Inclusion Australia

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group met in August. IAC gives advice about ways to make the NDIS better. You can find an Easy Read meeting notes here: https://lnkd.in/gfWzCSBr They discussed: • What members have heard in their communities • LGBTIQASB+ Summit outcomes • Intersectionality and trauma informed practices Find out more about the group here and all Easy Read documents: https://lnkd.in/gBpJSnPP

The Australian Government has responded to the report on the purpose, intent and adequacy of the Disability Support Pension (DSP). People with Disability Australia (PWDA), ACOSS Australian Council of Social Service and disability advocacy organisations have expressed alarm at the Government’s dismissal of the report’s recommendations. They are calling for urgent action to address barriers to accessing the DSP. Read the full media statement here: https://lnkd.in/gyKdASCj Endorsing this statement, Inclusion Australia CEO Catherine McAlpine: “The DSP system disincentivises work for real wages due to the threshold and taper rate. People avoid employment due to the fear of their DSP being taken away, or remain tied to Australian Disability Enterprise employment. We need this to change. Inclusion Australia is calling on the Government to urgently address these issues and show its support for people with an intellectual disability and their families.”

New job opportunity – Disability Commissioner for Tasmania! The Tasmanian Government has passed historic new legislation creating the first Disability Commissioner for Tasmania. They are looking for an individual who identifies as having disability, and has: • extensive knowledge of the lived experiences of people with disabilities. • strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills to advocate for the rights of people with disability. • a strategic mindset to inspire and make significant changes within the community. If you are interested in finding out more, click here: https://lnkd.in/g94t9AAD Applications close at 11.55 pm AEST, Sunday 8 December.

Last month we were delighted to celebrate Inclusion Australia’s 70th birthday! We were surrounded by colleagues, friends, supporters, and cherished members of our organisation. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future. We reflected on the work that has been done over the past 7 decades - where Inclusion Australia has been at the front of making positive policy changes for people with an intellectual disability. We want to thank this wonderful community for your commitment and support – together we will continue to make a lasting impact!

☀️ Is it starting to warm up where you live? Maybe summertime is Doctor Time! It's Doctor Time! is about choosing a special time of year to book a yearly health check with the GP. It's all part of our national campaign to help increase the number of people with intellectual disability seeing their GP for their Annual Health Assessment. Doctor Time could be around a person’s birthday, in Autumn, during NAIDOC Week, AFL Grand Final week, or any other time that helps the person with intellectual disability remember to go to the GP around the same time every year. We have lots of resources in our Supporter Kit to help you encourage the people you work with to book their yearly health check. Find it all at https://lnkd.in/gaqNFVYF

DATE CHANGE! The next Open Dialogue event is Tuesday November 26 at 7pm. Disability representation in the media is important and necessary for a more inclusive society – but is it being done right? How can we make it better? People with disability deserve to be represented in a way that is real and shows who we really are. Register now to be part of a discussion about disability in film and TV! https://lnkd.in/g_xHX7PZ It will be a lively conversation about what people with disability would like to see when we see ourselves on screen, and what just does not make the cut.

Are you looking for part-time work? Do you have an intellectual disability? We are excited to be looking for a new Project Support Officer based in Melbourne or Geelong! If this sounds like you, click this link to read more about the job and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/gyXMsdg2 Easy Read information also available. Apply by 9am Monday, November 25.

It can be hard to remember when it's time to visit the GP. Currently, only 7% of people with intellectual disability are getting their yearly health check. That's why we have written a song to help remember when It's Doctor Time! Share our song https://lnkd.in/gCfSJ_sT to help people with intellectual disability, their families and supporters remember to book a yearly health check with their GP. For more information on how to support the people you work with to get their yearly health check, download our Supporter Kit at https://lnkd.in/gaqNFVYF

Foundational Supports - community consultation period extended until December 5! Governments are currently working to design and deliver additional supports in the community. These additional supports are called Foundational Supports. This will mean specific supports to be available outside of the NDIS to help people with disability, their families and carers. Find more information about how to have your say here: https://lnkd.in/gSym58FT There are also online and in person round-table conversation events being held across Australia. Find one near you via this link: https://lnkd.in/gRYhthMQ

On 5 December 1pm - 4pm (AEST), the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) is holding its first FREE online Evidence to Action Event. We are pleased to be collaborating with the NDRP and People with Disability Australia on the topic 'Exploring the Evidence to Enable the Elimination of Restrictive Practices in Australia.' The event will discuss the rights and safety of people with disability and the evidence for eliminating restrictive practices. Register via this link: https://buff.ly/3YzV6y7 The NDRP’s Evidence to Action program will hold inclusive events that explore evidence, identify gaps, build connections and discuss barriers. A Safety and Wellbeing Officer will support the event. For more information, contact Sue Tape (Head of Evidence to Action) at info@NDRP.org.au or call 03 9000 3813.