ABOUT DAISI - Daisi Disability Senior & Carers · o Children and young people o Families o People...

2015 Annual Report 2

ABOUT DAISI DAISI’s primary task is to work with older people, those of all ages with disabilities and their family, friends and carers;

and the marginalised and disadvantaged to maximise their capacity to participate in their community by providing

information, referral and advocacy.

DAISI is a not-for-profit organisation based in Ballina and providing support services predominately to the communities

of the NSW Far North Coast.

In 2014-2015 DAISI auspiced four projects:

Disability & Aged Information Service: (including the HACC NESB project) – specialises in providing

information on resources, issues, services availability, access and equipment to clients on the Far North Coast via

our 1800 freecall number, website www.daisi.asn.au, a quarterly newsletter and monthly e-News, fact sheets, a

website and community outreach activities.

Working Carers Gateway: a web-based resource www.workingcarers.org.au for New South Wales carers who

juggle paid work with caring for a relative or friend who is aged and/or has a disability.

Transport to Events of Cultural Significance (TECS): This program assists disadvantaged Aboriginal

people to attend events of cultural significance which are integral to the wellbeing and culture of Aboriginal

people. DAISI performs a banker role for NSW Transport.

Support Planning Service: This service offers support and facilitates individualised planning with people with

disability, their families, carers and support networks using person centred approaches to best meet

accommodation and service support needs. Services are provided to:

o Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people

o Children and young people

o Families

o People who are homeless

o People with a disability, their families and carers

o Women

o And older people


DAISI Board

Executive Officer

Brett Carn

WCGJournalist

Zoe Satherley

Administration Officer

Lori Kelly

FinanceOfficer

Alex Woods

Information Coordinator

Shirley Tickle

SupportPlanner

Leah Louise

IndigenousSupport Planner

Mark Grist

Chair - Ray Chesher

Vice Chair - Heather Cleverley

Treasurer - Angela Mathew

Secretay - Marie Dudgeon

Ordinary Member - Pip Carter

Ordinary Member - Luz Besanes Press

Ordinary Member - Pat Macbeth

ADHC Ageing, Disability & Home Care

(Family & Community Services)

HACC Home & Community Care

WCG Working Carers Gateway

TECS Transport to Events of Cultural Significance


DAISI BOARD PROFILE CHAIRPERSON Ray Chesher joined the DAISI Board in 2008 and was appointed Treasurer. At the Annual

General Meeting in 2014 Ray was appointed Chairperson, Ray comes to us with over 30 years

of experience in the field of accounting and administration.

Formerly Ray worked for St George Building Society in various roles and with Davids Holding as

the marketing accountant. He is a Justice of the Peace (JP) and a member of the Australian

Institute of Company Directors.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON Heather Cleverley, DAISI’s Deputy Chairperson lives in Ballina and has been on the Board since

June 2005. Heather is a Registered Nurse with a Community Health Certificate and has worked

in the Northern Rivers community since 1975.

Heather has recently retired after 18 years as the Managing Director of North Coast Minders,

an in home Service Provider for seniors and people with disability. She brings her years of

experience of the North Coast and local Service Provision knowledge to the DAISI board.

TREASURER Angela Mathew's passion is in the disability sector. Angela has two children with disabilities,

her eldest child has an acquired brain injury; and her second child has a rare chromosome

deletion resulting in complex physical and intellectual disabilities.

Angela is a tireless advocate and has a thorough knowledge of the community sector. Angela

has excellent skills in creating connections and establishing networks. She has strong business

management skills and is an expert in understanding funding.

SECRETARY Marie Dudgeon is a local lass. She and her husband Trevor are the primary carers of their son

Glen who is a dependent adult with a traumatic brain injury as a result of a motor vehicle

accident. Marie is heavily involved in the disability sector.

Marie is extensively involved in community volunteer work. She is also a Mentor to family

members of brain injury patients through the NSW Brain Injury Association.

Marie is involved with Carers NSW and Hospital Advisory Board with Northern NSW Health. Board member of BDCSA /

FSG and Southern Cross Lads.

BOARD MEMBERS Phillip Carter, or Pip as he likes to be known, joined the DAISI Board in 2008 and brings with

him 29 years of senior management experience in Public Health and Aged Care. With 17 years

as senior manager in Area Health Services, three years as CEO/Regional Manager in Central

West Region of NSW, responsible for a 110 bed hostel, three independent living Unit Villages

and three Opportunity Shops. Pip is the CEO of St Andrew's Village in Ballina and commenced

his role there in 2001. St Andrew's Village is an award-winning, community based, not-for-profit organisation, consisting

of Low Care, High Care, Dementia Care and 60 Independent Living units. St Andrew's Village also provides respite care and

client-funded care packages to the Ballina Community.

Luz Press, a Filipine Australian woman, was awarded the 2013 Lismore Electorate Woman of

the Year award for her work within the community sector. Luz has strong ties with the local

Filipine community and has worked as a Red Cross Telecross volunteer, volunteered at the

Lismore City Library and the Human Book project and is the secretary of the International

Rainbow Club.


Pat Macbeth is a registered nurse who is currently completing a Master’s in Indigenous

studies. She has a keen interest in helping those who are ageing and people with disabilities.

She has volunteered at a number of organisations including St Vincent’s Hospital and at the

Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. Pat currently runs a foot care program for the aged and

people with disabilities on the Northern Rivers. Pat enjoys having a balance of work

responsibilities and volunteer commitments.

Trent Rees is a creative and highly motivated professional with extensive Managerial, Human

Services and Learning and Development experience across a broad range of industries and

businesses. Trent is currently Residential Programs Manager at The Buttery. He has Master

of Arts Psychology, Certificate IV Assessment & Workplace Training, and many other

certificates and courses over the years to add to his extensive background. Trent joined the

DAISI board at the AGM held in October 2015.

Amy-Lee Eddy joined the DAISI Board following the 2015 AGM. Amy-Lee has completed a Certificate 4 in Community

Services and is currently studying for her Diploma. Amy-Lee has also completed courses in domestic and family violence

and leadership. Amy-Lee brings her personal experience as a person with a disability to the DAISI Board and is passionate

about working towards an accessible inclusive community. She is keen to be involved in strategic planning and direction

for the sector.


DAISI STAFF PROFILE EXECUTIVE OFFICER Brett Carn has been at DAISI for six years, and in the role of Executive Officer since 2014. Brett has

comprehensive experience in the human service’s sector working for Not for Profits, Social Enterprises

and the Federal Government. Brett brings a vast knowledge in administrative and Information

Technology systems and has been the project lead for a variety of cloud based initiatives. Brett has an

in-depth knowledge of project management with demonstrated leadership in a number of specialist

projects in the disability and aged care sectors. Brett’s expertise is strengthened by his educational

background, holding a Degree in Business, majoring in Human Resource Management. Brett also has

lived experience of mental health issues. Brett grew up in Ballina and Lismore, and has also lived in

the Tweed area recently.

SENIOR JOURNALIST Zoe Satherley has been employed part time by DAISI since 2007 and is our longest serving employee. Zoe is a multi-award-

winning journalist and publications specialist. As DAISI’s chief researcher and writer for the

Working Carers Gateway project, she brings not only a great writing style and the ability to keep

her finger on the pulse of issues affecting working carers, but also a great depth of personal

experience and knowledge. Zoe has worked in disability, advocacy and workplace management

for over 25 years in various roles, and has had first-hand experience of disability through raising a

child with extremely high support needs. Zoe is a passionate advocate of inclusion.

INFORMATION COORDINATOR Shirley Tickle joined DAISI in June 2013 and took on the role of Information Coordinator early in 2014. Shirley has a wealth

of experience from her 27 years as a legal secretary in the field of wills and estates. Shirley recently completed her Diploma

in Disability. She also has lived experience as a working carer. Due to the long term commitment of caring for her parents

she understands the obstacles and difficulties involved in juggling work and care together with experience navigating the

aged care system. Shirley has invaluable knowledge of the services and organisations that are available on the Far North

Coast and how they may be able to assist the community. Shirley is a local, being born and raised in the picturesque

Rosebank area, with Patchs Beach being named after her mother’s family.

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER Lori Kelly has been the front of house receptionist and administration officer for DAISI since August 2013.

With a Certificate IV in Business Administration and over 30 years’ experience in office management; across

local government, education, domestic and commercial construction, and the disability sector; is well

qualified for the position. Lori has lived experience with mental health management relating to anxiety and

depression. She is keen to see people accepted for who they are and where they may be in their journey,

with mutual respect being at the heart. Although raised on the Clarence, Lori’s families hail from Wardell

and Lismore, and moving to Ballina 20 years ago felt like coming home.

FINANCE OFFICER Alex Woods came to DAISI in October 2013 as Finance Officer. Alex has a Certificate IV in Accounting

(Financial Services) & is a registered BAS Agent. She has worked in a financial capacity in the not-for-profit

sector since 2007, experience which has been invaluable for DAISI. Her attention to detail and work ethic

is key to the work that she carries out. Alex grew up in Adelaide, and moved to south east Queensland in

1994, seeking warmer weather, before settling in Ballina in 2009. Alex has a keen interest in health, fitness

& photography and many outdoor activities including surfing and camping.


SUPPORT PLANNERS Leah Louise became a key part of DAISI in 2014 bringing a history of working in the not for profit sector

since 1992. Programs she was a part of has enabled those in the community; from Brisvegas to

Switzerland, USA to NT to Tassie, and now where her heart swims, Ballina. Leah and her family all feel the

seaside village of Ballina is their forever home. Leah is qualified for her position with Tertiary studies in

early child/youth development, community services practice, non-clinical mental health & Alcohol and

Other drugs, Psychosomatic therapy, Trauma informed practices and work place Training and assessment.

Leah is always learning for life and currently extending her knowledge in the relationship between

diversability, mental health and impacts of trauma. In the Support Planner role Leah’s compassion and never give up

attitude is vital in supporting people accessing Daisi and their natural connections. Leah has lived experience with mental

health issues, diverse-abilities, Alcohol and other drug issues, homelessness, social isolation, foster care systems and

correctional services. Leah is passionate about services being personally professional; advocating diversity and inclusion is

a natural part of Leah's everyday life and not just a requirement. Honesty, integrity and accountability are positive

attributes that Leah brings to DAISI and her love for the community.

Mark Grist joined the DAISI team in 2014 bringing with him a lifetime of connection to and living in the local indigenous

community. Mark has a Certificate IV Community Services, Certificate II in IT, Certificate Palliative Care, and hands on

experience as a support worker. In this respect Mark brings on the ground experience to the Support Planner position.

He contributes a down to earth, cheerful presence to the team. Mark is keen to facilitate an inclusive society and close

the gap. Mark cherishes his surfing and enjoys riding his motor bike whenever possible.


DAISI

Annual General Meeting 13 October 2015

CHAIRPERSON REPORT

2015 saw a year of many changes and challenges for DAISI, with possibly the greatest being maintaining financial viability and relevance in today’s changing social and economic environment. This year we were able to record a very healthy surplus which is in direct contrast to previous years, no doubt due to sensible direction from our financial team. We were able to achieve Certification under the NSW Disability Standards which involved a lot of work by the DAISI staff in overhauling our Policy and Procedure manual and developing the Quality Management System. This year also had the Board undergo training to improve our skills and knowledge and this was undertaken with much enthusiasm and has resulted in a better functioning Board. We also reworked our Strategic Plan with both Staff and Board input and this has given us a forward thinking plan for the future. This year we carried out major work on our Constitution which has resulted in a much more current forward thinking document. Again this was done with broad consultation within our community. This year has also seen much reform with the NDIS rumoured as starting in our region in 2017, but please do not hold your breath. On behalf of the Board, I would like to sincerely thank all the staff of DAISI, who are a wonderful team and have achieved many things this year; and we hope to achieve much more into the future. I would also like to thank my fellow directors for the time and effort you devote to ensure the continued smooth running of DAISI. The challenges we face moving forward are many and varied, but with the team we have (staff and directors) I feel very confident of meeting all of these. Raymond Chesher CHAIRPERSON


DAISI

Annual General Meeting

13 October, 2015

EO’s REPORT

CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

The Disability and Aged Care sector has continued its reform throughout the Financial Year with the rolling out of additional

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) sites and the launch of the new Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

The Disability and Aged sectors will evolve at a faster pace over the coming years with the final stages of the rollout of the NDIS

to start in Northern NSW from July 2017 and the commencement of the CHSP from July 2015. These sectors will become

increasingly competitive environments with a number of new providers entering the market. DAISI aims to continue to

strengthen its position both strategically and financially in preparedness for the rollout of these reforms.

BUILDING RESILIENCE

To meet the challenges of an evolving environment the DAISI Board have had a number of training opportunities throughout

the year, most notably training through Thomas Noble and Russell’s Good Governance program in December 2014. This

essential training strengthened the Boards knowledge and skills in the areas of Corporate Governance, Legal Frameworks,

Strategic Human Resources and Risk Management.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

I would like to thank the finance team for tremendous effort demonstrated in the Financial Year. One of DAISI’s key objectives

for the Financial Year 2014/15 has been to build a strong financial position with a solid end of year result. Throughout the year

we have made significant cost savings and increased grant income which has resulted in the highest end of year result in DAISI

since DAISI’s commencement.

DAISI seeks to continue to improve its bottom line through cost savings in Information and Technology via the implementation

of a Cloud based Office Platform. This new system will remove the need for a costly onsite Client Server Computer. The added

benefit of a Cloud based system enables the DAISI team to have the flexibility to work from any computer or location. The new

Cloud environment will have the latest military grade security system to ensure the safety of the organisation’s data.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

DAISI has successfully passed all quality checks under NSW Disability Service Standards (NDSS). The DAISI team have worked

tirelessly towards meeting each individual criteria under the NDSS framework. This effort included a complete overhaul of the

organisations Policy and Procedures as well as the development of a robust Quality Management system. I would like to thank

the DAISI staff for consistently demonstrating a positive and proactive attitude in the development of these new systems.

MOVING WITH CHANGE

The DAISI team has proven to be resilient in a constantly changing sector. The team has shown commitment in moving forward

even in uncertain times. I would like to thank and acknowledge the contributions of all our staff; Administration Officer Lori

Kelly, Information Coordinator Shirley Tickle, Finance Officer Alex Woods, Indigenous Support Planner Amanda Francis,

Support Planner Leah Louise and WCG Journalist Zoe Satherley.

DAISI BOARD

Thank you to our board: Chair Ray Chesher, Treasurer Angela Mathew, Vice-Chair Heather Cleverly, Secretary Marie Dudgeon,

and General Members Pip Carter, Pat Macbeth, and Luz Press.

Brett Carn

EXECUTIVE OFFICER


DAISI Annual General Meeting

13 October 2015 INFORMATION PROJECT

ABOUT THE PROJECT The Disability & Aged Information Project commenced in 1992. It arose out of a community demand for a reliable information resource centre on the NSW Far North Coast. The Project acts as a specialist information service to the community via our FreeCall number and website. We also have a collection of resources to support the needs of the aged and those of all ages with a disability. FUNDING PARTNERS Our funding partners are Family and Community Services NSW: Ageing, Disability and Home Care (FACS : ADHC) and the Department of Social Service under its HACC program (Home Support Programme). ADHC WORKPLAN Over the past year we have been working in accordance with the ADHC work plan which was developed in consultation with ADHC. We have recently submitted our end of year report outlining our key achievements throughout the year. KEY OBJECTIVES Over the past 12 months we have actively participated in and contributed to a

number of forums, events, and service delivery enhancements, these include:

Information Fact Sheets Drafted and published online 4 new fact sheets including:

Crisis Emergency Services

Respite Services

Animal Welfare Services

Food Pantries

Young Carers Lincs Online Directory

lincs is an online searchable database of community services. DAISI manages over 499 database listings which are updated on a quarterly basis. The community can be assured that DAISI’s listings are detailed, accurate and up to date. The lincs database is just one of many DAISI resources which aims to provide easy access to information that assists in creating choice and control.

DAISI Facebook page

New stories are entered each month.


Events Attended as DAISI Stallholder

Event Name Event Details

NAIDOC Day 2015 in Lismore This day provided the chance to connect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.

DAISI/Young Carers at School Leavers with a

Disability Expo

These three day events held at Lismore, Ballina and Banora Point School Leavers with a Disability Expo was a joint effort with several other providers to create information resource for Young Carers in the community.

St Carthage’s Expo Goonellabah DAISI information bags were handed out on the day and several more names added to DAISI Bulletin list.

Women’s Day Event at Wardell A celebration day for all women in the Wardell community. The day was attended by several service providers from the Ballina area and over 100 women from the local area. Many Indigenous women were recognised for the contribution to their local community and families.

Events Attended As Participant:


Ability Linkers opening day in Kyogle, Tweed and

Lismore

These events were a great way to welcome Ability Linkers to the community and to make further contacts with other service providers.

Disability Forum at YMCA Discussed ways the community and service providers could create better services for people with a disability.

SCIA Imagine event An event that celebrated the spiritual path of people with a spinal cord injury through self-expression with photography and art.

FSG Information Forum Discussed ways the Ballina Community could be more involved and inclusive for people with a disability/homeless or disadvantaged.

My Choice NDIS Information Day at OnFocus Information on the NDIS.

NDIS Information Day at Wollongbar NDIS Workshop.

Interagencies regularly Attended:


Byron Bay Interagencies Disability Interagencies for Education and Training

Richmond Valley Interagencies Young Carers Interagencies

Tweed Interagencies

Information Speaking Events


Spoke at Ballina Early Intervention on DAISI services Spoke at St Carthages Support Group at Goonellabah on Future Planning

Spoke at Arthritis Support Group in Lismore on Future Planning

Committee Involvement

Event Name Aim

Byron Access Committee Ensuring Access to Community buildings in Byron area for all community

Lismore Carers Day Event Planning Committee Day out for Carers own wellbeing

Information Published:

Publication Number of Subscribers

Four editions of the DAISI Links newsletter 1134

12 x editions of the DAISI E-news 436

130 news articles published on DAISI Website 10,873


Future Planning Resource The FutureCare Project was developed to educate residents on the benefits of futures planning for older parent carers with an adult child with a disability. We also created informational resources include case studies, brochures, fact sheets, links and other important information resources on the topic of futures planning.

Website Updates The DAISI website recorded 10,873 hits in the financial year 2014/15. March and June have proven to be the biggest months of the year receiving 1,366 hits and 1,501 hits respectively.

Month Visits

Jul-14 916

Aug-14 715

Sep-14 636

Oct-14 734

Nov-14 836

Dec-14 513

Jan-15 804

Feb-15 721

Mar-15 1,366

Apr-15 884

May-15 1,247

Jun-15 1,501

TOTAL 10,873

LOOKING FORWARD

Creating effective partnerships with other disability agencies

Continue increasing distribution of DAISI’s quarterly newsletter and Enews list with service providers and clients

Updating Lincs data

Finalising, printing and folding quarterly Newsletters

Compiling and publishing monthly E-News

Completing Diploma in Disability Shirley Tickle Information Coordinator

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13 October 2015 WORKING CARERS GATEWAY PROJECT

BACKGROUND The Working Carers Gateway is now entering its 10th year of providing information to people juggling work and care commitments. The project transitioned across from Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) and is now administered by Family and Community Services (FACS) NSW as a state-wide project. The Gateway is still the only program in Australia which solely targets carers who also have work commitments; specifically from a regional, rural and remote perspective. The project is currently funded through FACS NSW until June 2018. WORK PLAN We have completed the end of year report for the financial year 2014/2015. We have also submitted our work plan for the financial year 2015/2016 which will be finalised at the end of October 2015. The work plans were developed in consultation with our funding body and to align to the new NSW Carers Strategy. Next year we will continue to focus on workplace issues for working carers by producing more articles and resources related to workplace matters and legislation. Our monthly carer story continues to be very popular. NSW CARERS STRATEGY - CARERS APP The Working Carers Gateway has been assisting Family and Community Services and NSW Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Body to develop an app called SkillsLink2Work. SkillsLink2Work is a new project developing a resource which will assist carers to understand how the experiences, skills and knowledge they have built up as carers can be translates into an employability skills profile document that can be printed out to attach to a CV or resume. This project has grown from an identified outcome of the NSW Carers Strategy 2014-2019. The App is due to be launched early next year. Carers App Focus Group A one day Carers Focus Group was organised and held in the DAISI office. The information sourced on the day is included in the Carers Strategy project recognising Carer Skills update. WORKING CARERS GATEWAY WEBSITE Work ‘n’ Care Newsletter In the last year we published 12 editions of the Work ‘n’ Care newsletter. We currently have 2,139 subscribers to the newsletter. New Case Studies Working Carer’s Case studies have been created on legal issues including Wills, Powers of Attorney and Medical Guardianships and have been included one per month in each month’s Work ‘n’ Care newsletter.


Website Updates The Working Carers Gateway website has been updated ensuring all hyperlinks connect with an appropriate up-to-date site. All phone/fax numbers, addresses, webpages and information on the fact sheets have been updated. Visitors Visitors to the Working Carers website has continued to grow throughout the financial year reaching 4,363 visitors in

June 2015.

LOOKING FORWARD

Working towards our new KPIs under the 2015/16 work plan Shirley Tickle Working Carers Gateway Project Coordinator

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Visitors 2014 - 2015



13 October 2015 TRANSPORT FOR EVENTS OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE (TECS) PROJECT

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The TECS project is an initiative being trialled by Transport for NSW to help Aboriginal people in NSW attend funerals of

family or community members if they are unable to get there in other ways. It is usually for groups of eight or more

people travelling in the same vehicle to a funeral at least 25kms away. The TECS program is limited to NSW Aboriginal

people only. The program can fund up to 50% of transport costs to eligible events. It does not fund overnight

accommodation or meals.

DAISI fulfils an administrative role in this project only, coordinating payments from the funding pool to approved

transport companies. DAISI can claim $20 per transaction from this funding.

FUNDING

The TECS project, including DAISI’s involvement, started in July 2010 with an initial $190,000 (ex GST) contribution from

the NSW State Government. Since then DAISI has received further top up payments (ex GST):

04/03/2011 $85,000

10/12/2013 $30,000

17/04/2014 $40,000

21/11/2014 $50,000

01/09/2015 $25,000

STATISTICS

Number of Transactions processed & Income received per year:

2010/2011 Start-up Admin fee received $10,000

2010/2011 67 transactions = $1,340 Admin Income (included in $10k above)

2011/2012 147 transactions = $2,940 Admin Income




LOOKING FORWARD

Ross Chalmers, Regional Transport Coordinator for the Mid North Coast of NSW, has advised that while the project is

still considered to be in a “trial phase”, it is currently being revised and developed into a program that is scheduled to

commence prior to the end of this year. This process will see the responsibility for assessment and delivery move from

Transport for NSW.

He is unsure how this will impact DAISI’s involvement in the project at this stage.

Ross will provide further clarity to DAISI as the information becomes available. Until then, DAISI will continue to

administer the project.

Alex Woods

FINANCE OFFICER



13 October 2015 SUPPORT PLANNING SERVICE

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Support Planning Service aims to assist people with disability to reach their full potential. We provide people with

the opportunity to discuss their hopes and dreams and set goals that will achieve their desired outcomes.

The key objectives of the Support Planning Service are to:

• Assist with locating services, resources and supports available in the Northern Rivers

• Develop lifestyle plans for people with a disability

• Assist in developing budgets to allocate money for services

• Develop formal and informal support networks for people with a disability

• Support people with a disability to meet their life goals

• Assist people to become NDIS ready.

FUNDING PARTNERS

The Support Planning Service is funded by the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC). The funding

for this service has been renewed up until June 2017.

GOOD NEWS STORY

Leah

By implementing and upholding DAISIs values of Empowerment, Respect, persons centred planning, trust and

accountability I have seen a shift of culture with people who access the DAISI service. I am grateful to witness people’s

personal growth, increased self-confidence and develop more control in their life choices with their service providers,

community and future opportunities.

By fostering hope that people can and do live the life they choose, people value DAISI staff who foster a ‘Do with’ approach

rather than a ‘Do for’. This approach has enabled people to become more reliant empowering their own skills and linking

with the natural community resources rather than paid supports.

One particular story I want to share is a young women who most of her life had been told because of her intellectual

disability, she can’t learn financial literacy, she can’t speak up about the unsafeness at her work, she can’t have a healthy

safe relationship from violence, she can’t speak up for her rights and stop people taking advantage of her- In the DAISI

way, there’s no such word as can’t!

When I met her I asked her if she spoke Russian, she replied with a confused, shy look on her face ‘NO Leah, I can’t’. I

asked her why and she replied, ‘because I haven’t learnt!’ I told her I don’t speak Russian either, because I haven’t learnt

also! This was the same with financial budgets, working in a safe environment, having safe relationships and increasing

self-confidence to speak up. It is ALL learning and learning in the way that supports her. By seeing and understanding this,

together we found ways, we found services, both paid and unpaid to assist her in managing her budget, working in a safe

environment, having a safe relationship, increasing her self-confidence. Together with DAISI, the community, and the

planting seeds of hope this young woman was once a victim, then a survivor and now a thriver in her life.

DAISI has been integral to this culture change, I am very proud to be a part of it and look forward to it blossoming even

further.


Mark

DAISI has been able to connect clients to services that have empowered their social and community understanding,

allowing them to self-manage public transport, shopping outings and every day activities with a new / renewed

confidence.

DAISI has been able to help clients better understand the transition from ADHC to NDIS.

DAISI has had the pleasure of seeing clients exit its supports network with goals and plans achieved. There has been

positive feedback from other services and also exited clients.

DAISI has had the support of other services and is continually developing a good rapport with other client centred services

all over the northern Rivers.

LOOKING FORWARD

Working with the community to extend on the support planning service.

Offering more opportunities and programs for all people and services in our community

Fostering inclusion and a no wrong door approach.

Leah Louise & Mark Grist

SUPPORT PLANNER / CASE MANAGER

Shop 3

166 River Street

BALLINA NSW 2478

Phone: (02) 6686 7887

Freecall: 1800 800 340

Fax: (02) 6686 9392

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.daisi.asn.au

DAISI is home to the….

Disability & Aged

Information Service

NSW Working Carers Gateway

Support Planning Service

ABOUT DAISI - Daisi Disability Senior & Carers · o Children and young people o Families o People...

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