disAbility Update Issue 59 Summer 2014

About disAbility Update

disAbility Update is published quarterly in autumn, winter, spring and summer by the Disability Services Commission.

Neither the Commission nor the State of Western Australia shall be responsible for the reliability, usefulness or the accuracy of the content of this publication.

Neither the Commission nor the State shall be liable, in negligence or howsoever, for any loss, damage or liability incurred by anyone relying on the content.

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Contact:

The EditordisAbility UpdateDisability Services CommissionPO Box 441West Perth WA 6872Phone: 9426 9311Fax: 9481 6808TTY: 9426 9315ISSN: 1442-343X

Email: media@dsc.wa.gov.au

Website: www.disability.wa.gov.au

Commission celebrates 20 years of disability services

Minister’s message

2013 marked the 20th anniversary of WA’s Disability Services Act and the establishment of the Disability Services Commission. It was also a year of exciting developments and reforms in the disability sector.

The decision to establish the Commission as a stand-alone agency which would focus exclusively on promoting the interests of people with disability was an Australian first.

The creation of a Disability Services Ministerial portfolio was also a ground-breaking development that added political clout and ensured the disability sector had a voice in the Cabinet room. This led to successive State Governments embracing the aspirations

of people with disability, their families and carers, and the allocation of strong growth funding for supports and services.

The Commission’s partnerships with disability sector organisations, community-based organisations and government agencies have been vital in building a robust disability services sector that more than holds its own when compared with the rest of the nation and other systems around the world. I believe this will remain the case as we enter a period of unprecedented change, and we will continue to work together for the benefit of people with disability, their families and carers.

2014 will be another busy year for the Commission and for the wider disability sector. Planning and preparation for the start of the National Disability Insurance Scheme trial sites will be a high priority. Further expansion of the non-government disability sector will also be a high priority reform. These reforms are a continuation of the important work that has been undertaken over the past 20 years to move towards a truly person-centred approach in the provision of supports for people with disability.

What we ultimately want to see is a support system that will enable each person with a disability to exercise genuine choice and control over the supports and services they need to live a good life in the WA community.

The accomplishments of the Commission and its partners over the past two decades give me every confidence that achieving this is now well within our reach.

Hon Helen Morton MLC Minister for Disability Services

Director General reflects

In December it was 20 years since the Disability Services Act (1993) was legislated and the Disability Services Commission began operating. It is amazing to look back and realise how much the disability sector, the Commission and people with disability, their families and carers have achieved and the developments that have been made over the past two decades.

The changes are particularly obvious when we look back to the type of disability services that were provided to West Australians with disability before 1993. Institutional care and the removal of children from families were commonplace.

Major change began in the 1970s when there was a focus on training and skills development. We owe a great deal to the visionary leadership of Dr Guy Hamilton who influenced this development, moving from a medical model to one based on integration and participation. In 1993, after much political debate, the Authority for the Intellectually Handicapped and the Bureau for Disability were amalgamated to become the Commission, with Hon Ray Young as Board Chair and Haydn Lowe as Chief Executive.

It is interesting to see that some of our core aspirations have remained the same over the years. The Commission’s first annual report expressed a commitment to devolving responsibility to the non-government sector wherever possible, and designing services to suit the individual rather than forcing the individual to fit services.

The Commission has been working in this way ever since and our priority is now individualised planning, person-centred supports and services, and supporting the sector to deliver quality services.

We are guided by the Count Me In vision—that we all live in welcoming communities that facilitate citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for everyone. In addition to our programs and projects, State and local governments are contributing a vast array of access and inclusion initiatives as part of their Disability Access and Inclusion Plans.

The Commission’s Local Area Coordination network—a world first—has been a vital innovation which has now become a core component of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

In WA, people with disability have benefited from the strong partnership between the Commission and disability sector organisations. We have benefited from having a strong and diverse disability sector.

The Commission exists to enable West Australians with disability to lead good lives—that was the vision in 1993 and it remains the same today.

Dr Ron ChalmersDirector GeneralDisability Services Commission

History of the Disability Services Commission

1993 Disability Services Commission is established under the Disability Services Act

(1993). Australia’s first Disability Services Minister is appointed to WA’s State Cabinet. Local Area Coordination (LAC) expands to include rural WA and outer Perth

metropolitan area. School-age therapy service is set up.

1994 Commonwealth/State Disability Agreement is implemented. Consumer Complaints Service is established.

1995 Five-year Count Us In Business Plan released. Young People in Nursing Homes Project commences.

1996 More than 250 State and local government agencies submit Disability Services

Plans.

1999 After 33 years of operation, the Pyrton Training Centre closes.

2000 Five-year Making A Difference Business Plan is released. Young People in Nursing Homes Project concludes.

2003 Commission marks 10 years of operation. Parliament strengthens Disability Services Act (1993) by adding principle number

10.

2004 Commission, National Disability Services WA and Council of Funded Agencies

develop Disability Industry Plan. Remote Area Strategy is implemented. LAC expands into the Indian Ocean Territories. Commission runs TV campaign: Open Your Mind – Count Us In. Commission endorses adoption of National Disability Services Standard 9.

2006 First Disability Access and Inclusion Plan report to Parliament. Count Us In curriculum package provided to WA schools. Young People in Residential Aged Care Program begins.

2008 Statewide Specialist Services directorate established. Commission launches first Reconciliation Action Plan. You’re Welcome website developed. Community Living Plan strategy launched. Alternatives to Employment program expanded. Inaugural Count Us In scholarships.

2009 Inaugural Disability Support Worker Awards. National Disability Agreement is signed. Commission uses Twitter for DisabilityWA messages. Count Me In strategy launched.

2010 Quality Management Framework implemented. Commission joins YouTube. Positive Behaviour Strategy launched.

2011 Fourth strategic plan 2011–2015 launched. Young People in Residential Aged Care Program concludes.

2012 My Way commences. Voluntary Code of Practice for the Elimination of Restrictive Practices launched.

2013 Disability Services Act and Regulations amended.

Agreement reached between State and Commonwealth governments to host NDIS trial sites in WA from 1 July 2014.

LAC celebrates 25 years.

Sector stayers reflect on Commission progress

Autism Association of Western Australia Chief Executive Officer Joan McKenna Kerr has worked closely with the Commission for many years.

“Congratulations from all of us at the Autism Association of Western Australia on the Commission’s 20th anniversary,” Ms McKenna Kerr said.

“The Commission has played an exceptional role working with partners in the non-government sector to further the community inclusion and social participation of people with disability.

“Its leadership and innovation in the field of disability nationally is widely acknowledged.

“The association looks forward to continuing to work with the Commission as we enter a new phase of reform, to advance the position of West Australians with disability and their families.”

Former Disability Services Commission Disability Justice Service Executive Director Peter Batini reflected on 20 years with the Commission.

“While at the Commission, I helped develop the Commission’s independent monitoring approach and Standard 9 of the Disability Services Standards, which was adopted in December 2004,” Mr Batini said.

“The standards provide a framework to assist service providers and people with disability and their families to work together to monitor, review and improve the quality of services.

“Standard 9 is about the protection of human rights and freedom from abuse and neglect and the Commission approved its adoption in December 2004. I advocated for this standard because of my experiences as a clinical psychologist and as a parent.

“It’s important the Commission and its staff maintain and demonstrate a strong values-based culture and do what they can to prevent exploitation or abuse of people with disability.

“As well, the growth and development of services in the non-government sector, a quality management framework, robust independent monitoring systems and the Commission’s active contract management has significantly lifted the standard of service by disability sector organisations, improving opportunities for people with disability.”

Former Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability Chairperson Samantha Jenkinson has had high profile roles in the sector over many years.

“The Commission has done a lot of positive things in 20 years, including work on Disability Access Inclusion Plans and the introduction of Local Area Coordination and the Count Me In strategy,” Ms Jenkinson said.

“But there is still so much to do. People with disability are often still struggling to be included and to gain control of their lives.

“We still focus on building the capacity of the service sector without the same effort being put in to building the capacity, peer support and self-advocacy of people with disability.

“At the 20 year mark we are at a crossroads. Let’s learn from the past and each other to build a better system.”

Western Australia prepares to introduce NDIS trial sites

The launch of Western Australia’s two National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) trial sites is now less than six months away and the Disability Services Commission is continuing its commitment to ensure the State’s readiness.

In recent months there has been close collaboration between the Commission and a number of state and Commonwealth government agencies as work is undertaken to finalise the Bilateral and National Partnership Agreements, which provide the details on how the trial sites will operate.

Changes to the Commission’s structure and functions are also underway in the lead up to 1 July, when two trials will commence in WA.

The Australian Government’s National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) model will be implemented in the Perth Hills and the WA My Way approach in the Lower South West and Cockburn/Kwinana areas. WA is the only state to trial a locally-developed NDIS model.

The Commission’s recently formed Disability Reform Directorate is leading this work. The directorate’s Executive Director Robyn Massey said the name reflected the work required by the Commission to ensure it was well placed to implement the rollout of an NDIS.

“The directorate’s mandate is State and Commonwealth agency engagement and the planning, preparation and implementation of the WA NDIS trials,” Ms Massey said.

“The work we’re doing will ensure there is a seamless integration into a national scheme, while the positive features of our current system are retained and safeguarded.

“Following the 5 August 2013 agreement, which captured the high-level commitment of both the WA and Commonwealth governments to NDIS trials in WA, the signing of the Bilateral and National Partnership Agreements will be the next major milestone.

“The planning for the NDIS trials is well underway. WA is ready to go ‘live’ with the WA NDIS My Way site in the Lower South West on 1 July.

“The investment that’s been made in My Way ensures our preparedness, but the signing of the agreements will provide us with the detail we need to progress to the next step.”

Ms Massey said the acceleration of My Way since 1 July 2013 in the Lower South West meant there were more My Way Coordinators available to support people with disability, their families and carers and that planning was already well underway.

“Engaging people in intensive, individualised planning is a key role for My Way Coordinators,” she said.

“We are seeing people work with their coordinator to design what a good life looks like for them. People are identifying their individual strategies and goals and making decisions about the types of supports and services that will help them achieve the life they choose.”

Forums in the Lower South West in recent months have ensured the community has been kept informed of progress in the lead up to the transition to an NDIS trial site.

In November, the Commission held a forum in Busselton for people with disability, their families and carers, service providers and interested community members.

The event, attended by about 70 people, provided more detail on how the WA NDIS My Way model will work in the Lower South West.

Attendees heard from a number of presenters, including Ms Massey; a My Way Coordinator; Grant Avery, to talk about his family’s engagement with My Way; and representatives from the Mental Health Commission.

The partnership between the Disability Services and Mental Health commissions, which has recently been strengthened, was a key topic at the forum.

In line with the NDIS eligibility criteria, reasonable and necessary supports will be provided for people with psychosocial disability. A My Way Coordinator with specialist skills in mental health will join the Lower South West My Way team to support this change.

“As the NDIS launch date nears, we will continue to build on the work to date as we strive to roll out a well-planned and person-centred disability service system in WA,” Ms Massey said.

For more about My Way and the NDIS, visit www.disability.wa.gov.au > NDIS in WA or email myway@dsc.wa.gov.au .

Online outlet offers recycled equipment

People looking for good quality, affordable disability equipment may find what they’re looking for at the Community Refurbished Equipment Centre (CRE), in Bibra Lake.

Disability Services Minister Helen Morton officially opened the centre, which is funded by the Disability Services Commission and operated by Rocky Bay, in November.

“Therapists, individuals and families can source quality recycled equipment at affordable prices,” the Minister said.

People with disability, therapists, seniors and people with short-term physical limitations following surgery, as well as accommodation and health care providers, can hire or buy the mobility and personal care equipment from the centre.

Among CRE products are wheelchairs, walkers, standing frames, hoists and commodes.

For more information contact CRE Manager Valerie Ford on 9494 2243 or valerief@rockybay.org.au or visit www.rockybay.org.au > Services > Community refurbished equipment. There is also an online shop: www.creshop.rockybay.org.au .

Grant funds Huntington’s research

A world-first study into Huntington’s disease has begun, thanks to a Lotterywest grant of $592,511.

Huntington’s WA (HWA) received the grant in October 2013 to work with Edith Cowan University on research into how environmental enrichment therapy and treatment can be provided to people who have the Huntington’s gene but are yet to show any symptoms of the disease.

HWA previously received a Lotterywest grant of $352,117 to explore the impact of environmental enrichment and mental, physical and social stimulation on the progress of the disease in its early to mid-stages.

It was found that study participants deteriorated 50 per cent less than the control group and they reported an overall improvement in their physical and mental health.For more: www.huntingtonswa.org.au .

Accommodation transition progresses

Consultations with people who live in Disability Services Commission accommodation have begun this month as part of the transition of about 60 per cent of the Commission’s accommodation services to the non-government sector.

The consultations follow the announcement in October 2013 by Disability Services Minister Helen Morton that the Commission’s accommodation services would be restructured to increase choice and control for people using these services.

Commission Director General Ron Chalmers said the changes were also being developed to align with the approach of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“Until now, most people in the Commission’s accommodation service have not had a choice about where they live or who provides the service,” Dr Chalmers said.

“Now with the growth of the non-government sector and its increased capacity, there is a wider range of accommodation types and services available.”

Dr Chalmers said the transition to new providers would take place over a few years and people who currently received services would continue to do so.

“People will have time to decide where they want to live, who they want to live with and which provider they want to purchase their accommodation services from,” he said.

“Consultations with individuals and their families or stakeholders will ensure people receive relevant information about the available service providers so they can make an informed decision about their future provider.”

The Commission is retaining places for people with particularly complex needs and for people experiencing an emergency.

For more information contact the Commission’s Local Area Managers or members of the Accommodation Transition Team, or visit www.disabilility.wa.gov.au > Reform > Accommodation services transition.

Transfer begins for childhood services

The transfer to non-government providers of some places in the Disability Services Commission’s early childhood intervention service has begun.

The process to move up to 210 places from the Commission to the non-government sector will be conducted over the next 12 months as those places become vacant.

Geraldton Ambassador spreads the word

Geraldton’s Count Me In Ambassador Chris Kerr and staff from the Disability Services Commission’s Local Area Coordination office met members of the local community in September to spread the word on inclusion.

People with disability presented their views about what inclusion meant for them, and sector representatives discussed their inclusive services and programs and how these benefited the community.

Ms Kerr, who has been a Count Me In Ambassador for 12 months, said it was important to work with business, government and the wider community to implement key Count Me In messages.

“This needs to occur at all levels, especially as development projects continue in the Mid-West,” she said.

Person-centred planning maps out individual lifestyle choices

Strong planning by the Disability Services Commission’s Statewide Specialist Services directorate has underpinned the transition of supports from the Commission to disability sector organisations for 45 Perth-based people with disability.

The directorate worked with the 45 people through the Supported Community Living project to ensure they continued to have a good life in their communities after changing support providers.

The project was completed over 18 months, concluding in December 2013.Senior project officers Lance Hogg, Rima Salame and Rachel Barron also worked with families, friends, key support people, Local Area Coordinators, community social trainers and disability sector organisation staff to create personalised support plans for each individual.

“Together we invested a lot of time to properly design individual lifestyle plans that honoured the person’s preferences, needs and aspirations,” Mr Hogg said.

“We assisted people with disability to have ownership and control over their own plan, including their choice of local service provider and their support person.

“The personalised plans, which will be reviewed each year, provide a strong sense of purpose and clarity for the support person and the agency to design their service and establish a strong relationship with the person, their family, friends and other key supporters.

“This project is aligned with the Count Me In vision because it provides individualised supports and services that are innovative, flexible and person-centred.”

Mrs Salame said the partnership with the disability sector organisations highlighted the breadth of knowledge and diversity available in the sector.

“It has also shown how much growth there has been in the quality and quantity of services provided by some agencies,” she said.

People and Communities

Yellow Dog joins sculpture walk

A Warnbro woman’s love of ceramics and plan to turn her artistic interest into a viable business opportunity has become a reality.

The People and Communities, Spring 2012 edition reported that Rebecca Johnston, 38, had been exploring her talent for ceramics.

“I started classes at the Rockingham Community Art Room in 2007 and over time I started producing clay dogs based on Pippa, a dog I used to own,” Ms Johnston said.

With the art group’s support, she experimented with design, materials and glazing until she developed her ideal ceramic dog.

She began production in November 2010, and now jokes that she tries to meet the people buying her ceramic dogs because she wants to “make sure they all go to good homes”.

As sales increased, Ms Johnston began exploring the possibility of producing much larger ceramic dogs as public art.

She developed a prototype to determine production costs and a land developer donated $1,000 to assist with the project.

Ms Johnston was keen to ensure the quirky appeal of her small dogs was captured in the larger versions.

“I always hoped that one day a land developer or a local council might place an order for one of my larger ceramic dogs,” she said.

In March 2013, she exhibited her first ‘big’ dog—Yellow Dog—at the Sculpture Walk exhibition, at Deep Water Point in Mt Pleasant.

Ms Johnston said Yellow Dog prompted much interest and admiration, especially from children who liked climbing and playing on the life-size model.

The City of Melville has since bought Yellow Dog for display in a park where dogs are walked.

“Melville buying Yellow Dog was a dream come true,” she said.

“After all my hard work and planning, this purchase meant a lot to me. I hope the Yellow Dog sale will be the first of many and that other dogs will find good homes in other community parks.”

Personal plan supports independence

A Community Living Plan is assisting a Rockingham woman with disability to realise her dream of living independently in her own home.

Debbie Payne said her daughter Melissa had encountered some challenges in this process and had experienced discrimination when trying to find a private rental.

Melissa’s support network, including her family and Local Area Coordinator, worked on a plan to help her achieve her dream.

They assisted her to make contact with a real estate business in Rockingham, and the real estate agents supported her in acquiring a two-bedroom rental in September 2013.

“By moving into her own home, Melissa is achieving her goal of being totally independent,” Mrs Payne said.

“It has also improved her general life skills such as cleaning and cooking, which provides her with a real sense of responsibility.

“Her house is in a unit complex where the other residents have been very welcoming of Melissa and there is a real sense of community.

“Not only does this put Melissa at ease, but also brings her family peace of mind in the knowledge that she is in a safe environment. And Melissa cannot wipe the smile from her face.”

Youth gain from Swan West group

A steering committee formed by Swan West Local Area Coordination is addressing issues that affect young people with disability who are moving from school to employment.

The committee has representatives from Cyril Jackson Education Support Campus, the Town of Bassendean, National Disability Coordination Officer Program, Peedac, Edge Employment, Therapy Focus and the Department of Education.

Swan West LAC Area Manager Maurice Embley said the group was working towards building better relationships between key stakeholders in the region.

“The aim is to support young people with disability to successfully participate in open employment, promote the benefits of creating open and inclusive job opportunities among local business and industries, and provide support for young people and their parents in developing their career plans,” he said.

The committee hosted an employers’ breakfast to celebrate International Day of People with Disability on 3 December. About 65 people attended, including 15 employers/business owners who had not previously employed people with disability.

Inclusive arts strengthen culture

An arts program delivered by a local Aboriginal woman is strengthening cultural understanding between people with disability in the Lower South West and Aboriginal people.

Disability sector organisation Strive Warren Blackwood partnered with the Lower South West LAC (now My Way Lower South West) in early 2012 to help fund the Bardi Art program, run by Lisa Cross.

The program fosters an inclusive environment for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people with disability and provides an opportunity for budding artists to gain mutual understanding and respect for each other’s cultures.

Strive Coordinator Joselyn Smith said the program, which runs 11am–2pm on Thursdays in Busselton, was helping promote community spirit and new friendships.

Strive aims to use the arts program to broaden its Aboriginal engagement strategy within the community, through bush activities with Aboriginal elders such as story-telling and learning about culture.

For details, contact Joselyn Smith on 9777 1479 or strivejs@westnet.com.au .

Stories connect Aboriginal people

Storytelling circles in Kalgoorlie are assisting The Centre for Cerebral Palsy (TCCP) to improve engagement with Goldfields Aboriginal families through the Pika Wiya Kuthupa (meaning ‘not sick, different one’) project.

An Aboriginal community reference group comprising locals who care for family members with disability is advising TCCP’s Margaret Gidgup and the Disability Services Commission’s My Way Coordinators in this project.

The three-year project focuses on involving carers of young children at local schools to tell their stories and generate discussions about the difficulties they face raising a child with disability in the Aboriginal community.

It is anticipated that collaboration will lead to the development of cultural competency tools that will assist services to work more effectively with Aboriginal people in the Goldfields community.

Goldfields Local Area Coordination Acting Area Manager Mandy Gilbert said she hoped the project would also build on positive connections with Aboriginal people.

“We’re trying to find out why people aren’t engaging, address these issues and increase the level of engagement with Aboriginal families,” Ms Gilbert said.

For more: TCCP Project Officer Caris Jalla on 9443 0294 or caris.jalla@tccp.com.au .

Employment film is out of the box

Disability sector agencies in the Mandurah and Peel regions have partnered with local businesses to produce a short film demonstrating how employers can benefit from employing people with disability. The film was based on the findings of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) report, Employ Outside the Box.

It was produced by a steering committee comprising City of Mandurah, CCIWA, Disability Services Commission, Halls Head Education Support Centre, Mandurah Career Enterprise Centre, Ostara, Bridging the Gap, Forrest Personnel and Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service representatives.

CCIWA spokesman Russell Trowbridge said that the committee had originally just wanted to raise the profile of Disability Awareness Week.

The committee liaised with businesses that were willing to provide work experience opportunities for students with disability.

“The feedback from local businesses was so positive, it was decided that developing a video compiling these case studies was the best way to get the message out,” Mr Trowbridge said.

The video was launched at a breakfast in Mandurah during Disability Awareness Week 2013, which was attended by representatives from 28 Peel businesses.

Freo footballers win with all abilities

A decision in 2009 by Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club to form an Integrated Football team has been rewarded with the prestigious Dr Louisa Alessandri Award for Excellence in the Disability Services Commission’s annual Count Me In Awards, held in December.

The Dr Louisa Alessandri Award for Excellence is presented to the most outstanding winner of the nine Count Me In Award categories.

The club also won the Customer Service category of the 2013 awards, with Melville Community Arts Association’s Artists by the River Project receiving the Highly Commended award.

In 2010 Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club joined the WA Amateur Football League’s new WA Integrated Football Competition, which was set up to give people with intellectual disability the opportunity to play football and take part in other club activities.

CBC coach Brendon Bleakley, a former physical education teacher who is now an Education Support Program Coordinator at Atwell College, said the introduction to the club of the All Abilities team had been an “unbelievable journey”.

“In four years the All Abilities team has grown from about 12 to 45 people who not only play football but take on other club roles such as boundary umpires, score board keepers and water runners, and there have been significant benefits to everyone involved,” Mr Bleakley said.

“The general fitness, health and wellbeing of the players has improved considerably, with players losing weight, becoming more motivated, trying things they’ve never done before and enjoying being part of a team.

“There have also been mental health benefits, with members gaining a sense of belonging, developing networks and making friends, and enjoying the social side of being part of a football club.

“Through the club, families have also benefited, enjoying the support of others with a child with disability.

“More broadly I have noticed a shift in general attitude to people with disability—from being sympathetic to being respectful, and to understanding that people with disability can achieve their goals too, and that has been a great step forward.”

For all the winners see pages 18–20 or visit www.disability.wa.gov.au > About us > Count Me In > Count Me In Awards.

2013 Count Me In Award winners

Count Me In Award for an Individual: Winner Bevan Dellar and Highly Commended recipient Joan Dornan.

Count Me In Award for Education and Training: Primary and secondary schools: Alice Alibrandi and Michelle Willis received the winner’s prize for John Wollaston Anglican Community School.

Count Me In Award for Customer Service: Chris Marshall accepted the Highly Commended award for Melville Community Arts Association and Brendon Bleakley took home the winner’s trophy for Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club.

Count Me In Ambassadors Award: Caterina Ponzio received a Highly Commended.

Count Me In Award for Education and Training: Post School: Trish Ridley accepted the winner’s trophy for the Activ Foundation. Lesley Misarz received the Highly Commended award for the Pilbara Institute.

Count Me In Award for State Government: Aaron Minchin accepted the award for the Department of Sport and Recreation, and Chris Avent received the Highly Commended award for the Western Australian Electoral Commission.

Count Me In Award for Innovation and Excellence: Tony Marwick accepted the Highly Commended award for Essential Choices.

Count Me In Award for Local Government: Brendan Kelly accepted the Highly Commended award for the City of Bunbury and Jeanette Stampone the winner’s trophy for the Shire of Harvey.

Barry MacKinnon Award for Employment: The Shire of Cranbrook’s Cassandra Stipanicevic and Growing Towards Wellness’ Cathy Mills received joint winners’ awards for their organisations. Darren Woolcott accepted the Highly Commended award for Brightwater Care Group.

Count Me In Award for Governance and Leadership: Paresh Gandhi accepted the Highly Commended award for Therapy Focus and Rob Holmes the winner’s trophy for Enable Southwest.

Funding lifts job opportunities

Employment opportunities for people with disability have taken a step forward with the commitment by the State Government to fund a key position at Western Australian Disability Enterprises (WADE).

The $457,000 over four years funds the appointment of an executive officer who will support the procurement of goods and services from WADEs.

WADEs are not-for-profit organisations that operate as commercial businesses and provide supported employment opportunities for more than 2,100 West Australians with disability.

Disability Services Minister Helen Morton said the funding, announced in October, highlighted the Government’s commitment to providing support and opportunities for people with disability.

“This is an important initiative, providing support for the vital organisations that offer employment for people with disability,” she said.

“It recognises the value of meaningful employment by committing to support the procurement process between WADEs and the WA Government through the creation of an executive officer role.”

For more details, visit wade.org.au/ or www.australiandisabilityenterprises.com.au .

Families lead the way in positive behaviour support

Gaining skills in Positive Behaviour Support has changed the lives of many West Australians who have family members that sometimes experience challenging behaviour.

They in turn, are now supporting others in similar circumstances through the Side by Side family mentoring program, which was one of the many engaging presentations at the recent Positive Behaviour Framework and Across-Government Sector Forum held in November 2013.

The second stage of the Positive Behaviour Framework was also launched at the forum. Disability Services Commission Director General Ron Chalmers, National Disability Services WA Operations Manager Frances Buchanan and NDS WA Training Liaison Officer Dave Rogers opened the event.

“The Positive Behaviour Framework is a sector-wide strategy to respond to the needs of people with disability, their families, carers and paid support workers who share experiences of challenging behaviour,” Dr Chalmers said.

The Perth forum highlighted work by disability sector organisations to build their capacity to better respond to the needs of people with disability, their families and carers.

Another presentation was ‘Is there A Better Way?’ training which supports people to implement the Voluntary Code of Practice for the Elimination of Restrictive Practices.Mr Rogers said over many years, the sector had attempted working out how best to support people who may display challenging behaviours.

“Now, with the Positive Behaviour Framework, we are seeing real successes and great outcomes in improving how we support such people,” Mr Rogers said.

“This is the first time I can say with confidence that we are making real progress.

“Keys to the success of this project have been the close liaison with families and the strong collaboration of sector organisations.”

It also was announced at the forum that the University of Western Australia has started research into the effectiveness of the framework.

For more about Positive Behaviour Support, visit www.disability.wa.gov.au > Disability Service Providers > Behaviour Support.

News briefs

Group informs locals

A community liaison group has been formed by the Disability Services Commission for people with an interest in the Disability Justice Centres project.

The group of seven locals and two Commission representatives meet monthly in Midland for updates on the establishment of disability justice centres.

Since the first meeting in November, the group has heard two guest speakers: Mentally Impaired Accused Review Board Chair Robert Cock and Boronia Prison Superintendent Jan Allen.

For more about the liaison group, visit www.disabilty.wa.gov.au > Reform > Disability Justice Centres > Local Community Liaison Group, or contact djc@dsc.wa.gov.au or 9426 9708.

Ministers endorse revised standards

Disability ministers from all jurisdictions on the Australian Government’s Standing Council on Disability Reform have endorsed revised National Standards for Disability Services.

For more, visit www.dss.gov.au > Our Responsibilities > Disability and Carers > Standards and Quality Assurance > New National Standards for Disability Services.

Vehicles increase independence

The 50th vehicle to be modified by the WA Motor Industry Foundation to suit the needs of a person with disability was lent to a Success family in October.

Disability Services Minister Helen Morton presented the keys to the Toyota HiAce commuter bus to Caroline and Robert Hughes, and their son Nathan, 22, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

The vehicle was provided through the foundation’s Wheels for Hope program which was set up by the foundation in 2008, and has now lent vehicles 60 times.

The State Government provided the foundation with $1.6 million in funding in 2011–2012, to be split over four years.

This support has enabled the program to expand its fleet, and assist more families to gain mobility and enjoy community life.

For more about the foundation, visit www.motorindustryfoundation.com.au .

Curtin partnership wins recognition

A successful partnership between the Disability Services Commission and Curtin University has resulted in a national award nomination.

Curtin was nominated in the Educational Partnerships and Collaborations with Other Organisations category of the Australian Award for University Teaching for Programs that Enhance Learning.

The nomination was for the Environment Health and Disability Service Learning Partnership between the Commission and Curtin’s School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work.

Since 2008, more than 500 students have worked with 300 people with disability who live in Commission accommodation, helping them develop person-centred occupational therapy plans and narratives used in the Lost Generation project.

The university’s nomination highlighted the positive outcomes from the partnership between the Commission and Curtin. This year, 200 students will be taking part in the program.

Chair’s column

The State Government’s Count Me In vision has guided all Disability Services Commission initiatives since the Count Me In strategy was launched in 2009.

The vision is that we all live in welcoming communities that facilitate citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for everyone.

In 2013, the Commission’s 20th anniversary year, it was timely to reflect on the progress of Count Me In and the influence it has made to disability services and supports around Western Australia.

A ‘stocktake’ of Count Me In’s progress was completed and presented to the WA Parliament by the Disability Services Minister Helen Morton on 3 December, the International Day of People With Disability.

The ‘Count Me In Implementing Priorities and Pathways Stocktake’ outlines how Count Me In is helping WA communities to become more inclusive and accessible through more than 70 initiatives.

These include Liveable Homes, the You’re Welcome AccessWA website, local government grants, communications technology, The Lost Generation project, Count Me In Ambassadors, Disability Health Network and GAIN employment project.

I am proud to have been part of the development of Count Me In and look forward to seeing more outcomes of this positive commitment to meeting the needs of people with disability, their families and carers.

Read the stocktake at www.disability.wa.gov.au > About us > Count Me In.

Bruce LangoulantChairpersonDisability Services Commission

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disAbility Update subscribers now have the choice of receiving the magazine by post or in their email inbox.

Subscribers can notify the Commission how they would like to receive disAbility Update, or if they wish to unsubscribe.

Email subscriptions will mean faster delivery and a ‘greener’ production process.

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HaDSCO group welcomes members

The Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO) is inviting people who use health and disability services to register their interest in being part of a consumer and carer reference group.

The group will provide consumer perspectives, input and feedback on HaDSCO services, which will help HaDSCO improve its current practices and strengthen its sector relationships.

For details, contact HaDSCO Strategic Communications and Engagement Officer Katy Lawton on 6551 7623 or katy.lawton@hadsco.wa.gov.au .

Commission surveys consumers

The Disability Services Commission will conduct its 2014 Consumer Survey in March. The survey seeks to gauge how satisfied people are with the disability services they receive from the Commission. The results will help guide policy development in areas of community participation and service demand.

More than 700 service users and/or their carers will be selected at random to participate in the 15-minute survey. Participation is voluntary and all information will remain confidential to encourage open and honest feedback.

The findings will be published in the Commission’s Annual Report and disAbility Update magazine.

For details, contact Performance Reporting and Evaluation Manager Richard Mathews on 9426 9262 or richard.mathews@dsc.wa.gov.au .

Awards recognise support workers

This year’s Disability Support Worker Awards continue to recognise the valuable role of support workers in promoting inclusion and ensuring quality of life for people with disability.

This year’s event, hosted by National Disability Services WA and supported by the Disability Services Commission, will be a gala dinner at Crown Perth on 15 March. Seven awards will be presented to support workers nominated from across the disability sector.

For details, phone 9242 5544, email awards@nds.org.au, visit www.dwsa.org.au or ‘like’ Disability Support Worker Awards on Facebook.

Dates for your diary

Disabled Surfers Association WA Let’s Go Surfing workshops until March 2014 at the Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club, Leighton Beach, and Bunker’s Bay in the South West. Visit www.disabledsurfers.org .

Seventh annual International Wheelchair Day, 1 March. Visit www.internationalwheelchairclub.com/international-wheelchair-day .

Disability Support Worker Awards, 15 March, at Crown Perth. World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March. Visit

www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/australia World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April. Visit www.un.org/en/events/autismday .