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Newsletter
Happy Easter
Inside this edition:
People on the fringe with disability
 Preparing for Employment
 Students with Autism and Developmental Disabilities
 DDWA Health Circle
 National Parliamentary Inquiries Involving People with Disability

And more…..
Dear Members and Friends,
Developmental Disability WA has been working with individuals and other organisations since
last year on a range of projects in the NDIS My Way trial sites. Our work is primarily in the My
Way trial site areas—the Lower South West and Cockburn Kwinana. The NDIS trial site is in the
Perth Hills area. The My Way projects involve around models of support —ways to help children
0-18 in the planning process, and in education - aligning education goals alongside the My Way
plan.
A central aim of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is to provide equity of access to
disability support. The NDIS My Way trial sites are using an eligibility criteria, instead of the
previous crisis-based system based on rationing a funding pool which was insufficient to meet
the needs of all people who applied, and where people queued until someone exited the system
or until they themselves gave up waiting.
Even with an eligibility criteria expanding the number of people who will potentially access
disability support, a big question is whether the scheme, as designed so far, will reach everyone. Will it ensure equity of access for all people with disability or only for those people who
have the awareness and understanding to seek out the NDIS or have family advocates to
support them with this? Many people with disability are not in this position.
Many people “on the fringe” live in an unsupported environment and may be affected by
difficult family relationships, an unhealthy lifestyle, issues with justice and the law, drugs or
alcohol. Many people on the fringe are Indigenous or from culturally diverse backgrounds and
are often disconnected from government services, or where they are, may prefer to avoid
having much to do with government services in case of other unwanted consequences. Often
people on the fringe may not see a problem with their current lifestyle of have a vision for a
better life.
Jim Simpson and Janene Cootes will be in Perth on 1 May and will ask these and other
questions. We invite you to come and talk to Jim and Janene about how to work with and
successfully support with people with disability who might be seen to be “on the fringe”.
In December last year the Australian Senate commenced an inquiry “Into the Adequacy of
Existing Residential Care Arrangements Available for Young People with Severe Physical, Mental or Intellectual Disabilities in Australia”. DDWA appeared before the Senate Committee when
they visited Perth in February this year, as did PWdWA and a number of people with disabilities
who shared their personal experiences of living in residential care facilities which did not prvide
the kind of choice and control necessary for tem to live the kinds of lives they wished to live.
DDWA joined with PWdWA in a written submission addressing some of the questions raised in
the Inquiry which we saw as important to increase the Committee’s overall understanding of the
issues. You can read more about this on page 10.
In response to a call for action from many advocacy organisations around the country, and from
many individuals and their advocates, a further Senate Inquiry will be held looking at abuse and
neglect of people with disability in institutional and residential settings. WA Senator Rachel
Siewert who chairs the Community Affairs Committee successfully moved the motion to have
the Senate hold this Inquiry which is currently taking submissions and will be travelling around
the country to hear directly from people who will share their personal experiences. You can also
read more about this, and work being undertaken in Perth, on page 10.
Whether Easter is a time of religious significance for you, whether it’s a family time, or a time of
reflection, we wish you all the best and look forward to being in touch again soon.
PEOPLE ON THE FRINGE WITH DISABILITY
FORUM WITH JIM SIMPSON & JENENE COOTES
FRIDAY 1 MAY 2015 9.30AM—12.30PM
Developmental Disability WA are pleased to
welcome Jim Simpson & Jenene
Cootes to Perth to explore the issues
facing people with disability who could be
described as being “on the fringe” and the
issues facing the people who support them,
including their families and service providers.



Who are the people we are talking about?
How well are they fairing under our current system?
What are some effective models of support?
i. How independent advocacy best connects with this group?
ii. Examples of Managing interfaces between systems?
iii. What are good models of service provision?
iv. What does it take to work successfully with this group?
v. What does success look like?
 How well are they transitioning to the NDIS or to WA My Way NDIS?
 What does effective planning look like for this group? And what does it take? And are
our systems designed to support good planning for this group?
For further information go to:
http://www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au/opinion/ndis-fringe-equity-access/
Jim Simpson is a lawyer and advocate who has worked in
the disability field for thirty years.
Janene Cootes is the executive officer of the Intellectual
Disability Rights Service in Sydney.
COST—Free. Morning Tea provided
RSVP—www.ddc.org.au/events-may-2015/
VENUE—Centenary Pavilion Centenary Reserve, Centenary Avenue, Wilson
GETTING THERE
Bus 98, Lawson St / Farnham St (Stop Number 11706) to Centenary Av Before Leach Hwy
Car—Centenary Ave runs between Leach Hwy and Manning Road. Parking is plentiful.
INFORMATION—[email protected] or 9420 7230 (exc Wed)
PREPARING FOR EMPLOYMENT
AN INTRODUCTION TO PREPARING YOUR SON OR
DAUGHTER WITH A DISABILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT
PRESENTED BY SUE ROBERTSON
DDWA has been talking to individuals and their families about getting ready for work.
In 2014 we held workshops in Leeming and Broome, and in 2015 we have been to
Mandurah, Padbury and Busselton.
The presenter, Sue Robertson, invited people to these highly practical and
interactive workshops particularly aimed at parents wanting to better understand the kind
of support they can provide to their son or daughter to help them gain meaningful
employment. The workshop looked at:
Things to first consider
- What part will employment play in your son or daughter’s life?
- What are the big questions to ask to get the balance right?
- How can you prepare your son or daughter for employment?
- What is a good quality job?
Working in partnership with your school to achieve the best transition to work outcome for your son or daughter
- What factors influence transition outcomes?
- What are the responsibilities of the school and of the family?
- What does individual employment planning look like?
- What is good quality work experience?
Working in partnership with a disability employment service
- How does a Disability Employment service work?
- What is a good quality employment service?
- What are the key questions to ask a disability employment service?
- How can I help to get my son or daughter a job?
Some of the feedback…..
"It was good to understand the processes in place, and hearing what supports are available. Sue was
very knowledgeable and professional. I felt I could approach her and be free to ask questions."
Busselton workshop, 23 March 2015
"Presenter was very experienced, knowledgeable and optimistic - which makes me feel optimistic
about my daughter's future." Mandurah workshop, 18 February 2015
“...fabulous workshop. It was very well received. Lots of useful practical examples and well-paced.
Several of the attendees looked to be getting writer’s cramp from taking so many notes—Sue shared
lots of very useful tidbits of info based on her experiences.” Broome workshop December 2014
To find out about future Preparing for Employment
workshops visit our website www.ddc.org.au
And if you would like Sue to present near you, contact Mary 9420 7230
Students with Autism &Developmental Disabilities
WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS IN BROOME
and WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS IN BROOME
Presented by Dolly Bhargava
FOR PARENTS:
Cable Beach Primary School, Library, Dakas Street, Broome
MONDAY 20 APRIL 2015
6.00PM-9.00PM
Supporting Children with Anxiety and Depressive Disorders
TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2015 9.30AM-12.30PM
Building Self Esteem and Resilience in Children with a Disability
FOR TEACHERS:
Broome Senior High School, 69 Frederick Street, Broome
MONDAY 20 APRIL 2015
8.30AM-10.00AM
Re-engaging Disengaged & Unmotivated Students
MONDAY 20 APRIL 2015
10.30AM-12.00PM
Managing Challenging Behaviour (K-Yr6)
MONDAY 20 APRIL 2015
12.30PM-2.00PM
Managing Challenging Behaviour (Yr7-12)
Cost:
Free—includes morning tea & light lunch
(please advise of any dietary requirements)
Registration
Parents: Online at www.ddc.org.au/events-apr-2015
Dolly Bhargava, is a
Disability Specialist
Speech Pathologist
who has also
completed a
Masters in
Special Education.
Dolly works with
children, adolescents and adults
with disabilities in a
variety of settings
such as schools,
accommod-ation,
post school
option, employment
and corrective
services.
or phone Mary Butterworth on 9420 7230 (exc Wed)
Teachers: Kelly Stevens 9193 5644 or [email protected]
Information:
[email protected] or 94207230 (exc Wed)
or [email protected]
THE TEACHERS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN FUNDED BY THE NON GOVERNMENT
CENTRE SUPPORT FOR NON-SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS PROGRAM AND IS
SUPPORTED BY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY WA
DDWA Health Circle
& Supported Decision Making
Friday 24 April 2015
WHAT IS THE DDWA HEALTH CIRCLE?
The DDWA Health Circle will be the key way for members to guide our work to support better
health outcomes for people with developmental disabilities.
In addition, the Health Circle will help
to influence decision making on
disability and health by providing a
way of connecting with the Disability
Health Network.
The Disability Health Network is a
partnership between the WA
Department of Health and the
Disability Services Commission to
influence policy and service delivery
to improve health outcomes for
people with a disability.
www.healthnetworks.health.wa.gov.au/network/disability.cfm
WHAT IS SUPPORTED DECISION MAKING?
Supported decision making is a way of supporting someone who might have limited decision
making abilities to make as many decisions as they can. In this forum we’ll talk about how
you can bring supported decision making to these difficult decisions for people with significant levels of disability.
At the Health Circle, members can talk about the health issues that affect them, and be part
of designing resources, information, skills and education to help them have a strong voice in
the health care of themselves or the people they support.
DDWA Health Circle
& Supported Decision Making
(cont.)
Our first Health Circle will focus on supported decision making and
difficult decisions.
How
can I help the person I care about understand what’s happening to them?
How
would I respond if a decision had to be made in a medical emergency?
How
do I weigh up possible side effects when I’m making a decision about treatment?
What’s
How
a good decision when it comes to things like sexual health?
do I think through end-of-life care decisions for someone with a terminal illness?
Am
I confident that I’ve given them the best chance of being part of this decision?
Do
I have they authority to make that decision?
What
does ‘dignity of risk’ mean when we’re talking about health?
These are some of the big questions that people are faced with when it comes to health care for
people with developmental disabilities. These are also very personal and ethical decisions
which can be very emotional ones too.
FACILITATORS—
Jaquie Mills — Jaquie is a parent of a young man with complex needs. She works in the areas
of complex communication needs, family leadership and challenging behaviour.
Maxine Drake —Maxine is an advocate with experience in Health, Disabilities, Guardianship,
Mental Health services and helping people to negotiate with powerful service systems.
TIME—9.30am to 12.30pm
COST—Free. Morning Tea provided
RSVP—www.ddc.org.au/events-apr-2015/
VENUE—Conference Room, City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi St, West Perth
GETTING THERE
Train—City West on Fremantle line
Bus—Green Cat (Sutherland St) or Yellow Cat (Harold Boas Gardens)
Car—Watertown (Harbourtown) Shopping Centre carpark-cash only, or Delhi St (limited bays)
INFORMATION—[email protected] or 9420 7230 (exc Wed)
Autism Mums
Coffee Groups
The Autism Mums Coffee Groups continue to provide a place for mums (and
Grans, and sometimes Dads, and others) to get together over a cuppa and
some conversation.
Some of the groups organise guest speakers, outings and other events. If you
would like more information about groups in your local area contact one of the
coordinators below:
Fremantle Autism Network—FAN Club! (Fremantle & South West suburbs)
Coordinator: Morgan
Mobile: 0457 483 317
Email: [email protected]
Wattle Grove Autism Mums Group
Coordinator: Cathy
Mobile: 0468 616 550
Bassendean Autism Mums Group
Coordinator: Lucy
Mobile: 0433 258 315
(Wattle Grove & South East suburbs)
Email: [email protected]
(Bassendean & North East suburbs)
Email:
[email protected]
Joondalup Autism Mums Group
(Joondalup & Far Northern Suburbs)
Coordinator: Sharon (please email Sharon to get mobile number)
E
Email: [email protected]
Learn and Grow Line
DDWA’s Learn and Grow Line provides families who require assistance
with issues arising in the area of their child’s education, an initial point of
contact, opportunity to have a confidential discussion about their situation
and help in identifying their options going forward.
Contact Helen Beesley at 9420 7203 or [email protected]
We like to hear from our members
We always like to hear from our members about anything they would like to talk with us
about.
With our current work in a number of areas we are particularly interested to hear from
you if you have had experience with:

Introduction of the new funding model for school education

Autism and justice—have you or someone you know had a difficult experience
relating to justice or the law, or a good experience which can be shared?

Housing - have you or someone you know had experience with problem
neighbours; are you or someone you know feeling vulnerable in your housing?
Email us at [email protected] or phone us on 08 9420 7203.
If you have something else on your mind please let us know.
Apps For Communication
Friday, 24 April 2015
Did you know there is a range of apps
available to support
communication?
Would you like to know how to choose
apps to support communication goals?
Are you using just one comprehensive
communication app or device? Have you explored additional apps for
increased interaction,
storytelling and participation?
ILC Tech is running a workshop on Apps for Communication, for more
information or to register click here.
Independent Living Centre WA | The Niche,
Suite A | 11 Aberdare Rd Nedlands WA 6009 Reception: 1300 885
886 or 08 9381 0600 |
National Parliamentary Inquiries Involving
People With Disability
As we outlined on page 2, DDWA worked
with PWdWA on the Senate Inquiry into the
Adequacy of Existing Residential Care
Arrangements Available for Young People
with Severe Physical, Mental or Intellectual
Disabilities in Australia.
DDWA and PWdWA, and a number of
individuals with personal experience,
presented evidence to the Committee,
demonstrating that some younger people
with severe physical, mental or intellectual
disabilities are at particular risk of being
placed into inappropriate residential care
arrangements.
While the Senate Inquiry reference was
‘adequacy’ we deliberately used the term
‘appropriateness’ because we believe it
better reflects the need to match care and
support to individual aspirations and needs
and is more aligned with the principles and
intent of the National Disability Insurance
Scheme (NDIS). We would contend that a
residential care arrangement could be seen
to be ‘adequate’ in that it meets a person’s
basic needs for shelter and personal care
and yet be entirely ‘inappropriate’ in supporting people to live with a high quality of life,
choice and control.
People with intellectual disabilities or with
complex diagnoses can also face the risk of
inappropriate placement and poorly supported transitions into formal care, with many
people making unplanned transitions from
informal family support into formal residential
care arrangements. For example, young
people with challenging behaviours often
experience an escalation in behaviours as a
result of the onset of adolescence and
puberty. People with intellectual disabilities
or autism who also have diagnosable mental
health issues are another group at risk of
inappropriate placement.
You can read the submission from DDWA
and PWdWA by clicking on the image
above
between mental health and disability
service systems in the absence of
effective diagnosis and management,
with mental health issues often being
misdiagnosed as challenging
behaviour. With mental illness not
being diagnosed and treated
successfully it can be difficult to
support people effectively.
Another group who can be at risk of
finding themselves in inappropriate
residential care arrangements are
people who are sometimes referred to
as people 'at the margins' - people
with intellectual disability who face
additional challenges such as mental
illness, poverty, homelessness,
family dysfunction, and criminalised
behaviour.
The adequacy of existing residential
care arrangements for young people
with severe disabilities is a critical
Mental health services often struggle to diag- question as we prepare for the
nose mental health issues successfully in
transition to a National Disability
this population, and people are often shifted Insurance Scheme.
National Parliamentary Inquiries Involving
People With Disability
Cont………
It speaks to where young people with
severe and complex disabilities and their
families are starting, what they hope for and
require from the NDIS, and how successful
the NDIS is in repairing the present cracks
in our disability support systems and their
interaction with mainstream services.
It is the experiences of people with severe
and complex disabilities which most
challenge our current systems, and
responding to them which will be critical to
the success of the NDIS.
further evidence for the Senate’s
national Inquiry into Abuse and
Neglect.
United Voice is supporting the work, as
the union representing support workers
in the non-government sector.
“We hear too often of people being
taken advantage of sexually and
physically,” Ben said. Ben is a
university student and survivor of
institutional neglect and abuse.
“What’s worse, if you are unable to
communicate your problems or have no
family to support you, you are left with
no hope, nowhere to go and certainly
no justice,” he said.
As well as an analysis of existing
systems, hearing from individuals about
their experiences, and more,
the project involves the development of
number of recommendations.
L-R Back: Stephen Dawson MLA, Taryn Harvey,
Kelly Shay
Front: Samantha Connor, Ben Keely, Gina Keely
Inquiry into Abuse and Neglect of
People with disability in institutional and
residential settings
DDWA is working with PWdWA and
advocates Ben Keely and Samantha
Connor on a Western Australian
research project which will provide
If you are interested in getting in touch
with Ben about your experience, you
can email him at [email protected]
or phone DDWA 9420 7203 and we will
put you in touch with him.
The Senate Inquiry is taking
submissions until 29 May 2015.
The Committee will have a hearing in
Perth on Friday 10th April.
To find out more and receive a
same day response, email
[email protected]
WA
NDIS
My Way
WA NDIS My Way Trial - Lower South West
The WA NDIS My Way Trial in the Lower South West region commenced
on 1st July 2014.
SWAN have been contracted by Developmental Disability WA to provide
information on NDIS My Way to people with disabilities and their families
living in the Lower South West region.
If you are living in the Lower South West region:
- Augusta-Margaret River
- Boyup Brook
- Bridgetown-Greenbushes
- Busselton
- Donnybrook-Balingup
- Manjimup
- Nannup
please help SWAN to understand what information you need regarding
the WA NDIS My Way trial by completing their quick survey.
Your responses will help to ensure that the information they provide is
suitable to your needs, and de-identified information will be fed back to
Disability Services Commission to assist in shaping the NDIS My Way
trial.
WA NDIS My Way Trial
Lower South West
What Do I Need To Know? SURVEY
(control Click on SURVEY to start)
CONTACT US:
Taryn Harvey, CEO
[email protected]
9420 7203 Ben Keely, Project Officer
[email protected]
Sue Birch, Finance / Office Manager
[email protected]
9420 7283
9420 7203
Jessica Toster, Office Assistant
[email protected]
9420 7203
Mary Butterworth
9420 7230
Resources|Information|Skills|Education (RISE)
[email protected]
Lisa Dockery
9420 7205
Manager Operations; Politician Adoption
Scheme
[email protected]
Teresa Pracilio, Membership/Administration
[email protected]
9420 7203 Developmental Disability WA
City West Lotteries House
2 Delhi Street
WEST PERTH WA 6005
Helen Beesley, Project Officer
9420 7203
(mailing address is same)
[email protected]
Bron Pike, Side by Side Co-ordinator
[email protected]
9420 7203
Happy
Easter
Phone: 9420 7203 (reception)
Email: [email protected] (admin)
Website: www.ddc.org.au