Posted March 25, 2024
This book is a key resource for students, managers and practitioners working in disability. It has 13 chapters. Each chapter is a different topic. It is written in approachable language, but grounded in research. The book fills a gap in the literature on quality and practice in disability services. This Australian book is free online.
Posted February 5, 2024
The Victorian Government has appointed Jonathan Kaplan as the state’s new independent Social Services Regulator. The new regulator will be tasked with streamlining and simplifying the regulation of social services organisations.
Posted September 15, 2023
The federal government will repeal the Disability Services Act and replace it with a new set of standards. The changes will govern the provision of services to people with disabilities outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Posted August 4, 2023
Now, a 7.30 investigation can reveal the business is facing scrutiny over thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds it received under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The case involves a vulnerable young man with autism, and a support worker also linked to Universal Medicine.
Posted August 1, 2023
National Disability Services [NDS]-commissioned research has painted a grim image for the future of the care sector, amidst the Federal Government’s commitment to cracking down on fraud and rorting.
Posted July 7, 2023
Kris was one of 19 residents living at Cobram residential disability facility Merriwa Grove in northern Victoria when it was announced in early June that it would close because it was no longer viable. With the facility officially closing at the end of this month, NDIS provider Social Plus Support Work (SPSW) has managed to lease three homes long-term in Yarrawonga for nine of Merriwa’s residents, including Kris.
Posted June 30, 2023
Mr Banfield is no longer working for the company and with the help of the Australian Services Union, is part of a group that’s taken it to the Fair Work Commission. He said working there left him exhausted from working an unsafe amount of hours, and “disgusted” about the treatment of staff.
Posted June 30, 2023
‘Our Regulatory Approach’ explains the high-level principles that guide the work of the Commission to meet their vision for people with disability to be able to choose services that best meet their needs and supports their quality of life free from abuse and neglect. It describes who the Commission is, how they do their work and what to expect from them. It also sets out the work they undertake, how they make decisions and the types of action they can take.
Posted June 23, 2023
Key points:
– Disability support workers are leaving the sector for aged care.
– The 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers is a big driving factor, advocates report.
– New disability workforce data shows there is insufficient capacity to meet future growth demands.
Posted June 15, 2023
It is the first time the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has used its regulatory powers to fine a disability services provider since it was created in 2018.
Posted May 19, 2023
Approximately 1,600 NDIS participants are amongst 4,000 people living in 115 SRS’ across Victoria. The interim report to be released today – which was triggered by whistle-blowers and commissioned by the Federal Government – found rife practices against NDIS participants by unscrupulous SRS providers including limiting access to supports, neglect, emotional manipulation, bribery, financial abuse and kidnapping.
Posted May 12, 2023
Peak body for disability service providers National Disability Services (NDS) has called for a vibrant disability sector to be maintained as part of the 2023-24 Federal Budget measures to manage the financial sustainability of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Posted April 28, 2023
The report investigates how to improve services, supports and programs for people with disability from culturally diverse backgrounds. The study concludes that ‘good’ practice for services involves three key elements, including the involvement of people with disability from culturally diverse backgrounds at all stages of developing, implementing and managing services. The report makes three recommendations for changes at a system, organisational and individual level.
Posted April 14, 2023
Closing date: April 28, 2023
The purpose of this Inquiry is to examine how Platform Providers operate in the NDIS Market. The Inquiry will hear from people with disability accessing NDIS services and supports through Platform Providers, and Platform Providers themselves. The Commissioner will share key learnings to promote participant rights to safe and quality NDIS supports. The Commissioner will … Continued
Posted March 23, 2023
The damning findings against Afford, the Australian Foundation for Disability, were released after the royal commission heard evidence about a carer who abused two disabled men. The company also faces legal battles over allegations a young woman drowned in a bath while in their care.