QDN e-News Update - 24 April 2024

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Welcome back to another edition of the QDN e-News. 

QDN member experiences with taxis 

We strongly encourage QDN members who have had any experiences with being charged incorrectly by taxis, refused service, or have had your TSS cards or cab charge refused to share their stories. The QDN policy team is collecting data to provide feedback to the taxi companies.

Please call or email the QDN policy team on 1300 363 783 or qdn@qdn.org.au if you have a story you would like to share.

 

QBloggers

QBloggers is a member-driven blogging community where our members are creating by discussing the topics that matter to people with disability. Becoming a QBlogger is a chance to grow and learn from one another's experiences and expertise and help generate ideas for future policy and advocacy work. This is also your chance to get creative in expressing what really matters to you.

You can create a blog by filming a video, recording a podcast, or writing a post, with the QDN communications team available to support you if you need.

The QBloggers community currently meets once a month on a Friday 3:00pm – 4:00pm. If you would like to be part of the QBloggers community or have any questions, please email Communications Officer Melia McCarthy mmcarthy@qdn.org.au or call QDN on 1300 363 783.

You can have a look at some of the QBlogger post here QBloggers - Queenslanders With Disability Network (qdn.org.au)

 

Local Area Needs Assessment (LANA) Survey

Metro North Health and Brisbane North Primary Health Network (PHN) are jointly developing a Local Area Needs Assessment (LANA) for the Brisbane North community. Metro North Health and Brisbane North PHN would like to invite community partners and local health agencies to complete an online survey. The purpose of the survey is to engage with local community partners and agencies to gain their respective insights of the health and service needs of the Brisbane North community. Feedback and responses to the survey will be used to inform the development of the Metro North LANA.

Please take some time to complete the Community Partner survey by following this link or following the link in the signature: https://myvoice.brisbanenorthphn.org.au/local-area-needs-assessment-lana-2024.

The survey will be open until Sunday 28 April.

 

HomeNow campaign

HomeNow is a new promotional campaign encouraging people to consider a career in Queensland's housing and homelessness sector.

Led by Homelessness Queensland and Q Shelter, HomeNow seeks to attract people in key target markets including

  • Young people studying community services,
  • Those working in other community services other than housing and homelessness,
  • Parents returning to work,
  • People with a lived experience of housing need and/or homelessness.

You can add your voice to help tell the sector's story and encourage more people to take up a career in housing and homelessness support.

Tell your story here: http://tiny.cc/usjnxz

Learn more about the campaign here: https://www.homenow.org.au

 

Help Queensland Health plan for the future of cancer care - consultation survey

Queensland Health is developing a Queensland Cancer Strategy to advance equitable, evidenced-based and innovative cancer services. The 10-year Strategy will build on work that’s already happening at the local, state and national levels.

Queensland Health is seeking your ideas about solutions for improving cancer services across Queensland. This short survey will take about 10 minutes.

Take the survey here: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/strategic-direction/plans/queensland-cancer-strategy

 

Policy update 

Policy Update, there is a image of a tick in a box with an arrow coming out the side of the box and circling around back to point at the box.

Information about the NDIS Amendment Bill – consultations open

QDN has put together some information for our members on the QDN website about the new NDIS bill, called the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024.

Key points

  • On 27 March 2024 new NDIS legislation was introduced to Parliament.
  • The bill proposes significant policy reform which will impact NDIS participants.
  • This legislation is based on the recommendations from the NDIS Review.
  • There will be consultation and co-design with the disability community and it will be important that QDN members have the opportunity to be involved and have their say.

The bill proposes significant policy reform which will impact current and future NDIS participants.

The NDIS bill has been referred to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry; submissions are due on 17 May 2024. QDN is writing a submission to this inquiry which is being informed by member feedback and voices.

Anyone can make a submission; we encourage QDN members to have their say.

  • Information about the inquiry can be found here.
  • Information about how to make a submission can be found here.
  • Information about making a submission, written in Easy English can be found here.

We have put together information for QDN members including a link to the process for making a submission here: https://qdn.org.au/getting-the-ndis-back-on-track-bill-information-for-qdn-members/

 

Fees and charges reform for key services – have your say

Queensland Public Trustee is proposing to reform its fees and charges for financial management, deceased estates, and trust administration. To inform public discussion and feedback, the Queensland Public Trustee public consultation paper provides detailed fee reform options for key services. The paper also includes discussion about fee rebates and the free Will-making service and welcomes feedback for future consideration.

The consultation paper is now available for review and comment. You can provide feedback by answering the questions in the consultation paper and sending a written submission.

We encourage QDN members to contact the policy team at qdn@qdn.org.au or 1300 363 783 if you would like to contribute to QDN's submission.

Public consultation has been extended and will now close on Wednesday 8 May 2024.  For more information or to read the consultation paper: https://www.pt.qld.gov.au/about/fees-and-charges/fees-and-charges-reform-for-key-services-public-consultation/

 

National Autism Strategy consultation now open

The National Autism Strategy has been released for consultation. The strategy will relate to areas of Commonwealth responsibility to improve life outcomes for autistic people. Feedback from the community on issues relating to states and territories will be shared with state and territory governments.

The draft strategy includes a vision, guiding principles, outcome areas and commitments. These are the main areas the government is seeking feedback on.

Read the strategy here: https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2024-04/apo-nid326221.pdf

Read the Easy Read version here: https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2024-04/apo-nid326221_0.pdf

The consultation period ends on 31 May 2024.

Take the survey here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/developing-the-national-autism-strategy/draft-national-autism-strategy-survey/#gf_243

 

NDIA Participant Employment Strategy 2024-2026

The NDIA has released the Participant Employment Strategy 2024-2026 to help participants find and keep jobs. The Strategy builds on what the NDIA has learned so far and includes new actions to help more participants find and keep a job.

For more information and to read the Participant Employment Strategy visit the NDIA website.

 

Delay in the introduction of new Aged Care Act

On 3 April 2024 the Minister for aged Care, Anika Wells, released a statement regarding the new Aged Care Act. The Government is considering extensive feedback received about the new Act to refine the draft legislation before it is introduced to Parliament.

The commencement date of the legislation will be shared publicly before the bill is introduced to Parliament.

Read more here: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-anika-wells-mp/media/minister-for-aged-care-statement-3-april-2024

What's on

Peer Support Groups

  • Friday 26 April - Brisbane Hot Topics PSG, 9:00am - 12:00pm, QDN Office 338 Turbot Street, Spring Hill and online via Zoom
  • Friday 26 April - LGBTQIA+ PSG, 4:30pm - 6:30pm, via Zoom
  • Saturday 27 April - Caboolture PSG, 11:00am - 1:00pm, Caboolture Sports Club, 19-27 Station Rd, Morayfield QLD 4506
  • Monday 29 April - QDNY PSG, 4:00pm - 5:30pm, via Zoom
  • Wednesday 1 May - MAC Group for over 65s, 11:30am - 12:30pm, via Zoom
  • Friday 3 May - Gympie PSG, 9:30am - 11:30am, Gunabul Homestead, 9 Power Road, Southside QLD, Gympie
  • Friday 3 May - Gold Coast Hot Topics PSG, 10:30am - 12:30pm, Southport Community Centre, 6 Lawson Street, Southport QLD 4215
  • Friday 10 May - Gold Coast PSG, 10:30am - 12:30pm, Nerang Library, Corner of White and, Price St, Nerang QLD 4211
  • Monday 13 May - S.T.U.D.I.E PSG, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, via Zoom
  • Wednesday 15 May - Deception Bay PSG, 10:30am - 12:30pm, Deception Bay Darts Club, 32 Bayview Terrace, Deception Bay
  • Wednesday 15 May - Brisbane PSG, 10:30am - 12:00pm, QDN Office 338 Turbot Street, Spring Hill and online via Zoom
  • Thursday 16 May- Gladstone PSG, 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Gladstone City Library – 39 Goondoon St, Gladstone Central QLD 4680
  • Friday 17 May - Tablelands PSG, 10:30am - 2:30pm, Mareeba Library, 43 Anzac Ave, Mareeba QLD 4880
  • Friday 17 May - Parenting PSG, 11:00am - 1:00pm, QDN Office 338 Turbot Street, Spring Hill and online via Zoom
  • Friday 17 May - Cairns Yarning Circle, 12:30pm - 2:00pm, MaraWay Community Hub, 86 Anderson St, Manunda QLD 4870
  • Saturday 18 May - Ipswich PSG, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Table 31, Club Services Ipswich (CSI), 5 Lowry Street, North Ipswich QLD 4305 and online via Zoom

Call QDN on 1300 363 783 or email peersupport@qdn.org.au to find out more about these meetings.

 

 

Get Ready and Plan Ahead Workshops taking place around Queensland

The best way to stay safe and well during a severe storm, flood, bushfire or other emergency, is to have your own plan for your health and safety needs.

These FREE workshops are to support people with disability learn how to plan for their support needs in emergencies.

These workshops are presented by people with disability, for people with disability.

What will you learn?

  • How to use the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness tool to identify your strengths and support needs in emergency planning.
  • Your local hazards and risks, such as storms, bushfires, power outages etc.
  • The role of the local council, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, and State Emergency Services in an emergency or disaster.
  • Where to find important information in an emergency or disaster through the Council Dashboard.
  • The important items to have in an emergency kit.

 

Where are the workshops happening?

Brisbane North

Get Ready, Plan ahead Workshop – Brisbane North, Lutwyche

It is important to attend both Part A and B.

Part A: Thursday 16 May, 10:00am – 1:00pm

Part B: Thursday 30 May, 10:00am – 1:00pm

Location: Carers QLD, Market Central Lutwyche Shopping Centre, Level 1, 543 Lutwyche Road, Lutwyche.

Click here to register. 

 

Get Ready, Plan Ahead Workshops – Sunshine Coast  

Maroochydore 

Learn how to plan for your health and safety in emergencies such as severe storms, floods, bushfires, and heatwaves.  

It is important to go to both Part A and Part B. 

Part A: Tuesday, 14 of May, 10am-1pm 

Part B: Tuesday, 28 of May, 10am-1pm 

Location: Millwell Road Community Centre, 11 Millwell Rd, Maroochydore. 

Click here to register. 

 

Beerwah

Learn how to plan for your health and safety in emergencies such as severe storms, floods, bushfires, and heatwaves.

It is important to go to both Part A and Part B.

Part A: Thursday, 9 of May, 10am-1pm

Part B: Thursday, 23 of May, 10am-1pm

Location: Beerwah Community Hall, 25 Peachester Road, Beerwah.

Click here to register.

 

Get Disaster Smart - Workshop 1

Tuesday 30 April 4:00pm - 5:00pm via Zoom.

Get online and get ready to respond in emergencies. 

Get Disaster Smart will help you learn more about how to use emergency information online. Learn tips on using websites and apps to prepare for and respond to emergencies such as storms, floods, bushfires, and heatwaves.   

You can choose which workshops to attend.

Guest presenters include Brisbane City Council, Queensland Fire & Emergency Services, and the Bureau of Meteorology. Join us via Zoom. 

For more information and to register click here.

 

Workshops coming soon

North Queensland - Burdekin workshop coming soon.

Moreton Bay area - Deception Bay workshop coming.

 

QDN Membership  

If you or someone you know would like to be a QDN member apply here:  https://qdn.org.au/membership/qdn-member-application/  

From Our Allies

UQ Codesign Projects

Supporting partners experiencing a traumatic pregnancy and childbirth: Towards holistic care

If you have a lived experience of being a partner to a person experiencing traumatic pregnancy and childbirth, you are invited to participate in this research project. You do not need specific knowledge about the health system, co-design, or research methods. This study aims to develop consumer co-designed resources for healthcare providers to support partners who have experienced traumatic pregnancy and/or birth - noting that even ‘normal’ births may be experienced as difficult and traumatic for some.

The UQ team need people who know what this experience is like to help them co-design the right resources. This project involves face to face workshops in North Brisbane in April, May and June 2024. Consumers will be paid for their time.

For more information follow the link here: Supporting partners experiencing a traumatic pregnancy and childbirth: Towards holistic care - Medical School - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

 

Codesigning Health Professional Student Training for Handling People

The University of Queensland is calling for expressions of interest in their project that is centred around Codesigning Health Professional Student Training for Handling People.

The purpose of this project is to improve the way occupational therapy students are trained to physically handle clients. UQ want to hear from people with lived experience about what kind of things they should include. Key aims of the project are to:

  • Develop ways of working with people with lived experience in student education
  • Understand the needs and experiences of people who require physical assistance to manage their daily activities
  • Decide as a group which issues are priorities for training, and how we might best address these in educating students about handling people
  • Develop resources to support student learning

UQ are looking for people with lived experience of being physically handled to complete their daily activities. This may mean people who need some physical help to achieve a good working posture or to move around, or it may mean people who use equipment such as a hoist for transfers. They would also like also to hear from carers who provide this kind of physical assistance.

UQ would need you to be available for one of our researchers to speak with you for about one hour, with the possibility of another one- or two-hour session later in the project (between 2-6 weeks after the initial interview).

Consumers will be provided with a $50 gift card per interview to recognise their time, and to cover any costs associated with participating in this project.

If you are interested in taking part in this project, please reply to Lisa Gardener (lisa.gardener@uq.edu.au) with any questions, or to set up a time to chat on the phone.

Alternatively, you can contact either Freyr Patterson (f.patterson@uq.edu.au) or Jackie Liddle (j.liddle@uq.edu.au) who are also occupational therapists and co-researchers for this project.

Empowering Inclusivity at 4ZZZFM: Fostering Community Connection!

4ZZZFM is situated in the heart of Fortitude Valley at Barry Parade. Queensland’s longest-running FM radio station has been a steadfast provider of alternative music, news, and culture since its inauguration in 1975. As a not-for-profit community broadcaster, it boasts a rich history of amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

Last year, the radio secured funding to enhance support for people living with disabilities who are eager to volunteer at 4ZZZFM. Salty Otton, Volunteer Coordinator at 4ZZZFM, is reaching out to organizations interested in bringing along their community members. For Salty Otton, someone affected by a disability, this cause is exceptionally close to her heart.

Despite the building presenting accessibility challenges, 4ZZZ is committed to making it more inclusive. While modifications to the building are underway, there are diverse opportunities for volunteering at 4ZZZFM.

If you're keen to explore collaborative opportunities, please reach out to them at salty@4zzz.org.au.

 

UNSW Sydney Research Project – Understanding co-teaching preferences for people with intellectual disability and their support networks

UNSW Sydney’s Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN) and the Department of Health are doing a research study. They are looking for people with intellectual disability and people who provide support to people with intellectual disability to take part.

They want to know how people with intellectual disability and support network members want to be involved in teaching health students about intellectual disability. They also want to know what supports people with intellectual disability and support network members need to be involved in teaching. The study will involve being part of a focus group/interview. The focus group/interview will happen online through Zoom.

There will be separate focus groups/interviews for people with intellectual disability and people who provide support to people with intellectual disability.

  • For people with intellectual disability, the focus group/interview will take approximately 1.5 hours.
  • For support network members, the focus group/interview will take approximately 1 hour.

People with intellectual disability who take part in the study will receive a $150 Coles or Coles-Myer gift card.

Support network members who take part will receive a $100 Coles or Coles-Myer gift card.

For more details about the research study please see the study information Resources to support the Intellectual Disability Health Capability Framework | 3DN (unsw.edu.au)

If you have any questions about the research study please contact Jenna Zhao at jenna.zhao@unsw.edu.au or on (02) 9065 1742. You can call between 9am and 4pm on Monday to Friday

 

Accessible Beaches Australia

Accessible Beaches Australia is excited to launch our new campaign to make EVERY beach accessible for EVERYONE.

We are calling on the government to increase funding and support to Councils and Surf Life Saving Clubs to make our beaches more accessible to people with disabilities and mobility challenges.

All Australians should be able to enjoy the Australian beach lifestyle.

Sign the petition at Accessible Beaches Australia

Watch their great video: https://bit.ly/3Jxpy3X

 

Overview of the Participants Journey, Wednesday 1 May

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) invites people with disability, families, and carers to attend the Brisbane – Overview of the Participants Journey face to face session on Wednesday 1 May at the Kedron Wavell Services, 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside QLD 4032.

Three different sessions will be delivered, exploring different topics to learn more about the participant journey at the NDIS.

You are welcome to attend all three, or just one.

Please find details for all three sessions below:

10:00am – 11:00am AEST.

  1. Making connections and applying to the NDIS

This session would benefit people with disability (aged 9-64) applying to the NDIS or wanting to explore supports in their local community.

This session will cover:

  • How the NDIS support people with disability
  • Role of the Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
  • Community connections
  • Community connections plans
  • How community connections work

12:00pm – 1:00pm

  1. Creating an NDIS plan

This session will cover:

  • The principle we follow to create NDIS plans
  • Reasonable and necessary supports
  • Preparing for a planning meeting or conversation
  • Plan durations and other guidance

2:00pm – 3:00pm

  1. Using and changing an NDIS plan
  • What to expect at a plan implementation meeting
  • Support budgets and how this funding can be used
  • How to manage the plan budget
  • How changes are made to NDIS plans
  • Plan variations and plan reassessments

To register for the Overview of the Participants Journey, please follow the link  Brisbane - Overview of the Participants Journey | Humanitix

To keep up-to-date with further National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) presentations, please visit Latest events | NDIS

If you have any queries, please contact: COMMUNITY.ENGAGEMENT.EAST@ndis.gov.au

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