Autism Tasmania

NDIS Review - Breaking news!
Today National Cabinet (National, State &Territory governments) met to discuss the recommendations arising from the NDIS Reviews.
They decided to fund "foundational supports for people with disability, outside of the NDIS".
The NDIS Review chair, Bruce Bonyhady said that foundational supports include: peer support, information and..."Early Intervention support for children with developmental delay".
The intent is that they will be delivered through existing government services (State and National).
This is all about US - the Autistic community!
Please be assured that the changes will NOT BE IMMEDIATE and there is many, many steps and detail to follow.
Tomorrow, Minister Shorten will release the full findings of the NDIS review.
Please;
- learn more from Autism Tasmania's eNews and exclusive briefing where we will share the detail of the PROPOSED changes to the NDIS.
- do not worry; and contact us for advice and support - at any time. https://www.autismtas.org.au/referral/

We are here to inform and support the Tasmanian Autism community.
Donna Blanchard
CEO
Autism Tasmania

Referral - Autism Tasmania At Autism Tasmania, our expert advisors guide people through; Connections with local services, therapists, supports and our mainstream and community networks. The process and experiences of autism assessments The NDIS application and processes Access to information, resources and supports. This serv...

Have you booked to get all the details about the NDIS Review once it drops?

➡️Monday 11th December 2023*
➡️6:00pm - 7:00pm
➡️Online via Zoom

BOOK HERE: https://www.trybooking.com/CNNVL

❓Stay informed - Find out how the NDIS Review will impact you, you loved ones and the Tasmanian autism community

This session is for anyone and everyone who is involved in the Tasmanian autism community including: Autistic People, providers, carers, families and community leaders.

Congratulations Autistic Community Advisory Subcommittee (ACAS) Member Heidi on your win of the 'Rights Activism' award in the 2023 National Awards for Disability Leadership!

I won!!!

This morning I received an email congratulating me on being the recipient of the 'Rights Activism' award in the 2023 National Awards for Disability Leadership.

While International Day of People With Disability is a day of recognising the leadership and advocacy efforts of disabled people across Australia and the world, I rarely think of this as applying to myself.

It is so wonderful to be told that the work I do matters to people.

What a lovely gift for International Day of People With Disability.

Thank you to the Disability Leadership Institute, Te Moodie Clare Gibellini and all others that have supported me - and a big shout out to all of the other award recipients.

View the full list of recipients at: https://disabilityleaders.com.au/disability-leaders/national-awards/2023-recipients/



[Image: White certificate with decorative border in green, pink, purple and gold. Text in green, purple and pink reads: 'National Awards for Disability Leadership 2023. Heidi La Paglia Reid. Recipient - 'Rights Activism.' In the bottom left hand corner is the Disability Leadership Institute logo and the 'DSC' logo].

The National Disability Services (NDS) is hosting two workshops in December focused on ‘School Transitions’*.

NDS is looking for participants between the ages of 16-24 to share experiences of finishing school and trying to find work (or planning for it).

👉Tuesday 5th Dec, 2023 - 10am-12:30pm
at: KickStart Arts in New Town
👉Wednesday 6th Dec, 2023 - 4pm-6pm
at: online

For more information email: [email protected] or call 6212 7305.

* All participants will be paid $200 per session.

You are Invited - NDIS Review Briefing Session

➡️Monday 11th December 2023*
➡️6:00pm - 7:00pm
➡️Online via Zoom
‼️ BOOK NOW: https://www.trybooking.com/CNNVL

We eagerly await the release of the NDIS Review Report – we expect the release of the Review within the next two weeks, after the next National Cabinet Meeting.

Currently the Review is with politicians and discussions are being held to reach a Federal and State agreement on the way forward.

It is anticipated that the results of the review will significantly impact the way autism support is delivered and funded.

❓Stay informed - Find out how the NDIS Review will impact you, you loved ones and the Tasmanian autism community

This session is for anyone and everyone who is involved in the Tasmanian autism community including: Autistic People, providers, carers, families and community leaders.

*date may change if the expected review release timeframe is adjusted.

"Autism Tasmania CEO Donna Blanchard said while the Review of the NDIS was needed, autism was being used as a 'political football' which was having an impact on 'vulnerable families'."

Thankyou Kade and Carol for sharing your story with The Mercury Newspaper.

We expect the the full report of the NDIS Review to be made public in early December. Any changes will not happen immediately and Autism Tasmania is standing ready to assist with information and resources once the Review is released.

If you are being affected in the meantime. Please reach out for help. You can call Lifeline 13 11 14 or if you have questions about the NDIS, autism supports or community - contact our Advisor Team on (03) 6722 5000 or through our website: https://www.autismtas.org.au/referral/

Twenty-five-year-old Kade Beechey says the NDIS has been “life-changing” for him and he’s worried a review of the scheme could mean people like him are disadvantaged in the future. His fears revealed 👉 bit.ly/3R2akY2

TheField.jobs is a disability-inclusive job site created by people with disability that actively connects people with disability with jobs from inclusive employers, founded by Dylan Alcott AM.

They are hosting a free job readiness webinar, designed for job seekers with disability, parents, carers or support persons who are interested in learning more about the Field and finding meaningful employment opportunities.
Join the Field expert team for an hour as they guide you through creating a job seeker profile and share handy tips and tricks to give you the confidence to showcase your skills and abilities to potential employers.

The webinar will also provide a safe space for attendees to ask questions, share experiences, and engage in discussions.

❗1 pm - 2 pm AEDT,
❗Wednesday 29 November.

For more information, email [email protected] or register here:

The Field and NDIS: Job Readiness Webinar Join the Field and the NDIS as we discuss job readiness as a young person with disability.

Sailabilty Tasmania & Derwent Sailing Squadron are hosting a Sailing Open Day to celebrate 2023 International Day for People with a Disability!

⛵️ Sunday 3 December 2023
⛵️ 9:00am - 2:00pm
⛵️ 25 Marieville Esplanade, Sandy Bay

💻To Find out more and register your interest go here: https://dssinc.org.au/discover-sailing-a-day-for-all/?fbclid=IwAR2_oPVk444KJh7TlFVgLpgcnbGm9Cm2D3lHA2Y5Fac_pxa7Qp5o7Bgl7-c

Autism Tasmania, Hobart Airport , Virgin Australia and Swissport are thrilled to be collaborating again this year to offer a quarterly program of airport familiarization tours in late 2023 and 2024.

Upcoming sessions are on the following dates:
✈️Tuesday, 5th Dec 2023,
✈️Wednesday 6th Dec 2023,
✈️Tuesday 5th March 2024,
✈️Wednesday 6th March 2024.

Each session has capacity for three people with a parent or carer to participate. The tour will include check in, security screening, boarding and disembarking.

💻If you would like to register your interest for these limited spaces, please contact us by emailing: [email protected]

📸Picture Description: The check in lines at Hobart Airport, Virgin terminal. The floor is cream tiles with occasionally black tiles and the open check in like has 2 people speaking to the clerk in red with another person crossing the picture in a denim jacket in the foreground. To the right are two other check in lines with people speaking to a clerk and a person loading a bag onto the processing conveyer belt. The Virgins signs in purple and red hang above check in and at the entrance of the lanes.

New Members Welcome!

Our Hobart Late Diagnosed Peer Group is currently open to new members.
This peer support group is for autistic adults aged 30+ years of age who have been diagnosed or self-identified as autistic as an adult. The meets are informal opportunities to connect with your peers for a coffee, board game or discussion.

⚡When: Monthly – 1st Saturday of each month
⚡From: 10:00am – 11:30am
⚡Where: Level 2, 168 Collins Street Hobart
💻Contact: [email protected]

If you would like to join this group please feel free to attend the next session or reach out if you have any questions.

📸Picture Description: a close shot of 5 coffee mugs being held out into a group by the drinkers to cheers. The cups are uniform and cafe style white. on the table below a saucer and milk jug are blurred but visible and in the background the upper torso of a person wearing a blue shirt is blurred.

Autism Tasmania is proud to support the Regional Autistic Engagement Network by facilitating a twice a month drop in session for autistic adults.

👉 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month
👉 10:00am - 12:00pm
👉 9 King Street, 7320, Burnie.

You can connect to our peer network, statewide, through the contact form on our website: https://www.autismtas.org.au/join-peer-networks/

Success of Autistic-led network the template for building community 'When you're growing up, you feel like you're the alien...'

Recently staff member Sharyn was able to attend the Beaconsfield Child & Family Fun Day Services Expo 2023 and speak to many families and even more community groups, helping connect them to resources and information about Autism Tasmania. Sharyn was excited at how eager community organisations were to get better informed about autism to better work with their clients and members!

Thankyou for having us Beaconsfield!

📸 The Autism Tasmania expo table set up with a black featuring the At logo. On the table are neatly arranged flyers, information sheets, magnets, bookmarks and pens. The table is in a sports hall with red brick and polished timber floors.
The second image shows a view of the hall from the table. with tables, chairs, banners and people in the picture and open doors down the far end of the hall.

‼️ IMPORTANT - NDIS REVIEW ‼️

The federal government is currently finalising the NDIS Review Report. We expect a public release after the next National Cabinet meeting (within two weeks).

Autism Tasmania collaborated with national organisations - The Australian Autism Alliance and the Australian Advisory Board on Autism and our submission to the Review can be seen below. Members can view a summary of high-level changes in the Nov 23 Spectrum e-news sent Friday. We are confident our advocacy has been positively received and are privileged to share the unique perspective of the Tasmanian community.

We know that autism is a key area being examined by the Review. We expect recommendations to improve processes of assessment and intervention, delivered to support children and families.
We are alarmed by misleading and unhelpful news articles in the national media. This information unfairly and unnecessarily targets autism and further distresses our already vulnerable autistic community.

‼️ When the Review is delivered, changes will not be made immediately or without warning. ‼️

If you are worried about these changes at any stage, please reach out! Our Advisors are standing ready to help. Autism Tasmania is ready to keep you informed and continues to advocate.

Call: (03) 6722 5000
Or complete a referral: autismtas.org.au/referral/

If you are in crisis, please seek help:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
13YARN - for Indigenous Folk: 13 92 76

View our submission to the NDIS Review below:

Representing Members - Autism Tasmania Autism Tasmania works to ensure that the voice of the Tasmanian Autistic community is heard – loud and clear! We work to shape the programs and policies at local, state, and national levels. This includes submissions to influence the range of reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (ND...

As many of you will be aware, the ABC published an article this morning in response to updates made last year resulting in the national 2022 Assessing Fitness to Drive standards. This update, for the first time, included autism as a condition that "should be assessed individually", to determine driver safety. While this is a national standard each state interprets the advice differently and current advice for autistic Tasmanians is: “drivers are legally required to report any long-term health condition they have that might impact their driving.”

We understand this news story is the first time many in the community have heard about this update. Autism Tasmania is currently working to find out exactly what changed, and if and when this will affect autistic Tasmanian drivers. We will report back as soon as we have further clarification.

You can read the full article below.

Autistic drivers in legal limbo after new licence standards quietly introduced Thousands of autistic drivers could find their Australian licences are in legal limbo due to changes quietly made last year to the national standards that govern who is considered fit to drive.

"It's about accessibility and improving the health of all Tasmanians."

Last week Donna (CEO) joined Anna Reynolds, Hobart Lord Mayor to call on state and federal governments to support the building of a hydrotherapy pool at Hobart Aquatic centre . Autism Tasmania supports the access this will bring for sensory safe activities and hopes it will make access to hydrotherapy more affordable for the community.

You can watch Channel 7's coverage here (min 5:42).

Nightly News - Friday 10th November 2023 Nightly News on 7 Tasmania is the state’s most watched and trusted news service. Watch live, daily at 6pm, or catch-up on local news stories here on YouTube.

At our recent 31st AGM Board Chairperson, Skie Mitchell, reported that the words "optimistically expectant", best describes the opportunities and challenges we are all experiencing at this time. Skie also highlighted that "Right now every part of the system is being reviewed and reformed".

This is why Autism Tasmania developed our first Autism in Tasmania - State of the State Report 2023. This report is a systems view of the array of local, state and national programs and policies, that influence the life outcomes for Autistic Tasmanians. You can read the report on our website:https://www.autismtas.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/StateOfTheState-V7.pdf

📸Image Description: Bright pink background has a white version of the flower in the AT logo to the left. A quote written on the right reads: "the autism services system is currently delivered by every level of government, NGO's. businesses and the wider community. It's a confusing and poorly integrated approach to policy and program delivery... Right now every part of the system is being reviewed and reformed" - Skie Mitchell, Chairperson

Recently we have added a long list of brilliant new books to our Members Library!

Members of Autism Tasmania can access our library of resources from either our Hobart, Launceston or Burnie offices. Stocked titles cover a broad range of autism-related topics, including biographies, children’s fiction, parenting resources, self-help for autistic adults, and more.

You can see all our new (and old!) titles available to borrow on our website: https://www.autismtas.org.au/services/member-library/

📸 Pictured: A collection of the covers of some of the new books added to the Autism Tas Member's Library

Mission Australia is hosting a FREE community event to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. All are welcome, stalls with activities and information from local organisations will be on offer with plenty to explore!

👉 Tuesday 28th Nov, 2023
👉 11am - 2pm
👉 Centre, 100 Don Road, Devonport

❗If you are a business or organisation that wants to get involved, please contact 6420 6850 or email [email protected] to discuss hosting a stall & activity!

Today, Autism Tasmania joined forces with Anna Reynolds, Hobart Lord Mayor, Hobart City Council to explain the need and benefits of sensory safe hydrotherapy facilities. Together we appealed to State and Federal governments to match the HCC extra funds to complete the very well designed and consulted plans
It’s about inclusion and access to effective, cost effective therapies !

Abilities Unleashed are running an inclusive event, designed to connect people with disabilities to local sport and recreation opportunities!

Waste no time and secure your spot now!

@ 103 Melville St, Hobart, 7000.
On 15th November 10am-1pm.

Enroll now at: https://www.activateinclusion.com.au/events/activate-inclusion-sports-day-Hobart1

For more information, please contact: [email protected]

Today the national government released its report titled "Assessment and Support Services for People with ADHD."

Research suggests between 30%-80% of Autistic people may have ADHD. Given the high level of co-morbidity, it is not surprising that the 15 recommendations (except for those relating to medication) align exactly with the needs for autistic Australians. The recommendations call for health professional education, cost effective assessment, early childhood services. and awareness and specifically a neurodiversity affirming public health campaign. It is surprising that autism is not mentioned.

Autism Tasmania is pleased that work to improve outcomes for people with ADHD is becoming a priority. However, we urge collaboration and coordination that recognises it is common for one person to experience both ADHD and autism, and a holistic approach to support is needed for optimal outcomes.

You can read the report and recommendations here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/ADHD/Report

Abilities Unleashed is holding a fun and inclusive day of activities connecting people with disability to local sport and active recreation opportunities. 🎾🏀🏏

> Wednesday, 15th November
>10am - 1pm
> Hoops Academy, 103 Melville St, Hobart.

To get involved visit the website: https://www.activateinclusion.com.au/events/activate-inclusion-sports-day-Hobart1 OR
Contact Max Reilly, email: [email protected]

Today is the last day for submissions as part of community consultation for the National Autism Strategy.

Even if you have only a couple minutes spare, your lived experience perspective is vitally important to the forming of The Strategy, so please pop a quick post on the ideas wall or use the guided questions to help shape a quick and easy submission!

📩Ideas Wall: https://nas.thesocialdeck.com.au/
📥Guided Submission: https://engage.dss.gov.au/developing-the-national-autism-strategy/developing-the-national-autism-strategy-make-a-submission/

❗️Why is the National Autism Strategy important?❗️

For many Autistic people life outcomes in education, vocation, health and family functioning continue are worse than they should be. People within the Autistic community have called for a dedicated National Autism Strategy.

A National Autism Strategy will improve life outcomes for all Autistic people in Australia. It will provide, for the first time, a coordinated national approach to services and supports for Autistic Australians and their families.

❗️Submissions Close 30 October❗️
There is still time to:
➡️Provide a submission or answer the online guided questions
➡️Share your experiences through an online ideas wall
➡️Register for Online Workshops on the 27th Oct here: https://tinyurl.com/mry74rt2

Info to engage and have your say can be found here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/developing-the-national-autism-strategy/

Thankyou to all those who attended The Devonport Playhouse Children's Week event and spoke to staff! Staff were able to connect with more than 20 families and were happy to provide information about autism and how to access supports!

At the end of last month, The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (DRC) has handed down its final 12-volume report, which contains 222 recommendations.

Jessica Quilty from DSC provides a breakdown of the recommendations and findings the following article: https://tinyurl.com/yrdr2cf3

You can view the Royal Commission's Final Report with accessible options to read here: https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/final-report

Warning: this article & the report include information about violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation that may be distressing to some readers.

📸 The image is of two overlapped picture in black and white with a background at the top of a purple and yellow colour blocked sky. The image on the right is at the fore and shows two young male presenting figures talking, one uses a cane. The image on the left shows two female presenting figures holding hands on a path by a road. One of them is in a wheelchair. The road has a large home or building picture behind them.

You can access the Source Kids Magazine - Spring '23 edition at this link for FREE:
https://sourcekids.com.au/source-kids-magazine-spring-issue-2023/

In this edition:
⭐️The road to diagnosis and what happens next
⭐️What to do while you’re waiting for a diagnosis
⭐️Support services for parents & siblings
⭐️How to share the news with friends and family
⭐️Diagnosis stories from families
⭐️What if there is no diagnosis?

And,
⚡️Product review: Bathroom supports & equipment
⚡️Executive functioning: all you need to know
⚡️Skills for young adults
⚡️How to manage school camps
⚡️Accessible parks & playgrounds

❗️Why is the National Autism Strategy important?❗️

For many Autistic people life outcomes in education, vocation, health and family functioning continue are worse than they should be. People within the Autistic community have called for a dedicated National Autism Strategy.

A National Autism Strategy will improve life outcomes for all Autistic people in Australia. It will provide, for the first time, a coordinated national approach to services and supports for Autistic Australians and their families.

❗️Submissions Close 30 October❗️
There is still time to:
➡️Provide a submission or answer the online guided questions
➡️Share your experiences through an online ideas wall
➡️Register for Online Workshops on the 27th Oct here: https://tinyurl.com/mry74rt2

Info to engage and have your say can be found here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/developing-the-national-autism-strategy/

We are proud to present Our Autism in Tasmania: State of the State report, presents at our 31st AGM on October 25th, 4:30pm.

This report has a "Whole-systems-view of the experiences of Autistic Tasmanians" and will be key in securing excellent outcomes as National and State reforms are designed to support the autism community.

Autism Tas Members are encouraged to RSVP their attendance at the closest Autism Tas office or online!

> Online: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1127684
> Hobart Office: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1127676
> Launceston Office: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1127680
> Burnie Office: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1127657

📸
Image contains a blue background with clouds, a cartoon scene of a park with yellow ground and various figures including a jogger, bicycle rider, dog walker and seated girl. The words "Be Open to Autism" are across the image.

A reminder that Autism Tasmania will be at Devonport Playhouse on Wednesday 25th October from 9:30am - 12pm!

📌 Pin this one on your noticeboard, it's the Devonport Playhouse Term 4 Calendar! 📅 Hot off the press, we have an amazing line up for next term.

We kick off with Children's Week starting on 21st October and we are celebrating every day with some awesome activities planned for our little ones. On Monday we are bringing back the Grass Head > Make your own grass head pet to take home!
On Wednesday make sure you bring your favourite teddy bear 🧸 (or any toy!) because if the sun is shining we will be outside for our annual 🧸 Teddy Bears Picnic 🧺. We will host a free morning tea for all children that come and join us. If the weather determines, the event will move indoors!
On Friday we move outside to debut our new Playhouse Mud Kitchen! Bring a change of clothes, because there will be bubbles and water and lots of fun to be had!!

Shout out to Autism Tasmania for visiting us in Children's Week to offer an amazing opportunity for parents or carers to ask any and all the questions at a drop-in session on Wednesday 25th October - the doors open at 9:30am - 12pm.

👻 Next up is Halloween, bring along your spooky outfits and get creative in the arts and crafts! There will be funny treats and hilarious tricks happening every day that week. Make sure to come along to our Wednesday November 1st the Next Day Halloween Party - Prizes for the best dressed!

We have some other fun events including National Fairy Bread day (very popular with the kids!), Kiddie Kutterz Day (all about trying out child safe knives and learning to cut safely), Messy Play and we will be outdoors as much as the weather permits! ☀️

Lastly, to finish off an AMAZING year we will have our annual Playhouse Christmas Party. For those of you who are new to the Playhouse, this is an awesome event and well worth joining in. We will have Santa visiting, Christmas themed morning tea for both the children and their adults, heaps of craft activities and a gift for every child attending the day. This event is $5 per person and bookings are necessary so you don't miss out!

💜 Thank you to everyone for supporting the Devonport Playhouse. We hope you love what we do as much as we love doing it! 💜

Are you an Autism Tasmania Member who hasn't yet RSVP'd to next weeks 31st AGM?

You won't want to miss an exclusive presentation by the Autistic Community Advisory Subcommittee (ACAS) on the National Autism Strategy “My One Thing and Why – Stories to Drive Change”.

You can register to attend at your closest Autism Tas office or online:

>Online: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1127684
>Hobart Office: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1127676
>Launceston Office: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1127680
>Burnie Office: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1127657

Voting for the new Board Members closes 20th Oct 5pm and you can find details on how to vote in your email inbox.

The Autism from the Inside Summit 2023 is now open for free registration. 75% of speakers are autistic and the focus is on lived experience!

Announcing the Launch of the Autism From The Inside Online Summit 2023!

The Autism From The Inside Online Summit began in 2019 and is now an incredible annual online event. The Summit consists of a week of talks from highly respected experts in a range of fields from all over the world!

Our motto is "Every Voice Matters" and we are committed to having autistic speakers (many of whom are also parents, researchers, and autism professionals with lived experience). This year, more than 75% of our speakers are autistic.

At Autism From The Inside, we believe that empowering families is the best way to change the world for the next generation. We do this by helping people to understand autism. This online summit will be a fantastic way to make very high-quality content from leading international experts accessible to a large audience.

EVENT INFORMATION:

Below is a summary of the event and how it works:

📅 WHEN: 23rd - 29th October 2023.

👉 WHAT: 20+ expert speakers (pre-recorded and available to watch on demand for 24hrs).

🆓 Registration is FREE through this link: https://autismexplained.kartra.com/page/9gF98

Register now to keep up to date with Summit information as it's released!

Autism Tasmania will be running a series of FREE workshops throughout November. Both topics are for parents and family carers of autistic children or children who show autistic characteristics. Diagnosis is not needed.

☑️Welcome to Autism: During this workshop we discuss autistic characteristics, misinformation, diagnosis reports and supports
available.

⚡️Book directly here:
Burnie: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1115303
Online: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1117631
Hobart: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1117577
Launceston: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1117612

☑️Autism: School Transitions, Supports and Accommodations: This workshop focuses on school transitions, types of supports and accommodations within the classroom and how to work successfully with your child's school.

⚡️Book directly here:
Launceston: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1120844
Burnie: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1120856
Hobart: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1117841
Online: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1120863

❗You can find all of the events and future dates as available on our Autistic Community Workshop Calendar. https://www.autismtas.org.au/services/learning-development/learning-development-autism-community-workshop-calendar/
❗To learn more about our Autistic community learning and development program or get in touch click here: https://www.autismtas.org.au/services/learning-development/

📸Pictured are two Autism Tasmania flyers with written information about the learning and development upcoming sessions. To verbally get a run down of what's on offer please contact: (03) 6722 5000

At the recent ACND Conference Autism Tasmania CEO, Donna, gave a presentation titled "Reciprocal Capacity Building - Be The Change You Wish To See In Tasmania."

This opportunity to talk to a room full of professionals and providers gave Autism Tas a chance to talk up the National Assistance Card (NAC)! The National Assistance Card is a personalised Card to assist people with disability and health conditions in the community.

Many members of the autistic community who have signed up and received their own card are reporting back on how helpful it has been in unexpected situations to communicate their needs and keep them safe. In Donna's own words "The NAC is the bridge that connects the capacity building for the wider community and the capacity building of autistic individuals."

*The card has a $44.00 cost that may be refundable through your NDIS plan or if needed, you can speak to the NAC team about cost assistance.*
❗️For more info or to get your own National Assistance Card go here: https://www.nationalassistancecard.com.au/news/autism-trial-tasmania

📸Picture description: the first picture shows Donna speaking on the topic of reciprocal capacity building with a blue projector slide behind her, outlining topics that highlight the role of the be open to autism campaign and the national assistance card. The second picture shows a zoomed out version of a similar scene showing a full room of attendees (back of head view) with the 'be open to autism' slide on the projector wall and the Autism Tas banner (white with a multicolored orchid logo) to the left front of the room. Upwards of 45 people are attending with more cropped out.