AMIDA NEWS Print Post Approved P.P 100000326 August, 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 AMIDA AGM 10th October, 2017 10:00am - 2.00pm Hayden Raysmith Room 4th Floor, Ross House 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne RSVP: 9650 2722 or amida@amida.org.au Resolution to be put to the AGM: After investigating our financial options the Committee of AMIDA proposes ‘that AMIDA appoints Collins & Co as the Financial Auditor from the 2017/18 financial year’ Moved - Carmel Laragy Seconded - Lincoln Humphreys Daisy Serong - 1942 - 2017 AMIDA says good-bye to one of its long-time members and supporters, as Daisy Serong died on 9th July. Daisy’s story began in 1942, and after being removed from her family at 2 years of age, she spent time with the nuns at Abbotsford Convent, before moving between several orphanages and convents. She also lived for a time at Royal Park Hospital, and was then sent to Sunbury Asylum which became known as Caloola Training Centre. After 30 years Daisy was reunited with her brother John at a dance. He was also living at Sunbury, and although he looked familiar she had not realised he was her brother. In 1983 Daisy moved into the community with the support of her great friend Mary Day from Citizen Advocacy Sunbury. Daisy began to learn about her rights outside the institution, and along with her brother John, became a self-advocate and an advocate for people with intellectual disability. She was determined that everyone should learn about their rights and this is where Daisy’s connection with AMIDA started. Daisy participated in many aspects of AMIDA’s work, and she was particularly enthusiastic about the AMIDA/Reinforce radio show Raising Our Voices. Although Daisy had retired from active advocacy work, her legacy is widespread, as are memories of her gentle determination. Her efforts for other people will not be forgotten, and her work has seen institutions closed and treatment of people with intellectual disability improved. Her work remains the basis for self advocacy and the closure of institutions. We will all miss Daisy, but she will never be forgotten. My Tribute to Daisy I first met Daisy in 1990. I first started working for People First of Victoria in February, 1990 and Daisy was on the committee. Our very first conference we went on together was in Sydney in June 1990. We were in videos and we did ‘home of the brave’ and many more. In 1990 we worked on 2 projects together with Women's Health West in Footscray. The projects were called ‘Paps I Should’ and ‘Breast for me’ to give women information about how to stay healthy. We have become great friends and I am going to miss you on the phone and in person, and I am going to miss our friendship we shared over the years. You have become a very special part of my life through the good times and the bad. You are at peace with your brother John and we will meet again one day Goodbye my friend I will never forget you. Janice Slattery 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 Painted by Amanda Millear July, 2017 Celebration for Raising Our Voices & Through the Eyes of a Friend In August, 2017 Raising Our Voices will have been on the air for 30 years. Back in 1987 a dedicated group of people with an intellectual disability who were passionate about their rights decided they needed a voice on Melbourne’s airwaves. They got support from Reinforce, a self-advocacy group, AMIDA, a housing rights group and community radio 3CR 855am. Raising Our Voices has been raising the issues that people with a disability face in their own words and voices. The half hour show has covered issues about housing, abuse in institutions, and the goal of community living for all people with a disability. August, 2017 The AMIDA office is usually open: Monday - Thursday - 9.30 - 5.00 Friday 9.30 - 3.00 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 August, 2017