Supporting independence and growth within the home and community Tandem Newsletter | Spring 2011 | 1 From The CEO Welcome to our new look newsletter’s Spring edition – we hope that you find it an informative and enjoyable read. Recent months have seen a slate of proposed government policy changes that will affect Tandem services. Most notably, the Australian Government’s commitment to the need for a National Disability Insurance Scheme, which followed recommendations by the Productivity Commission’s Report into Disability Care and Support. As the Australian Government now has responsibility for HACC aged care services and will take full operational responsibility from 1 July 2012, we will be entering into new agreements with the Australian and ACT Governments to deliver the same services as the HACC program does now for people 65 years and over. Services for people under 65 will continue to be funded by the ACT Government. On 1 October Tandem will be expanding its services to include The Veterans’ Home Care Program – providing respite, personal care, social support and domestic assistance for war veterans and widows/widowers who wish to continue living at home. Tandem House continues to go from strength to strength. After school care and holiday programs for teenagers are growing, and craft and art classes have also commenced. We are looking now towards securing funding to maximise the benefits of Tandem House by introducing overnight short breaks for children/young people with disabilities. I am keen to hear from anyone who may be interested in supporting this much needed initiative in the ACT Community. Thank you to all staff, both in the field and in the office for their hard work and dedication to Tandem. Your efforts, as always are greatly appreciated, and serve to confirm Tandem’s bright future in the ACT. Cheryl Pollard Chief Executive Officer Newsletter | Spring 2011 Inside this edition From The CEO 1 OHS Update 2 From the Board 2 Programs Update 3 New faces, Congratulations 4 Support Workers Area 4 In the Community 5 Better Start Funding 5 Tyler Ellis goes to The Boccia World Cup 6 With Thanks 8 Coming Up 8 Contact Tandem PO Box 3510 Manuka ACT 2603 T (02) 6287 2870 | F (02) 6287 2680 E admin@tandem.org.au www.tandem.org.au 2 | Spring 2011 | Tandem Newsletter From the Board Spring is here, and the Board is busy preparing for the Annual General Meeting on 26 October 2011. Invitations have been sent to clients, staff and other interested members of the ACT community, and nominations are open for Board memberships. To enable the Board to pursue a strategic focus, Tandem requires a diverse mix of Board membership including client representation (3 positions), professional expertise such as legal, marketing, business, financial, community awareness, and allied health, as well as a strong understanding or willingness to understand the environment in which we work. Currently Tandem has 2 vacancies and the skill sets either missing or needed are legal, business and community awareness particularly with the changing face of the disability and community sectors and the upcoming introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Currently, Tandem’s Board includes: xxPresident, Peter Gordon xxVice President, Kerri West xxSecretary and Public Officer, Karen Noble xxTreasurer, Cath Sutton xxTyler Ellis xxSteve Dascarolis xxMark Vergano xxJean McIntyre xxJoan Ross xxPatrick White xxRon Kingsbury I want to take this opportunity to thank our Board for their work recently developing Tandem’s strategic direction and vision moving into 2012 and beyond. I also want to acknowledge and thank Tyler and Kerri for their contributions to Tandem since its establishment and wish them well in their future endeavours as they move on from the Board. We look forward to discussing this and more at the AGM on Wednesday 26 October, 2011. Peter Gordon President OHS Update Tandem is now the proud owner of a hoist, wheelchair and mechanical bed (pictured). This equipment is housed at Tandem House and will be used for future manual handling training, with new staff trained as part of their induction and longer standing members of staff, as required. The mechanical bed was generously donated by Mrs Joan Suitor, many thanks to her and her family. As Spring heralds the start of the allergy season, please be reminded that our medication policy prohibits the administering of any non-prescription medications by support workers. A reminder also that in households where sessions take place, and one or more of the occupants of a household smoke, there should be no smoking in the house whilst a support session is taking place. For any queries on matters of OH&S, manual handling or support plans please contact Ann or make an appointment for any Wednesday afternoon between 1–4pm at the Tandem office. Client Feedback Opportunities As a part of Tandem’s commitment to ongoing improvement, we are always pleased to receive your feedback on how we can do things better If you have a suggestion please contact your coordinator, Operations Manager Lisa Grant or Chief Executive Officer Cheryl Pollard. Our funding bodies, ACT Health Directorate and ACT Community Services Directorate are also interested in how they can improve. Their client feedback forms can be found on their websites. ACT Health Directorate: www.health.act.gov.au (Click on ‘consumer information’ then ‘feedback’) ACT CSD: www.dhcs.act.gov.au (Click on ‘compliments and complaints’ then ‘online client feedback form’) Tandem Newsletter | Spring 2011 | 3 Programs Update A number of staffing changes since our last newsletter have added to the challenges we face in ensuring smooth and consistent service provision. Tandem staff have been wonderful in their willingness to support each other both in and across teams, and to work together to get the job done. The Clinical Advisor/OH&S Manager continues to assist and support with assessments and reviews across all programs, conduct manual handling training to new recruits, manual handling assessments, and in situ training to support workers, as well as drop ins to clients and support workers. Successful afterschool and holiday programs have been run at Tandem House. Feedback has been very positive. Recently, a craft group has commenced and we will continue to investigate and develop other Tandem House initiatives that will provide alternative respite options. Early in the year the Adults, Mental Health and Children/Young People programs experienced a steep increase in client requests for support sessions and/or increased hours. Contributing to this was support worker transition from student to full time employment and increasing full day and weekend sessions. Fortunately we were able to juggle coordination staff where needed to attend to the demand fluctuations and all did a great job in meeting the challenges. AFFIRM reached full capacity and tracked well against client needs as evidenced in feedback received from client families. The transition of young people over 18 years of age, from the C/YP program to the Adults program, continued with 16 young people having made the transition so far. This process is integral to our service user families being confident of continuity in their service, and we have managed potential flow on effects as pro-actively as possible. Both LeisureLink and the Mental Health programs are meeting their outcome and output targets and providing a valued, well regarded service as evidenced by service user and consumer feedback. There has been an increased focus on evaluation of our services this year, with Stage 2 of our client survey well underway, Results Based Accountability evaluations active in all programs, an independent audit of our Disability ACT funded services in February and the imminent audit of our AFFIRM program. In addition we are preparing for the HACC Community Care Common Standards (CCCS) audit in late October. All of these processes give us the opportunity to ensure our services are professional, effective and useful to both our service users and funding bodies. We are proud of the services we provide within this dynamic and vigorous organisation and as always, invite your feedback about any aspect of our service. Lisa Grant Operations Manager Successful afterschool and holiday programs have been run at Tandem House. Feedback has been very positive. Tandem AGM 26 October 2011 xxTandem’s Annual General Meeting is being held at 6pm, 26 October 2011, at the Tandem office in Griffith. For anyone wishing to become a member, or nominate for a position on the Committee, contact Cheryl Pollard, Chief Executive Officer for information on 6287 2870. Support Workers Area Congratulations to those individuals who recently completed their Certificate IV in Disability (pictured), and a special mention also to 30 new support workers who completed their Manual Handling training at Tandem House, covering personal care, manual handling and food handling. OHS Manager, Ann Murphy and Quality Assurance Manager, Barry Newport represented Tandem at the National Respite Conference in Tweed Heads, QLD. With almost 300 attendees from every state and territory, the conference was a great success. Julie Devlin from the AFFIRM program was our representative at the One Person at a Time Conference in Melbourne this August. The two days allowed attendees to share in a host of personal stories mainly told by people with moderate and profound disabilities and how they have overcome common barriers that people in our communities with a disability face. DID YOU KNOW that 80% of Tandem Support workers have a related qualification, with 24.8% holding a Certificate III in Disability, 22% hold a Certificate IV in Disability, 18.5% have a Diploma or Advanced Diploma and 10% have completed a Bachelor Degree. New Faces Penny Skaines Mental Health Program Coordinator Penny has been working in the Community Services for several years now in many capacities, from intensive case management roles in homelessness, domestic violence, youth, high and complex needs clients and mental health. She holds a Bachelor degree in Social Sciences and is completing a Masters in Social Work. Rachael Warren Receptionist Rachael has work as a Medical Receptionist for 15 years, mostly in the Newcastle, NSW area – but she hails from a small town near Dubbo, called Dunedoo (Duh-nee-doo!). Mili Dukic Human Resources and Training Mili has previously worked as Executive Manager for Board of Directors of Bendigo Community Bank Branches in Canberra, and is excited about her move from the corporate side of the community sector to Tandem. Congratulations Congratulations to Tandem Support Workers, Lorraine Conway and Marg Steen who were accepted to attend the 11th Annual Disability Support Worker Conference in Melbourne on 2–3 November 2011. This year’s theme is “Research to Practice: Keeping the Promise”, and we look forward to seeing photos and hearing about their experience in our Summer edition. L–R Top Row: Javi Sadhana, Andrew Snow, Zoe Younie, Julie Landale, Nicole Heinzmann. L–R Bottom Row: Francesca Deklin, Vicky Painter, Jacquie Ford, Cathy Meadows. Contact Tandem today to find out how you can get involved in training courses, conferences and professional development. 4 | Spring 2011 | Tandem Newsletter In the Community In a landmark decision, the Federal Government has promised $10 million to oversee the coordination of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The $6.3 billion non-means tested scheme was recommended by the Productivity Commission’s report into disability care and support, and has been supported by most welfare organisations. The NDIS will provide insurance cover for all Australians in the event that they, or a family member, acquire a disability. The scheme will provide individually tailored care and support to around 410,000 people with significant disabilities. A separate no-fault insurance scheme was recommended for people requiring lifetime care and support for catastrophic injuries, such as major brain or spinal cord injuries. Tandem promoted the NDIS and National Disability Services, who championed an Every Australian Counts campaign, by hosting a DisabiliTea on 2 August 2011. Staff, clients, families, carers and politicians came together at the Griffith offices to discuss the NDIS, and the future of disability services and support in the ACT and across the country. The Productivity Commission has proposed a 7-year timeline for the full implementation of the Scheme, beginning with a trial in Victoria in 2014. You can show your support and find out more information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme at www.everyaustraliancounts.org.au Better Start Funding From 1 July 2011, children who are aged under 6 years and have been diagnosed with one of six listed disabilities can be registered to access early intervention funding of up to $12,000 (up to a maximum of $6,000 per financial year). The funding can be used to pay for early intervention services such as speech pathology, audiology, occupational therapy, orthoptics, physiotherapy and psychology. Families have until the child’s seventh birthday to access the early intervention funding. Children are eligible for Better Start if diagnosed with one of the following disabilities: xxCerebral palsy xxDeafblindness xxDown syndrome, including mosaic Down syndrome xxFragile X syndrome with full mutation xxHearing impairment xxVision impairment. The thresholds that apply to these disabilities have been determined by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in conjunction with advice provided by an Expert Reference Group. To find out more go to www.betterstart.net.au or contact the local Better Start Advisor Phone: 1800242636 or Email: BetterStart@carersact.asn.au Operations Manager Lisa Grant, Tandem Patron Gary Beck and CEO Cheryl Pollard at Tandem’s DisabiliTea morning tea event on Tuesday August 2nd. Tyler Ellis goes to The Boccia World Cup Recently returned from representing Australia at the Cerebral Palsy International Sports & Recreation Association (CPIRSA) Boccia World Cup in Belfast, Tandem Board member Tyler Ellis is a little tired, but ready to get back into the sport he loves. “I’m tired, but good. I’m still jet lagged – I haven’t really had a chance to stop”, he says. “I came home and first thing I had planned for the next day was Boccia.” For the uninitiated, Boccia is a Paralympic sport designed specifically for athletes with a disability. The aim of the game is simple; to get your balls closer to the white ‘jack’ ball than your opponent. The game can be played as an individual, in pairs or as a team (three a side). Points are then awarded for every ball the side that is closest to the jack has nearer than their opponent’s closest ball. “It’s similar to lawn bowls,” Tyler says, “but we play on a basketball court and we use leather balls. They only weigh 1 kilo each, but when you throw up to 36 balls in a game you begin to feel it.” Tyler played rugby, soccer and hockey from the age of 11 until he was 19, and loves the thrill and challenge of team competition. But opportunities for higher grades and professional competition were not available, and he began to look elsewhere. “I went to a Paralympic talent search six years ago, but they were more focused on people who had missing limbs or spinal problems, instead of my problem, which is cerebral palsy. I founded ACT Boccia six months later, in 2004/5,” he says. The Australian Team L–R: Tyler Ellis, Peter Ellis, Julie Lyons, Fiona Lyons, Lynne Kavanagh, Captain Lachlan Kavanagh, Belinda ‘BJ’ Harris. For the uninitiated, Boccia is a Paralympic sport designed specifically for athletes with a disability. The aim of the game is simple; to get your balls closer to the white ‘jack’ ball than your opponent. The Singapore Team “I wasn’t THE founder, I was a founding member but I was more interested in playing than admin,” he says laughing. “I got the ball rolling”. However, despite his obvious commitment to the sport now, it wasn’t his first choice in sport. “My first impression was that it was going to be a big change – you put your body on the line in other sports, whereas Boccia is more skills based and focused. It took me a while to get used to it, but eventually my passion and allegiance changed,” he says. “When I realised I had an opportunity to play in the top levels I put my efforts in and now I really enjoy it. But sometimes I still get a little wound up because my expectations are high,” he admits. “I need work on what makes me nervous so I can do better.” At Paralympic level the game is divided into four classifications. Classification exists in disability sport so that athletes compete against others with a similar level of functional ability. All Boccia athletes have a disability that affects the strength and coordination in all four of their limbs and all competitors play their shots from their wheelchairs. The pinnacle of the sport is the Paralympic Games. There are three major Competitions in between Games that act as qualification events. The World Cup is the last of these events and is the final opportunity for athletes to earn vital ranking points. Competing against 33 teams from all over the world, the Australian team, including Ellis, Belinda Harris, Fiona Lyons and Lachlan Kavanagh performed well, placing 10th overall. The team is currently ranked 14th in the world. Unfortunately, they were knocked out of the running for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. But for Ellis and the team, that doesn’t mean surrender. “Our focus shifts now from London to Rio in 2016 – we are a competitive team, but sometimes we don’t have the killer instinct we need,” he says. “Our focus is on building a development squad of new players, many of whom are coming through the ranks now, but also propping up the elite squad, and getting to as many competitions as possible. Sponsorship is hard to come by though.” And with that, he has to go – training is starting soon. Any final advice for young up-and-comers, or people looking to get involved in sport? “Search hard because it can be difficult to find one that suits you. If you keep pushing you’ll get there eventually – check the internet, go to sporting clubs, and Tandem is another great way to get involved in local sport. But do anything you can to get on the radar,” he says. Saying goodbye, Tyler doesn’t mince his words. “Give it a go. It can be a pain in the backside, but if you put in the time and effort you’ll get there.” ACT Boccia can be found at www.boccia.com.au/clubs/ For more information, call Rachel Bishop (ACT Sport) on Phone: 02 6257 9977 or Email: actsports@sportnet.com.au. Talk to your Tandem Coordinator about how you can get involved in sport in the ACT today! Boccia in action Supporting independence and growth within the home and community Coming Up National Mental Health Week 2011 Tandem is offering a FREE Zumba class with Canberra’s premier Latin dance school, Kokoloco. Don’t forget to book your place to help raise awareness of mental ill health and wellbeing, by trying something new, getting fit and dancing your way to good mental health. Saturday 15 October, from 2–3pm at Majura Hall, Dickson. Call the office or go to www.tandem.org.au/news/events for more information. Floriade 2011 Spring has Sprung, and Floriade is once again brightening up Canberra with gorgeous flowers and activities for all the family to enjoy. From 17 September to 16 October 2011, at Commonwealth Park, Canberra. Go to www.floriadeaustralia.com to find out more about family friendly activities, evening events. Free special access parking, mobility and hire options available. Heart Moves is Coming To Tandem With the support of the Heart Foundation, Tandem will soon be offering Heart Moves falls prevention classes and information to Tandem Clients and Support Workers over the age of 55. Call the office to register your interest in this exciting, fun and new health and well-being initiative. Living a Health Life with Long-Term Conditions SHOUT, ACT Health and Arthritis ACT are hosting courses in October and November on management of chronic pain and conditions. Do your conditions prevent you from living life as you would like? Cause you stress or impact on relationships? Call 6207 9977 between 8am–5pm Monday to Friday for more information or to register for 6 week courses in Belconnen, Holden and/or Phillip. With Thanks Tandem would like to thank our generous sponsors and government funding partners for their ongoing support: xxDLA Phillips Fox xxZurich Insurance Ltd xxThe Lidia Perin Foundation xxMs Joan Suitor xxLions Club of Gungahlin xxCanberra Toyota xxCapital Insurance Brokers xxHome and Community Care xxMental Health ACT xxACT Health Directorate xxACT Community Services Directorate xxThe Department of Veterans Affairs Contact Tandem PO Box 3510 Manuka ACT 2603 T (02) 6287 2870 | F (02) 6287 2680 E admin@tandem.org.au www.tandem.org.au After Hours Emergency Contacts Adult Program 0411 480 597 Children/Young Person’s Program 0413 459 183 © Papercut 1075