EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER • SPRING EDITION • OCTOBER 2019

In this edition Introducing ENABLE Plan Management & Support Coordination...... 1 A Note from the Chair...... 2 A Word from Wendy...... 3-4 EBL Strategic Plan...... 4 Carer Advisory Group, Summary and Carer Survey Results...... 5 Introducing ENABLE Plan Management & Support Coordination (continued)...... 6 Introducing Yvette...... 7 Genelle's Grand Final, Victor Harbour Camp...... 8 Welcome Yoshi and Annaleise...... 9 Supported Independent Living and NDIS update...... 10 Marandoo Estate Camp and more!...... 10-11 Introducing ENABLE Plan Update on The Royal Commission...... 11 NDIS Updates...... 12 Management & Support Coordination e are excited to share that we have recently rebranded and launched WENABLE Plan Management & Support Coordination which is a subsidiary of EBL Disability Services. These services sit separately under the new name to ensure they operate as truly independent entities.

To support the ongoing development, we have appointed a new Business Manager, Yvette Elson who has been busy overhauling our processes and systems in order to improve the service. For all the details on this exciting new development, head to pages 6 and 7.

EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 1 A Note from The Chair t’s not so long ago that people with Yesterday, in an atmospheric and Ia disability (physical or intellectual) ancient pub, full of steps, a woman in struggled to access so many a wheelchair arrived with her friend. services that ‘normal’ people take for The staff were there in a flash with granted. Transport was a nightmare. portable ramps, and welcoming Accessing any building with steps, smiles. Then I went to a concert impossible. Going to mainstream over the road – about 500 people, activities such as normal school and including some in wheelchairs, a tertiary education, sport, music and woman dragging a portable oxygen entertainment, unthinkable. cylinder, a blind man on the arm of his partner. Perhaps because I am currently away, out of my normal environment, All of these events and scenes now I am more aware of what’s going so normal. People helping where on around me. When I boarded the necessary, waiting patiently for the plane, there were several people in infirm to make their way – it’s all just wheelchairs who went on first. And in part of life. the airport, little golf buggies whisked I feel grateful to live in a country some of the elderly, or physically and a society that, while still having challenged to wherever they needed flaws and still working towards true to be. accessibility and equality for those When I wandered into a department with disability, has come so far. store a woman and a teenage boy were talking about what they would Sue Chapman be buying – as the parent of a boy Chairperson with autism, I soon recognised that EBL Disability Services the teenager was autistic. But he was coping wonderfully amongst the hustle and bustle - and no-one gave him a second glance.

I went to an art exhibition, which included works by people (old and young) who have suffered strokes, brain injuries and other major neural deficits. They live in care, and every year the gallery exhibits their artworks. Gallery staff talked to us about some of the artists and their backgrounds. Art is a way for them to keep connected with the larger world, and the artists eagerly look forward to the exhibition.

2 EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER A Word from Wendy s we head into the warmer ensure we continue to adapt as the Amonths of spring, it is hard to scheme matures. In this edition, we believe we are drawing closer to share a one page summary of our the end of yet another year. And plan, including the strategic vision, what a year it has been. 2019 has goals and aspirations we have for not been without its challenges. EBL Disability Services over the next From the establishment of the Royal 3 years. Commission into Violence, Abuse, We are also delighted to announce Neglect and Exploitation of People the launch of our new partner with a Disability, something we are service, Enable Plan Management incredibly pleased to see put in place and Support Coordination, which has to ensure those most vulnerable are been established to support people protected, to fully transitioning to the with managing their NDIS budgets NDIS and the challenges it brings. and coordination of supports. This As you may have seen in the service has its own identity and is media, Hon Ronald Sackville AO run separately to EBL to avoid the QC has been appointed as Chair potential for a conflict of interest. of the Royal Commission and will With that in mind, we provide more be supported by six other Royal details in the following pages which Commissioners, these being The Hon highlights the need to do your own Roslyn Atkinson AO, Ms Barbara research into the providers available. Bennett PSM, Dr Rhonda Galbally It’s important that you make an AC, Ms Andrea Mason OAM, Alastair informed decision when it comes to McEwin AM and The Hon John Ryan selecting a provider. AM. We are very happy to see this I would also like to take this established as supporting those opportunity to welcome our newest who are not always able to support recruits to the team including themselves aligns with our values and Enable Plan Management & Support is at the forefront of what we as an Coordination Manager, Yvette organisation strive to achieve each Elson together with Developmental and every day. Educators, Yoshi and Annaleise. We have seen significant growth with You will hear more about Enable transitioning to the NDIS. Navigating from Manager Yvette in the the challenges and supporting pages that follow. Additionally, families through this time has been we share information about Yoshi our focus. While many families have and Annaleise and their wealth been feeling quite anxious about the of experience. We are very excited transition to the NDIS I am feeling to have them on board. Welcome more confident things will begin to Yvette, Yoshi and Annaleise to the settle as we learn more about the EBL community! new scheme. We have developed In this publication, we also share greater understanding, expertise some delightful photos and stories and depth of knowledge that only about people’s adventures. The working through the changes and smiles on their faces constantly adapting along the way can provide. remind us of what we are here to do, In addition to that, we have despite the disruption the NDIS is been working hard to bring our bringing. Strategic Plan to fruition. We have adopted an emergent strategy to (Continued on page 4)

EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 3 A Word from Wendy (continued from page 3) As I reflect on these memories and opportunity to wish you all a the year that was, I acknowledge wonderful Christmas and New that none of this would be possible Year. May this festive time of the without the unwavering support year touch your heart in a special of our staff, volunteer Board of way. Wishing you much happiness Management, Carer Advisory not just today, but throughout the Group and Committees. We are so year ahead. blessed to have such committed and Thank you. dedicated people working together here at EBL. Wendy Warren As this will be our last newsletter Chief Executive until early next year we take this EBL Disability Services

EBL Strategic Plan e have been working hard to bring the EBL Strategy Plan to fruition Wand are proud to share an overview of our strategic vision, goals and aspirations with you here.

Our Strategic Plan can also be found on our website here: ebldisabilityservices.org.au/about-us/

ENABLE Better Lifestyles 2019 – 2022

OUR STRATEGIC PLAN

Strategic Vision Our passion is to support people with complex and multiple disabilities to live fulfilled lives. We will do this through promoting each person’s right to inclusion, independence and respect. Our success is measured by satisfied people who are supported to make informed choices about their life.

Strategic Goals Embrace the NDIS through Ebl is an acknowledged Participants are our focus Improve through innovation Collaboration & partnering engagement leader

Aspirations We will: We will: We will: We will: We will: • commit to changing the • create an inclusive • actively listen to our • inspire optimism, • embrace partnerships, way we do things to align leadership culture participants so that we creativity, and growth at many levels with the NDIS truly understand their • invest in our workforce needs • build a culture of • create an environment • create an environment and leaders experimentation of shared understanding where everyone does • provide participants without fear their best work • deliver on our promises with what they want • reward creative, by tirelessly pursuing the and need • invest in our future team-oriented thinking • keep communicating, best outcomes for people through the use of good and bad with disabilities • ensure participants new technology and • create a culture of are fully aware of their innovative thinking feedback and • focus on delivering • ensure decisions are rights transparent solutions to suit the new well informed and • ensure our systems communication so that environment people understand their • provide positive impact, are “future-proofed” we continue to improve accountability and quality services to all such that we invest in • be responsible for participants or refer on technology to support • value our employees to defining our course of • build an organisation that our work ensure they are happy action is stronger tomorrow • ensure we are trained to and high performing than it is today provide the highest level of participant service

eblds.org.au

4 EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER EBL Carer Advisory Group hat a bumper newsletter care and I am so grateful to the Wyou received last month. people who kept striving to keep this It is always good to hear from the service afloat. There have been many different services EBL provide and changes to EBL since then with many House Manager, Sarah, from Wallaroo additional services, new CEO, and the gave us an overview of what they challenges of the NDIS. have achieved in their first year. We I would like to thank the parents were privileged to have two parents who returned the annual survey. of the Wallaroo clients attend our We had a drop of about 12% on the last Carers morning tea. I hope they numbers received from last year. enjoyed the morning and will join us Parent’s and EBL have had to face again. new challenges since the introduction My reference to Marg Walshe in the of the NDIS and this was reflected last newsletter and her involvement in some of the surveys. Therefore, in the Ron Clark Disco’s was, I if you have an issue with any of the think, the same Marg Walshe who services you use and feel you want was involved in the establishment help to address the problem please of Elizabeth Bowey Lodge. I had contact the Carer Advisory Group heard accounts of the history of and we are happy to assist you. In a Our vision is to EBL previously but not as detailed few surveys, clients ticked a box and as in our last newsletter. I remember were wanting assistance with a Plan passionately support hearing of their struggle and parents review, Plan Management or Support individuals and their pleas about the need for the service Co-ordination. As the surveys are to remain open over a talk-back anonymous EBL will need you to “families to lead radio program. Our daughter was contact the office on82521000 to 4 at the time and had just started receive help. fulfilled lives. attending the Kent Town pre-school. She has just turned 37 and has been Dawn Brodie in supported accommodation for Convenor ” 18 months with EBL providing her EBL Carer Advisory Group 2019 Carer Survey Following is a brief summary of the 2019 Carer Survey. A full report will be included in the AGM report.

Respondents from EBL services EBL are always open to suggestions Accommodation...... 41% and those received in the survey’s will be forwarded to the appropriate Respite...... 29% EBL or ENABLE staff in either Day Options...... 11% Day Options, Respite, Support Combination of Services ...... 18% Coordination or Plan Management. How helpful are EBL staff when If you wish to contact the Carers accessing EBL services? Advisory Group please phone 0411433976. Very helpful or helpful...... 85% Helpful suggestions...... 15% Comfortable to make a complaint ...... 86%

EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 5 result of the support many achieved the NDIS funding for services they were hoping. But now much of the informal support provided by EBL has been replaced with formal NDIS supports such as financial plan management, support coordination, local area coordination and advocacy services.

Furthermore, the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission now provides clear instructions about how service providers must manage the potential conflict of interest when providing financial plan management and support coordination services to existing EBL participants and families. Essentially, this is about protecting Introducing ENABLE your rights to choice and control. For instance, NDIS deems it a Plan Management & Support conflict of interest for EBL to provide financial plan management & support Coordination coordination to existing participants y way of history, back in 2017 who are receiving EBL services such EBL established one of the B as: first financial Plan Management & Support Coordination services in the • supported independent living, northern suburbs. At the time these • respite, were new services for the disability • day options, sector and certainly outside our • social & community participation area of expertise. Nonetheless, to So, it is important to understand your best support new NDIS entrants we right to explore other providers if set up these services in response to you are already connected to one the growing demand. Initially, our of the EBL services listed above financial plan management & support before choosing us. Only when you coordination team was very small. have explored the other options and However, in recent times this has cannot find a suitable service will we changed considerably and we now discuss the opportunity to sign up employ 14 new people across these with EBL. two services. Signing up for financial plan For the past two years, we have management or support coordination invested considerable time and (or both) involves attending an effort into supporting and preparing initial meeting to discuss your rights participants, carers and employees and the terms and conditions of for the NDIS new way of working. your Individual Service Agreement. It’s fair to say that it’s been a huge If you choose EBL we will ask challenge. However, after years of you to sign a conflict of interest preparation we have transitioned all form before entering into any of the existing participants to the arrangement to provide these new scheme. Because of this work services. Our preference is that you many people supported by EBL were always consider other financial plan well prepared leading up to their first managers and support coordinators NDIS planning meeting. And, as a first.

6 EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER Our primary goal is to establish a truly independent, ethical and ENABLE Plan Management personalised service. In order to achieve this, we are excited to share & Support Coordination that we have recently rebranded elcome to Enable Plan Management. My name is Yvette Elson. I am our new services as ENABLE Plan Wthe Business Manager and have been with Enable for 3 months. A lot Management & Support Coordination has happened within this period and I’m excited to share our journey thus far! which has been established as a subsidiary of EBL Disability Services. We have employed four new NDIS Plan Administrators and we are excited to Both services sit separately under the officially turn on the service. We have a new logo, office, marketing strategy new name to ensure they operate as and have been working extremely hard on our processes and implementing truly independent and ethical entities. all the Careview developments as they are put into effect. In August, we had a positive meeting with Devon Hamon, Careview Founder. We discussed all To support the ongoing development things Careview and had an exciting demonstration with EzeScan. Careview, of these services we have appointed in collaboration with EzeScan, will embed their software into Careview and a new Business Manager, Yvette it will be the vehicle used to deliver hardcopy documents and electronic file Elson who has been busy overhauling capture, conversion, processing and routing directly to Careview. This is an our processes and systems in order exciting collaboration and we look forward to trialing the new software early to improve the service we offer. next year. Unfortunately, this re-engineering work created quite a disruption Individual Service Agreements have been updated so that once a participant to our regular business and we engages the services of Enable Plan Management they don’t need to keep experienced some teething problems renewing per plan, it is an ongoing arrangement. The participant still has the which in turn extended waiting times right to leave at any time. We are, however, still working on the consent to temporarily. Understandably, some share information within EBL which is a really important piece of work within of our participants and their families the NDIS framework. felt let down. We apologise for the In the coming months, we will also inconvenience this disruption caused. be having information sessions We thank those who persisted regarding Plan Management and stayed with us through this and the Careview App. This will challenging period. We are happy be a great opportunity for all to report that all available indicators clients to engage with the Plan are looking good and we are now Management team and ask delivering a more professional and any and all questions you have responsive service. You will hear surrounding your plan and the an update from Yvette later in this Careview App. We look forward edition highlighting a number of to seeing you all there! Stay positive changes. tuned for dates… Wendy Warren Yvette Elson Chief Executive Business Manager

We partner and advocate for our community to overcome challenges to fulfill aspirations and provide “peace of mind

” EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 7 Genelle's Grand Final n Saturday I played in the C6 division Grand Final at Mile End Stadium. OI play for Central Districts and we played Semaphore 1. My team won our Elimination final and then the Preliminary final to make the Grand Final.

Unfortunately, we had 2 players unavailable for the Grand Final so we had 8 players. I played WD and I played really good. The score was Semaphore 66 to Centrals 14. Our team tried very hard and our coach, Sam, said she was proud of us because we all tried hard and had fun.

Mum in law, Dad in law, Jane, Rodney, Millie, Eliza and Eva came to watch and Lyndell and Tauri came to watch as well.

After the game, we went to the medal presentation and our team got runner up medals.

Saturday night I went to the Grand Central for Gala night and I got another medal and a voucher for Sports Power. I sat with the girls in my team and I had a good time.

Kind regards, Genelle

Victor Harbor Camp (Haybourough) e were fortunate that the rain held off for us to enjoy some time at WUrimbirra Wildlife Park on Saturday. We all had a fantastic time there as the photos show.

On Saturday night, we dined out at the McCracken Golf Club restaurant. The staff there were amazing, we were treated like Royals!

On Sunday, we visited the Fruchoc Factory where we all got the opportunity to taste test some yummy chocolates as well as purchase some for ourselves and loved ones.

A great time was had by all!

8 EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER Welcome our newest Developmental Educators, Yoshi and Annaleise!

A Note from Yoshi had been working at Harrow House, which is one of the Supported IIndependent Living within EBL Disability Services, for 8 years until I started working as a Support Coordinator/ Developmental Educator last month. While working there I have undertaken various roles, including Disability Support Worker, Assistant House Manager, Acting House Manager and completed my Bachelor in Disability and Developmental Education.

As I come from a non-English speaking background, I can totally understand how confused and frustrated people who don’t understand the NDIS terminology. I believe that one of my critical roles as a Support Coordinator is to untangle people’s confusion and enable them to focus on their or the goals and aspirations of people they support. I’m looking forward to working with you.

Yoshi Here’s a picture of Yoshi and his beautiful twins that made it into The Advertiser at the recent City to Bay fun run. Well Done Yoshi!

A Note from Annaleise have been working at EBL for just over a month now, as a support Icoordinator. Over the past four years I have been working with children under the guardianship of the minister as a support worker. Working with children from birth to eighteen. Majority of my experience is within behaviour management, and daily living supports. During this time, I worked within childcare centres as an educator whilst completing a bachelor in primary education and disability studies. I have had limited experience within mainstream and special education. This experience helped me to realise that I wanted to do more and help participants within the community. Therefore, I have been undertaking more training and development to practice as a developmental educator and a support coordinator.

I have a passion for understanding human behaviour, the human mind and how it functions, as well as behaviour management. To do so I am currently undertaking a bachelor of psychological studies (graduate entry). I hope to have this degree completed by the end of 2020 and to use the skills and knowledge developed within my current role at EBL. I have always had a passion for helping others and working within the disability sector. In my spare time participate within yoga classes which heavily focus on the principle of yin and yang, as well as mindfulness. This is extremely helpful within stressful situations to remain calm and to keep a healthy work/ home life balance. Annaleise

EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 9 Supported Independent Living and NDIS update have been in the Finance Manager position for 5 months now and am Iextremely privileged and thankful to the board and Wendy to have considered me and provided me with this opportunity to serve EBL.

I am proud to announce that 100% of EBL clients are now NDIS funded including all supported independent living, short-term accommodation and learning and lifestyle clients.

NDIS transition has been a challenging time for both the families as well as EBL in understanding how the hours of support work around the funding received. We have dealt with challenges internally in monitoring client funding to maximise their supports and utilisation of plans. We are trying innovative ideas to enhance and improve this, so clients can utilise their funding to the max.

We are making sure we have adequate lead times between NDIS plan renewals. We are encouraging input from all parties involved to ensure complete and smooth transition between plans. We are more than ever aware of confidentiality and privacy matters regarding our clients.

We encourage parents and families to start a dialogue with EBL so we are aware and can assist you to the best of our abilities and share our knowledge of the ever changing industry within which we strive to achieve the best results for our clients.

Looking forward to working with you all!

Nidhi Gupta Finance Manager

Marandoo Estate Camp and more! Ladies camp was held at Marandoo Estate (Longhorne creek), the ladies went to Monarto Zoo on the Saturday and Royal Adelaide Show on the Sunday.

All girls had a wonderful time.

Rikki had a great time at the Adelaide Royal Show this year!

10 EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER Update on The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Yianni went to the Disability Royal Adelaide Show on the 31/08/19. he Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of TPeople with Disability was established on 4 April 2019 by the Governor- General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retired).

The Hon Ronald Sackville AO QC has been appointed as Chair of the Royal Commission. Mr Sackville will be supported by six other Royal Commissioners:

• The Hon Roslyn Atkinson AO

• Ms Barbara Bennett PSM

• Dr Rhonda Galbally AC

• Ms Andrea Mason OAM

• Alastair McEwin AM

• The Hon John Ryan AM

The Governor-General issued Letters Patent which formally appoint the Royal Commissioners and outline the Terms of Reference for this inquiry.

The Commissioners are required to provide an interim report no later than 30 October 2020, and a final report by no later than 29 April 2022.

Happy birthday to Giovanni. We hope you enjoyed your special day Gio!!

Happy Birthday Narelle! We hope you had an Amy enjoyed her amazing day! recent holiday to Dreamworld!

EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 11 2019 review of the NDIS Act and the new NDIS Participant Service Guarantee The Australian Government has promised to develop an NDIS Participant Service Guarantee to support positive participant experiences with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The Guarantee will set new standards Mr Tune is expected to hand down October 2019. You can register for for the time it takes for key steps in recommendations to the Government a workshop through the Engage the NDIS process. This means there by the end of 2019, to support the website. will be shorter, agreed timeframes rollout of the Guarantee on 1 July These resources will be updated for people to receive a decision on 2020. through September to include whether they will be covered by the Have your say Easy Read and Auslan supports, NDIS, for them to get an NDIS plan The Guarantee will be developed as well versions for culturally and to have their plan reviewed. A in close consultation with people and linguistically diverse peoples particular focus will be on children with disability and their families, with disability. Where possible, and those participants needing carers and supporters, as well as the Department is testing these specialist disability accommodation the disability services sector, the resources with people with disability and assistive technology. NDIA and Commonwealth, state and to ensure accessibility ahead of their The new Guarantee will be in place territory governments. release on this DSS Engage website. from 1 July 2020. The Government is inviting the public If you have any questions about the Review of the NDIS Act to have their say about what could consultation, please email: To develop the Guarantee, the be improved in the NDIS process [email protected] Government has commissioned a and what should be included in Consultations will close at the end of review of the NDIS laws and rules the Guarantee. This will ensure the October 2019. that will focus on opportunities to Guarantee captures what matters make the NDIS process simpler and most to people with disability. Source: https://www.dss.gov.au/ more straight forward, and remove You can have your say by: disability-and-carers-programs- barriers to positive participant and services-for-people-with-disability- provider experiences with the NDIS. • Completing an online survey on national-disability-insurance- the Engage website, found here: The review will consider what scheme/2019-review-of-the-ndis- bit.ly/EngageWebsite. The survey changes may need to be made act-and-the-new-ndis-participant- will ask about your experiences to the NDIS legislation to support service-guarantee with the NDIS process and your the Guarantee and set new thoughts on what could improve. Engage website: https://engage.dss. standards into law. This may involve Your answers will be anonymous. gov.au/review-of-the-ndis-act-and- amendments to the National The online survey will be open the-new-ndis-participant-service- Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 from 9 September. This will include guarantee/ (the NDIS Act) and the NDIS Rules, a variety of accessible formats to but will not change the design or support people with disabilities. intent of the NDIS. • Writing in with a submission. The Government has appointed an We recommend you read the Contact details independent expert, Mr David Tune review’s discussion paper, which t (08) 8252 1000 AO PSM, to lead the review. Mr includes with some key questions f (08) 8255 1066 Tune has significant experience in and prompts, to help with your w ebldisabilityservices.org.au public administration and reviewing submission. For our email and e [email protected] important policy. He is the former postal address, see the Engage Secretary of the Commonwealth EBL Disability Services website. Department of Finance who retired Endeavour House, Module 5, from the Australian Public Service • Participating in a face-to-face 11 – 15 Fourth Avenue, in 2014, before leading reviews into workshop. These will be held in Mawson Lakes SA 5095 Parliamentary entitlements and every state and territory around changes to the aged care system Australia between September and

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