ISSUE 11 APRIL 2016

IN THIS ISSUEPARTNERSHIP WITH MANLY-WARRINGAH

SEA EAGLES1New community initiative1

NDIS IN THE HUNTER1A support worker’s viewpoint1

ABLE CABLE‘One Trusted Source – Many Options’

Welcome to the March edition of Able Cable. I trust you are all enjoying a busy and industrious start to 2016.

In this issue you will read about innovative stories from around our organisation – including our new community partnership with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles NRL Club. This partnership marks an exciting new direction for us and highlights our interest in working with established like-minded organisations.

With the much anticipated NDIS roll out beginning in July across NSW, we are in the privileged position of being at the forefront of this ‘new world’, and currently support over 600 people in the Hunter trial site. The disability sector is changing fast to become a vibrant customer focused marketplace, and we are delighted to be able to share the experience and learnings we’ve gained in the Hunter to benefi t all our participants, helping everyone prepare for the new NDIS program.

Pre-planning is essential to build that NDIS readiness – to ensure people are equipped to express their needs and gain access to the supports they require. Recently, we held three pre-planning events with our partner Open Minds

Ability Options would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Aboriginal people and pay our respects to the Aboriginal elders both past, present and future. Ability Options respect the signifi cant contributions made by Aboriginal community organisations and groups, Aboriginal community members and Aboriginal staff.

in Townsville, working with a diverse mix of attendees in personalised round table sessions, to help them prepare for meeting with their NDIA planner.

Our employment division continues on their growth trajectory, and I am especially pleased to witness the success of the Ability Options | Olympus Solutions ‘Energise Model’; which continues to align with local employers to identify gaps in their employment needs and deliver work-ready, motivated employees. You can read more about ‘The Energise Model’ and its success in our Q Station story inside this issue.

As always, if you have any comments or ideas, feel free to contact me directly.

Warm regardsFred JP Van SteelChief Executive Offi cer

Fred Van Steel with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles CEO Joe Kelly

CEOUPDATE

ABILITY OPTIONSAbility Options deliver life-changing solutions that really work for the individual. We offer personalised support for people to achieve both short and long term goals which further enhance their life; and foster opportunities for community connections and greater independence.

Our services are individually focussed and promote choice and control. We are committed to seeing people live their best life, assisting them to develop meaningful and valuable relationships and supporting new experiences. We are dedicated to providing further opportunities for everyone to be contributing members of their chosen community.

We offer a wide range of services to thousands of people across NSW, and have now partnered with Open Minds Australia in North Queensland:

• Employment services – DES and jobactive

• Assistance transferring easily to the NDIS

• Personalised solutions for NDIS Participants

• A range of supported accommodation options

• After school and vacation care

• Social and community activities

• Individual funded services

• Supported employment in our wholesale nurseries

• Training to help you get the job that’s right for you

ABLE CABLE APRIL 2016

In exciting news for the organisation, Ability Options has joined with Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Football Club, as an exclusive community partner.

Fred Van Steel, Chief Executive Offi cer at Ability Options, said he was delighted with the partnership with the Sea Eagles, which brings benefi ts to both organisations.

“Ability Options and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have a strong synergy in community values and initiatives,’’ Mr Van Steel said.

“We look forward to working with the Sea Eagles in the community to build awareness and assist people we support to achieve their aspirations and independence through their life journey.”

Joe Kelly, Sea Eagles CEO, warmly welcomed Ability Options as a Senior Partner of the Club and is looking forward to working together on a number of community focused initiatives.

“The exciting new partnership with Ability Options is very community focused and we have already held a very productive initial planning session to clearly map out how the partnership will achieve key objectives and benefi t the community,” Mr. Kelly said.

“We are delighted to welcome Ability Options as a Senior Partner of the Sea Eagles.”

This partnership provides a sound platform for Ability Options to connect with the local community and showcase our products and services including venue signage, inclusion in community events and working with the Club’s other corporate partners.

MANLY WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES PROUDLY ANNOUNCE ABILITY OPTIONS AS A NEW COMMUNITY PARTNER

PINDARRI DREAMING RUGBY 7’S TOUR BANGKOK As Ability Options and Pindarri’s relationship evolves, our latest venture includes the sponsorship of the Lloyd McDermott Pindarri Dreaming Rugby Development Team.

The ‘Pindarri Dreaming Rugby Team’ will compete at the 2016 Bangkok Sevens, an International Rugby event held in November, attracting teams from over 24 countries from around the world. The goal of the ‘Pindarri Dreaming Rugby Team’ is to win this prestigious International event.

The ‘Pindarri Dreaming Bangkok Seven’s Tour’ involves 12 selected Aboriginal men, competing in the Seven a Side Rugby competition with all touring players given the opportunity to complete a Diploma in Management and Leadership at TAFE South Western Sydney (TAFE SWSi). TAFE SWSi is a generous support partner of the initiative.

Bradlee Commins, CEO of Pindarri said “this is an incredible gesture from Ability Options who are supporting much more than a sporting event and trip. This is a life-changing experience for many of the participants, who will in turn empower, rejuvenate and further develop transferable leadership qualities through to their local communities.”

Fred Van Steel, CEO Ability Options, who proudly donned the match jersey during the presentation, said “I am pleased to support such an important initiative where the participating Aboriginal men have the chance to play a sport they love, immerse themselves in the Thai culture, explore the similarities of the two Indigenous peoples and assess work opportunities, as well as having the their academic aspirations fulfi lled”.

Manly Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett (Centre) with Ability Options CEO Fred Van Steel and team

The ‘Pindarri Dreaming Rugby Team’ will compete at the 2016 Bangkok Sevens

ABLE CABLE APRIL 2016

With a new series of innovative workshops, the Connecting Health team is reaching out to families, jobseekers and people working in the disability and health sectors. This specialist team of psychologists and counsellors are uniquely placed to share skills and offer specifi c educational opportunities.

Circle of Security Parenting is a new program designed for parents and caregivers, which runs once a week for 8 weeks. Presented by a a registered psychologist with extensive experience, it provides guidance on understanding a child’s needs and making choices that enhance both parents and child/ren’s lives.

Another workshop on Sensory Integration is for parents, caregivers and professionals working with children with disability. It assists in identifying sensory overload and practical supports that can help.

Best Foot Forward is a vocational counselling course offered through Ability Options Employment. The program assists in developing relaxation, motivational and coping skills to help jobseekers meet their goals and maintain their health and well-being.

Understanding Mental Illness is a fast-paced accelerated learning workshop on how to support people with mental health conditions living in the community. Further courses

focus on complex trauma, borderline personality disorder and decision-making, assisting support staff or family/friends to build practical skills and understanding.

For dates and further details please email connectinghealth@abilityoptions.org.au

TRAINING AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FROM CONNECTING HEALTH

With three years’ experience in the NDIS trial site in the Hunter region, a key take-away has been the importance of people preparing for their planning meeting with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). During these meetings, participants and their support person have the opportunity to articulate their needs and goals.

Between now and July, Ability Options will host a series of pre-planning workshops to assist people to prepare for their planning meeting with the NDIA. “Having a good plan is critical to making sure you are funded for the supports that you require, and it’s not always easy to talk about all your needs and goals in the time that’s given. We are committed to empowering individuals to be prepared.” said Sonia Pereira, Engagement Manager, Ability Options.

Ability Options are working in partnership with Queensland-based Open Minds to provide NDIS supports to people in the early launch sites of Townsville, Charters Towers

and Palm Island. “At our fi rst three sessions in Townsville, we had a great response from the local community and it was wonderful to work together with Open Minds to deliver tailored pre-planning workshops” said Sonia.

The feedback from the sessions was very encouraging and cemented our views that pre-planning is vital to the successful implementation of people’s NDIS plans.

“It cleared up a lot of confusion about what NDIS is, what to expect & what is available. A lot of rumours that I have previously heard have been cleared up.” Karissa

“It has helped me to move to the next stage.” Peter

“This is the best workshop we’ve been to. It really helped us understand how to get ready for the NDIS and work with our son on talking about his needs.” Ray & Liz

Ability Options will run a series of Pre-Planning Cafes across Sydney to support people preparing for their meeting with the NDIA.

Call 1300 442 443 to register your interest.

ABILITY OPTIONS AND OPEN MINDS HELP TOWNSVILLE GET NDIS READY

Pre-planning in Townsville

ABLE CABLE APRIL 2016

Jess says her new role as a Support Worker working under the NDIS in the Hunter has been “a life changing and very satisfying career choice”.

Seeking a change from management roles, Jess is now employed as a Support Worker assisting people to turn their NDIS plans into action.

One of the people that Jess supports is 18 year old Braden. Braden approached Ability Options to help him fi nd a new home and to work on some skills he needed to feel comfortable living by himself. Jess says taking on the Support Worker role with Braden, has been very rewarding.

“Braden is incredibly gifted as a writer, he has a great imagination with a wicked sense of humour. He’s lost a lot of confi dence and together, we’re working really hard to build that back up. He’s really shown me

where I can fi nd my strengths in helping people” said Jess.

Through a strong relationship with Jess, Braden has learnt essential new skills such as cooking, cleaning and how to look after his personal health and wellbeing. Braden’s home environment wasn’t working previously and with Jess’s assistance, he felt confi dent enough to move from living with supporters to living independently in his own accommodation.

Braden loves working with Jess and really responds to her supportive nature. As a support worker, Jess demonstrates true dedication to ensuring people have the opportunity to live the life they want.

Braden’s future is brighter than ever, together he and Jess are working on further increasing Braden’s independence.

“The NDIS changes the way that the supports can be structured. Now the person has control over their money and how they’d like to see it adapted into their skill building. Support can develop for Braden as his skills develop” concluded Jess.

By matching dedicated Support Workers to people accessing NDIS support, Ability Options assist people to improve their skills, confi dence and independence.

For assistance in transitioning to the NDIS in the Hunter region, please contact our Charlestown offi ce on 4943 3411 or supportservices@abilityoptions.org.au

J ESS F INDS STRENGTH HELPING OTHERS EXPANDING PERSON CENTRED PLANNING AT ABILITY OPTIONS

Person centred planning refers to a variety of processes which we offer to assist a person to map out their future or to work on goals for a particular area of their life. These processes

focus on the person and those closest to them; on reaching dreams and overcoming barriers with good support; and on celebrating a person’s gifts, strengths and talent whilst ensuring the person is at the centre of choice and decision making. Supporting a person’s experience of contribution and inclusion within their chosen community is a key theme.

Map and Path are two person centred planning formats that use purposeful questions to draw out meaningful information which is then captured in both words and graphics. Both Map and Path planning assist a person to discover their gifts, vision and dreams and to plan actions surrounding these, which can then inform their NDIS plan.

Recently, a number of Ability Options employees took part in Map and Path facilitator training. The training opened up opportunities to learn, share and practice their new facilitation skills. In the future, these facilitators will provide planning opportunities for people accessing Ability Options services.

To learn more about person centred planning, contact Rhiannon on 1300 422 454.

Tracey enjoying the person centred training

Support Worker – Jess

Ability Options ‘Work Readiness Youth Program’ is part of the 21st Century Skills Youth Program, focussing on work preparation. The program is designed to engage young people aged 15-24 in the Holroyd Local Government Area to prepare for and gain employment.

The Work Readiness Youth Program held its inaugural Presentation Day in December last year at Holroyd Council Chambers. The Mayor of Holroyd Council, Councillor Greg Cummings was the VIP guest. Clr. Cummings spoke in front of an audience comprising participants, teachers and supportive employers, on local issues facing young people and the success of the program before presenting Certifi cates of Participation to the 45 graduates.

One of the graduates, Ngams, a local 19 year old woman from Merrylands, shows just how innovative and successful the program can be. Prior to commencing the progam, Ngams had little or no support network.

Ngams seized every opportunity the program offered, including personal presentation, interview skills practice, and work experience, which she undertook with the Target store in Merrylands. Ngams has since been offered full time employment as a Customer Service Assistant with Target as she made such a great impression during her time with them.

To fi nd out about the Work Readiness Youth Program, contact merrylandsyouth@abilityoptions.org.au

21ST CENTURY SKILLS YOUTH PROGRAM CLASS OF 2015

ENERGISE MODEL Q STATION The Ability Options | Olympus Solutions ‘Energise Model’ is a unique and innovative operational model made up of a six stages to assist eligible job seekers into sustainable employment. In the ‘Skills Builder’ phase of the Model, we focus on the needs of local employers and what skills are required. By identifying training that may be helpful and drawing on our links with TAFEs and apprenticeship centres, we assist people to explore various training options to develop their skills and motivation to succeed.

Utilising the ‘Energise Model’, Ability Options | Olympus Solutions recently identifi ed people from a local Tibetan community that had registered with our Brookvale employment offi ce and were looking for work opportunities.

There were various challenges faced along the way, including some participants having limited English skills and no previous work experience in Australia.

Ability Options | Olympus Solutions approached Manly Q Station and arranged work experience for the group, so they could demonstrate their practical skills and enthusiasm to the Q Station management.

The candidates really stepped up to the plate, so much so, Manly Q Station decided to switch from using an outsourced food preparation company and instead to hire the Tibetan participants.

Four candidates have commenced their new jobs with the Q Station and are thrilled to have the opportunity to use their skills and knowledge at this unique retreat and conference centre on North Head at Manly. A busy kitchen at Q Station Manly

Ngams receiving her certifi cate

from the Mayor of Holroyd

Ngams with Melissa Babbage,

Manager, Target Merrylands

ABLE CABLE APRIL 2016

Ability Options Transition to Work is a two year program that assists school leavers to prepare for work and training for further study. A dedicated team works with individuals, focusing on building their life and work skills, planning and tracking goals and provide one-on-one support to help people towards the job that’s right for them.

Siobhan has been accessing the program since she left high school. Siobhan didn’t know what she wanted to do after school and was unsure of her future.

“This program has introduced me to new opportunities and offers great activities to try, like the Jamie Oliver cooking course I did recently,” said Siobhan.

Siobhan has always loved books and literature. She and Jason, an Ability Options Transition to Work specialist, often talked about new books

Siobhan has been accessing the program since she left high school. Siobhan didn’t know what she wanted to do after school and was unsure of her future.

and writers, especially her favourite author J.K. Rowling. Jason suggested Siobhan consider a job in a bookstore or library. Soon afterwards he arranged for Siobhan to join the Max Webster library in Blacktown for ten weeks of work experience “On my very fi rst day”, says Siobhan ”I just knew – this is for me!”

Aside from discovering how her interest and passion could lead to a possible career, Siobhan refl ects that she has made some brilliant friends in the program, people who understand and can relate to her without judgement. “It’s been an amazing experience – I can be myself, have a different routine every day, and I have started to discover who I am”.

For more information, please contact our Transition to Work Manager on 1300 422 454 or visit abilityoptions.org.au/TTW

SIOBHAN ENTERS TRANSITION TO WORK AND DISCOVERS NEW INTERESTS

Stacey loves her new job at Hogs Breath Café

STACEY – COOKING UP A TERRIFIC CAREER PATH FOR HERSELFStacey has been working with Hogs Breath Café in Shellharbour for over six months, after being offered a job as an apprentice chef through her involvement with the Ability Options VTEC program.

Ability Options is the Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) for Illawarra and is committed to developing business partnerships that provide jobs and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The apprentice chef role at Hogs Breath Café is Stacey’s fi rst job since leaving school and she was thrilled to be given the opportunity to work in an industry that has always interested her.

As an apprentice chef, Stacey’s day is busy and no two days the same. She enjoys preparing ingredients and cooking meals for the cafe’s customers and has even stepped up to assist and train new kitchen hands to learn the ropes.

Whilst working at Hogs Breath Café, Stacey has faced a few personal challenges but has managed to overcome these, which is a real credit to Stacey’s maturity. Travelling to work each day on public transport from her home in Berkeley is another example of Stacey’s personal development and commitment to her career.

Both the manager and franchisee at Hogs Breath Café Shellharbour are pleased with Stacey’s ongoing learning and development within her role as apprentice chef and say she makes a great contribution to their team.

ABLE CABLE APRIL 2016E APRIL 2BLE CAB

Suite 1.14, 29-31 Lexington DriveBella Vista, NSW 2153

Ph: 1300 422 454Email: marketingteam@abilityoptions.org.au

www.abilityoptions.org.auABN: 92 003 175 335

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Cover photo: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles players and Coach Trent Barrett meet some locals.

In January, our Community and Lifestyles division held a hugely successful Tasting Day for people who take part in a range of community based activities. The Tasting Day provided opportunities for people to try out various activities and make informed choices about which program they would like to join.

On display for people to experience fi rst-hand were gardening, golf, sailing, fi shing, art, pampering as well as outdoor activities including football.

The most popular activity was Pet Therapy. We had a cameo performance from Chance, who made a stunning appearance complete with neck scarf. Chance was passed around and seemed to lap up the attention.

The Tasting Day was well attended with lots of happy faces and feel good moments from the participants including Jan, who used colourful beads to make a bracelet and Duanne, who took a particular interest in the painting program.

As a result of the Tasting Day, we have added the following new programs.

• A gardening program in collaboration with Transition to Work and Shalvey Neighbourhood centre

• A Sailing program with Sailability on Penrith Lakes.

• Creative Options – a new arts program in collaboration with the City of Sydney Council.

If you are interested in joining our community activities, contact Pille Puvendi on 8811 1723.

Participantsexperience tasty new community activities

If yocon

Barry planting a seedling at the Tasting Day

Chance enjoys a cuddle from Janice