SeeAbility

Superyachts, 'buzz nights' and thousands of dollars spent at bars: Inside a burgeoning NDIS giant

We are dismayed at the behaviour outlined in this recent article written by the ABC.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-10/is-ndis-provider-putting-growth-above-disability-care/100199988?fbclid=IwAR2At33TB44R-UVUfsWrzet9XEj_mXIatRbsORyAGX8z9OOXJH2pmpG4J1Y
In response - We at SeeAbility welcome anyone seeking care or 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 you can no longer trust - to come and spend the day with us at 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 – we will show you where our priorities lie.
You will never see us yachting or enjoying luxury time on your NDIS dollar. All our time and effort goes into *Care* because we know care from the lived experience level. Our management team have lived experience of loved ones in care, and we know how important it is for you, to know your loved one is cared for and is a *priority*. Yachting on your loved one’s care dollar is NEVER OK in our eyes.
At SeeAbility – you will experience the family like small provider difference.

Superyachts, 'buzz nights' and thousands of dollars spent at bars: Inside a burgeoning NDIS giant Fuelled by NDIS funding, Afford's expansion has been rapid, but some say the safety of the disability charity's clients has been compromised in the chase for growth.

Administrator / Marketing Junior Job in Sydney

Administrator / Marketing Junior Job in Sydney SeeAbility is seeking an enthusiastic Administration / Marketing Assistant to Join our collaborative, fun and supportive team here in Penrith.

Federal budget forecasts NDIS to cost over $30b within three years

Manufacturing an NDIS spending crisis is not something we support as it is damaging to the wellbeing of participants and their families.
The govt need to support their claims.
This is a forecast currently not substantiated or supported by data that can be independently validated and reviewed.
Participants and Families deserve better and they deserve to know the truth about why severe cuts are being made to their plans - we will continue to support transparency and support funding and services that meet the terms Reasonable and Necessary.

Federal budget forecasts NDIS to cost over $30b within three years Disability spending through the NDIS is expected to overtake the cost of Medicare by 2024-25, according to budget estimates that will fuel debate about the scheme's sustainability.

You did this!

New NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds has announced she will pause plans for NDIS compulsory assessments.

The Minister said she will "not be making any decisions in terms of legislation to enact independent assessments until the trial is finished and we’ve had a good opportunity to examine the feedback.”

"Senator Reynolds said the ­assessments…were still being considered but would have to wait until the end of trials and after nationwide consultations."

Thank you! Thousands of people with disability, their families, and supporters have taken action on this - and it IS making a difference.

The fight is not over - but today is a step in the right direction.

👉 Stay in the loop and keep the pressure on https://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/join-every-australian-counts/

👉 The article in The Australian is behind a paywall. We have copied and pasted the text below. If you have a subscription to The Australian you can read it at https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/ndis-revamp-put-on-the-backburner/news-story/896526461391d721c5e5075862863dfd

NDIS revamp put on the back-burner

EXCLUSIVE
STEPHEN LUNN
SOCIAL AFFAIRS EDITOR

New Government Services Minister Linda Reynolds will shelve plans to roll out mandatory ­assessments for those on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, putting on hold efforts to rein in spiralling costs by forcing participants to justify their funding arrangements.

Senator Reynolds said the ­assessments, which the government argues would ensure better resourced participants aren’t unfairly accessing more funding, were still being considered but would have to wait until the end of trials and after nationwide consultations.

“I will not be making any decisions in terms of legislation to enact independent assessments until the trial is finished and we’ve had a good opportunity to examine the feedback,” Senator Reynolds told The Australian on Wednesday, ahead of a meeting of federal and state ministers.

“There has been significant feedback already. And as a new minister, I’ll be consulting around the country with as many stakeholders as I can,” she said.

“Once I’ve received that feedback and the trial has con­cluded and we can assess the feedback of the trial, it is then a matter of making sure we have the best process (for assessment of ­eligibility), one that is fair and equitable and has appeal mechanisms.”

With the NDIS website noting the results of the current pilot trial would be made available “later this year”, the proposed laws may now be off the table for some months.

The government, under former minister Stuart Robert, was working on major changes to the $23bn a year insurance scheme in a bid to rein in escalating costs.

These included removing funding from participants who did not have their funding ­arrangements independently ­assessed, a change expected to be rolled out later this year.

The NDIS gives 430,000 people with various levels of disability access to funding — at levels based on advice submitted by medical specialists — for care.

Mr Robert, now the Employment Minister, said the system was inconsistent and favoured those with the means to submit comprehensive applications backed by numerous health professionals.

Disability advocates are concerned the independent assessments — a standardised three-hour consultation similar to other programs, including the Disability Support Payment — would not cater for individual differences.

They also see them as a ploy by the government to cut entitlements to save money.

Despite the NDIS being half-funded by the states, it is a growing budget headache for the Morrison government.

Documents leaked from the National Disability Insurance Agency show the cost of the scheme, which began in 2013, has grown by 23 per cent annually over the past two years.

Under the funding­ ­arrange­ments, state and territory contributions are capped at a 4 per cent annual increase.

Eligible participant numbers are expected to grow from 430,000 to 530,000 by June 2023.

The leaked documents also reveal the NDIA had quietly established a new taskforce charged with bringing costs under control after an “overrun” in the past two years.

The scheme’s Sustainability Action Taskforce would seek to “slow growth in participant numbers (and) slow growth in spend per participant,” it said.

Opposition NDIS spokesman Bill Shorten said the documents revealed a “secret plan to slash services to Australians with a ­disability”.

“The NDIS is a right, not a ­ration. Yet what we have seen in the past eight years is that the ­Coalition is hell-bent on secretly slashing it at every possible ­opportunity,” Mr Shorten said.

Senator Reynolds said her decision to put the new assessment system and legislation on hold did not change the government’s underlying premise that the NDIS had to be affordable.

“It’s clear to me that the initial actuaries and assumptions that it was established on in terms of numbers and participants and cost of packages was underestimated … and as we’ve developed the scheme … those costs have increased well beyond what we ­initially anticipated,” she said.

“This has never been about denying people the right to enter the scheme or stay in the scheme.

“We have ensured it is fully funded and continue to do so, with increased budgets. But like any organisation, the NDIA and its board has to make sure it continues to improve its governance to make sure it is as fair as we can.”

Senator Reynolds will chair Thursday’s disability reform ministers meeting for the first time after taking on her new role after the recent ministerial reshuffle.

#NDIS #NDISMakeItWork #HandsOffOurNDIS

(Image description: Text reads "NDIS compulsory assessments PAUSED". A speech bubble filled with 32 photos of people with disability, their families, and supporters holding their arms out towards the camera, motioning 'stop'.)

Yes we are still open this week despite the rain and thankfully we are safe from the floods.
👍🏻Stay safe everyone - our thoughts are with those affected by the floods. 🌻

Yes we are still open this week despite the rain and thankfully we are safe from the floods.
👍🏻Stay safe everyone - our thoughts are with those affected by the floods. 🌻

We took our amazing clients on a weekend camping trip and what fun was had by all.
🌞🪵⛺🛶🧳🌜🥾🏉🥏✨

If you are thinking of studying or gaining extra skills in 2021 Blacktown Area Community Centre (BACC) are taking Expressions of Interest for a number of courses to run from various locations around the Blacktown Local Government area.

For more information or to express your interest in a particular course please call, 9626 5312 or email [email protected]

Please do not leave a message via Facebook or Instagram, you must call or email to register your interest.

Breaking news out of the NDIS this afternoon ...

There is a new price guide.

Yes - again. Phew!

This guide updates the prices for more than 300 line items.

These line items are the ones affected by the decision by the Fair Work Commission to increase the wages of some workers in the community and social services sector.

At the beginning of December, these line items will all go up by a small amount - somewhere between 1.5% to 2.7%.

The good news - the NDIA says plans will automatically increase in December to cover the new prices.

It's important to remember that your provider should not start charging the new prices without talking to you first.

The new guide also features something that used to be in the old guides but disappeared for a while - a column showing which providers are eligible to charging for certain things - like travel or non face to face support. Well worth everyone checking out.

👉 You can find the new price guide here - https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing

👉 You can find information for participants about the changes here - https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/managing-your-plan/understanding-price-guide

#NDISMakeItWork

(Image description: A red rectangle with the words "Breaking News" in white capital letters. Underneath the words you can see the Every Australian Counts logo and the words "NDIS: Make It Work)

Disability Accommodation and Community Support Worker/s Penrith Job in Sydney

Disability Accommodation and Community Support Worker/s Penrith Job in Sydney Accommodation & Community Support Workers - Disability Services - Casual positions available

To those of you celebrating today Happy Eid-al-Fitr

Stuart Ayres

🆓📝💻📚A suite of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the State who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic, following an announcement from the NSW Government today.

The 21 short courses include:
– eMarketing for Small Business;
– Engaging Customers Using Social Media;
– Writing and Presentation Skills;
– Computing Skills;
– Team Leader Skill Set; and
– Administration Skills for Team Leaders.

More information, including a full list of courses, is available at https://www.tafensw.edu.au/ or by calling 131 601.

www.legislation.nsw.gov.au

Read through carefully with regards to the gathering and movement of people in public at the moment.
https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/_emergency/Public%20Health%20(COVID-19%20Restrictions%20on%20Gathering%20and%20Movement)%20Order%202020.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1GKnP3iphK6E7Jr_8tXfX-9m_-h-omseEeGCxpcKJFpxjDYKCZaR9iS5s

legislation.nsw.gov.au

[03/13/20]   SEE Foundation has some exciting new directions and services coming soon. WATCH THIS SPACE.
#AutismsupportforWesternSydney #AutismTherapiesNOW #ChildrensSupport

Disability Community Support Worker Job in Sydney

seek.com.au Community Support Workers - Disability - Casual positions available

Great group for finding places to eat and things to do >>> Eat Drink Play Love Western Sydney 😊😊
https://www.facebook.com/groups/555745321667996/

Supports during the holidays NOTICE.
With the Exception of a few essential supports SEE Foundations Day program service will
**close for the Holidays**
We close **3pm Friday 20 December 2019** &
Re-open **9am Monday 20 January 2020**.
If you're interested in Joining SEE Foundations ONE-OF-A-KIND Day Program in 2020 please call us and leave a message on 02 47 211 966 and our intake coordinator will call you back..

Commonwealth Bank Releases Major Warning For ALL Their Customers Over New Scam

kiis1065.com.au An urgent warning has been issued to Commonwealth Bank customers after an email scam hit thousands of inboxes. The scam, which always contains the term ‘CommBank’ was detected last week by anti-virus company Mailguard. The email asks customers to verify recent transactions on their card, however...

New Dating Show Challenges the Myth That Autistic People Aren't Interested in Love

An interesting show for those interested.

themighty.com “I think it’s really bizarre people think people with autism can’t love."

Sensitive Santa photography

Sensitive Santa is back at Penrith Westfield. Bookings can be made through the link. This is an amazing experience with some of our clients already experiencing the Magic that Time, Patience, understanding and Santa can bring.

westfield.com.au Santa is setting aside some time to create a sensory-friendly environment, so that families can have their photo with Santa in a relaxed environment. Book now.

Councillor Lara Symkowiak

Disability groups, please share!
I’m so proud our new fully accessible amenities building is now open at Curry Reserve Water Play Park.

Our vision for this park was that it be a place where everyone, no matter what age or ability, could relax, have fun & feel included in their community.

$970,000 was invested into the new amenities which includes:

• wheelchair-accessible toilet, shower & change facilities with space for two carers to support a person with a disability
• electric adult hoist
• adjustable adult change table;
• large unisex toilets
• large family changerooms
• wet wheelchairs & storage

Also, due to the park’s popularity last season, council has invested an additional $350,000 to provide:

• Extra shade structures;
• Additional picnic shelters;
• Additional seating;
• Additional BBQ facilities;
• Additional pathways; &
• Landscaping including additional trees

For details on how to apply for a MLAK key to access the wet wheelchairs & change room, please visit:
https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/parks-and-recreation/wet-play-wheelchairs-curry-reserve

The Oran Park Splash Park is due to open in January 2020.

NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme

The Choose Art directory is here!

The accessible arts directory is making it easy for people with a disability to find accessible arts programmes, opportunities, and events around the country. 🎨

Check it out here 👉 https://chooseart.com.au/

Choose Art Arts Access Victoria

Lots of plasters delivered for our clients to paint.🖌🎨
Our ever growing Artastic 'Art Enrichment' program is always seeing new additions for the clients to experience. Next is Solid Shampoo making 🤩
To join in our art program contact us on
Phone; 02 4721 1966
Or email; [email protected]

[09/01/19]   Happy Fathers Day
to all the
Dad's, Grandads, StepDads and Carers. And single mums doing it all 😍
You're amazing!

PM moves on NDIS review

Any movement from the top is good movement for all people with disability struggling with the scheme

theaustralian.com.au Scott Morrison has moved to cut red tape and waiting times plaguing the National Disability Insurance Scheme with a new review of the landmark social programs rules.

Disability Community Support Worker morning and evening shifts only Job in Sydney

seek.com.au Community Support Workers - Disability - Casual positions available

[07/15/19]   We’re excited to announce that our Life Skills program has places for new participants! 🎉

We are a NDIS registered provider to all people with disability and are a specialist provider to people with complex and multiple disabilities.

We have a purpose built premise (unlike other programs often run out of unsuitable converted houses) giving participants the opportunity to socialise and learn important life skills in a large, open and purpose built setting.

Contact us for a tour today to secure your placement
Phone: 02 4721 1966

One of Australia's big four banks hit with another sophisticated scam

Be careful everyone as once again there is another email and banking scam!

finance.nine.com.au Customers of one of Australia’s big four banks have once again been targeted by online scammers hoping to s...