Maria Tafa

As the Lower House prepares to debate and vote on the NDIS Bill, before the remaining submissions to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee are even published, I can’t stop thinking about these parts of our submission. About everything – and everyone – that is really at stake here. That rushing is a recipe for both human and budget disaster, because we cannot achieve a sustainable NDIS if the Government does not listen to us when we say this will not work. That there is still time to show the humility and reflection we talk about in our submission. That lived experience is key to writing the amendments we need to unlock the outcomes the NDIS asked us to dream of. “The fact we are having trouble articulating our insights around the type of co-design we need into a framework that can be digested into a bureaucratic enough form to insert into legislation is part of the problem: This is, first and foremost, an ethics and human rights problem. It is a problem rooted in the Government being unwilling to share power with people with disability, and unwilling to acknowledge both the value of our lived experience and our capacity to take part in the drafting of legislation that impacts the most intimate parts of our daily lives. The Government would rather try to digest their view of how our daily lives should look into bureaucratic rules on their own, than listen to us about how it will impact our daily lives and their bottom line. The irony is that this Bill misses the mark by so much that it will likely cost Australia a great deal more in the coming decades, as a result of unmet needs...” “We believe that, at the heart of this discussion, this is the difference between the current NDIS Act and its intention, and the proposed legislative changes: The Bill that was tabled lacks the humanity of the original social model perspective and the ethical, compassionate approach to co-design that comes naturally to people like Uli who have lived it. And we cannot make the NDIS work without it. Genuine co-design would have found a way to make this perspective part of the fabric of the NDIS, and we cannot move forward without a legislated commitment to doing this most important part of the work... That commitment must begin with recognising the capacity of people with disability to lead this work and do it well, because the Government cannot do it well without us... [This] is what compliance with Article 4(3) of the UNCRPD looks like in practice: Letting people with disability co-design the laws and policies that enable us to be the authors of our own stories and the captains of our own ships.” Bill Shorten Amanda Rishworth Department of Social Services (DSS) Michael Sukkar Office of Senator Jordon Steele-John Public Interest Advocacy Centre Natalie Wade Chris Coombes Darren O'Donovan Rosemary Kayess Helen Dickinson Mitchell Skipsey Sheetal Balakrishnan Naomi Anderson Dr George Taleporos (GAICD, PhD) Sam Paior JP, MAICD

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🚨 🚨 Attention to all my friends i took a big step this week and wrote a submission to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee Regarding concerns to the NDIS bill I have co-authored it with my good friend and fellow advocate, Cat Walker, on the NDIS Bill. 🚨 🚨 Our submission addresses: - The lack of co-design for major changes to the primary legislation according to Article 4(3) of the UNCRPD - Destruction of the golden thread between funding, goals and aspirations for a life worth living on an equal basis with others - Parallels with Robodebt culture in the participant experience and the further risks this Bill imposes - Legislating NDIA accountability to participants - Legislating NDIA, DSS and Government accountability in co-design - Our vision for the co-design commitment we need This submission was made independently of our roles as NDIA Participant Reference Group members. However, in light of the following statement published on the DSS website last night regarding NDIA co-design, we wish to set the record straight: “Since the Government introduced proposed changes to the NDIS Act, the NDIA has been working closely with Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs), our Independent Advisory Council (IAC) and Participant Reference Group (PRG) to improve their approach and confirm the next set of priority topics for co-design.” We do not know who drafted this FAQ, but we do not believe “working closely” with the PRG is a fair or accurate representation of a one hour briefing the day after the Bill was tabled, a two hour Q&A for us to give our feedback on the proposed legislative changes, and a two hour meeting on the NDIA’s already-formed, already-drafted co-design approach and proposed topics. At this meeting, we asked the NDIA to ask us what we can contribute and how much work we can take on, not to assume we are not up to the task. We go much further in our submission: We ask the Government, DSS and the NDIA to “assume that we can” contribute much more, and to invite people with disability to lead these reforms, including drafting of amendments (or indeed, re-drafting) of this Bill.

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Funding for mental health supports is one of the most misunderstood (and frustrating) aspects of NDIS eligibility. Many participants get stuck in a seemingly never ending back and forth between plan managers and mental health services, trying to figure out which agency is responsible for funding the supports they need. There certainly is no easy way to navigate this process. However, having a good understanding of the relevant decision making principles can help things run more smoothly. The 2 main things a participant needs to demonstrate to receive NDIS funding for mental health supports are: 1. The presence of psychosocial disability 2. Substantial functional impairment Evidence of the above is best when provided by a mental health professional. Plus, there are several formal functional assessments the NDIS recommends having completed as part of an application. You can learn more about this topic in our guide to NDIS mental health supports. Please let us know about your experience with the NDIS and mental health in the comments. #NDIS #MentalHealth #Disability

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I understand that some people might support the overall vision of the NDIS review, and because of that, they feel like this particular NDIS Amendment Bill is either net good, mostly good or just plain good. But the Bill is not the review. The review claimed to be about putting people with disability back at the heart of the scheme. It proposed doing away with the 'unhelpful' focus on primary disabilities, and focusing instead on support needs of an eligible population. The Bill however, was drafted by Department of Social Services. Make no mistake, these people are not friends and these people come from an entirely different set of perspectives and principles than the creators of the NDIS. DSS are the people who brought you the Disability Support Payment Impairment Tables, you know the idea that you need 20 points from one impairment to be a CertifiedDisabledTM? DSS' NDIS Bill puts impairments back at the heart of the Scheme. Putting impairments back at the centre of the Scheme means walking away from an inclusion-focused, social-model approach. It means saying, "I don't care how much suffering is being caused because you can't walk, can't get out of bed, don't have the assistive technology you need to go to work, that's not your eligible impairment and it's not my problem." This is not the NDIS anyone fought for. An impairment-driven scheme, where bureaucrats tell us how much of which supports we need for our certified impairments, is not more certainty. I challenge supporters of the bill to consider it against, not the status quo, but against an alternate reform bill. A bill that didn't focus on raising debts against participants, entrenching the concept of an eligible impairment, putting people and supports into 'classes,' and limiting access to creative and mainstream supports. Imagine a bill that started with establishing navigators and foundational supports and cracking down on provider fraud. Think of how different the reaction might be? Think of what a different message that would send. There is always an alternative. If you've convinced yourself there isn't, look again.

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The NDIS continues to be uncertain and turbulent. NDIS Providers are rallying for an increase to the price guide and the reintroduction of complex payments. But in my view, this isn’t the biggest crocodile in the water. It’s quite possibly the baby with the mumma lurking behind. The big croc in my opinion is the current litigation against NDIS Service Providers. This article goes into detail about the untimely and tragic deaths of people with disability whist receiving supports. The focus of this article series is to use publicly available information to look into the actions taken by the service providers and apply it to what is likely common practice. We understand that this is very sensitive and don't want to retraumatise organisations or individuals connected to these cases. At no point do we intend to minimise the loss of these individuals but want to use their tragic story to create positive change for the future. https://lnkd.in/gBpZ3msG

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“Is this restrictive”? This is one of the most frequently asked questions in NDIS behaviour support forums and groups. It’s no wonder, with the ever-changing legislative and compliance requirements regarding the reporting, implementation, and reduction of regulated restrictive practices within the NDIS. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is responsible for the direction and advice to behaviour support practitioners. The reality is that at the moment there is limited capacity for the QSC to provide timely and practical support available, especially for questions that can’t be answered in a general policy or statement of advice. When practitioners don’t have built-in systems of support and supervision, where can they turn to for timely advice around the individual interpretation and application of restrictive practices? #NDIS #BehaviourSupport #Compliance #RestrictivePractices #NDISCommission #Support #PBS

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This is important for anyone who is a participant of NDIS or has children who are. This is the *very short* consultation on the list of what should constitute and NDIS support and what shouldn't. Example: Apple watches not on the list. I suppose the logic is that phones are on the list. However, for someone with Young Onset Parkinson's who lives independently at home, an apple watch can detect a fall and message the closest family member. Paying for a smartwatch to support independence and safety is....well smarter! If anyone would like to discuss anything on the list, please reach out.

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Thanks Brendon Grail for being another voice to call out the disrespect shown to providers working with NDIS funding. The price guide will already have been written, there was an internal NDIA briefing last week. Its absolutely disrespectful to business owners to keep going year on year in this manner. We were online with our fantastic accountant this morning and being unable to set our budgets for the next financial year means that there is limited time to plan, confirm expenses and any purchases. But in saying that, running with no margins doesn't give confidence in the middle of winter to sign off on any new IT or purchases. At least with Medicare and DVA you know that there will be an indexation. With NDIS we are crossing fingers to see NO decrease and "HOPE" after 5 years of frozen pricing for capacity building providers to see a CPI increase at MINIMUM. Let alone a correction for inflation. But also the pricing rules change year on year. How to run groups, bill for travel, changes to km allowances... These change year on year also... And yet the 26th June is here, no release... (presses refresh for the millionth time this week on https://lnkd.in/dBfURvSN)

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By understanding and accommodating the unique working tendencies of neurodivergent team members, we create environments where everyone can thrive. Simple adjustments like flexible schedules or tailored communication methods not only enhance productivity but also foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation. Join us at the Geelong Small Business Festival for our workshop on 'Tapping into the Strengths of Neurodivergence in the Workplace.' Let's champion workplace practices that support all individuals, ensuring everyone feels valued and empowered. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient teams! 💼💡 Here's the link to join https://lnkd.in/g7SqEFBi #NeurodiversityInclusion #InclusiveWorkplaces #SupportNeurodivergence #AccommodateToThrive #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveLeadership #HRBestPractices #WorkplaceAccommodations #EmbraceNeurodiversity #SupportAndEmpower #InnovationThroughDiversity #EqualityAtWork #UnlockingPotential #LinkedInVideo #BusinessSuccess

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Here are some of the reasons why the latest NDIS price rises, falling under rising business costs, will be so hard on the people working in disability services : - The budget will be so tight that no-one will feel like they can make a mistake( that will cost money ). The focus will turn to controlling errors rather than clients’ needs, quality and innovation - At the same time there will be no letting up on the pressure from all sides to remain client-centred , compassionate, and have good corporate governance , especially given the recent Royal Commission - It is likely to push forward or trigger administrative staff cuts leading to a cascade of internal changes - Services such as support coordination may need to be cut, seeing good people leaving the business - As clients budgets tighten, there will be more pressure from them for organisations to deliver more with less - There will be a demoralising effect as the prospect that cuts are going to be an ongoing feature of working under the NDIS model Feel free to comment on any other effects you have seen or believe will be exacerbated. As this happens systematically across the sector, with very few roles or organisations spared from impact, a kind of collective trauma begins to form . The tendency will be to abandon the heavy lifting of improving culture at the time when it is most needed . Culture will be seen as a ‘luxury’ that is too expensive to focus on. Yet this is the time that culture becomes critical, and must move far beyond a compliance, systems base to much deeper conversations of what it means to work with people with disabilities, and to exist in the current milieu.

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*🔍 Important NDIS Workers Screening Check Information!* Are you working in a risk-assessed role with NDIS participants? If so, it’s time to ensure you’re fully compliant with the latest NDIS Workers Screening Check! 🌟 *What is the NDIS Workers Screening Check?* It's a mandatory check that ensures those working with NDIS participants pose no unacceptable risk. Whether you’re a carer, support worker, or key personnel like a CEO or board member, this check is crucial! 🌟 *Why is it important?* - *Safety First:* Protects the well-being of individuals with disabilities. - *Nationwide Validity:* Once cleared, your check is valid for 5 years across all of Australia—no need to reapply if you move states! - *Mandatory Compliance:* A must-have for working in roles with more than incidental contact with NDIS participants. 🌟 *How to Apply?* 1. *NSW:* Apply online, visit a Service NSW center, and get verified by your employer. Fee: $105 (Paid workers). 2. *Victoria:* Create a Service Victoria account, prove your identity, and wait for your clearance. Fee: $131.60 (Paid workers). 3. *Queensland:* Get your CRN, register for an online account, and complete your application. Fee: $147 (Paid workers) #NDIS #NDISWorkersCheck #DisabilitySupport #Compliance #Afea #CarerLife #DisabilityCare #NDISCompliance #SafetyFirst

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Now THAT is a step in the right direction. "Acknowledging" and "valuing" lived experience/peer support are two words often seen in the same sentence. The operative word is actually AND. Yes, you must acknowledge the value of lived experience/peer support, the benefits not only to consumers and their whanau but also to the services/organisations/staff and the peer workers themselves. You must ALSO show that you value lived experience/peer support by resourcing them, providing opportunities for this workforce to be autonomous and self-determining as well as a key voice in decision making. The mistake that is often made is "oh yes of course we acknowledge, and value lived experience" but do you really if you are not properly resourcing peer workers, if you are only 'consulting' lived experience advisors and not co-creating solutions. It is understandable if there is a lack of understanding about how to truly "acknowledge and value" lived experience/peer support - ask any one of us and we would be happy to talk you through it. There are also frameworks, strategic documents and awesome examples like BEING. The perceived barriers to effectively acknowledging and valuing lived experience/peer support can be easily overcome. It is not actually 'time consuming, or costly' rather if done correctly can save a heck tonne of time and money! Brava BEING #valuingLE #ourvoicematters #peersupportforthewin

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You know, in the disability space there is a saying “Not about us, without us”. It speaks to inclusion and consultation at all levels. Yet there continues to be a lack of inclusion and consultation in the NDIS. I’m not talking here about the NDIS review and the new legislation, definitions etc. although yes, those are topical and important issues at the moment. What I am talking about is at the planning level. When the decisions about funding are being made. When the NDIS was started, planners would actually meet with and talk to participants about what they want and need. Now, so often decisions are being made based on reports and policy, by people who never even speak directly to the participants. How can this be happening? One has to question who is making these decisions, what qualifications and experience they have, and what are the guidelines they are basing their decisions on. Because not even talking to the person you are making the decision about is…well, I have no words to even begin to describe what is wrong with that approach.

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NDIS Providers: Are you constantly trying to reach out to Support Coordinators to look for participants to connect with, and wondering why they won't respond? Have you considered your approach and what you are communicating in the way you try to collaborate? Do you want some tips on why your attempts are being rebuffed and what you can do to improve those potential collaborations? I have some pretty valuable insight into what might be going on. Check out my blog here: https://lnkd.in/gEM3bcKN Let me know what you think!

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Access the Budget Summary Document at this link: https://lnkd.in/d_WurwFy Details about "Medicare and the Care Economy" (including NDIS) begins page 42. #psychology #childpsychology #playtherapy #childtherapy #psychologyandplay #psychologyandplaytherapyaustralia

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The new budget is out, and I urge everyone to review it. Can anyone find anything that addresses the significant challenges our industry is facing? I'm struggling to see any meaningful solutions. Instead, it appears more money is being allocated to initiatives that may exacerbate our current problems, further straining an already fragile sector. For example how much money is being spent on campaigns against providers, instead of directly supporting participants? How much has gone towards sending letters to every participant, changing the NDIS homepage to make it all about reporting providers or shutting down the call center down so that T he only way to reach the NDIA now is by making a complaint. Meanwhile, our participants are seeing their funding slashed. Those who need one-on-one support are being reduced to one-on-three, endangering both them and our support professionals. This isn't the right direction for the NDIS. How long will it take before the government takes accountability and listens to the concerns of its constituents, who are pleading for a different approach?

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Here we go 🙄: Draft #NDIS Supports List… It beggars belief that a decade into the scheme, an exhaustive list of what is & is not a fundable support is being proposed/released, when most of what is described in what IS fundable is already explicit in the PAPL (Pricing arrangements & price limits). I beg to differ though, Bill Shorten, that the likes of somatic therapy, yoga therapy, neurofeedback & hypnotherapy are deemed "not value for money/not effective or beneficial" for #psychosocial participants. According to which criteria have you measured their 'ineffectiveness'? This randomized controlled study?: https://lnkd.in/gxy3zD5F Or perhaps this one?: https://lnkd.in/gY873Ysf But then again, NDIS is an individualised support scheme, whereby the effectiveness of supports is measured against the individual's 'progress', with an emphasis on upholding #selfdetermination of those supports through the exercise of individual choice & control, as enshrined in legislation (NDIS Act section 17A (3) (a) and (b). The draft NDIS Support list then goes on to define what is excluded for mental health: Any pharmaceutical Treatment for drug & alcohol dependency, eating disorders, gambling & other addictions. Acute, subacute emergency and outpatient clinical services delivered through public & private hospital mental health services. Supports related to mental health that are clinical in nature, including acute, ambulatory & continuing care, rehabilitation Any residential care where the primary purpose is for inpatient treatment or clinical rehabilitation, or where the services model primarily employs clinical staff The above reiterates how ill-informed the NDIA is to support people with psychosocial challenges & its reductionistic, limited understanding of the complexities & intersectionality of living with such psychosocial challenges. Where is the logic in accepting, for example, a person into the scheme on the basis of a diagnosis of C-PTSD & the functional limitations created by this condition, which excludes behaviours, lifestyles & choices (eg. alcohol/drug dependency, gambling, eating disorders as excluded above) developed as a coping mechanism of said trauma & the functional limitations caused by these coping mechanisms upon which the person is granted access to the scheme?!? Furthermore, the narrative is continued in this list of excluding acute/subacute care for conditions accepted by the scheme that are episodic & fluctuating by nature without addressing the disjoint between NDIA & State-based health systems, & then endless game of passing the buck between the two. "MIND THE GAP", because it's widening & engulfs people at their most vulnerable moments. May I ask, Bill, what co-design measures were in place to create this support list?

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