June 2015 IAT Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

June 2015“To stand with and for vulnerable people with a disability through vigorous independent advocacy.”

NDIS delivers great outcomes forAlex

The NationalDisabilityInsuranceScheme(NDIS) is stillbeing trialed,but alreadythere aresome greatoutcomes

emerging forthe peopleinvolved. InTasmaniaone participant and his family are really happy withthe new scheme.

Alex Kassay is a young man who has an intellectualdisability and is on the autism spectrum. Alexrequires constant daily care and cannot live on hisown.

Alex’s parents Kerry and Cherril wanted to get Alexa place in a supported living facility so he couldcontinue to develop his social skills and be asindependent as possible. They are keen for Alex tobe supported into the future.

Kerry started doing research on the NDIS websiteto see what options were available for Alex thatsuited his needs.

“People need to do their homework and find out allthe information they can about what is available,”Kerry said, “We spoke to lots of providers to find outwhat they offered.”

Right from the start Kerry and Cherril were pleasedto find the NDIS offered a different approach toproviding care-based solutions.

Continues next page

(Alex’s mother).

In This Issue

NDIS delivers great outcomes for Alex .1

Chairperson’s Report ........................... 2

Position Vacant .................................... 3

Funding ................................................ 4

Advocacy Manager’s Report ................ 5

Department of Social ServicesSubmission........................................... 7

Have Your Say ................................... 12

IAT - A Brief History............................ 13

Support IAT........................................ 13

General News .................................... 14

Cowboys player supports Multicap’s workin Rockhampton ................................. 14

NDIS Update ...................................... 17

QCOSS eNews .................................. 18

Reports .............................................. 19

Useful Resources............................... 19

Management Committee .................... 20

Staff.................................................... 20

Nothing about us without us! .............. 21

Independent Advocacy Townsville Office

2/179-181 Ross River RoadMUNDINGBURRA QLD 4812

PO Box 3067 HERMIT PARK QLD 4812

Phone: 1800 887 68807) 47 252 505

Fax: 07) 47 256 106E-mail: [email protected]

Feedback and ContributionsDid you find this newsletter useful?Which section or sections were of most use?Is there anything you feel we should include infuture newsletters?Do you have something to contribute?

Please send your response to:[email protected]

Image: Alex enjoying his birthday. L-R: JamieWest, David Hammersley, Alex Kassay, KerryKelb (Alex’s father) and Cherril Kassay

Newsletter: June 2015 P a g e | 2

Continued from page 1

“Firstly, we were really pleased the scheme is a needs-based approach and it is a more realisticapproach to coordinating the support required,” Kerry said.

Alex's family, NDIS Planner and Anglicare worked together to fast track a solution for him. It meantinstead of the three to six months Alex may have waited for a place in a supported home, he wasout of respite care and into supported living in just a few weeks.

Through the NDIS, Alex’s family have been able to initiate developmental programs to assist Alex tobe more independent. Alex has a choice of providers and is building his confidence with writing andspeech, and time recognition through transport training. One of his future goals is to be a part of theMeals on Wheels program offered by the Red Cross. Alex loves interacting with people and wouldlike to be able to contribute to the delivery of meals in the wider community. Alex is also keen tobuild up his daily living skills by getting used to using public transport. His participation in timerecognition training helps him to plan his bus travel so he arrives at the right place at the right time.

Like most young people, Alex uses his mobile phone to keep in contact. He is working on sendingtext messages and he uses his phone to keep in touch with his parents.

Alex and his parents are happy that choice of services is one of the key aspects of the NDIS.

“Thanks to the NDIS, Alex has access to all the brilliant services and providers of his choice,” Kerrysaid. “This will help him develop the skills he needs to become as independent as he can be whichwill help guide him into the future.

“Thanks to the NDIS and the service providers we’ve chosen I can rest easy knowing Alex is ingood hands for the rest of his life,” Kerry said.

The NDIS is being trialled in several parts of Australia. These trials will help ensure the system willfunction as it should before the national rollout.

In Tasmania, NDIS trials have involved people aged 15 to 24, including Alex.

Chairperson’s Report

Hello Everyone!

We hope you are all enjoying the cooler whether! Of course we are all still hoping for much neededrain especially for the drought stricken farmers and surrounding townships.

The IAT Management Committee along with the staff have been very industriously working anddeveloping our IAT Strategic Plan. Thanks to Kaylene Delaney, our Consultant, we now have aStrategic Plan for the next 12 months to take us into the new world of the NDIS.

As we continue to be uncertain about the future of Advocacy, given we are only funded by theFederal and State governments until June 2016 it became the priority of our IAT Strategic Plan. Wehad robust and rigorous discussions about our possible future options! We have decided to explorea Business arm of IAT and pursue fee for service products for service providers moving towards theNDIS. Our aim is to generate enough funds ourselves to be able to sustain an Advocacy position,without the reliance on government funds.

You will see in this newsletter that you can have a say about the government review of the NationalDisability Advocacy Program as it is under review.

We urge you to have your say as the continuation of independent Advocacy is more critical thanever in the move towards the NDIS.

Take care.

Pam SpellingChairperson


Position Vacant

Management Committee member

Duration of project: Ongoing. Minimum Commitment preferred is 2 years.

Contact name: Kylie-maree Beller

Contact telephone: 07 4725 2505

Contact Email: [email protected]

The IAT Management Committee seeks suitably qualified applicants with disability who have thetime and ability to professionally volunteer.

Time required: The Management Committee currently meets monthly during the week. If required,short out of session meetings are held via tele-conference or via email.

Management Committee members will be required to read relevant papers in preparation formeetings. A commitment of up to 12 hours per month is anticipated. The position is unpaid.

Overview:Our Mission is to stand with and for vulnerable people with a disability through vigorous,independent advocacy.

Our StaffAll staff are suitably qualified and having experience working within the disability sector and we alignour skills and work capabilities with our organisational values.

The Need for AdvocacyPeople with a disability are in particular need of advocacy because they often experience or arevulnerable to: Discrimination Neglect Exploitation Abuse

The Values of an AdvocateWe believe the following:

▸People with disability are just as valuable as any other human being regardless of what theydo or don't do.

▸People with disability need the same things that all people need to live well in this world; theirown place, sense of belonging, love and affection, safety.

▸We are all connected within a community and in our world and people with disability must befully included in this.

▸People with disability should not be separated, segregated or isolated.

▸People with disability are human and as such will make mistakes, have courage, be fearful, belikeable, be unpleasant just as any other person.

We are funded by Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services. Department ofSocial Services (DSS). Queensland Health.


Essential Criteria

IAT is changing and growing with the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Thisis a great opportunity to be part of IAT's expansion and development. To be a suitable candidate tojoin the IAT Management Committee, you need to have:

a commitment to and understanding of good governance the ability to engage in strategy development; the ability to read and analyse financial reports; a prior commitment to or interest in disability in the not for profit sector; good leadership and communication skills.

As well as experience in one or more of the following: Business Development Fundraising Marketing Financial Management Legal experience. Social work Stakeholder Management Risk and Compliance Human Resources

The IAT Management Committee seeks suitably qualified applicants with disability who have thetime and ability to professionally volunteer.

If you would like to join our Committee, please send an email outlining your skills and experience,why you would like to join the Management Committee and attaching a copy of your CV to [email protected].

Funding

Supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.aufor more information.

Supported by Queensland Health. Go to www.health.qld.gov.au for moreinformation.

Supported by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and DisabilityServices. Go to www.communities.qld.gov.au for more information.


Advocacy Manager’s Report

HI to all our valued members!

Independent Advocacy Townsville has been extremely busy running our workshops in Townsville,Ayr, Ingham, Charters Towers, Palm Island and Hughenden. Participants have reported anincreased understanding in how to advocate for themselves, make sure their needs are being metand their rights are being upheld!

Staff and Committee members have been meeting to discuss the best way forward for ourorganisation to ensure we are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead under theNational Disability Insurance Scheme.

Staff are making sure we attend as many NDIS Readiness Workshops as we can to gain a betterunderstanding of how people with disability will be best placed to ensure they are ready for theintroduction of the NDIS, who will be eligible, the types of benefits that can be claimed and how therole of advocacy will be crucial during this transition period and into the future. The NDIS will be oneof the most enormous changes facing our sector and up to this point the National DisabilityInsurance Agency do not acknowledge the need for independent advocacy!

We are continuing to work with individuals who are referred to our organisation because they facediscrimination and abuse as a result of their vulnerability. We continue to fight for those or alongsidethose unable to use their own voice or are not being heard.

We are continuing to meet with and lobby Members of Parliament for the issues dearest to ourmember’s hearts, the placement of young people in nursing homes, the abuse and neglect that isoccurring in boarding homes as well as the ongoing issue of what happened to those with disabilitywhen they turn 65 years of age.

We have recently been very fortunate to have the introduction of two very valuable volunteers intoour organisation. Mr. Alan Birrell and Ms. Carmel Parker, without whose support, we would be verymuch more overloaded. Thank you Carmel and Alan for choosing Independent Advocacy Townsvilleas recipients of your time and dedication.

Please remember that it is your support, as valued members of IAT that assists us to do the workthat we do. Please do contribute by attending the upcoming AGM as well as let us know what youmay like to see in future newsletters. Have you considered a position on the ManagementCommittee? Do you have skills and experiences that may assist us?

Kia ora

Kylie-maree BellerAdvocacy Manager


ARE YOU READY FOR THE NDIS??

‘SELF ADVOCACYWORKSHOP’

For people with Disability

Hughenden2 DAYS and FREE WORK BOOK

Carer provided for support if required

Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th July 201510:00am to 4:00pm

Ph: 4725-2505

Enrol NOW!!!Limited places available


Department of Social Services Submission

National Disability Advocacy Framework

Queensland Advocacy Incorporated is an independent, community-based systems and individualadvocacy organisation and a community legal service for people with disability.

Our mission is to promote, protect and defend, through systems and individual advocacy, thefundamental needs and rights and lives of the most vulnerable people with disability in Queensland.

QAI does this by engaging in systems advocacy work through campaigns directed to attitudinal, lawand policy change, and by supporting the development of a range of advocacy initiatives in thisstate and of national significance.

It is highly commendable that the Disability Reform Council has decided to fund

decision supports

safeguard supports

capacity-building for participants, including support to approach and interact with disabilitysupports and access mainstream services.

It is clear from the consultations, the submissions and public hearings that the entire sectorrecognises the importance of advocacy that is independent and as free from conflict of interest aspossible. QAI is appreciative that the Disability Reform Council also values the importance ofadvocacy by seeking to fund advocacy as part of “decision supports” and “safe-guards supports”and elsewhere.

However most of our submission constitutes an objection to the intention to fund advocacy underthe NDIS. We believe that this will mean a significant distortion of the NDAF and will undermine theprinciples of advocacy and jeopardise the viability of the advocacy sector. Please see the QAIsubmission on NDIS Quality and Safeguards Framework with particular reference to advocacy. Inall of our submissions regarding the ILC, the Quality and Safeguards and Advocacy under the

“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”Nelson Mandela

“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which allpersons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.”

Nelson Mandela

“Never depend upon institutions or government to solve any problem. Allsocial movements are founded by, guided by, motivated and seen through by

the passion of individuals.”Margaret Mead

“The reality that the (intellectually disabled) person is a version of myself isone from which so much can be learned and gained, and yet, it is a reality

which most people deny and try to escape from.”Wolf Wolfensberger


NDIS, as well as our submission to the Senate Inquiries into violence, abuse and neglect againstpeople with disability in institutional and residential settings, and the adequacy of existing residentialcare arrangements available for young people with severe physical, mental or intellectual disabilitiesin Australia, QAI have held the consistent position that it is inappropriate to fund advocacy under theNDIS and issued the urgent plea to ensure that advocacy is NOT funded under the NDIS.

QAI appreciates the opportunity to make a submission on the Review of the National DisabilityAdvocacy Framework. Before addressing each of the questions posed by the Department, we wishto comment on the meaning and importance of advocacy in the disabilities context and therelevance of advocacy funding.

What Is Advocacy?

In reviewing the National Disability Advocacy Framework, the Department of Social Services mustbe fully cognisant of ‘what is advocacy?’ The meaning outlined in the discussion paper falls farshort of what advocacy is according to the advocacy principles adhered to by advocates inAustralia.

Discussion Paper

Stating that advocacy means supporting people with disability to “find employment and training”inappropriately conflates the service domain with advocacy. Individual advocates may assist aperson to link with employment services, or advocate to an employer or employer group, andsystems advocacy will engage in the promotion of employment of workers with disabilities, butadvocacy organisations are not in the business of employment service. It also fails to acknowledgethe fundamental importance of ongoing advocacy support for people with disability along thecontinuum of their working lives..

QAI supports the separation of advocacy from all and any other forms of service provision.

The discussion paper definition of advocacy neglects the plethora of issues that also must beaddressed over the life of a person or group of people with disability (ie abuse, neglect,discrimination, fundamental needs, health, housing, education, support services etc).

Defining advocacy as supporting people with disability to stand up for their rights and choices is ofno real value unless we address the multiple systemic factors that marginalise and disempowerpeople with disability so as to render their “choices” meaningless. For people with disability, thereare many factors that restrict realistic opportunities to exercise proper choice in many (or indeedany) key areas of their lives.

When choice is considered in an individualistic way, it deflects attention from the broader limitationson choice experienced by vulnerable groups in our society and instead places responsibility on theindividual for the “choices” they make. Where the outcome is less (often far less) than ideal, theindividual is blamed; the popular neo-liberal rhetoric of choice masks the lack of real choices peoplewithin disempowered groups have over important issues affecting their lives and absolves society ofresponsibility for individual hardship. The rhetoric of choice disguises the reality that “choices” byvulnerable people are made within a complex social and legal order, with government policy andsocial and economic circumstance shaping, reinforcing and dictating individual choice.

This reduces “choice” to an exercise in disempowerment, whereby choosing is reduced to a processof deciding between a selection of inappropriate and inadequate options. There’s small choice inrotten apples.


Suggesting that advocacy supports people with disability to “have their say” is confusing theempowerment of people with disability with genuine self-advocacy and ignores the fact that themajority of people with disability at one time or another will need someone to advocate on theirbehalf, including groups of people with disability. Certainly QAI is supportive of individuals whohave the capacity and strength to self-advocate, but one must consider that all of us at times needthe assistance of another in order to advocate for us when we cannot, or where the issues aregreater than our experience or knowledge. Our mission and objective is to ensure that the mostvulnerable people with disability have their rights, lives and needs defended, protected andpromoted.

The Definition of Advocacy Adopted by Advocates

Action for Advocacy Development uses the following definition, which is based on the work of DrWolf Wolfensberger. Advocacy groups in Australia discussed this definition during a NationalAdvocacy Workshop in Sydney in June 1994. Most of these elements were agreed to and are theprinciples by which QAI conducts its work:

Advocacy is speaking, acting and writing, with minimal conflict of interest, on behalf of the sincerelyperceived interests of a disadvantaged person or group to promote, protect and defend their welfareand justice by

being on their side and no-one else’s

being primarily concerned with their fundamental needs

remaining loyal and accountable to them in a way which is emphatic and vigorous and which

is, or is likely to be, costly to the advocate or advocacy group

The National Disability Advocacy Framework

The current National Disability Advocacy Framework defines advocacy services provided under theframework as:-

a) Disability advocacy enables people with disability to participate in the decision makingprocesses that safeguard and advance their human rights.

b) Individual advocacy supports people with disability to exercise their rights, through eitherone-to-one support, or by supporting people to advocate for themselves individually, througha third party or on a group basis.

c) Systemic advocacy seeks to introduce and influence longer term changes to ensure therights of people with disability are attained and upheld to positively affect the quality of theirlives.

QAI agrees that the definition of advocacy used in the National Disability Advocacy Framework is farmore appropriate and accurate than that described in the discussion paper.

The Mutual Antagonisms of Funding Advocacy Under the NDIS

QAI is appreciative that the Council of Australian Governments’ Disability Reform Council agreedthat the NDIS would fund:-

decision supports

safeguard supports

capacity building for participants, including support to approach and interact with disability

supports and access mainstream services.


However, it is disconcerting that the agreement to fund advocacy under the NDIS as part ofdecisions supports and safeguards was made without consultations with advocates and advocacyorganisations. The National Disability Advocacy Program itself is to be reviewed, yet ourorganisation still is yet to be consulted on this matter.

QAI strongly and emphatically objects to the funding of advocacy under the NDIS for a range ofreasons. It is also incongruent with the 2011 Productivity Commission Inquiry which recommendedadvocacy be funded and provided outside the NDIS. We believe the Productivity CommissionInquiry Report intended that ALL advocacy should be funded outside the NDIS. QAI asserts thatadvocacy would be more appropriately funded from the Australian Department of the Attorney-General.

Quality and Safeguards and ILC

The recent consultations on the Quality and Safeguards Framework (Q&S) and the NDISInformation, Linkages and Capacity-Building Framework (ILC) certainly indicated the universalacknowledgement of the need for advocacy. However, those acknowledgements also recognisedthe need for the advocacy to be independent, have minimal conflict of interest, and to be availableto all people with disability.

From the QAI submission to the ILC Framework - People with disability often receive both supportand accommodation from the same organisation. These arrangements may be cost-efficient for theorganisation but present major conflicts of interest and add an extra layer of exposure to people withdisability. They are vulnerable to eviction both for breaches of the tenancy agreement and whenthere is a dispute over support provision. The advent of the NDIS will not immediately address thisconflict, although it must do so as soon as possible. Advocacy seeks to ensure that people withdisability are not threatened and will advance the agenda for service providers to divest themselvesof much of the control and ownership over a person’s life.

Again QAI reiterates that funding advocacy for people with disability from the same source as thatwhich provides funding for their disability support needs, is another discord that further enmeshesthe lives of people with disability with structures that tend to own rather than enable or empowerthem.

This review is being conducted with a view to altering the principles to fit with the predetermineddecision to fund advocacy from within the NDIS and therefore this is likely to compromise the veryprinciples of advocacy.

What funding advocacy under the NDIS will exclude by default

1. Issues confronting people with disability

Funding advocacy under the NDIS creates at least a very narrow perception of advocacyactions focused on NDIS supports, services, funding, etc. This negates the other issues thatimpact negatively on a person’s life such as the serious issues of abuse, neglect,discrimination, fundamental needs, health, housing, education, transport, etc.

2. The majority of people with disability excluded from the NDIS

Furthermore and most importantly this implies that people with disability will access orpurchase advocacy with a percentage of their funded supports. This is an alarming andhighly contentious decision that ignores the many people who will not be eligible for NDISfunded supports. This is particularly exclusive of people with disability in a range ofdetention centres (prisons, and forensic detention) who are highly vulnerable, conceivablyhave the most to benefit from NDIS but are prohibited from its opportunities. All people withdisability who are ineligible for NDIS funded supports will require vigorous advocacyparticularly in areas of abuse, neglect, and fundamental needs, and this fundingarrangement further marginalises and discounts them.


According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 17.9% of Queenslanders, or just less than 1in every 5 people, have a disability. Over 150,000 Queenslanders have a severe disability andrequire help or assistance with self-care, mobility or communication needs. There are 8 disabilityadvocacy services in Queensland, and approximately 3 Full Time Employed systemic disabilityadvocacy positions in the State of Queensland funded by the Commonwealth. That works out toabout 5 individual advocates and one systems advocate for every 50,000 Queenslanders with asevere disability.

The 2006 Report on the National Disability Advocacy Program for DFSCIA by Social Optionsasserted that existing advocacy services do not provide adequate coverage for the disability sector,noted that there are large geographic areas of Australia without advocacy services, and that ‘thereare insufficient advocacy services for those most vulnerable, including people with reduced mentalcapacity and those with communication difficulties’. (From the QAI Position paper – “Advocacy andthe NDIS” attached.)

There are about 4,230,000 people with disability in Australia and it is estimated only 400,000 willreceive individual packages under the NDIS.

ILC Framework

This leads to the notion that under the ILC, Local Area Coordinators (LACs) will perform advocacyfor those people ineligible for funded supports. It is not envisaged that LACs will be advocates yetQAI is concerned that there will be an over-reliance on the role of LAC’s to perform the kind ofrelationship building required and for which there will not be sufficient funding, time or capacity. Weconsider that there are significant limitations associated with the ILC Framework’s vision of the likelyrole and impact of LACs. Even within the ILC, we do not consider it possible for the LAC role to beas all-encompassing as that proposed by the NDIA. Accordingly, we consider that some of theinformation and referrals are best provided through individual advocacy organisations, as LACs willnot have the same experience or skills. Please refer to the QAI submission on the ILC Frameworkfor further discussion on this point.

The funding of decision supports through advocacy is essential and therefore should be as free fromconflicts of interests as possible and can be provided through individual advocacy agencies – notother service provider types.

Funding this vital role and other advocacy efforts within the NDIS gives rise to potential conflicts ofinterest and conceivably jeopardises the continued funding of advocacy organisations should theiractions conflict with the interests of the NDIA.

QAI supports the separation of advocacy from all and any other forms of service provision.

Response to specific questions raised in the Review of the National DisabilityAdvocacy Framework

As noted earlier, QAI objects to the decision to fund advocacy from the NDIS pool of resources.

1. Do you believe the current Framework encompasses your vision of advocacy in theNDIS environment? If not, what changes are required?

The current Framework certainly supports the QAI vision of advocacy within the context ofthe NDIS as it provides clear guidance and principles aligned with advocacy that is partisan,free from conflict of interest, works to advance the human rights and lives of people withdisability, promotes the inclusion of all people with disability while recognising the diversitywithin the cohort of people with disability, and acknowledges the continuous improvement inlaw, policy and practice reform to enable this to occur.


QAI stresses that the definition or description of advocacy outlined in the Department ofSocial Service Discussion paper is completely inadequate and inaccurate. Unfortunatelywhat is described in the discussion paper will confuse advocacy for service provision,provide misinformation to any person or group wishing to comment on the paper, andperhaps mislead people with disabilities and their families regarding the kinds of activitieswhich are not advocacy.

2. Are the principles of the Framework appropriate for guiding the delivery ofadvocacy for people with disability in a changing disability environment, includingin the context of the NDIS? If not, what changes are required?

QAI endorses the current NDAF principles as they encompass our vision of advocacy evenwithin the NDIS context, provided that they are not diluted or diminished in order to fit theillogical model of service provision under the NDIS.

The NDAF fulfils the aim of the NDIS in supporting autonomy and control for people withdisability, yet does not seek to subsume the promotion and protection of rights of people withdisability into the world of service provision.

3. Are the outcomes of the Framework still relevant or should different ones beincluded? If so, what should be included?

The outcomes of the Framework are an articulation of the aims and efforts of advocacyorganisations for all people with disability including people who will not be funded under theNDIS.

4. Are the outputs of the Framework still relevant or should different outputs beincluded?

While individual advocates already provide support for decision making for people that wouldotherwise have no other informal supports such as family or friends, the outputs of theFramework should include this important role.

5. Does the Framework identify what is needed in the current and future disabilityenvironment? If not, what changes are required?

It is not the role or scope of the National Disability Advocacy Framework to identify what isneeded in the current or future disability environment. The role and purpose of theFramework is to guide advocacy and inform the sector about the structure of advocacy andhow it pertains to people with disability whether within or out of the NDIS context.

If the NDIS provides funding to advocacy there will be a need to articulate in the Frameworkthe areas of advocacy support that funded advocacy agencies are likely to perform.

There is no means to predict who will need advocacy in the areas of abuse, neglect orsupport needs to transition from prison or indefinite forensic detention. There is no way topredict how many students will need advocacy to fight discrimination, or how many peoplewill seek advocacy for safe and accessible transport.

Have Your Say

Review of the Australian National Disability Advocacy Framework

The Australian Government has announced a review of the National Disability AdvocacyFramework. The framework underpins disability advocacy services across Australia and is designedto provide a way for government to support people with disability protect their rights.

The review, facilitated by the Department of Social Services (DSS) will look at how the frameworkmight operate within or alongside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

In a recent joint submission to the NDIS quality and safeguards framework consultation, WWDA andPeople With Disability Australia (PWDA) encouraged Government to ensure that disability advocacy


is sufficiently funded and accessible to all people with disability, as a fundamental human rightssafeguard.

You can contribute your thoughts to the review of the national advocacy framework through theDepartment of Social Services engage.dss.gov.au portal. Feedback from the review, together withinsights from recent NDIS consultations, will be used to develop the new framework, which will bereleased in early 2016.

You can make a submission at engage.dss.gov.au/ndaf/ before 24 July 2015.

To assist with making a submission, you can download or listen to the discussion paper:

National Disability Advocacy Framework discussion paper (PDF)

Listen to PDF

National Disability Advocacy Framework discussion paper (DOCX)

Easy English version of the discussion paper:

National Disability Advocacy Framework discussion pa per – Easy English (PDF)

Listen to PDF

National Disability Advocacy Framework discussion paper – Easy English (DOCX)

IAT - A Brief History

IAT has been incorporated for over two decades, providing advocacy support and high qualityservices to people with disabilities in the Townsville and surrounding districts. Covering rural andregional areas from the Cassowary Coast in the north, east to Palm Island, south to the Burdekin, andwest to Hughenden.

IAT is located opposite the Cathedral School, in Mundingburra. We have two Advocates andcontinue to offer advocacy support to vulnerable individuals. We also provide information to family,friends and other community members. We continue to stand for people’s rights and freedoms.

We also provide information sessions and presentations to answer any queries and welcome anyquestions relating to providing an information session about Independent Advocacy Townsville.

As economic and political situations change we are maintaining a positive outlook and continue tosupport people with disabilities during the introductory phase of new schemes and other changeswithin the sector.

IAT’s advocacy speaks, acts and writes with minimum conflict of interest by standing with, and forpeople with disability to promote, protect and defend their welfare, rights and justice by: being ontheir side and no-one else’s, without jeopardy to the most vulnerable being primarily concerned withtheir fundamental needs: and remaining loyal and accountable to them in a way which is emphaticand vigorous and which requires the bearing of costs by the advocate or advocacy group.

Support IAT

You can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people with disability by financiallysupporting IAT to make sure our advocacy efforts continue in the future.

All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. All gifts are also welcome.

You can choose to make a one off donation or a recurrent donation.

Alternatively, for further details about supporting IAT contact us on (07) 4725 2505.


General News

New World Conference: Disability in the 21st Century

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is proud tohost the New World Conference: Disability in the 21stCentury and trade show to be held at the BrisbaneConference and Exhibition Centre on 27-29 October 2015.

This groundbreaking international conference will welcomemore than 1500 people with disabilities, service providers, ITprofessionals and companies all wanting to be part of thetechnology revolution in disability services in the 21st century. Our conference will showcaseinnovative technology designed to enhance the lives of people with disability and enable choice andcontrol and full participation in life.

The New World Conference: Disability in the 21st Century will start the conversation aboutdisability in Australia in the 21st Century.

The conference program will feature leading Australian and international experts s howcasing howinnovative and effective technology will transform the lives of people with disability, their familiesand carers. The extensive conference program includes plenary sessions, workshops and masterclasses for CEOs and executives, NDIS immersion sessions, user experience case studies and atrade and exhibition show.

People with disability will present their digital aspirations to Australia’s leading IT professionals, whowill have the opportunity to share their products and services. Be part of the technology revolutionin disability services and register your interest today.

Subscribe regular updates: http://www.ndis.gov.au/NDIS-new-world-conference-2015#subscribe

Find out more about presenting at the Conference: http://www.ndis.gov.au/form/conference-papers-pwd-disability-services-support-organisations

Cowboys player supports Multicap’s work in Rockhampton

Jake Granville is stoked about the opportunity to back an initiative offering purpose -builtaccommodation to people with disabilities in Rockhampton. The North Queensland Cowboys playersaid the opportunities provided to people with disabilities are extremely important, particularly theHomes4Life initiative.

"It's a fantastic program and as an ambassador I'm really happy to support something thatprovides a home for Multicap people," said Jake.

Originally from Rockhampton, Jake is excited to get behind a home-grown project and help raiseawareness for the work that Multicap does in the community.

"As a Rocky boy, it gives me great pleasure to be able to give back to a program that benefits thecommunity," he said.

"The work they do in making available practical accommodation and high level care is so importantand I'm proud to spread the word on the great work they do."

To help open doors to people who need it most was a key motivation behind Jake becoming anambassador.

When asked if he saw a parallel between a game of footy and the work of Multicap, Jake said "thereare some similarities like dedication, determination and working together to achieve a common goal,but to be honest the work Multicap people do each day and what I do shouldn't be compared. I playa sport and they make a huge difference in people's lives".


Jake is humbled by the work done for people with disabilities and often visits the TownsvilleCommunity Learning Centre where children with disabilities get a fantastic confidence boost from'hanging out' with one of the famous Cowboy players. Multicap is a high needs disability supportorganisation providing individual, respite, family support networks, opportunities, and programsthroughout Queensland for over 50 years.


Advanced Negotiation Skills

Having the skills and confidence to negotiate is an essential part of advocacy. You will learnto strengthen your bargaining position through thoughtful planning, develop effective skills,strategies and techniques, and discover how you can identify your own value and power, inany negotiation. This practical one-day workshop includes the ‘principled’ or ‘interest-based’negotiation approach from the work of the Harvard Negotiation Project.

This workshop covers:

• How to understand the core concerns of your opposition prior to a meeting

• How to create opportunity for both yourself and the party you are negotiating with

• Dealing with power imbalance during negotiations, Planning and managingnegotiations and Managing impasse as well as Creative solutions.

At this workshop you will develop skills that will be immediately relevant and usefulin all aspects of work.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Name: _____________________________________________

Organisation: ___________________________________________________

Contact Number: ___________________________________________________

Dietary Requirements: ___________________________________________________

Cost: $240

Payment must be made by August 30th 2015 to secure your place. However, once 20 placeshave been confirmed and paid for, the opportunity will be closed.

Enrolment FormAdvanced Negotiation Skills

Public Interest Advocacy Centre Ltd Senior Trainer

Friday 18th September 2015 9:00AM – 4:30PM


NDIS Update

The following information has been retrieved from Departmentof Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services -Queensland NDIS update.

Queensland welcomes the National Disability InsuranceAgency

Participant Portal User Guide

The Participant Portal has been improved. We welcome feedback: NDIA will keep improving ourParticipant Portal information. If you have any comments or suggestions, please tell us via thefeedback form.

What is the Participant Portal and who is it for?It is a secure website for participants, nominees and contacts who are approved to view and directNDIS plans and, where applicable, to make self-managed claims online.

How do I get access to the Participant Portal?To access the Participant Portal, you need to be a NDIS participant, nominee or a contact for aparticipant. Once you are a participant or listed as a nominee/contact, the NDIA will work with youto choose who has access to the Participant Portal. You may wish to have several people viewing,directing and self-managing the plan or just one person.

Your planner will provide each portal user a unique activation code. Access the Participant Portalhere. Listen to the website page here

How do I access the Participant Portal?The Participant Portal is a secure member service on the Australian Government's MyGov website.You can take a tour of myGov or see how to create your myGov account.

If you need assistance with logging into MyGOV please call the MyGOV helpline on 132 307 andselect option 1 (Operating Hours 7am - 10pm Moday to Friday and 10am - 5pm Saturdays andSundays AEST or you can go to the help section on the MyGOV website.

Fact Sheets and Resources

NDIS Participant Readiness Fact Sheet:https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/resources/reform-renewal/ndis-qld/factsheet-ndis-participant-readiness.pdf

NDIS Provider Readiness Fact Sheet:https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/resources/reform-renewal/ndis-qld/factsheet-ndis-provider-readiness.pdf

NDIS Workforce Readiness Fact Sheet:https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/resources/reform-renewal/ndis-qld/factsheet-ndis-workforce-readiness.pdf

NDIS Frequently Ask Questions Page:https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/reform-and-renewal/disability-services/national-disability-insurance-scheme-in-queensland/frequently-asked-questions

NDIS Events Calendar Page:https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/reform-and-renewal/disability-services/national-disability-insurance-scheme-in-queensland/ndis-calendar?view=month&date=2015-07-13&region=North%20Queensland&audience


QCOSS eNews

The following information has been retrieved from the QCOSS eNews.

Carer Support – National Carer Gateway

Following the May 2015 Budget announcement regarding the establishment of the national carergateway commencing from December 2015, the Department is undertaking an important first step toensure that the gateway will be a valuable resource for carers.

Commencing in June 2015, consumer research will be undertaken by Australian Market Researchand will involve important input from over 1000 participants across Australia. Research participantswill be involved in a number of different ways including mini focus groups, phone interviews, inhome interviews and on online survey. The people contributing to the research will come from a mixof socio economic backgrounds and will include both employed and unemployed carers, as well asorganisations supporting carers.

The outcomes of the research activities, will underpin the development of the carer gateway and willensure that needs of carers are central to the development of the gateway and to the broaderIntegrated Plan for Carer Support Services.

Specifically, the purpose of the consumer research is to:

identify and understand the different types of carers (characteristics, demographics, attitudesand behaviour) and their experiences accessing information and support services;

assist in understanding the ‘hidden carer’ population, who they are, and how they can bereached;

scope existing information available for carers;

understand and capture carer information and support wants, needs and expectations;

identify services that carers are currently accessing and services that are needed but notcurrently available;

determine the most effective communication channels for reaching our target market; and

inform website content development, information structure, service channel preferences, aswell as branding and communication considerations.

The Department will also engage the sector through a co-design process to guide the design of boththe gateway and the broader future carer service system. This process has already commencedwith the Department visiting a range of organisations that currently support carers.

A series of co-design workshops will also start in early July 2015. Further information on the co-design workshops and further details about participating in the online survey will be made availableon the DSS website at: www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers.

Department of Social ServicesE: [email protected]: https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/news/2015/carer-support-services-national-carer-gateway

Tenant Advice Services Expanded

As of June 2015, tenants seeking advice should find it easier to get through to TenantsQueensland’s advice service. The service is now open daily from 9:00am until 4:00pm withextended hours to 7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. Additionally, there are multiple adviceworkers available to assist tenants at during these times.

To contact the service, tenants call 1300 744263 from anywhere in the state. Callers using alandline are charged a standard local call cost whilst callers on mobiles will pay their usual mobilerates.


The expanded service was been made possible after the Minister for Housing and Public Works, theHon. Leeanne Enoch, announced an interim telephone based tenant advice service to operate untilthe end of September, during which time a new Statewide Tenant Advisory Program will beprocured.

The interim service is being delivered by Tenants Queensland in coordination with Enhance Careusing the single access point for clients. Enhance Care is delivering advice to renters in the areasaround north Brisbane and Caboolture whilst Tenants Queensland is servicing the rest of the state.The organisations are working together to ensure high service standards and quality management.

Reports

Inequality in Australia: A nation divided

https://www.qcoss.org.au/inequality-australia-nation-divided. Read the report and watch the videoon the ACOSS website

Queensland Accessing Interpreters Working Group annual report 2014-15

Read the QAIWG annual report 2014-15 (PDF) (Word)

Useful Resources

The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline

(The Hotline) – a telephone service for reporting cases of neglect and abuse of disabled membersof the community.Hotline: 1800 880 052 TIS: 13 14 50 TTY: 1800 301 130 NRS: 1800 555 677Email: [email protected] more information visit the Website: http://www.disabilityhotline.net.au/

Welcome to the Disability Lawyer

The goal of this site is to provide a searchable, indexed resource of information about disability andthe law.http://www.thedisabilitylawyer.net.au/

NDIS Updates

Queensland Government’s disability websitePhone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

www.qld.gov.au/disability

Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services (Disability Services)Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)Email: [email protected]/disability

National Disability Insurance AgencyPhone: 1800 800 110Sign up to receive regular email updates at: www.ndis.gov.au/sign-updateswww.ndis.gov.au


Management Committee

Chairperson and Public Officer:..........................Pam Spelling

Secretary: ............................................................Elise Whebell

Treasurer: ............................................................Erion Haxhiraj

Associate Member: ..............................................Linda Anderson

Ordinary Member: ................................................Karene Gravener

Staff

Advocacy Manager:..............................................Kylie-maree Beller

Advocates: ...........................................................Anne Hansen

...............................................................................Tania Brown

Administrator: ......................................................Beverly Smith


Nothing about us withoutus!

This was the theme of the United NationsAssembly to ratify the Convention on theRights of People with Disability.

IAT works on the same principle – we arerun by, and for, people with disability.This ensures that the agency is driven bypeople with a lived experience ofdisability and how societal values arounddisability impact on people’s lives.

We are therefore able to remain relevantand focussed.

Organisations like IAT can only survive with the involvement of community. We know there aremany people with skills and experience that would be an asset to our organisation.

Membership is open to anybody who supports the values, mission, and work of this agency. It isfrom the membership that we draw our management committee, which is the governing body of ourorganisation.

Therefore, we are especially interested in people who want to become involved, who couldcontribute to the agency by supporting the work we do and the values we hold.

In return, IAT offers the opportunity to be involved expand on and develop skills and experiencerelating to the governance of an organisation, and to be involved with like-minded people in asupportive environment.

Mission Statement

“To stand with and for vulnerable people with a disability through vigorous independent advocacy.”

What we believe

IAT believes all people have the right to:

Be treated with respect and dignity

Be valued as individuals

Participate in the decisions and choices that effect their lives

Be involved in and contribute to their community

Safety and protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation

Live the life they choose

Key Elements of Advocacy Functioning by speaking out, acting and writing

Minimal conflict of interest

Sincerely perceived interests

Promotion of the persons welfare, well being and justice

Vigor of Action

Costs


Membership is free for both ordinary and associate members.

Ordinary Membership

Ordinary Membership is open only to people with disability.

Ordinary members have voting rights and can nominate for positions on the managementcommittee.

Ordinary members make up the majority of positions on the management committee.

Associate Membership

Associate membership is available to any person concerned with issues affecting peoplewith disability.

Positions on the management committee (other than that of chairperson) are available toassociate members; they have voting rights only for the period of their inclusion on thecommittee.

What membership does not include:

Automatic or preferential approval for advocacy support – all members, should they requireadvocacy, would be subject to the same entry criteria and referral process as any otherperson requesting advocacy support

Automatic approval for membership of the management committee – any person nominatingfor membership of the management committee must nominate and address a set of selectioncriteria. This is to ensure that members are able to support the values of the organisation,and assists us to determine how we can assist the management committee members toincrease their skills and knowledge in relation to the management of this agency

If you would like to become a member of IAT, please complete one of the membership applicationforms at the back of this newsletter and return to the office for processing.

If you would like to discuss membership or joining the management committee please call us on(07) 4725 2505 or toll free on 1800 887 688.


ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIPAPPLICATION FORM

I would like to apply for Associate Membership of

Independent Advocacy Townsville

Name: ........................................................................................................................

Signed: ..............................................

Address: ....................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

Postal Address: .........................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

Phone Number: .................................

Date: ..................................................

On completion, please return to Independent Advocacy Townsville

2/179-181 Ross River RoadMUNDINGBURRA QLD 4812PO Box 3067HERMIT PARK QLD 4812

Phone: 1800 887 68807) 47 252 505


OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Proposed by: ........................................................ Signed: ..........................................

Seconded by: ........................................................ Signed: ..........................................

Accepted by Meeting of the Management Committee.

Date of Meeting: .....................................................


ORDINARY MEMBERSHIP

APPLICATION FORMI would like to apply for Ordinary Membership of

Independent Advocacy Townsville

Name: ........................................................................................................................

Signed: ..............................................

Address: ....................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

Postal Address: .........................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

Phone Number: .................................

Date: ..................................................

On completion, please return to Independent Advocacy Townsville

2/179-181 Ross River RoadMUNDINGBURRA QLD 4812PO Box 3067HERMIT PARK QLD 4812

Phone: 1800 887 68807) 47 252 505


OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Proposed by: ........................................................ Signed: ..........................................

Seconded by: ........................................................ Signed: ..........................................

Accepted by Meeting of the Management Committee.

Date of Meeting: .....................................................

Documents

June 2015 IAT Newsletter