ParaQuad News

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NDIS - what should you do?.............................5
What is the NDIS?...............................................6
NDIS Improves Lives...........................................8
ParaQuad NSW and the NDIS...................... 10
It’s Your NDIS....................................................... 12
Working in the Hunter...................................... 16
NDIS Quick Facts............................................. 18
Accessible Holidays
Designed for You......................................... 19
Peer Support Tips............................................ 21
Michael Supports the NDIS............................. 23
Personal Care Assistant Story...................... 25
BrightSky Australia and the NDIS................ 27
ParaQuad Scholarships.................................... 29
NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy.......................... 31
Contents
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PO Box 6347 Silverwater DC 1811
T (02) 8741 5600 F (02) 8741 5650
E
W
A translation and interpreting
service is available to assist with
ParaQuad services. Assistance is
available in 160 languages.
ParaQuad
NEWS ISSUE 2. WINTER 2016
ParaQuadNSW
@ParaQuadNSW
ParaQuad NSW
ParaQuad Sydney Office
6 Holker St, Newington NSW 2127
PO Box 6347, Silverwater DC 1811
Ph: (02) 8741 5600
Fax: (02) 8741 5650
Email:
Membership / NDIS Services Hotline:
1300 662 822
ParaQuad Newcastle Office
65 The Avenue
Wickham NSW 2293
Ph: (02) 4969 6388
Fax: (02) 4961 6101
Email
Advertising Enquiries
Ph: (02) 8741 5627
Fax: (02) 8741 5650
Email:
Board of Directors
Office bearers
Mr Anders Halvorsen*– Chairman
Mr Steve Osborne – Deputy Chairman
Directors
Mr. Peter Debnam
Mr Brian Cohen*
Mr. Philip McCrea
Mr. John Renshaw
Mr. Mark Tonga*
Ms. Evonne Collier
Mr. David Clarke
*Denotes person with a disability
ParaQuad News welcomes
contributions. We cannot guarantee
to publish every article we receive, but
we will give all contributions careful
consideration. Please discuss your
proposed contribution with the editor
on (02) 8741 5627.
All images need to be in a high
resolution jpg, tiff or pdf format
(min 300 dpi)
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in ParaQuad
News do not necessarily reflect
those of ParaQuad NSW. (The
Paraplegic and Quadriplegic
Association of NSW).
The publisher cannot ensure
that each advertisement
complies with the Trade
Practices Act. Responsibility
rests with the advertiser.
Design
RedPin Design
Chairman’s
Column
Welcome to
the special
NDIS edition
of ParaQuad
News
After years of
lobbying for its introduction, the
NDIS is finally here. There is much
anticipation about what the
scheme will offer and this edition
of ParaQuad News is designed
to be a reference guide on better
understanding the NDIS.
If you live in an area which is
NDIS-ready, the first step is to
prepare for your meeting with
an NDIS planner. ParaQuad NSW
can provide support through this
process. You need to be assessed
and if eligible and to receive your
NDIS plan. Then it is time to work
with ParaQuad to achieve your life
goals, greater independence and
community involvement.
There are a number of contributors
to this edition of ParaQuad News.
David Bowen, the inaugural CEO
of the National Disability Insurance
Agency has penned the lead article
on the notion of an ‘ordinary life’
rich in choice and control. Jessica
Lobo, Senior Sector Development
Officer has written about the
National Disability Service and the
top issues for service providers and
Andrew Gibson National Campaign
Community Educator from Every
Australian Counts explains how the
organisation lobbied, campaigned
and advocated for the NDIS.
We have a strong track record with
the NDIS, having been part of the
initial trial in the Hunter region in
2013. In this edition we have an
interview with ParaQuad client
Michael Barnes from Newcastle who
gives valuable insight on the positive
impacts ParaQuad and the NDIS
have had on his life.
Better access to taxi services in
NSW for those with a disability
is welcomed after the State
Government announced measures
including doubling taxi subsidies
in December 2015.
The full story is featured on page 31.
Regards,
Anders Halvorsen
Chairman