Sector Welcomes Historic Mental Health Royal Commission
The announcement of a mental health royal commission by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, if re-elected next month, is a historic moment, a sector leader says.
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Wheelchair diving artist transforming preconceptions around disability
Acclaimed British performance and installation artist Sue Austin is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for those living with a disability.
World’s Best Golfers with a Disability to Compete in the ISPS HANDA Disabled Golf Cup
Twelve of the world’s leading golfers with a disability from seven different countries will compete in the ISPS HANDA Disabled Golf Cup, which will be contested 23-24 November immediately following second and third-round play of the ISPS HANDA Melbourne World Cup of Golf at The Metropolitan Golf Club.
#DisabledDisabilityMovies explores realistic movies about people with disabilities
past two years of blockbuster hits featuring underrepresented communities, such as Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, have reaffirmed that representation in media matters. However, it’s not enough to just check a box by having actors that look like the communities they’re portraying.
Student with cerebral palsy calls out med school ‘disability bias’
Jerusha Mather, from Melbourne, claims doctors with disabilities are poorly represented in the profession and she wants medical schools to set aside at least 10 places a year for students with disabilities.
NDIS Taskforce Makes First Arrest
The Coalition Government established the National NDIS Fraud Taskforce in July to tackle potential fraud against the National Disability Insurance Scheme. A 34-year-old Victorian man has been charged for allegedly defrauding the NDIS of more than $400,000.
Kurt Fearnley wins The Don Award
The wheelchair racer has become the first athlete with a disability to win The Don Award, capping a career which includes three Paralympic gold medals, seven world titles and an astonishing 35 marathon triumphs across 10 countries – and counting.
Psychosocial Disability Stream Added to NDIS
The mental health sector is celebrating the announcement of a psychosocial stream for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The Lowdown On Restrictive Practices
The NDIA requires that the delivery of specialist behaviour support services and use of restrictive practices must only be undertaken by registered NDIS providers and specialist behaviour support funding must be managed by the NDIA. As we know, the NDIA, will only purchase supports from registered providers. So, what about other supports? Is it possible to self-manage part of the funding?
Complaints about sexual and physical misbehaviour by NSW school staff skyrocket
Complaints relating to sexual and physical misbehaviour towards children with special needs or disabilities by teachers and other staff in NSW schools have nearly tripled over the past two years, with more than 650 complaints made last year.
Supporting People Ineligible for the NDIS
Troublingly, estimates show that only 89% of people with disability in Australia will be eligible for the NDIS. Sara explores how providers can support people who find themselves ineligible but still very much in need of support.
Campaign finally brings respite for Whittlesea
The South Morang centre opened earlier this month, bringing a close to a five-year campaign for an adult respite service in Whittlesea led by the council, Whittlesea Disability Network and local advocate group Respite Alliance Whittlesea (RAW).
New Productivity Commission Inquiry to shine a light on mental health
The Australian Government will establish a Productivity Commission Inquiry into the role of mental health in the Australian economy and the best ways to support and improve national mental wellbeing.
The reality of NDIS: greater need, fewer resources
Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher announced on September 26 that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) had reached the milestone of registering its 200,000thparticipant. The number of NDIS participants is predicted to grow to about 460,000 by 202
What to do when your kid stares at people with disabilities
Kids are naturally curious — this is a wonderful thing. But they also haven’t mastered social cues. This can make parents uncomfortable. What’s painful for disabled kids, and therefore for the parents of disabled kids, is the isolation, Willingham says.