Current News
E-News
The latest edition is now available on the Disability E-News page. We welcome your feedback.
More after school options for kids and teens with disability
Children and young people with disability will soon have access to new after school and vacation programs with the announcement of community agencies to provide the services.
New after School and Vacation Programs for Children and Young People with High Needs including those with Autism
Black Mountain School
Northcott Disability Service
Northcott Disability Service will deliver an after school and vacation program starting first term 2012 for teenagers with high needs including those with autism. This program will be based at Black Mountain School. Ten places will be available at each program per day.
Contact: Taryn Bankier, Area Manager, Northcott Disability Services
Ph: 6297 6899
Email: taryn.bankier@northcott.com.au
Belconnen Community Centre
Belconnen Community Service
Belconnen Community Service will deliver an after school and vacation care program for teenagers with high needs including those with autism starting first term 2012. This program will be run from the Belconnen Community Centre. Ten places will be available at each program per day.
Contact:
Sonya Roelofse
Ph: 6264 0252
Email: sonya.roelofse@bcsact.com.au
Cranleigh School
Belconnen Community Service will also deliver an integrated vacation care program for ten weeks each for children with high needs. Ten places will be available later in 2012 for children with disability and ten places will be available for children without disability.
Contact:
Lee Pederick
Ph: 6278 8106
Email: lee.pederick@bcsact.com.au
Malkara School
Communities@work
Communities@work will deliver an integrated vacation care program for ten weeks each for children with high needs. Ten places will be available later in 2012 for children with disability and ten places will be available for children without disability.
Contact:
Lee Maiden, Executive Director, Children’s Services
Ph: 62936514
E-News
The latest edition is now available on the Disability E-News page. We welcome your feedback.
Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund
Information Sheet for ACT Applicants
The Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund (SAIF) has been established by the Commonwealth Government to build innovative, community-based supported accommodation places for people with disability. This initiative is intended provide 150 new places in supported accommodation and respite for people with disability and their carers and families nationally.
The Fund is managed by the Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).
If you would like more information about SAIF or to ask questions about the initiative, please see the SAIF website 
Application documentation can be downloaded from the FaHCSIA website
When will SAIF commence?
Applications for SAIF opened on 5 September 2011 and will remain open until 20 January 2012.
Disability ACT Endorsement
It is a Commonwealth Government requirement that applicants seek endorsement from the relevant state or territory government for their support model, regardless of whether they are also seeking ongoing support funding from the state or territory government (refer Program Guidelines Part C).
Disability ACT allocates recurrent funding as and when it is available, and on the basis of prioritised need.
In considering whether it can endorse applications, Disability ACT requires:
- All applications to be provided by 25 November 2011: this will enable Disability ACT to consider applications concurrently to compare the merits of different models;
- Advice about who will live in the accommodation or how future residents would be selected and whether those individuals have sufficient supports and services in place to fully meet their day to day needs; alternatively
- Advice about the level of recurrent funding would be required to sustain the residents in their home; and on what basis future residents might be considered a priority for recurrent funding over other people.
Applications should be sent to:
Disability ACT
GPO Box 158
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Or Email: DisabilityACT@act.gov.au
After School Hours and Vacation Care Scoping Study – June 2011
In April 2011 Disability ACT engaged Courage Partners to undertake a Scoping Study of the need for specialist afterschool and vacation care support for school aged children with disability. The Scoping Study was intended to assist Disability ACT to understand the number of children and young people who may benefit from these services, the types of services required and best possible options suited to the ACT.
After School Hours and Vacation Care Scoping Study [RTF 1,810KB]
After School Hours and Vacation Care Scoping Study [PDF 577KB]
Disability ACT Grants
The ACT Government envision for “All people with disabilities achieve what they want to achieve, live how they choose to live, and are valued as full and equal members of the ACT community”. To realise this vision, a policy framework Future Directions: Towards Challenge 2014was developed including an Implementation Plan 2010-2014 that defines the strategic priorities and actions.
Responding to Strategic Priority 1 “I want the right support, right time and place”Disability ACT has a Grant Program that aims to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities, and their families and carers. These programs were designed to be accessible, flexible, with a low threshold for eligibility and encourage self-determination and innovation.
Good Life Planning
Good Life Planning Grants are targeted to people who are not linked to government-funded service providers which are able to assist them to develop and/or implement their plan. The Grants assist access to planning facilitators, educational workshops or conferences and coordinator for long term planning and to develop family designed or governed responses to achieve personal aspirations for a good life.
Information Pack and Application Form
Innovations Grants
Innovation Grants are being offered to people either individually or representing an organisation for one-off grants for innovative initiatives that aim to create or improve opportunities for vulnerable people in the ACT to participate in society. Innovation Grants will be offered for projects or initiatives that have the potential to influence or enhance social, economic or cultural opportunities of vulnerable people, their families or carers. More Information on Innovations Grants
Closing date for applications 23 September 2011
Disability Services Stakeholder Respite Advisory Group
The ACT Government has established a stakeholder group to assist in the progress and enhancement of respite services for people with disability.
The scope of the stakeholder group will include determining the optimal physical and service design and location for four centre-based services delivered by Disability ACT.
It will also consider the range of respite models more broadly needed to support children, young people, adults with disability and the families who care for them.
Disability Services Stakeholder Group Terms of Reference [RTF 956KB]
Disability Services Stakeholder Group Terms of Reference [PDF 155KB]
Disability Services Stakeholder Group Workshop Participants Feedback [RTF 305KB]
Disability Services Stakeholder Group Workshop Participants Feedback [PDF 178KB]
Toward a National Quality Framework for Disability Services in Australia
Towards a National Quality Framework for Disability Services in Australia
In January 2009, State, Territory and the Australian Government Disabilities Ministers signed up to a new National Disability Agreement (NDA), providing a national framework and key areas of reform for the provision of government support to services for people with disability.
One of the key focus areas in the NDA is to provide a nationally consistent approach to Quality Assurance. In response, all Disability Services Ministers have agreed to develop a National Quality Framework (NQF) for Disability Services in Australia, the aim of which is to promote and drive the quality of services and outcomes for those who use them.
more updated information on National Quality Framework
Process for 2011 School Leavers
Disability ACT funds two primary formal support models:
- Transitional Pre vocational Support though House With No Steps – available for up to 3 years
This type of service can assist people who have the capacity to participate in vocational activities such as employment, volunteering, further education or training, but who are not ready, or not able to do so without additional support. - Ongoing Community Access Services
Community access services assist school leavers to maintain and further develop their artistic and recreational learning, life skills and to use community facilities and to participate in community events. Community access should be individualised and provided in inclusive and normative community locations.
What are we doing?
The Intake processes has commenced for the 2011 School Leaver Process for Transition and Community Access services.
In May 2011 Disability ACT will confirm with School Leavers their offer of assistance from the transition or community access service.
Services will commenced for students in the Transition program in July 2011. Referrals are currently being made to agencies for students allocated Community Access support.
For further Information
Please contact Disability ACT Information Service on 6207 1086 or email on DisabilityACT@act.gov.au
The Post School Options Expo will be held on the 26 July 2011 at the Centre for Teaching and Learning and Information sessions for 2012 School Leaver Process will be held in Term 3 2011.
2011 School Leaver Information Pack [RTF 1MB]
2011 School Leaver Information Pack [PDF 82KB]
2011 Referral Form [RTF 1MB]
2011 Referral Form [PDF 95KB]
2011 Planning Information [RTF 1MB]
2011 Planning Information [PDF 64KB]
Future Directions: Towards Challenge 2014
The ACT Government has released its next implementation plan (2010 – 2014) for Future Directions : Towards Challenge 2014, which is a policy framework to improve outcomes and opportunities for Canberrans who have a disability.
The Strategic Governance Group has released its first annual report on progress against the implementation plan. A range of resources developed under Future Directions, have also been released including:
- Futures Planning Framework and Good Life Planning Guide - practical information to assist people to plan for a good life including planning tools, ACT planning services and planning grants available from Disability ACT.
- House to Home Report – an examination of housing, tenancy and support options for people with complex needs related to their disability.
- A draft Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Disability Framework.
- A report and draft Policy Framework for People with Disability who are Ageing.
- Information about ACT social enterprises that support people in employment.
- A community development plan which outlines how Disability ACT will work with community to create opportunities for people to socialise and engage in the Canberra community.
- A Positive Images Strategy to outline how we will work with community, education and media groups to promote positive images.
- A register of individuals and agencies who provide disability awareness and discrimination training in the ACT.
- Guidance to ACT Government employees to ensure that events and communications are accessible and inclusive.
- A Disability Information Strategy outlining how Disability ACT will work with the community to improve access to information about self help resources, supports, services, research, inclusive community groups, activities and events.
- A concept for a ‘no wrong door scheme’ whereby people can more easily access and share personal information to receive quality care.
- An Access Resource Guide which provides practical tips and online resources to assist with increasing understanding of the barriers that confront people with disability and provides simple strategies to be more inclusive and human rights compliant.
- Workforce Directions 2010-2014 - a workforce strategy for the ACT Disability Sector.
Further information about Future Directions : Towards Challenge 2014 can be found at http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/disability_act/sgg.
H1N1 Influenza
The updated advice from ACT Health is that Australia remains in the PROTECT phase and a second wave is expected during 2010. The second wave is not expected to be as severe as 2009 as the proportion of Australians immune to pandemic influenza continues to increase with vaccination. Free pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine remains available during 2010 and vaccination continues to be promoted in the ACT. More information on H1N1 Influenza virus
If you think you have influenza, please call your General Practitioner or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24 hours).
Australian Government announces feasibility study into long-term care and support for Australians with disability
On 23 November 2009 the Government announced that as part of the National Disability Strategy, the Productivity Commission has been commissioned to undertake a feasibility study into long-term care and support for people with disability in Australia.
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/govtint/Pages/feasibility_study.aspx
International Day of People with Disability (I-Day)
On 3 December every year International Day of People with Disability (I-Day) is celebrated worldwide recognising the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
I-Day brings together people with disability, community organisations, business, individuals and all levels of government. The Day unites people in the celebration and acknowledgement of the contributions, skills and achievements of people with disability.
There are many activities and events organised across the ACT for the week of I-Day.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Complaints Line
New Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Complaints Line
Update on the Transition of aCe to LEAD
The transition of aCe to LEAD has been underway since October 2007 and has progressed smoothly. It was agreed at the beginning of the transition that Disability ACT would review progress within the first two years to determine what elements of the service delivery were working well for participants and their families, and what elements, if any, need to improve. Disability ACT is also keen to learn from this process and be even better positioned in the future when managing service transitions.
Both Disability ACT and LEAD are keen to confirm the elements of the service that are working well for participants and those that need to be improved. This information will also inform Disability ACT’s learning’s in relation to the transition of services between providers.
Disability ACT has written to all participants and their families, and relevant Disability ACT support workers to ask for their feedback about the transition process, through a survey which will provide advice as to how the current program is meeting participants needs.
The information gathered from this survey will be used to strengthen the service provided by LEAD.
The key elements of the Implementation Progress Report will be:
A. Feedback provided by participants and families to assess the new services’ performance in the areas of:
- Accessibility and communication
- Inclusiveness
- Assessment and individual planning
- Learning and Life Skills development
- Creating pathways in education and employment
- Creating opportunities; and
- Quality practice
B. An audit of the performance of LEAD against the performance indicators in its Service Funding Agreement with Disability ACT.
The Implementation Progress Report will be informed by:
- A questionnaire survey to obtain input from aCe participants and their families
- A questionnaire survey to obtain input from Disability ACT relevant support workers
- A consultative forum between the aCe Advisory group and the Executive Director Disability ACT.
- A cross program audit to be undertaken by the Community Services Directorate’ Finance and Budgets branch. The direction of the audit will be informed by feedback from stakeholders and will include analysis of service output and financial reports, assessment of service outcomes and compliance against the National Disability Standards.
The Implementation Progress Report will include:
- confirmation of areas of quality performance and outcomes; and
- recommendations about aspects of service delivery that need strengthening; and
- recommendations to address any programmatic or governance shortfalls.
The ACT Social Enterprise Hubs
The ACT Social Enterprise Hub, a partnership between Social Ventures Australia (SVA), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), The Snow Foundation, Mental Health Community Coalition (MHCC), ACT Health and the Community Services Directorate, is designed to assist the development and accelerate the growth of social enterprises in the ACT.
Social Enterprise Hubs
It is not easy to set up and run a business – even more so a social enterprise. The Social Enterprise Hubs focus on equipping social entrepreneurs, existing enterprises and community organisations with the appropriate tool set to create and sustain a business that has a social objective.
Social Enterprise Hubs offer business and support services that might otherwise be inaccessible or unaffordable to social enterprises. Services include:
- tailored advice in business planning
- assistance in exploring and developing new market opportunities
- access to professional resources in areas such as legal, accounting, marketing HR or IT support
- capacity Building Programs – building skill sets in the areas of feasibility, business planning, financial management, marketing and performance evaluations
business mentors - regular information and networking opportunities
The key objectives of a Social Enterprise Hub are to:
- Increase the sustainability of new or existing social enterprises
- Increase employment opportunities and quality of life for people with serious disadvantage in the labour market
- Increase the capacity of social entrepreneurs to run sustainable social enterprises
- Improve social inclusion within the local community
Information Sheet [RTF 29KB]
Information Sheet [PDF 1.3MB]
Media Release [RTF 736KB]
Media Release [PDF 39KB]
Changing Landscapes 2009 Baseline Report [RTF 32KB]
Changing Landscapes 2009 Baseline Report [PDF 308KB]
Food Connect Graduating Impact Report [RTF 14KB]
Food Connect Graduating Impact Report [PDF 1.5MB]
Muooz 2009 Impact Statement [RTF 17KB]
Muooz 2009 Impact Statement [PDF 801KB]
Paperworks 2009 Baseline Report [RTF 38KB]
Paperworks 2009 Baseline Report [PDF 299KB]
Canberra Times Article [RTF 7KB]
Canberra Times Article [PDF 911KB]
Children and Young People with a Disability and their Families
Children and Young People with a Disability and their Families Policy [RTF 1.5MB]
Children and Young People with a Disability and their Families Policy [PDF 105KB]
ACT Disability Policy Framework 2009-2014
ACT Disability Policy Framework 2009-2014
The ACT Government is updating its policy framework to improve outcomes and opportunities for Canberrans who have a disability.
ACT Companion Card Program
ACT Companion Card Program
The ACT Companion Card program is currently under development and will form part of a national scheme that will include reciprocal arrangements with other States and Territories. This will allow ACT cardholders to use their card at over 1,800 businesses across Australia that currently accept the card.
The Companion Card Program currently operates in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.
Review of the Role of Government as a Provider of Disability Services
The Review of the Role of Government focused on the strategic priorities that need to be considered in the delivery of disability services over the next 5-7 years. Through a very comprehensive consultation process with a wide range of stakeholders, the Review has delivered a set of 12 recommendations that, together with the recommendations from the Evaluation of Future Directions, continue to bring us closer in reaching the aspirations articulated in Challenge 2014.
Final Think Tank Report [PDF 189KB]
Progress Report on Think Tank Recommendations [RTF 120KB]
Progress Report on Think Tank Recommendations [PDF 55KB]
Pathways from Hospital
The issue of transition to community living for long-term patients in hospital with complex and ongoing needs is a consistent and significant challenge for staff and service providers.
A joint project from ACT Health and Community Services Directorate (CSD) has commenced to develop and implement a solution.
Pathways from Hospital [RTF 350KB]
Pathways from Hospital [PDF 56KB]
BLITS Website
BLITS - Business Leaders Innovative Thoughts and Solutions - http://www.blits.org.au
BLITS promotes initiatives that value and engage people with disabilities as customers, suppliers, employees and employers in business the arts and sport.
The BLITS website is provided as a point of reference and contact for businesses in the ACT and Region engaging with people with disabilities as customers, suppliers, employees and employers in business the arts and sport. This site offers a useful business information directory, business profiles and a diary dates section.
A regular BLITS E-News facility is available to those using the ‘sign up’ facility.
The BLITS motto says it all: ‘Business + Disability = Smart Thinking’
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The latest information on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is available on the United Nations' Convention specific website at: http://www.un.org/disabilities/
