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Uniting Ability Links NSW

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25.01.2022 COMMUNITY IMPACT As the Ability Links program comes to an end, the Mariyung Early Links team have partnered with ten organisations who they have worked closely with over the years, spanning from South West to Western Sydney. Throughout the week, the Mariyung team have been meeting with the organisations to pass on the sensory tent kits so that the initiative can be continued within their communities. The idea for the Madang Gurung, Brave Child sensory tents c...ame about in 2017, when an Early Linker saw the original Ability Links Including You tents and was inspired to adapt it for Aboriginal families. The sensory tents are used to provide a safe and inclusive sensory space for children and families to take time out and recoup when attending events like festivals and local community events. Mariyung Senior Linker Amber says, We have enjoyed connecting with families and providing a safe space for children to be able to relax at events they usually wouldnt attend. Each tent is equipped with calming sensory products suitable for children of all ages and abilities, in particular those with additional needs. These include weighted toys like the doll and snake in the below pictures, noise cancelling headphones, liquid timers, tactile and sensory toys. The Madang Garung tents also features cultural-specific toys and puzzles. Amber hopes the tents will continue be utilised by people of all abilities and make communities and community events more inclusive and in doing so, educate our communities on disabilities and promote inclusivity. Thank you so much to the following organisations and services for carrying our legacy, we are thrilled to see the sensory tents continue on with: Waranwarin Aboriginal Child and Family Centre Oorunga Wandarrah Save the Children Australia NGROO Education Yenu Allowah Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre Inc Karabi Community & Development Services Inc. Goodradigbee Cultural & Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Macarthur Family and Youth Services Uniting Youth and Family Support Services Ability Links NSW

24.01.2022 Ability Linker Moana shares 5 handy tips to start your Supported Decision Making (SDM) journey from home. This video was developed from our SDM workshops and is all about empowering individuals to make choices about their own lives, with support from a team of people. Download the Supported Decision Making workbook here: bit.ly/SDMtoolkit.... Ability Links NSW

24.01.2022 It's not too late to register! The Push-Up Challenge is on day 2 of the three-week challenge. The Push Up Challenge runs every year and its purpose is to bring awareness to mental health. This year, the challenge is raising funds for headspace! A fun activity to try for a GREAT cause, especially in isolation!

22.01.2022 Do you live around Yarra Bay in the Randwick City Council area? Vinnies NSW are holding a Virtual Beaches Accessibility Conversation on June 11 from 2 till 4pm... and youre all invited to take part. All you need to do is jump on Zoom at the link below to make sure your voice is heard https://zoom.us/j/5589353533

21.01.2022 Its not too late to register! The Push-Up Challenge is on day 2 of the three-week challenge. The Push Up Challenge runs every year and its purpose is to bring awareness to mental health. This year, the challenge is raising funds for headspace! A fun activity to try for a GREAT cause, especially in isolation!

21.01.2022 If youre looking for information or feeling confused about the gradual return to school during COVID-19, follow the link below for the Return to School Guide for Families by the Department of Education: https://education.nsw.gov.au//managed-return-to-school-gui. The NSW Department of Education Facebook page, also has great additional resources and tips for children and families = dfinitely worth following! Thanks to Linker Anton for sharing this helpful site.

20.01.2022 Running out of ideas for fun and engaging things to do at home? Check out this resource!

20.01.2022 Thankful that we can share our resources with the community, particularly incredible organisations like the Free Food Pantry. The Free Food Pantry is run by community for the community, where local individuals and businesses can donate food to the street pantry for locals to take what they need and donate when they can. Click on their Facebook page to find out more. [Image description: A stack of cardboard boxes on a brown tiled floor against a red brick wall. The b...oxes contain paper and cloth bags from Uniting Ability Links.] Ability Links NSW

20.01.2022 Some helpful, practical tips for readjusting to life after lockdown from the Black Dog Institute.

19.01.2022 Linker Samantha found this great creative competition for children. Theme: Something that best represents your community. Submit a drawing or painting, a collage from nature, or a story or poem. There are ten prizes up for grabs, entries close Friday 15 May.

18.01.2022 Today is IDAOBIT Day - International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia. The Uniting Ability Links team have always championed inclusion and we continue to be BOLD in speaking out, COMPASSIONATE and RESPECTFUL in supporting, listening and learning to co-create solutions for ALL people, including our LGBTIQ+ colleagues, participants and the community. Happy IDAHOBIT! Here's a short and sweet snapshot of our team wearing their rainbows at e...vents supporting and including all people, over the years. Learn more about IDAHOBIT: http://www.idahobit.org.au. International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia - Australia Ability Links NSW

18.01.2022 As children spend more time at home and online, its important to be able to support them to be safe and well online and develop strategies to handle harmful situations. These live webinars explore the latest research and expert advice for using technology safely and are a great way to learn how you can help your child develop the skills to be safer online. To register, click on the link to view topics, dates and times.

18.01.2022 One to watch on your weekend, as recommended by Linker Toni. This mini documentary, in collaboration with Blacktown Youth Services (BYSA) was written, featured, filmed and edited by African young people who live in Blacktown.

18.01.2022 Negative thinking is common during times of uncertainty. Learn new ways to help you cope with myCompass, a free online tool for mental health. MyCompass is an interactive self-help service for Australians that aims to promote resilience and wellbeing. You can track your moods, write about them and view information and tips. You can also choose to do one of the education modules designed to help you manage mild to moderate stress, anxiety and depression. It's a guide to good... mental health it points you in the right direction. Best of all because its designed for use online you can access it on any device, anonymously at any time: https://www.mycompass.org.au Thanks Linker Julie for sharing!

18.01.2022 A fun opportunity to get your household together for a sign-along in Auslan! What a way to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day. We (love) it.

17.01.2022 A creative project for 8-19 year olds to get unleash their creativity to make a short film incorporating an unusual element...a banana!

17.01.2022 Weve unearthed 3 excellent gardening tips from Rebecca Lewis from The Lalor Park Community Garden to get you growing. From herbs to veggies and no matter how limited your space, heres what you need to start the perfect isolation hobby! bit.ly/isogardening

17.01.2022 Today, more than any other day, we're respecting and connecting through Acknowledgement of Country. The theme of this year's National Reconciliation Week is In this together and we recognise that - even through isolation - every one of us has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation. We acknowledge the original and ongoing Custodians of the land and waters on which we live and work. ... #InThisTogether2020 #NRW2020 Reconciliation NSW In This Together National Reconciliation Week 2020 Ability Links NSW

16.01.2022 So great to see our sensory tents continuing to make a difference in the community. NGROO Education have been preparing the tent for launch at their upcoming School Readiness event. Check it out! Ability Links NSW

15.01.2022 Need help staying connected while at home? Leep is here to help, for free! They've launched #TechMates, a support program to assist the millions of Australians who aren't online or new to the online space. Here are some of the skills that learners can gain through Leep's virtual mentoring program: - Online banking - Online shopping, including groceries... - Social Media - Video chatting and texting - Accessing online news sources - Identifying scams Click on the post to learn more. Thanks Linker Toni for sharing this awesome info!

15.01.2022 Now that social isolation restrictions have lifted a little, Ability Links team members Toni, Pani and Rachel visited the Springwood Uniting Church to deliver a package of sensory resources that will enable the church and wider community to carry out inclusive sensory playgroups! Ability Links NSW Springwood Uniting Church, NSW

15.01.2022 Absolutely love how creative the Mountains Youth Services Team have been - going digital to continue serving and supporting the youth of the Blue Mountains area! Thanks for sharing about this, Linker Rachel! Click on the pictures to find out how to get involved or contact 0421 389 790.

15.01.2022 Linker Julie shared this video. Its a useful tool and provides tips for navigating social media while living with PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

14.01.2022 CELEBRATING ABILITY LINKS + RESOURCES And thats a wrap! Its with heavy hearts to announce our program has come to an end. Below is a short reflection celebrating our impact on individuals and our community since the program piloted in June, 2014. From creating sports clubs that are more inclusive to all abilities, to making community gardens more accessible, facilitating sensory tents at major events like Mardi Gras and Varietys annual Family Easter Show, there ha...Continue reading

14.01.2022 As children spend more time at home and online, it's important to be able to support them to be safe and well online and develop strategies to handle harmful situations. These live webinars explore the latest research and expert advice for using technology safely and are a great way to learn how you can help your child develop the skills to be safer online. To register, click on the link to view topics, dates and times.

13.01.2022 Need help staying connected while at home? Leep is here to help, for free! Theyve launched #TechMates, a support program to assist the millions of Australians who arent online or new to the online space. Here are some of the skills that learners can gain through Leeps virtual mentoring program: - Online banking - Online shopping, including groceries... - Social Media - Video chatting and texting - Accessing online news sources - Identifying scams Click on the post to learn more. Thanks Linker Toni for sharing this awesome info!

13.01.2022 A kind reminder from linker Amanda for the health and wellbeing of you and your community as we continue living in changed circumstances. 1. Keep in contact with friends and family 2. Take breaks and do something you enjoy! 3. Look out for other people - check in and see if they are okay.... 4. Stay informed. Look after yourself and others - it's okay to ask for help if you need it!

12.01.2022 Our Pay it Forward community project got a little delayed due to Covid-19, but now that restrictions are easing up and shops and cafes are opening again, we're proud to announce that it is now up and running! COMMUNITY IMPACT Through chatting with local business owners in Lithgow and the Blue Mountains area, Ability Linker Caroline realised that there was an opportunity to support both local businesses and people in need, particularly now, after the effects of Covid-1...9. The Pay It Forward community project aims to bring the community together by encouraging spending to support small, local businesses as well as someone in need. As a customer, you can pay it forward by: 1. Visiting a participating cafe 2. Purchase an additional coffee, snack or meal and let the staff know it's for pay it forward. 3. Staff will put aside your donation and it will be ready for anyone in need to redeem later. Caroline says, "It is so much more than a coffee or a meal, it can provide conversation, physical comfort, a smile and a sense of belonging and support local businesses." Kindness is something we can all share and give to one another. Its about sharing a positive moment with another person. The campaign is ready to kick off at: Bill's Old Fashion Cakes & Pies Elliekats Café Hometown Cafe Lithgow The Lithgow Tin Shed Blue Bird Café Onelia's Place Tough Grind Barbers Vanilla Cafe Lithgow Spread the word and share kindness! Ability Links NSW #PayItForward #kindness

11.01.2022 Today, more than any other day, were respecting and connecting through Acknowledgement of Country. The theme of this years National Reconciliation Week is In this together and we recognise that - even through isolation - every one of us has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation. We acknowledge the original and ongoing Custodians of the land and waters on which we live and work. ... #InThisTogether2020 #NRW2020 Reconciliation NSW In This Together National Reconciliation Week 2020 Ability Links NSW

10.01.2022 Ability Linker Julie Lozano visited Wollongong Homeless Hub, Coniston Public School, Wollongong Public School and WEA Illawarra this week, distributing Ability Links' inclusive coffee cups and copies of our Ability Links books 'With Open Hearts' and 'With Open Arms'. COVID-19 has meant limited community contact, events and activities for all Linkers, so the delivery was a great opportunity for Uniting Ability Links to share resources with our vibrant and essential local co...mmunities as the Uniting Ability Links program comes to an end on June 30. You can read With Open Hearts here: bit.ly/with-open-arms And With Open Arms here: bit.ly/with-open-hearts Ability Links NSW [Image description: Pic 1: Uniting Ability Linker Julie takes a selfie with Coniston Public school staff member Caroline who is holding up a copy of 'With Open Arms' Both Juie and Caroline are smiling. Pic 2: Julie stands at the front desk of Wollongong Homeless Hub with two staff members, one standing in front of the desk and one sitting behind. Julie is handing a copy of 'With Open Hearts' to the standing staff member and everyone is smiling. The office is decorated with lots of banners and posters.]

10.01.2022 Ability Links helped organise bags and food boxes with Rapid Relief Team AU for the community at Village Cafe North Saint Marys. The bags contain essentials, fruit and vegetables. Check out Linker Pani (pic 3) with the huge stack of boxes and Ability Links goody bags! Fantastic to see so many great organisations work together to serve the community! ... Ability Links NSW

10.01.2022 Need help using your computers, laptops, tablets, phone but are in lockdown or isolation? The friendly team at Living Connected can help you - you can even contact them through Whatsapp or Skype - check out the link for more details. Thanks Linker Kem for the share!

08.01.2022 As a part of their disability employment initiative, the Federal Government has introduced two new training projects to support people living with autism in emp...loyment Three organisations, Doughnut Bakery and social enterprise Krofne, Whitmur Advisers and genU Training, have collectively received $200,000 in Government funding to work together to develop two accredited training courses for the hospitality industry for people with Autism. To read the full article click on the link below

07.01.2022 Linker Julie shared this video. It's a useful tool and provides tips for navigating social media while living with PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

07.01.2022 Happy World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development! Our Linkers share what cultural diversity means to them. What does it mean to you? Find out more about the day at un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day Ability Links NSW

07.01.2022 TOMORROW, Wednesday 6 May: Join in a free online forum for trans and gender diverse people and allies to learn more about staying safe, well and connected as a trans person in a global pandemic. Delivered by ACON in partnership with our friends at the National LGBTI Health Alliance. Hear from a diverse range of speakers, ask lots of questions and interact with the audience!... Thanks for the share, Linker Caroline!

07.01.2022 We've unearthed 3 excellent gardening tips from Rebecca Lewis from The Lalor Park Community Garden to get you growing. From herbs to veggies and no matter how limited your space, here's what you need to start the perfect isolation hobby! bit.ly/isogardening

06.01.2022 Service NSW Mobile Service Centre is coming to St. Georges Basin on Thursday 18th June. Find them from 10am- 3pm at the Country Club car park, Links Avenue St. Georges Basin. The mobile service can help with: Driver licence, photo card applications and renewals... Driver Knowledge Tests Working With Children Check applications Applying for birth, death and marriage certificates Cost of Living service to access more than 70 government rebates and savings Find out when the Mobile Service Centre is coming near you: www.service.nsw.gov.au/msc.

06.01.2022 CELEBRATING ABILITY LINKS + RESOURCES And that's a wrap! It's with heavy hearts to announce our program has come to an end. Below is a short reflection celebrating our impact on individuals and our community since the program piloted in June, 2014. 'From creating sports clubs that are more inclusive to all abilities, to making community gardens more accessible, facilitating sensory tents at major events like Mardi Gras and Varietys annual Family Easter Show, there ha...Continue reading

05.01.2022 Today we observe National Sorry Day and acknowledge the trauma caused by the forced separation of Aboriginal children from their families. To our Aboriginal colleagues and their families, Aboriginal clients, and the wider Aboriginal community, we recognise this as a time of mixed emotions and our thoughts are with you. It is particularly challenging with current COVID-19 restrictions impacting on family gatherings and visits to Aboriginal communities. #NRW2020 #Inthistogether

05.01.2022 A fantastic idea by Interchange Illawarra - a High Tea Party via Zoom for parents and carers of registered participants. Details in the poster below.

04.01.2022 PODCAST alert A great one to add to your list. Wollongong resident Shannon Lalor was born with an intellectual disability, and diagnosed with a mental health condition later in life. In this episode, Carol and Ed interview Shannon Lalor, a descendant of the Eureka Stockade, about his experiences as a man with an intellectual disability and mental health challenges. Shannon gives valuable insights into how we can better understand each other to end discrimination and how... people need to stop judging people before they even know anything about them. "Theres a lot of misconceptions about intellectual disability, Shannon explains, and there needs to be better education so that people can be understood and not just rejected. Ability Links NSW #inclusion

03.01.2022 Linker Samantha found this great creative competition for children. Theme: 'Something that best represents your community'. Submit a drawing or painting, a collage from nature, or a story or poem. There are ten prizes up for grabs, entries close Friday 15 May.

03.01.2022 Learn 5 great tips about how to start your Supported Decision Making (SDM) journey with Mariyung Ability Linker Amanda. Whether your goal is to meet up with friends or enroling in TAFE or uni, these tips will get you underway to achieveing your goals! Download the Supported Decision Making workbook here: bit.ly/SDMtoolkit.... Ability Links NSW

02.01.2022 Our Ability Linkers will keep this album updated with the latest information about community support services in NSW during this time. Feel free to tag and share. If you have any info to share to help support the community, please send us a message here so we can add it to the album!

02.01.2022 Join thousands of kids from around the world for Moonhack 2020. Get the kids in your life coding with free projects for kids aged 5-15. Registrations close on Sunday! Register today and be part of the our world record event May 25-31: http://ow.ly/eZFV30qA1VZ