AMIDA NEWS Print Post Approved P.P 100000326 May, 2017 AMIDA (Action for More Independence & Dignity in Accommodation) is a disability advocacy group that works on housing issues. This means we speak up for people with a disability or help them to speak up for themselves about problems they have with their housing. NDIS Appeals Are you unhappy with your ndis plan, or a decision made by the ndia? If so, the NDIS Appeals support service at AMIDA can help. What could you be unhappy about? The NDIA said you can’t get support from them (you’re not eligible) Your plan isn’t right (you need more or different supports) How does the service work? It’s free! It is for anybody who has received an NDIS decision that they are unhappy with. Helps you request a review, make an appeal and apply for legal aid (if needed). What can I do if I’m not happy with my ndis plan? Get in touch with Kathryn. email: appeals@amida.org.au or phone: 03 9650 2722 The NDIS Appeals Support service is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. For more information visit: https://www.dss.gov.au/ National Disability Insurance Scheme Melbourne City Mission has developed a planning tool for preparing for your NDIS plan. People from trial sites report that it sometimes took a few goes and it’s easy to forget things. There is a lot to consider and it is important you have time to talk to family and friends, to think and to plan. This tool is designed to help you do that. NDIS Planning Tool - http://www.daru.org.au/resource/12097 For more information about this resource, contact ABI & Disability Intake Services at Melbourne City Mission: T: 1800 343 287 State Government consultation on Rights in Specialist Disability Accommodation. AMIDA will be making a submission and we would welcome any ideas from people to add to our submission but we encourage you to send in your ideas to the consultation. The link to the consultation paper is here: https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/9314/9187/6781/FINAL__Rights_in_Specialist_Disability_Accommodation_-_consultation_paper.pdf Minister Martin Foley says in the paper, “The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a once-in-a-generation reform that is transforming the lives of everyone involved. Here in Victoria, we want people with disability to be able to live their goal of an ordinary life, their way. For people living in specialist disability accommodation, also known as supported accommodation, that means access to safe, affordable, secure and appropriate housing. It’s no surprise that as the NDIS rolls out, enormous changes are taking place. After all, this is the biggest social reform in Australia since the introduction of Medicare. Bringing in this type of change means updating existing policies and laws so that the rights of people living in specialist disability accommodation are appropriately protected. Only then can people make informed decisions about how they live and make the most out of the NDIS. Any changes to legislation as part of the NDIS roll out must first and foremost be the best option for people with disability. That’s where you come in – I want to hear what you think. Nothing is more valuable than your actual experiences and opinions of the NDIS and living with disability. The Victorian Government will use all information gathered through this consultation to inform future decisions about the legislative framework. I look forward to your responses about how Victoria could improve rights for residents in specialist disability accommodation in the future.” CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO THIS REVIEW? Yes – any member of the public can contribute to this review. Groups encouraged to submit include: • People currently living in SDA (also known as a group home, community residential unit or shared supported accommodation) • Their family, friends and/or carers • Residents’ advocates, including advocacy groups and peak bodies • Individuals who work, or have worked, in supported accommodation • Unions and peak bodies who represent workers in supported accommodation • Providers and potential providers of SDA • Providers and potential providers of other NDIS supports HOW AND WHEN CAN I CONTRIBUTE? This consultation paper will be open for responses until Friday 30 June 2017 at 5 P.M. Contributing to a review of this kind isn’t always easy. The Government has created a few different ways for you to participate in this review. You can write a submission, use the Easy English tools and questionnaires or participate in one of our focus groups for residents, peak bodies, workers, providers and advocates. You can find alternative formats and more information about contributing to this review on the government website here: www.engage.vic.gov.au/sda Supreme Court of Victoria Funds in Court: Inspire Awards Congratulations Jane Rosengrave on winning the Inspire Award for Best Achievement in Disability Advocacy. Jane was nominated by the Office of the Public Advocate. Funds in Court’s Inspire Awards recognise people 18 years and older, living in Victoria, who identify with a disability and are well respected in their field of work/interest and community. Nominees are acknowledged not only for their professional contribution to their work but for their enduring leadership qualities, role modelling, mentoring and/or volunteering. The peer-based awards provide an important opportunity to raise awareness about disability issues and, ultimately, support the development of an inclusive Australian society. If you receive a paper copy of the AMIDA NEWS, but would prefer to receive your AMIDA NEWS by email, please let us know: 9650 2722 or amida@amida.org.au. Of course, we are very happy to continue to post you the AMIDA NEWS if that is your preference. or Raising Our Voices Radio show on 3CR 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6.00 – 6.30pm Raising Our Voices is now podcast - Go to: www.3cr.org.au/raisingourvoices and download Raising Our Voices to your computer. Copies of the radio shows are available from AMIDA on CD or audio tape, website www.amida.org.au May, 2017 The AMIDA office is usually open: Monday 9.30 - 5.00 Tuesday 9.30 – 5.00 Wednesday 9.30 - 5.00 Thursday 9.30 - 5.00 Please phone AMIDA for an appointment: 9650 2722 Email: amida@amida.org.au Web: www.amida.org.au AMIDA, 1st Floor, Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane Melbourne Vic 3000 Phone: 9650 2722 Inc. No. A0016085V Print Post Approved PP 100000326 *Disclaimer: AMIDA does not recommend any product, activity, organisation, service or item – such details are provided within the AMIDA NEWS for general information and interest only. All information contained within is as accurate as possible and is provided in good faith – however it is not guaranteed. AMIDA receives funding from the Commonwealth Department of Social Services, and the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services You can offer any comments you have on AMIDA Policy or Newsletter by phone, email or writing: AMIDA, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000 Phone: 9650 2722 Email: amida@amida.org.au Web: www.amida.org.au ABN 32993870380, Inc. No. A0016085V May, 2017