NEDA Knows
A Monthly Bulletin
by
The National Ethnic Disability Alliance
Issue 25 - October 2021
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Hello all,
Welcome to the October edition of our newsletter.
We hope that you are all travelling well in this continued COVID 19 crisis. It is heartening to see high vaccination rates in many states and territories across the country. However, we remained concerned about the less impressive rates within the disability community and disability residential settings.
As disability advocates, we know that people with disability remain very vulnerable to the pandemic, even with an 80% fully vaccinated rate. Highly vaccinated countries such as the UK have seen soaring number of casualties among people with disability and we do not want the same scenario to happen here, in Australia.
I personally believe that all support staff working with people with disabilities need to be fully vaccinated and that vaccination within disability care settings should be mandated.
In other news, we farewelled Jane Flanagan, our long time Senior Research and Policy Officer in September. It was difficult for all of us at NEDA to say goodbye to her, as she left the team to pursue a fantastic opportunity at the Disability Royal Commission. Jane has been instrumental in influencing disability public policy and legislation and we thank her for all her hard work and dedication towards people with disability. Jane is very passionate about the rights of migrants and refugees applying for an Australian visa and helped develop a comprehensive factsheet, to help migrants navigate Australian’s complex migration system. You can find the factsheet on our website.
The announced changes to the NDIS legislation caused quite a stir last month. We made a submission to the Department of Social Services, with regards to the announced changes – you can find it on our website.
As the national peak body representing people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, we are extremely concerned about the impact of this legislation and the fact that the timeframe to provide responses did not provide reassurance about the intent of the legislation.
The consultation period of four weeks was insufficient for people with disabilities, their family, supports and representative organisations to provide meaningful feedback to these important NDIS legislation amendments.
In addition, there were a considerable amount of documents on the DSS website that were not in an accessible format.
NEDA is also very concerned about broad power of the CEO to vary a participant’s plan, as announced in the changes. The amendment does not specifically state whether this power is exercised with or without the participant’s consent or whether the participant is aware a variation has or would occur.
I encourage you all to read more about our concerns in our submission and please reach out to us if you have any questions.
Keep well and stay safe. I look forward to continuing the discussion with you all on our social media platforms.
Best regards,
Dwayne Cranfield
CEO
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NDIS Engage Consultation
As mentioned in our CEO's note above, on 9 September 2021, the Government released the long-awaited proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Act for a short period of consultation.
The package of materials available for consultation was hefty – it included 16 dense documents to review.
The consultation was open for 4 weeks and closed on 7 October 2021.
At NEDA, we welcomed the opportunity for discussions to improve the NDIS legislation. However, we are deeply concerned by the limited time provided and the impact this could have on our members – culturally and linguistically people living with a disability. You can read our submission to the Department of Social Services on our website.
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Annual Financial Sustainability Report released
The NDIS has publicly released their Annual Financial Sustainability Report. The report comes after months of campaigning by people with disability and their carers/families and disability advocacy organisations.
In a statement on their website, the NDIS said “the release of the report is part of the Agency’s ongoing commitment to NDIS participants, the disability sector and other stakeholders for greater transparency.”
You can access the report here.
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NDIS Submission
The NDIS Joint Committee will release their final report on NDIS Independent Assessments (IAs) soon. They have opened a new inquiry to look more closely into issues that came up this year, including reasons Minister Reynolds gave for needing IAs.
Making a submission
The committee has said it is “particularly welcoming submissions from people with disability, families and carers, allied health professionals and representative organisations.”
The committee has set two closing dates for submissions: 29 October 2021 for consideration in an interim report and a second submission closing date of 28 February 2022 for consideration in a final report (submissions received by 29 October may also be considered in a final report).
You are encouraged to please get in touch if you need an extension of time.
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Launch of My NDIS Mobile App
The NDIS has launched the NDIS Mobile App on the Google Play store.
Anyone with an Android device can now download the my NDIS app from the Google Play store.
The NDIS has said they are “eager to improve the app and would appreciate any ongoing feedback.”
You can submit your feedback in 2 ways:
- Download the app and click on the “Tell us what you think” button
- If you are having any trouble accessing the app, contact the National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110.
Please note that the app will be available to Apple users later this year.
Click on the image below to know more.
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Extension of COVID-19 temporary support measures
Temporary measures introduced earlier this year to ensure NDIS participants continue to access their essential disability supports during the COVID-19 pandemic will be extended, the NDIS has announced.
Temporary measures that will be extended nationally until February 2021 include:
- eligible NDIS participants able to use plan funding to purchase low-cost Assistive Technology, including smart devices (up to $1500);
- greater plan flexibility to ensure access to supports;
- deep cleaning of residences in the event a support worker returns a positive COVID-19 test;
- additional support, including a deep cleaning service, for participants who test positive for COVID-19 or who are required to isolate who live in a Supported Independent Living (SIL) setting; and
- in Victoria, the continuation of a clinical first response through Aspen Medical for any identified outbreak, which will ensure that infection control procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) and nursing support is in place for residents and workers, if needed.
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The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) is an independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services. NDIS participants have the right to be safe and to receive quality services from providers and workers - the NDIS Commission handles complaints about the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services.
Follow the NDIS Commission Facebook page to stay updated: https://www.facebook.com/NDISCommission
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NDIS Safeguard Newsletter
You are also encouraged to sign up to SAFEGuard, a quarterly newsletter published by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission). This resource aims to inform participants of what the NDIS Commission and others are doing to make sure disability supports and services are safe and of good quality.
Subscribe here: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/news-media/safeguard-newsletter
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The NDIA has introduced a temporary COVID-19 support measure
This is to allow participants in lockdown areas to use their funding to pay for alternative meal preparation and delivery services. The new measure, which will lower participant’s risk of exposure to COVID-19, will be in place until 1 December 2021. To claim or for more information, go to the NDIS website.
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New payments for providers supporting NDIS participants to attend COVID-19 vaccination appointments were announced on 1 September.
Support coordinators and providers are now eligible to directly claim up to $150 to cover the costs of supporting NDIS participants to receive COVID-19 vaccine offsite. For more information, visit the NDIS website or call the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787. To speak to someone in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
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Legislation to protect confidential information provided to a Royal Commission beyond the life of the Royal Commission passed the Australian parliament in August 2021.
Amendments to the Royal Commissions Act 1902 were necessary to remove a significant barrier that has prevented people with disability, or people on their behalf, engaging with the Royal Commission.
Your Story Disability Legal Support has produced factsheets (below), which help explain the new changes.
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DRC Draft Report condemns "seriously deficient" vaccine rollout
The Disability Royal Commission's draft report into the experiences of people with disability in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout was released in September. The report is based on findings from Public Hearing 12.
The Royal Commission described the vaccine rollout as "seriously deficient" and recommended the federal government use its best endeavours to "ensure people with disability and support workers are fully vaccinated before any easing of restrictions".
"It would be grossly unfair, indeed unconscionable, if any people with disability who have not been given the opportunity to be fully vaccinated by the time the 70 per cent threshold is reached are denied the freedoms available to people who have been fully vaccinated," the report said.
You can read the full report on the DRC website.
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Here are the next Public DRC Hearings. Please note that this calendar schedule is subject to change for a number of reasons including COVID-19 restrictions.
October 2021
- 13 – 14 October: Public hearing 17, online – The experiences of women and girls with disability with a particular focus on family, domestic and sexual violence (Part 1)
November 2021
- 8 – 9 November: Public hearing 18, virtual hearing – Implementing the CRPD (TBC)
- 22 – 26 November: Public hearing 19, virtual hearing – Measures taken by employers and regulators to respond to the systemic barriers to open employment for people with disability
December 2021
- 7 – 17 December:* Public hearing 20, virtual hearing – Preventing and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in disability services (TBC)
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DRC Know your rights video
If you are a migrant or refugee with a disability who has experienced violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation, it is your right to get the help and support you need when you are ready to tell your story.
We have developed a video to help you understand your rights as a refugee or a migrant when making a submission to the Disability Royal Commission.
The video is in two parts and can be viewed on our website.
You can watch it with English captions or Auslan translation.
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KIN Advocacy Factsheets
Our member organisation in WA, KIN Advocacy has launched new factsheets, that will help you understand what the Disability Royal Commission is and how you can make a submission. The factsheets are available in English and six other languages.
You can view or download the factsheets on our website or by clicking on the image below.
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The Disability Gateway can help to book your COVID 19 Vaccine
Do you need help booking your COVID-19 vaccine? The Australian Government’s Disability Gateway is able to assist you. Call 1800 643 787 Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm AEDT.
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Our friends at People with Disability (PWD) Australia have sent out a press release, to share the sector’s “grave concerns that sluggish efforts to vaccinate people with disability in NSW will mean many disabled people now face sickness and death as the state starts to open up this week from COVID lockdown.”
They have also called on decision-makers in NSW and across the country to not lose focus as restrictions ease and redouble efforts to ensure that all NDIS participants, disabled people and other at risk individuals are prioritised for vaccination.
You can read the media release on the PWD Australia website.
Victoria launches COVID-19 vaccine push for people living with disability
Last week, the Victorian Government pledged $5 million to boost COVID-19 vaccination coverage among people living with a disability. The news came as the state had record numbers of new locally acquired cases and deaths. More information is available in this SBS article.
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine recommended for people who are "severely" immunocompromised.
A third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has been recommended for some immunocompromised people by the country's peak immunisation body.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) said today people over the age of 12 with conditions that severely impact their immune systems should get a third dose two to six months after the second dose.
The preference is they receive a mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna, though those who have already received AstraZeneca can get a third dose of that.
"The third dose is intended to maximise the level of immune response to as close as possible to the general population," ATAGI said in a statement.
Margherita Coppolino urges people with disability to get vaccinated
NEDA’s President Margherita Coppolino (pictured below), spoke at Victoria daily COVID 19 press conference on 7 October 2021. She urged people to “go out and get a jab” and shared how she felt “relieved on being vaccinated.”
Margherita spoke both as a person with a disability and a disability advocate and shared that “when COVID-19 hit last year, one of her greatest fears was one her friends would find her dead from the virus in her apartment.”
"After doing it, I was so relieved that I was … now in a better position to live a longer life and not worrying about being found dead in my apartment."
"And being safe — being safe where I could visit my loved ones and my friends, and still advocate in the work that I do."
"Once you do it, the sense of relief, the sense of feeling safe, is a feeling that I don't think I've ever felt for such a long time," she said.
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Margherita Coppolino (pictured above) has urged people with disability to get vaccinated.
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CALD Disability Workshop for Interpreters
We will be holding two workshops in Adelaide, along with our member organisation, Disability Rights Advocacy Service Inc.
The workshops will happen on the 25th of October 2021 and the 23rd of November 2021.
Interpreters will learn:
- how to work effectively with CALD people with disability.
- what is a disability?
- the impact of disability stigma on CALD people with disability.
- mainstream disability services.
- how to work effectively with disability sector workers.
In addition, during the session, we will be seeking feedback from interpreters about:
- the types of resources that would be useful for your practice.
- information you would like to know about disability and the NDIS.
- disability related professional development they would be interested in.
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Law Hack Disability Justice (Online Event)
NEDA has teamed up with the National Justice Project, for the 2021 Law Hack Disability Justice Event.
The event will be held across two days on 14 and 22 October. Participants will be presented with a problem, deliver a legal strategy, an outline of pleadings to initiate court proceedings, and will identify the characteristics of the most appropriate plaintiff to substantiate the claims.
Our Project and Policy Officer, Dominic Golding and Contract Administrator, Neha Prakash will be participating to this online event.
You can now register for event here - https://lawhack.theair.works
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The 2021 Australian Social Policy Conference will be held online from Monday 25 October to Friday 5 November.
There will be no registration fee and registrations are now open via Eventbrite.
Conference sessions will address contemporary issues in the context of ongoing social policy themes, including:
- Poverty, welfare and social inequality
- Communities, families and children
- Digital technologies and social policy
- Disability and rights
- Human services
- Ageing
- Housing and locational disadvantage
- Health and social policy
- First Nations
- Chinese social policy
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The Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture is an annual public event held by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Each year, the Lecture advances public understanding and debate about the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, racism and race relations.
This year, the event is happening on Fri 29 Oct 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm.
To register for this free event, click here.
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Victorian Disability Awards
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Victorian Disability Awards
NEDA’s President, Margherita Coppolino won the Lifetime achievement honour roll (inductee) at the 2021 online Victorian Disability Awards.
The awards “highlight the great work of individuals, teams and organisations that increase the rights and participation of people with disability, including those who strived for inclusion and fairness during the pandemic.”
During the virtual ceremony, Margherita was commended for working "tirelessly to protect and advance the human rights of all people with disability."
In a statement, representatives from the Victorian Disability Awards organising committee said:
"(Margherita's) advocacy, knowledge, lived experience and expertise around intersectional disability issues has shaped important discussions and informed policy development activities within state, national and international settings. As a result, Margherita has not only been pivotal in creating awareness around the diversity of disability, but her work has also directly improved access, and programs and services for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), LGBTIQ+, and women with disability in Victoria and throughout Australia."
The winners and inductees, chosen from eight categories are:
- Emerging leader award – Llewellyn Prain, WaterAble
- Excellence in promoting health, housing and wellbeing – Narelle Fairweather, Nextt
- Excellence in employment outcomes – Rise Program, Department of Health
- Excellence in creating inclusive communities – Zoos Victoria, Zoos Victoria
- Excellence in promoting rights, fairness and safety – NDIS Access Team, Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service Inc.
- Volunteer award – Thi Duong, Vietnamese Families with Special Needs
- Lifetime achievement honour roll – Maurice Gleeson OAM, Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria
- Lifetime achievement honour roll – Noel Bates, Colanda Parents and Friends Association
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Call for Expressions of Interest
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Reimagine Australia, formerly known as Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA) is the Australian body for early childhood outcomes for young children with a developmental delay or a disability.
They are looking for families, carers and professionals to help shape a new app to improve the lives of children with disability. $100 gift vouchers are available for participants.
The new app, called Thrive, will connect families with health, education and disability professionals in a streamlined manner to make it easy for families and caregivers to find the right services and tools to support their children.
In particular, they are looking for:
- Early educators, childcare workers and learning assistants (Sessions: 19 October - 25 October)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and carers (Sessions: 26 October - 2 November)
- Culturally and linguistically diverse families and carers (Sessions: 26 October - 2 November)
- LGBTIQA+ families and carers (Sessions: 26 October - 2 November)
- Healthcare professionals (Sessions: 3 November - 9 November)
For more information about the project or to register your interest, please visit this webpage.
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Disability News and Resources
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Include Ability Website Launch
Ben Gauntlett, Disability Discrimination Commissioner launched the Include Ability Website in August. Include Ability is the “Australian Human Rights Commission's new initiative to promote and champion meaningful employment for people with disability.”
You can view this video to know more about the new website.
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New BlueKnot Foundation website and factsheets
BlueKnot Foundation has launched a new website, along with factsheets in languages other than English.
The factsheets:
- Outline trauma-informed principles and how to apply them in conversations around trauma
- Explain how to support people who are supporting adults with experiences of complex childhood trauma
- Explain how to support adults with experiences of complex childhood trauma towards recovery
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PWD Australia’s 40-year celebrations
People with Disability Australia celebrated their 40th anniversary and “40 years of organised disability rights activism in Australia” on the 5th of October.
In a statement on social media, PWDA said: “This represents a huge milestone for us and for the people and communities we serve, providing a unique opportunity to reflect on what we’ve achieved together over the past 4 decades.
We thank all the people and organisations who have supported us and the disability rights movement over the last 40 years for their hard work, determination and camaraderie. Together we’ve delivered significant improvement for the lives of people with disability right across Australia and helped forge a formidable political and social movement that will continue to empower, champion and celebrate the rights, health and wellbeing of people with disability into the future.”
PWDA announces new CEO
Congratulations to Mr Sebastian Zagarella (pictured below), who was announced as PWDA’s new CEO in September. Mr Zagarella joined PWDA as Interim CEO in December 2020. Read more about Mr Zagarella on the PWDA website here.
Congratulations to the new CEO from the whole team at NEDA.
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eSafety Commissioner report
A new report, commissioned by the Australian Government has shed light on technology-facilitated abuse among women living with intellectual or cognitive disability.
The findings are based on interviews with women with intellectual or cognitive disability and frontline workers who provide support services.
The full report is available here.
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FECCA COVID-19 Community Grants
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Multicultural communities can access small grants to help protect their communities against COVID-19. Grants of $2500, $3500, and $5000 are available.
Learn more about the small grants program. Visit http://fecca.org.au/grants
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We welcomed back Blanca Ramirez in September. Blanca has previously worked at NEDA as the Project Officer for the Embrace Mental Health Project and has re-joined the team as “Senior Research and Policy Officer”
Blanca has a deep sense of commitment to service and access to justice for all. Being the child of undocumented Mexican immigrants and having lived experience with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), Blanca is acutely aware how various issues and policies intersect within the migrant community. Blanca is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Blanca was admitted into the ACT Court in February 2019 and has previously worked at the National Disability Insurance Agency as a Freedom of Information Officer, as well as a Lawyer with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal branch.
Welcome Blanca!! We are thrilled to have you back!
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World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on the 10th of October.
The objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
Talking about WMHD, Mental Health Australia said: “Good mental health is when we can cope with the stressors of our daily lives, participate in loving relationships, contribute to our community, and work towards our goals.
Everyone has mental health. And we can all benefit from looking after our own mental health and the mental health of our communities.”
WMHD 2021 is all about finding ways to support your own and others' mental health - a particularly important reminder during the ongoing pandemic.
NEDA is a key partner of Mental Health Australia in delivering the “Embrace Multicultural Mental Health.”
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