North East Citizen Advocacy in Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia | Social service

North East Citizen Advocacy

Locality: Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 8407 3684

Address: 56 Gabonia Ave 3087 Heidelberg, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.citizenadvocacy.com.au

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• Community organisation
• Disability service
• Social service

25.01.2022 This article is by a mother who is considering how to do future planning in the light of what happened to Anne Marie Smith after her parents died. Many people with disabilities that NECA has matched with a Citizen Advocate, have no one else in their life so an advocate can be that person who has their best interests into the future.

24.01.2022 Good to know that the Vic Govt is putting these checks and balances in place now.

23.01.2022 Health and disability experts are calling on State and Federal governments to urgently develop a targeted plan for people with disability and their families to ...deal with the threat of Coronavirus. While a targeted plan has been put in place for the aged care sector, there is no such plan for the disability sector. There are important questions like: Whats the plan to make sure people can still get support workers if their current worker or workers get sick? Whats the plan if peoples families get sick and cannot provide the care they usually do? Whats the plan if services shut down? Whats the plan to make sure disability services have an adequate supply of important things such as personal protective gear, hand sanitiser, cleaning equipment? Whats the plan for families who may have to take time off work to care for someone if workers are sick or services shut down? Whats the plan for people who have the most complex needs? And we would add - whats the plan to make sure all information about this important issue is available and accessible? The coverage we saw of the Prime Ministers press conference this afternoon did not have captions or an Auslan interpreter. The Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health have made a number of recommendations about what they think should be done straight away. You can read more here - https://credh.org.au//covid-19-and-people-with-disabiliti/ (Image description: A picture of a tweet from the Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health. The tweet reads "we urgently need a targeted response to the #COVID19australia for people with disability, their families and the disability service sector. We have some actionable recommendations here: credh.org.au The Tweet has the centres logo in the corner and the Twitter handle @DisabilityHlth. There is a green square attached to the tweet with the words "COVID19 and people with disability" written in white lettering)

21.01.2022 Advocacy is needed in time of crisis and a strong policy is important so people with disabilities who have specific needs are included in disaster relief.

21.01.2022 Breaking news out of the NDIS this afternoon ... And it's some good news on masks From today NDIS participants who rely on support workers for face to face ...help every day can claim the cost of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from their NDIS funds. But - and this is an important but - this is just for participants in Victoria and New South Wales. And people who live in their own home and who test positive for COVID-19 and are required to self-isolate or quarantine can now pay for the costs of getting the house cleaned from their NDIS funds. You can pay for the cleaning and the PPE from your core funds. If you are plan or Agency managed, you can buy PPE through registered providers. Self-managed participants can choose where they buy PPE and claim from their funds in their usual way. You can read the Minister's press release on the NDIS website - https://www.ndis.gov.au//5048-delivering-ndis-during-covid You can read the detail about how to claim for PPE here - https://www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus/latest-advice-ndis And we are constantly updating our website with all the latest news. You can find more info here - https://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/get-your-mask-on/ (Image description: A red rectangle with the words "Breaking News" in white capital letters. Underneath the words you can see the Every Australian Counts logo and the words "NDIS: Make It Work)

21.01.2022 A new survey shows that people with disability are still struggling to have access to the basics of a descent lifestyle. Thats why advocates are needed, to help fight for peoples right to have their needs met in this first world country.

20.01.2022 Lovely to drop in to North East Citizen Advocacy today. They do a great job as a volunteer-based organisation upholding the rights and interests of people in my community with intellectual disabilities. Check out http://www.citizenadvocacy.com.au

20.01.2022 A story about successful integration........

18.01.2022 Thank you to everyone for attending our annual Advocate function. It was a good opportunity to meet and discuss current issues as well as recognise achievements.

18.01.2022 Celebrating people’s achievements in mainstream media. A great way to mark International Day of People with disability.

18.01.2022 Citizen Advocate Needed. Do you speak Turkish and would like to become a mentor and advocate for a person with a disability? A 45y.o gentleman living in the Darebin area would benefit from a volunteer to provide support in making decisions. ... This involves talking through issues that arise and encouraging him to find solutions. For more information please call our office on 8407 3684 or send an email to [email protected]

18.01.2022 NECA fundraising BBQ on now. Come on down to Bunnings Thomastown for a BBQ sausage and a chat!

18.01.2022 An amazing example of SRV in action. These artists have valued social roles and are respected and celebrated. Well done Arts Project Australia.

18.01.2022 Much needed resources page for advocates and others........

17.01.2022 Breaking news out of the NDIS this afternoon ... And its some good news on masks From today NDIS participants who rely on support workers for face to face ...help every day can claim the cost of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from their NDIS funds. But - and this is an important but - this is just for participants in Victoria and New South Wales. And people who live in their own home and who test positive for COVID-19 and are required to self-isolate or quarantine can now pay for the costs of getting the house cleaned from their NDIS funds. You can pay for the cleaning and the PPE from your core funds. If you are plan or Agency managed, you can buy PPE through registered providers. Self-managed participants can choose where they buy PPE and claim from their funds in their usual way. You can read the Ministers press release on the NDIS website - https://www.ndis.gov.au//5048-delivering-ndis-during-covid You can read the detail about how to claim for PPE here - https://www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus/latest-advice-ndis And we are constantly updating our website with all the latest news. You can find more info here - https://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/get-your-mask-on/ (Image description: A red rectangle with the words "Breaking News" in white capital letters. Underneath the words you can see the Every Australian Counts logo and the words "NDIS: Make It Work)

17.01.2022 In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and measures to slow down the spread of the virus, we have made the decision to continue our operations remotely. While our physical office may be closed, we will remain open for all services and can still be contacted via e-mail, phone, text or by utilising our web-conference service. Please be reassured that we are still available for support.... You can contact us on: 8407 3684 or 0412 099 597 [email protected] These are challenging times for all of us and it is important to maintain contact with people in our community who are isolated and potentially vulnerable. This may need to occur via phone, or through other technological means during this crisis. If Advocates would like some suggestions on how to do this please reach out to us for assistance.

16.01.2022 Some good news for those who are struggling to manage all the changes to their support as a result of the Coronavirus

16.01.2022 "And we need to stop turning that blind eye we need to stop positioning that role of carers above disabled people and our voices. Nicole Lee, anti- violence Campaigner.

15.01.2022 Thanks to our colleagues at Sunbury Citizen Advocacy for this inspirational post.

15.01.2022 Once more for those up the back. The NDIS is underspent by billions. Yes that is Billions with a capital B. That money belongs to people with disability. It sho...uld be reinvested back into the scheme to get people the support they need - or get the scheme working the way it should. It should NOT quietly disappear. It should NOT be used to prop up the budget bottom line. And PS if anyone - and we mean ANYONE - tells us again the NDIS is a demand driven system we will go billy berserk. As we keep saying there are too many hoops, loopholes, potholes, deadends, and endless red tape for it ever to be considered demand driven. Read more here about why the NDIS is as about as far away from a demand driven system as you could possibly get - https://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/time-to-fix-the-cause/ #NDISMakeItWork (Image description: A man wearing a teeshirt and a cap sits in a power wheelchair. He is sitting in the middle of a corridor. He is looking out to the side and has his back to us - we cannot see his face. He is holding his hand up to his chin) https://www.theage.com.au//states-say-disabled-miss-out-as

13.01.2022 Another inspiring story from a participant at the Special Olympics in UAE.

13.01.2022 Just in case you missed it Late last week the Minister for the NDIS and the National Disability Insurance Agency made some big announcements about changes to ...the way the NDIS will work in the future. Amongst a lot of other things, the Minister announced that from next year the NDIA will introduce independent assessments for people applying to enter the scheme. And then later in the year for people having plan reviews. We know lots of people have some very real concerns about what all these changes will mean for them. And we have said so every single time we have been asked about the introduction of independent assessments. We want the NDIS to be fair. And we want it to be consistent. We dont think that it is fair that people are out of pocket paying for expensive reports. Or waiting a really long time for assessments in the public health system. Its also clear that people spend a lot of time and money on these assessments and reports and they dont always hit the mark. But - and this is the most important part - we also want people to make sure get the support they need. And the processes of getting that support has to be fair, simple and transparent. People shouldnt have to keep jumping through hoops to get the help they need. And worry they might lose it if they dont clear that last hurdle. We promise to keep taking your concerns to both the Government and the NDIA. Weve never shied away from fighting for the NDIS to work for everyone who needs it. The way it was intended. And we wont stop now. There will be more to come. In the meantime if you want to read more about independent assessments there is now more information on the NDIS website. You can find information about independent assessments here - https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/independent-assessments You can find info about the changes to the planning process here - https://www.ndis.gov.au//in/independent-assessment-process You can find information about the original pilot here - https://www.ndis.gov.au///independent-assessment-pilot-iap You can read the Ministers announcement here - https://www.ndis.gov.au//5207-landmark-reforms-deliver-pro #NDISMakeItWork (Image description: The Every Australian Counts logo and the NDIS Make It Work logo sitting on a grey background. The grey background is made up of blurred newspaper clippings)

12.01.2022 We have the power to change this situation together......

11.01.2022 Hopefully, buildings with inclusive facilities for adults with care needs will become more common, so everyone can share in the pleasures of life.

09.01.2022 There are at least 6 weeks more of interesting programs that the ABC is showing to focus on the lives of people with disability. Check the diverse range out in this article........

09.01.2022 We are the first female athletes from Saudi Arabia. It makes us feel wow. Its one of the nicest moments in our life. I have to be happy and positive becaus...e I am the basketball team captain. Whenever we make a shot, I clap. I also clap if we miss it. And I clap if the other team makes it. If somebody is sad I tell them dont be upset my sweet heart. And then I rub their shoulder. This is my teammate Dahwia-- I am her friend and she is my friend. I love her so much. She loves food and we dance together. We blow each other kisses during the game. Yesterday we won. But it doesnt matter if we lose because at the end we always dance. (Special Olympics World Games, Abu Dhabi, UAE)

09.01.2022 The Royal Commission has published an issues paper looking at what can be done to improve the safety and well-being of people with disability during emergencies.... The Emergency Planning and Response issues paper is also seeking feedback about what should be done to ensure people with disability are not at risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation during an emergency. All Australian governments have a responsibility to uphold the rights of people with disability during emergencies. After the devastating summer bushfire crisis, we are now in the middle of the global coronavirus pandemic. People with disability can be severely affected by emergencies and may be at a higher risk of experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation at these times. The Emergency Planning and Response issues paper covers ten key areas of concern and includes 11 questions to help people with disability, families, organisations, advocates and experts provide responses. We are interested in understanding the particular experiences of people with disability from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, as well as women, children and young people and LGBTQI+ people. The issues paper along with easy read versions and an Auslan summary are available on our website https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au//emergency-plann

09.01.2022 This service may be helpful for people at home with mobility issues. Advocates could let their match know that you just ring the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 and ask for someone to come to your home for testing.

08.01.2022 NECA has received funding to provide Advocacy support for people wanting to tell their story to the Commissioners. Contact Lisa on 84073684.

08.01.2022 "Certainly in the advocacy sector, we see that there is a hole in the current system," chief executive of Disability Advocacy Network Australia, Mary Mallett said. https://mobile.abc.net.au//ndis-only-works-if-yo/11076088

07.01.2022 NECA is not political, but this article has some information about what the community is striving for in improving the life experience of people with a disability. The three Cs, Control, Certainty & Community.

07.01.2022 One of my agendas is that these organizations fundamentally change the way that they view accommodations, the way they view disability, so it becomes an inherent part of everything they do, Ideishi says.Not just whats easiest to do, such as, Lets put a ramp in at the entryway, but to really create ramps for every single person, whether they need a cognitive ramp or sensory ramp or hearing ramp.

06.01.2022 Educate Inspire Change <3

06.01.2022 This is a fundamental difference between the NDIS and Citizen Advocacy support.

04.01.2022 Here is a heartwarming story, from this strange Covid time we are living through. Malcolm had been involved in a NECA Citizen Advocacy match with Mark for many years and its great to see him still living a good life.

03.01.2022 Now is the time to act on pandemic measures for people with disability! Over 70 national, state and territory disability organisations have come together to urg...e the National Cabinet to take the urgent action we need to keep people with disability free of the COVID-19 virus. https://mailchi.mp/558375ae7818/covid-19-open-letter Organisations endorsing the open letter include many National Disability Representative Organisations and disability advocacy organisations around Australia, including: Disability Resources Centre, IDEAS Disability Information, Disability Justice Advocacy, Advocacy WA, MIDLAS, Melbourne East Disability Advocacy - MEDA, Queensland Advocacy Incorporated - QAI, Family Advocacy, Grampians Disability Advocacy, Advocacy Tasmania, Southwest Advocacy Association Inc., Barwon Disability Resource Council - BDRC, Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc., AED Legal Centre, People With disabilities WA ACD - The Association for Children with Disability Tas Inc., Association for Children with a Disability (ACD Vic), Rights Information & Advocacy Centre Inc. - RIAC, Regional Disability Advocacy Service, YDAS - Youth Disability Advocacy Service, Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, North East Citizen Advocacy - Australia, Leadership Plus, VALID, Citizen Advocacy Perth West - CAPW, Speak Out Association of Tasmania, Developmental Disability WA, Council for Intellectual Disability, Dacssa - Disability Advocacy, Citizen Advocacy Sunbury & Districts Inc

03.01.2022 NECA attended the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission Forum this week with other advocates from around the country. Great opportunity to speak up about where improvements can be made for participants. Thanks to Disability Advocacy Network Australia - DANA for organising and hosting the event.

02.01.2022 Media reports this morning that the NDIS is responsible for one fifth of all new jobs in Australia. One fifth. "Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the NDIS would not be able to be delivered without a strong economy, but the figures show the economy would struggle without the NDIS."... Now just imagine what could happen to the economy if the scheme was working the way it was supposed to. People with disability would actually get the help they so desperately need - and the economy would benefit. Think you call that a win/win? It is way past time to #NDISMakeItWork

02.01.2022 Get ready to acknowledge the achievements and struggles of people with disability all over the world......

02.01.2022 Some of these resources may be useful for someone you know.

01.01.2022 This article is by a mother who is considering how to do ‘future planning ‘ in the light of what happened to Anne Marie Smith after her parents died. Many people with disabilities that NECA has matched with a Citizen Advocate, have no one else in their life so an advocate can be that person who has their best interests into the future.