Volume 41 | SUMMER 2015

Late last year on Wednesday, 3 December Activ joined the global community in celebrating International Day of People with Disability.

Crown Perth hosted the annual National Disability Service’s breakfast which saw a number of Activ staff and employee’s attend. One such attendee was Adam Grant, ICT Support Officer at Activ, who was invited to speak at the breakfast to an audience of over 500 people from the disability sector.

“I was looking forward to speaking in front of 500 people and when it was time for me to get up and deliver my speech I was calm, cool and collected. Half of me was shaking like a leaf but the other half was still” said Adam.

“I cracked a joke about the academy awards which everyone laughed at it, which made me feel more relaxed and I pressed on to deliver my speech” he recounted.

Throughout his speech Adam shared his personal journey from high school to the workforce, and his experience working at Activ.

“It’s always been really important to me to have a valued role in my community. Throughout the years, I’ve been supported by so many great people and organisations and I’m very proud today to share my experiences of living independently and advancing my education and career” said Adam.

Celebratory activities continued throughout the day and week both at Activ and across the sector.

“When I got back to Wembley there was a morning tea to celebrate International Day of People with Disability, where Tony Vis talked about my speech at the breakfast and I even got more recognition.

A week later I was asked to deliver the same speech at the Activ Managers Day meeting where I asked if I could go first as I wanted to make a couple of jokes. Most of the Managers at the event laughed so much I thought the building would collapse with all the laughing from how I delivered the speech. In all, all three events were the best of the year” gleamed Adam.

International Day of People With Disability

Happy New Year to you all, I trust you had a happy and safe festive season. As we start the New Year, Activ as an organisation is looking towards the future, focussing on continuing to provide a quality service to clients and their families, whilst readying ourselves for the NDIS and the challenges it will present.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Tony Vis, Activ CEO, who in October of last year, was appointed the State Chair of the National Disability Services (NDS). It is a fantastic outcome for our organisation, as the State Chair is also commissioned onto the National Board of the NDS, and will represent Activ, and the whole of the Western Australia, at a national level.

This is an outstanding personal accolade for Tony and recognises his tireless work in the disability sector. On behalf of the Activ board I would like to congratulate Tony on this achievement, and look forward to working with him as he shares his knowledge gained from this appointment.

Andrew Edwards Board President, Activ

CEO’s MessageWelcome to the latest edition of Activ News, and our first for 2015.

As the sector continues to evolve in the face of the NDIS changes, both state-wide and nationally, Activ will soon start working with our clients and families in the Kwinana / Cockburn region, in preparation for the NDIS My Way Trial formally beginning on 1 July 2015.

A number of clients have transferred in the NDIS Hills region to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and we continue to engage with further clients and families who are about to transfer.

Activ has opened an office at 1 Marion Street, Midland, across from the NDIA office which allows our two organisations to work together with clients and families in assisting them through the change process.

We have built strong relationships with the WA NDIS My Way Co-ordinators in the Lower South West region where most of our clients are now being supported within that trial area under the My Way scheme.

Our work is reflective of the challenges which the sector generally is embracing in operating in three different environments concurrently. We do so in partnership with all stakeholders and knowing that we have a common intent to better the lives of people living with disability.

Following our AGM in October, Activ has introduced an Amended Constitution and appointed an inaugural Council. To read more about the new Constitution turn to page six of Acitv News.

2015 looks to be an exciting and challenging year, but I know our staff, management and Board will work together to make sure the upcoming transitions for our clients and families are as seamless as possible.

Tony Vis Chief Executive Officer, Activ

Contents

Welcome 2

Our Stories 4

Activ Updates 6

City to Surf 8

Grants 9

Sector Updates 10

Learning & Resources 12

For your Diary 14

Supported Employee Milestones 15

327 Cambridge Street Wembley WA 6014 T 9387 0555 F 9387 0599

Our Purpose

Enabling people living with disability to pursue a better life

Our Vision

Choice and freedom for all

Our Values President’s Message

2 • A C T I V N E W S A B E T T E R L I F E • 3 welcome

Dancing Brings A Smile to RockinghamLunchtimes at Activ Rockingham are now filled with music thanks to a new dance program modified and designed for staff and clients.

Run by Employee Coordinator Judith Oskam, the program began as a way for clients to learn some new dance moves before the annual Christmas Party. The class was so popular that it has now become a regular staple at the Rockingham site.

“Everyone who takes part absolutely loves it!” Judith explains.

“Its great exercise and we try to encourage all the participants to try new things every lesson. So far we’ve done the Nutbush, the Macarena, Elvis Rock, the Pigeon Toe, some Salsa and even the Mumbo Funk. Everyone really enjoys it, and it definitely increases productivity during the day.”

The dance classes run for 20 minutes every day, Monday to Friday, and are open to all staff and supported employees. They not only encourage exercise, but also provide an opportunity for supported employees to take time out of their day, socialise together and learn new skills.

“Anyone that attends Activ Business Services Rockingham who wants to participate can. Its great fun and every day supported employees approach me at the end of each session and say thank you. It’s definitely brought a great atmosphere to the workplace!” Judith said.

Albany Wedding BellsHappy couple Dorothy and Darryl have been together for two years – so when Darryl proposed to Dorothy last year, she knew the answer was yes!

The couple celebrated their wedding in front of family and friends at the beginning of January in picturesque country town Albany, where the couple now share a unit.

Dorothy moved down to Albany from Perth in March last year. The couple, who are assisted on occasion by Activ, have worked very hard to develop their skills independently and together and are now looking forward to their new lives as husband and wife.

On 11 January Darryl and Dorothy jetted off on their two-week honeymoon, which they spent discovering Tasmania. An Activ staff member was on hand to assist with the driving as the couple explored this beautiful part of the country together.

Congratulations to the happy couple and from everyone at Activ, here’s wishing you both a long, happy and exciting married life!

Remembering Susan BrownLate last year Gay Brown, a member of our Activ community, mourned the loss of her daughter Susan Elizabeth Brown. Gay, a founding members of the Slow Learning Children’s Group, and honorary life member was known to many at Activ, as was Susan.

A lover of the Sound of Music, Susan was cherished and cared for by her parents Gay and Bill and her family. Susan had many friends and acquaintances who loved her dearly and she will be greatly missed.

Our sympathies and thoughts are with the whole Brown family during this difficult time.

Activ Rockingham Dancers

Susan Brown

Benefits of DancingDid you know that dancing is not only great fun but it also provides a range of health benefits, such as:

1. Improved posture and balance.

2. Improved mental functioning.

3. Fat Burning - An hour of dancing can burn up to 500 - 700 calories.

4. Strengthening bones in your legs and hips.

5. Warding off illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis and depression.

So why not get out your dancing shoes and start moving.

4 • A C T I V N E W S A B E T T E R L I F E • 5 our stories

12 November

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Activ Annual General Meeting 2014The 63rd Annual General Meeting of Activ Foundation was held on Sunday, 26 October 2014 at Activ Central Services in Wembley, and was attended by Activ members, Board members, family members and special guests.

The organisation’s financial results for the 2013/14 year were tabled, the re-election of Board Members was ratified, new Board appointments were endorsed and the 2013/14 Annual Report was distributed. Concise financial statements are included in the Annual Report, which is available on our website at www.activ.asn.au.

Stephanie Black (elected Country) and Andrew Edwards (elected Metropolitan) were re-elected for further two year terms. Craig Knox Lyttle (appointed) was newly elected for his inaugural two year term.

The Amended Constitution was adopted and the inaugural Council appointed. Adoption of the new Constitution ensures that Activ’s governance structure is suited to meet future challenges. Activ’s Council (comprising of nine Honorary Life Governors, or former Board Members, and three current Board members) has now assumed the responsibilities and obligations that previously sat with the members of Activ. A “Friends of Activ” Framework is currently being developed to ensure the continued engagement of our historical supporters and provide and encourage new supporters to Activ.

Our President, Andrew Edwards outlined activities undertaken by Activ in the previous 12-months and spoke about the strategic focus of Activ for the 2014/15 year, particularly in relation to our participation within the trials and preparations for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and other reforms within the sector.

Mr Edwards expressed his sincere thanks for the valuable contribution of Activ’s Patrons, Vice Patrons, funders, sponsors, Activ Board Members, CEO Tony Vis, the Activ Executive Team, Transitional Leadership Team, staff and volunteers throughout the 2013/14 year.

Congratulations to Activ Award WinnersAt the 2014 Annual General Meeting, seven members were presented with Activ Constitutional Awards. Shirley Booth received the award of Honorary Life Governor, Nola Mumme, Joe and Leah Leece and Matthew Battrick were awarded Honorary Life Membership, and Thelma Stapleton and Peter Knowles were awarded Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their long-standing and continued service to Activ.

Andrew Edwards, Nola Mumme and Tony Vis

Andrew Edwards, Jayne Battrick and Tony Vis

Shirley, Ken and David Booth

Do you know someone who is deserving of an Activ Service Award?Activ is now calling for nominations for the following awards for 2015: Honorary Life Governor, Honorary Life Friend, Certificate of Appreciation and Certificate of Merit.

Nomination forms and full eligibility criteria are available from Latasha Kirton, Executive Officer, by calling 9387 0453 or emailing latasha.kirton@activ.asn.au. Nominations close 4.00pm, Friday, 22 May 2015.

How you can helpAs a not-for-profit the support of our community, both financially and in-kind, helps us to achieve our purpose of enabling people living with disability to pursue a better life.

If you’re as passionate about our cause as we are then please share our stories, follow us on facebook or twitter, or get involved today.

If you can’t spare your time but would like to offer financial support, then donating is easy.

Simply head to www.activ.asn.au and click the ‘Donate now’ button or contact the Activ Fundraising team on (08) 9387 0555.

All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

To keep up with news and events from Activ and the sector, follow us on facebook, twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

6 • A C T I V N E W S A B E T T E R L I F E • 7 activ updates

Call for applications for grants under the central and southern suburbs branches

Since the closure of the Central and Southern Suburbs Branches of Activ Foundation, residual funds held by these groups have be quarantined and the annual interest earned is made available as ‘Special Assistance Grants’ for the development and general welfare of people with developmental disability. It is anticipated that available funds for this will be in the vicinity of $5,000. Activ’s Honorary Life Governors will assess applications for 2015 Special Assistance Grants at their annual meeting.

Eligibility for the Grant is limited to:

• Individuals with developmental disability;

• Group applications for the welfare of people with developmental disability generally; and

• Representatives of people with developmental disability.

The following are not eligible:

• Staff requirements or development.

• Family needs not directly related to the needs of a family member with developmental disability.

• Items or things that Activ Foundation or another organisation or source should provide.

• Grants for educational purposes.

Applications will be assessed on the basis of:

• Merit (considering the foregoing limiting criteria);

• Specific benefit to the individual with developmental disability; and

• General benefit to a group of people with developmental disability.

Examples of grants given in recent years are:

• A quarter hour watch for a person unable to comprehend time except as “time passing”.

• Development of individualised picture cards for a group of individuals to assist them better express themselves.

• Provision of special harnesses in vehicles to allow the safe transport of a person to participate in People, Skills and Community Programs.

Application forms are available from:

Executive Officer, Activ Foundation Inc.

Please call 9387 0453 or email executive.officer@activ.asn.au

Applications/nominations close at 4.00pm on Friday, 22 May 2015.

Chevron City to Surf for ActivThe Chevron City to Surf for Activ is back for 2015, and registrations are now open! Make the commitment today and sign up to take part in WA’s largest community sporting event which last year raised more than $550,000 for charities across the state.

The Perth event is held on Sunday, 30 August 2015 with entries now open for all categories – the 4km walk/run, 12km walk/run, half marathon and marathon. For regional competitors, the 4km and 12km are back again across the state. Look for us in Karratha, Geraldton, Albany and Busselton.

Don’t forget that the City to Surf is Activ’s biggest fundraising event, so if you sign up to take part, why not also take on the fundraising challenge. This year, Activ are hoping to raise $150,000 through the City to Surf. All money raised helps Activ provide vital services for people living with a disability across Western Australia.

Sign up today and show your support as we strive to enable people living with disability to pursue a better life.

For more information, or to sign up visit: www perthcitytosurf.com.

City to Surf for Activ Karratha Sunday, 26 July

City to Surf for Activ Geraldton Sunday, 2 August

City to Surf Albany Sunday 9 August

City to Surf Busselton Sunday 16 August

City to Surf Perth Sunday, 30 August

Registrations for the 2015 Chevron City to Surf are now open!

For more information on how to register visit www.perthcitytosurf.com

8 • A C T I V N E W S A B E T T E R L I F E • 9 city to surf grants

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Update issues and access/ universal design principles

has never been higher within the Australian public.

There are a number of significant challenges, not the least being increased supply of workforce required to meet demand with an estimated range of about 13,000 additional workers required within WA. This issue will be exacerbated by the aging of the population and the budget deficit on national and state level, reported in the news media on a daily basis.

Activ finalised its registration in October and has reviewed the Terms of Business for registered service providers. There is a robust strategic planning focus to develop the infrastructure and systems required to support future growth. The organisation is

also progressing strategic alliances with sustainable service providers within the sector and will consider all options to foster growth and development.

A new service point has now opened in Midland, on the opposite corner to the site of the NDIA state office, in order to facilitate a more localised and immediate service response to people in this trial site. Activ has also determined its cost of service provision that will enable the accurate forecasting of cost and prices and the maintenance of ongoing financial sustainability.

The staff and managers of Activ will continue inform and prepare customers, families and carers for the coming changes and will clearly document their goals and outcomes.

In 2011, the Productivity Commission recommended that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) commence in July 2014. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) was established a year earlier in July 2013, due to the political pressure caused by the Federal Election held on 7 September 2013.

There have been considerable implementation issues within the NDIA and the initial trial sites, with a lack of clear policy and procedures to guide consistent staff practice across the four sites. There were initial challenges in cost control that have been resolved and many new customers in the eastern states report positive experiences.

In the four eastern state sites:

• 8,585 people were enrolled in the scheme at the end of June 2014.

• Of these people: 2% of customers fully self-manage their funds; 26% partially manage the funding provided and the remainder are managed by disability sector organisations, in consultation with the agency.

• In WA the proportion of persons engaged in full and partial self-management is higher.

All Australian governments and territories have reiterated their commitment to the roll-out of the scheme and there has been no change recommended to the current timeline of full implementation by June 2020. The Federal Government allocated $825 million in the 2014/15 financial year budget for the implementation of the scheme. The levy of 0.5%, that was supported by 78% of

Australians surveyed commenced in July 2014. There was an additional commitment of $29.5 million provided by the WA State Government for this financial year.

In the Bilateral Agreement signed on 31 March 2014, there were additional funds allocated for the two years trial period in WA. Across the three trial sites (Hills district, lower South West and Cockburn/ Kwinana) a total of up to 5,200 new people with disabilities will have access to the increase in funding and services over the next two years.

The scheme commenced formally in the Hills District and the My Way development in the lower South West on 1 July 2014. To 30 September, the NDIA in the hills area reported that 103 customers have had their plans approved. In the NDIA/ My Way site (lower south west), that commenced at a considerably earlier date; there have been 354 customers who have had their plans approved. Across the nation, the total now number 9,234 persons.

There are many positive features contained in the scheme, these include the new commonwealth legislation, consistent with WA Disability Services Act (1993).

There will be individual person centred plans with 12 months review with a better link from the funding to outcomes. There will be an overall increase in funds and an increase in services, predicted to more than double over the next six years. The incorporation of insurance principles will encourage early investment and early intervention whereas the previous process, based on the assessment of relative needs, resulted in a crisis intervention approach. The awareness of the disability

The NDIS is the most significant reform in the history of disability services in Australia. Activ will make some key strategic decisions over the next year and is confidently preparing for the substantial challenges of 2015 and the future beyond.

10 • A C T I V N E W S A B E T T E R L I F E • 11 sector updates

Here are just a few of the new resources available for loan from the Activ Library.

My Life Choice: Supporting Decision MakingHankin, Rebecca; Bramwell, Fiona. / AUTISM ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA. -- Shenton Park: Autism Association of Western Australia, 2014. 1 Kit (Facilitator’s Guide 78 p. ; 30 cm. + Activity Workbook 70 p. ; 30 cm. + Laminated Sheet + 1 USB

This training package contains everything needed to facilitate the workshop ‘My Life My Choice: supporting decision making’. The package contains a Facilitator’s Guide, a Activity Workbook, and a USB with a presentation with clips embedded, registration list template, facilitator’s instructions, activity workbook, competency elements and tools, evaluation template, and certificate template. The training package is about supporting people with disabilities to make decisions. It is designed to be used by a training facilitator and is for support worker training guidance. However it can be used by people with a disability and their supporters.

CC 371.5 MYL P15505

Autism: Parents’ Handbook: Your essential guide to services and support in Perth, Western AustraliaBrandis, Heidi; Croft, Iain, Ed. -- [Mosman Park] MagsWest, 2014. 31 p. ; 30 cm.

This is a guide to autism services and support in Perth, Western Australia. It covers getting a diagnosis, first contacts after diagnosis, autism services and agencies, funding, concessions, education, carer’s agencies, advocacy, respite, parent support groups, children’s social skill groups, siblings groups and resources, recreation, camps, continence, sexuality and sleep, training, workshops and seminars, autism websites, resources and helplines. Also available online at http://issuu.com/autismworldmagazine/docs/autism parents handbook perth wa/, or contact Activ Library for a free hard copy.

SC/AUT BRA P15459

Person Centred Lifestyles for People Living With Intellectual Disabilities: Transforming Attitudes, Service and Practice. Brown, Hilary; Alcoe, Jan. -- Hove, UK: Pavilion, 2014. 42 p. ; 30 cm. + 2 DVDs + 22 Sheets

The simple but powerful exercise in this manual provides a stimulus to exploring and evaluating attitudes, services and practice in relation to people with intellectual disabilities. Whatever the nature of the organisation, this exercise offers a way of holding existing attitudes, practices and systems and structures ‘up to the light’, in order to ensure that they meet the values we would espouse for our own lives and those of our families and loved ones. The pack includes a manual to guide you through the exercise, various cards that structure it, and two DVDs containing film clips that demonstrate how the exercise should be run, and back ground information to put the training in context.

CC 362.38 BRO P15406

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A guide to FASD for parents, carers and professionalsCatterick, Maria

Curran, Liam. -- London;Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley, 2014. 166 p. ; 25 cm.

This book describes how alcohol can harm the fetus and disrupt development, and explains how fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) affects individuals at different stages of their lives. With the aid of simple, illustrative diagrams, photographs and charts, it shows how you can identify FASD and gives guidance on how mothers at risk can be helped. It also provides advice for parents and carers on how children, young people and adults with FASD can be best supported.

SS/AAA CAT P15391

Registrations for the 2015 Chevron City to Surf

12 • A C T I V N E W S A B E T T E R L I F E • 13 learning and resources

45 Years

Ann Samson East Victoria Park

35 Years

Christine Currie Osborne Park

Denise Wright Bunbury

Kevin Blyth Busselton

Salvatore Cannella Busselton

Scott Manuel East Victoria Park

30 Years

Timothy Stern Palmyra

25 Years

Cindy Fitzpatrick Rockingham

15 Years

Donals Lessels Embleton

5 Years

Joshua Soh Osborne Park

Ian Fancourt Osborne Park

Ross Farrall Property Care

Nathan Moore Property Care

Jason Nicol Albany

Brayden Wake East Victoria Park

Alicia Boaden Palmyra

Jenipher Birsa East Victoria Park

Activ Supported Employee Service Recognition March 2015

18 March

National Disability Summit 2015

For more information visit www.informa.com.au

24 March

Pathways Graduation Ceremony - Perth

Government House Ballroom, Perth

RSVP: pathways@activ.asn.au or 9387 05111

27 March

Hillview Charity Golf Day

Hillview Public Golf Course 350 Kalamunda Road, Maida Vale.

Register your team: hillgolf@bigpond.com.au

31 March

Pahways Graduation Ceremony - Bunbury

Sanctuary Golf Resort, Bunbury.

RSVP: pathways@activ.asn.au or 9387 0511

Friday, 8 May

Activ Artspcace

For entry details, contact: latasha.kirton@activ.asn.au

Activ Artspace Exhibition 2015Activ clients are welcomed to submit their artwork

for this year’s Activ Artspace Exhibition.

Please email Artspace Coordinator Latasha Kirton for an entry form: latasha.kirton@activ.asn.au

14 • A C T I V N E W S A B E T T E R L I F E • 15 supported employee milestonesfor your diary

327 Cambridge Street, Wembley WA 6014PO Box 446, Wembley WA 6913

Tel: (08) 9387 0555 Facsimile: (08) 9387 0599Activ Foundation Inc. ARBN: 060 921 271

Members Liability Limited ABN: 11 553 592 765