Poly Support Services

The ‘Getting the NDIS Back on Track’ Bill has passed and will become law on 3 October 2024.
Find out what this means for you at dss.gov.au/changes-to-the-ndis-act

A conversation truly can change a life 💛

People who are regularly asked R U OK? feel more supported, connected, cared about and better about themselves and their situation.

Our free Conversation Guide has practical tips for how to navigate an R U OK? conversation, today, tomorrow and any time someone needs your support.

Download it at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n

We'd like to give a big shout out to the family, friends and carers who have, over the years, supported Australia's Paralympians. These incredible athletes inspire us, as do the carers that've helped them achieve such success in Paris this month.
Australian Paralympic Team

Hiring!

We are seeking an additional Disability/Aged Care Support Worker to join our team (casual basis).
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Poly Support Services is looking for a Support Worker to join our team based in Albury/Wodonga for immediate start on a casual basis. Experience in either aged care or disability care is highly preferred.
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Disability Support Worker - Albury NSW - Indeed.com Poly Support Services Pty Ltd

The lack of available wheelchair accessible taxis creates a barrier for people with disability who need to access work, education, appointments and the community.

NSW Greens MP, Cate Faehrmann recently told parliament:

📌 only 11% of taxi licenses in NSW are wheelchair accessible and less than half of those in non-metro areas.

📌 a 2023 survey by Physical Disability Council of NSW reported 25% of respondents waited over 2 hours for their prebooked taxi.

📌 the incentive payment to wheelchair taxi drivers has not been increased since 1 July 2016.

The NSW government has agreed to open consultation on the subsidy rate for Wheelchair Accessible Taxis. PWDA will continue working with industry and government to secure improvements to access and subsidies for Wheelchair Accessible Taxis.

ID: Image of a wheelchair accessible vehicle with the back open and wheelchair lift down.

For gamers with disability, it can be difficult to use handheld controllers and devices.
Melbourne Connect is hosting The Future of Inclusive Gaming tomorrow. This is a free event that will explore the innovative technologies that are empowering gamers with disability and making gaming more accessible.
You can stream the event online at www.innovationweek.melbconnect.com.au/-futureofinclusivegaming

Happy International Dog Day 💙

Why this Wollongong bus driver learnt some sign language Steve Warby noticed a passenger was wearing a sunflower lanyard.

We’re so excited to announce Regional NSW buses are now part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative! 🌻🚍

Drivers have been trained to recognise the Sunflower lanyard and are prepared to offer additional support, such as assistance with boarding, disembarking, or navigating stressful situations.

👉For more information please visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/sunflower-program-driving-inclusion-on-regional-nsw-buses

Alt: Two bus operators holding a bouquet of sunflowers in front of a bus

Life's challenges don't disappear when you're on the tools.

This month is Tradies National Health Month. Check in with the tradies in your world and ask, 'are you OK?'.

Find more tips at www.ruok.org.au/tradies

Coles and Woolworths supermarkets offer ‘Quiet Hour’ to accommodate visitors who prefer a quieter, sensory-friendly experience 🛒

'Quiet Hour' is a low sensory shopping experience with dimmed lighting, reduced announcements and lower volume across the store.

Learn more about Coles Quiet Hour: https://ow.ly/oikG50SLTWL

Learn more about Woolworths Quiet Hour:
https://ow.ly/JKcA50SLTWJ

Get the whole family involved in cooking 👩🏽‍🍳 to teach kids about meal preparation and nutrition.

This will give them confidence in the kitchen and help form healthy food habits throughout life. Plus, it’s a great family activity!

Find more information about healthy eating habits at 💻 www.eatforhealth.gov.au

Get the family involved in cooking 👩🏽‍🍳 to teach kids about meal preparation & nutrition.

This will give them confidence in the kitchen & help form healthy food habits throughout life. Plus, it's a great bonding activity!

Visit 💻 www.eatforhealth.gov.au

TheField.jobs is a job site, built by and for people with disability, which connects people with disability with jobs from inclusive employers.

Tap to find your next opportunity: https://ow.ly/sgrn50SJL4M

Experience the national parks and trails where you live ☀️

To help you plan your next adventure, check out AllTrails lists of accessible and wheelchair friendly places to visit across Australia.

Tap to check it out: https://ow.ly/uuLp50SERIH

Image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Children and young people should aim for several hours of various light physical activity each day.

This can include:
🧒 walking to school
🧒 walking the dog
🧒 playing with family and friends
🧒 helping around the house.

For more information and ideas visit 💻 https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-children-and-young-people-5-to-17-years

If your mate is going through something you haven't experienced, don't let it stop you from checking in with them.

Having an R U OK? conversation isn't about being an expert, but being ready and willing to listen and learn.

It's 2024! A time to celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s history, culture and achievements.

The theme this year - Keep the fire burning: Blak, Loud and Proud - invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.

Start a conversation and check in with mob this week, and every week!

To learn more about and how you can get involved, visit www.naidoc.org.au

A problem shared is a problem halved.

When life gets challenging, it's helpful to talk about it. Letting things off your chest may make you feel lighter.

Perfectly drawn by Liz and Mollie

Are you an emerging content creator with disability?

We have partnered with the ABC News for International Day of People with Disability 2024 and want to hear from you.

You can pitch a non-fiction, original story idea to the ABC. It could be your lived experience, an issue affecting your community, a stereotype you want to bust or an attitude you want to challenge.

If selected, you’ll be paid for your work and receive valuable industry experience.

Applications are now open until midnight Sunday, July 8, 2024.

To pitch your idea, visit www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-04/idpwd-abc-callout-for-2024/103896448

Image credit: Pat Stevenson

The bond between 17-year-old Francesca and her Assistance Dog Goldie is a heartwarming testament to the power of unconditional love.

Goldie does Assistance Dog tasks for Francesca without needing to be prompted, which speaks volumes about their strong connection.

Let's hear your stories: How do your beloved animals demonstrate their love for you?

Pavely is a free accessibility app which helps people find, rate and review inclusive venues in South Australia 📱

The app was developed in collaboration with the South Australian government.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/9fNz50Sm5nE

Employment assistance supports are available to students leaving secondary school.

The supports give participants the skills and confidence to move from school to employment and are tailored to meet individual employment goals such as work experience in open employment, job skills training or travel training.

Tap to learn more about employment assistance: https://ow.ly/rz6i50Sm4aC

It's OK to sit together in silence.
Sometimes people just need to know you're there for them.

The A List is a national online platform that helps young autistic people and their families connect and access social and group activities.

Funded with a grant from the Australian Government, the A List publishes free resources to help young people aged 7-24 years set and achieve social goals.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/Lt4850ShCeM

Haven’t been able to fit our Beginner Auslan classes into your busy schedule? We’ve got news for you! We’re now running Intensive four-day Auslan classes during the June school holidays and enrolments are open!

The classes start from the 25th June! Classes will be running in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Parramatta, but limited spots are available, be sure to secure your place early: https://deafconnect.org.au/courses/introduction-to-auslan-1

If you need help to sort out a problem, a disability advocate can speak up for you and your rights.

A disability advocate is someone who:
• helps you have your say
• gives you information and advice
• connects you with advocacy support services.

You may need this help when you do not feel confident speaking up or you feel like you aren't being supported.

The Disability Advocacy Support Helpline provides this support over the phone. To get connected with this free service, call 1800 643 787 and ask for the Helpline.

To learn more, visit disabilitygateway.gov.au/legal/advocacy

Thanks to his NDIS supports, Levi is more independent than ever.

For the past 4 years Levi has been working part time and working towards his goal of living independently, all thanks to new skills he learnt with the help of his Occupational Therapist.

Levi is now cooking most nights and cleaning in his self-contained flat at the rear of his family home.

Levi's story: https://bit.ly/3Vr8nHG

Carers Queensland NDIS

Today is International Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day.

Tourette Syndrome is a type of Tic disorder. Tics are involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalisations.

Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia, Inc. aims to spread awareness and promote acceptance and inclusion of Tourette Syndrome.

To learn more about Tourette Syndrome visit https://tourette.org.au/Info-&-Support

Thanks to his supports, Charlie is enjoying school and his favourite hobbies 🎣

Having the right equipment has given Charlie better access to his home, school and community. The Thursday Island Torres Strait Islander teenager is more confident now he can access everything he needs at school and enjoy his favourite sport, fishing.

Charlie has even started his own microbusiness; making and selling fishing spears for locals.

Charlie’s story: https://ow.ly/fBrM50S1x7S