmases came at once, my new wheelcahir arrived and was adjusted to suit me.  They mean that I can eat on the tray table that is at a good height.  My support staff like them because the handles are at a good height and they can push me around more easily when we are out and about.  They have made such a difference to my life.

 

Paul M & Chris S

 

 

Curramundi Expo

Emma and Rebecca had a wonderful evening catching up with families and young people in the local community.  Great discussions were had about what students are looking forward to when they finish school, their freams and aspirations.

Check out the wonderful caricatures drawn by Adam on behalf of Support By Design, Smiles all around!!

 

Ben as Supernam            Declan the Singing Detective

 

 Ariana Looking Excellent          Fairy Princess

 

 

 Looking into My Crystal Ball           Meter Maid

 

      Musical Magic                   Princess Caitlin

 

Princess Ashleigh - Makes Star Wars on Baddies

 

Damian's Walk In Noosa National Park

On a beautiful winters day Drew and I went on a walk through Noosa National Parl with out cameras.  We took photos of out journey.  We saw lots of surfers, tourist's and also a koala Bear.  On our walk we went past Teatree and Granite bay on our way to Hells Gates.  We enjoyed the views of the magnificent crystal clear water and the people who were using it.

I also enjoyed saying 'Gday' to people who were walking the track.  We heard lots of nationalities from all around our globe.  On the way back it was hot and tiring but we had an awesome time.

Quick 5 Quiz

We want to learn more about you, so we can send stories and news you actually find useful. Email your answers to the questions below to supportsbydesign@ifys.com.au by 30 September 2016 and one lucky reader will win a funky prize pack!

  1. What are your favourite TV shows?

  2. What's your favourite radio station?

  3. What newspaper/news websites do you go to for information?

  4. What age group do you belong in (select one of the following)

  • 15-24 years

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  • Other

    5. What would you like to see more of in this newsletter?

Services Union NDIS Information Sharing

Friday 5th August 2016.

Hosted at the Rockhampton Support by Design office Jennifer Thomson, 2IC and Chris McJannett, from the Services Union, spoke to a group of 25 people including Disability and Mental Health service providers and front line staff. 

The ASU have committed to pursuing workers rights and lobbying the Government to:

  • increase the NDIS funding to include penalty allowances

  • Quality assurance checks and implementation of minimum qualifications

  • Have ensured the Pay Equity Rates are locked in until 2020, this does not include the Award rate

The ASU acknowledge the learnings from the roll out thus far show that:

  • 2% of unit cost will attribute to training, team meetings and handovers which is minimal when looking at the requirements for daily running of the services, HSQF and licensing needs.

  • There are 4 big players emerging including Woolworths and Virgin Care

  • Operational costs are at 8% when evidence shows so far that average organisational costs are between 12 and 15% and up to 19% in the mental health sector

  • Smaller organisations have chosen to fold as the NDIS business is not profitable for them

  • Organisations with other business can leverage from other programs and org costs, as well as cross subsidise NDIS across programs

Through general discussion and ideas thrown around the room, to increase success in the NDIS world:

  • Develop more efficient operating costs

  • Create more efficient rosters ie staff working across programs of applicable

  • Structuring team meetings and handovers more efficiently

  • Keeping the team connected ie using technology for communication

  • Build relationships with local TAFE and Universities for future recruitment and having a say about training requirements

  • Concerns were raised around the room as to wages, working conditions and training standards for staff moving into the NDIS. There were no clear answers but to start working on building your business more efficiently.

 

Lots-a-Laughs

Contributed by Damian Sorensen

Q: What did the mat say to the floor?

A: Hands up in the air I got you covered!

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