Ability Advocates

We are thrilled to share that we received over 750 applications for our Innovative Inclusive Traineeship Program! After a rigorous yet inclusive selection process, more than 50 talented individuals with disabilities ready for traineeships participated in a pre-employment session at Ashfield Town Hall on Friday.

During this session, participants engaged in group activities to showcase their fundamental employment skills. The key focus was on identifying the support they need to thrive in the workplace.

A big shoutout to our inclusive workplace partner, Inner West Council, for their outstanding commitment to creating a positive impact. They are the first employer to partner in our program and have demonstrated remarkable dedication to empowering individuals and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

Not only are they providing opportunities for people with disabilities to join their workforce through the traineeship initiative, but they are also supporting individuals with disabilities already in the workplace through the EmbraceABility Mentoring Program.

Kudos to Inner West Council for leading the way in championing inclusivity and making a real difference in the lives of individuals and the workplace. Together, we are creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future! 🌟

🌟✨ What a remarkable way to spend the school holidays – immersing children of all abilities in the power of inclusion and community building at the Ability Advocates Inclusive Communities School Holiday Program! ✨🌟

At the core of our program is the belief that teaching children about inclusion early on can shape their mindsets and foster a more compassionate society. Through meaningful interactions and exposure to people with disabilities, we aim to instill empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging in the hearts of our young.

As the children engage in activities, workshops, and adventures alongside individuals of diverse abilities, they learn firsthand the value of embracing differences and celebrating uniqueness. By creating spaces where everyone is welcomed and valued, we are sowing the seeds of inclusivity and building a foundation for a more inclusive future.

We believe that by starting the conversation about inclusion and diversity at a young age, we can nurture a generation of changemakers who will champion acceptance, respect, and unity in their communities and beyond. Together, we are shifting mindsets, creating communities, and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

Let's continue to inspire, educate, and empower our children to be agents of change and advocates for a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. 🌈👧👦🌍

🌟🌈 What an unforgettable day we had at head office yesterday as we welcomed the incredible Diversity and Inclusion team from Inner West Council! 🌈🌟

The energy was palpable as we also came together to celebrate and champion one of our own on her birthday, the amazing Sally, a true advocate for inclusion and the vulnerable.

Sally’s passion and dedication has not only made a difference to our team but for countless people with disabilities.

A huge thank you to the Inner West Council Diversity and Inclusion team for their partnership and collaboration.

And of course, a massive round of applause and happy birthday to Sally, our favorite inclusion champion! 🎉👏

Here’s to many more moments of inspiration, collaboration, and celebration as we work together to change the world for people with disabilities. ✨🌟

Last night, our CEO was left utterly stunned by the amazing news that she has been chosen as a finalist in the 2024 AusMumPreneur Awards! 🏆

Nominated by another CEO working in the Disability industry, she almost didn’t accept the nomination but was humbled by the kind words in her nomination - being cited as a change maker and inspirational role model.

These awards honor the achievements of Australian mothers in the world of business, spotlighting those women who balance motherhood and entrepreneurship while staying true to their unique life and business approaches.

🌺

🎉 Welcome our newest Inclusion Champions - Disability Employment Support Workers, Therapy Assistants, and Job Coaches!

At our June induction this week, we focused on goal-driven supports, the human rights model of disability, expectations of all staff who work with Ability Advocates - including providing services that practically improve quality of life for people with disabilities, and active meaningful support.

At Ability Advocates, we prioritize being human first, pushing boundaries ethically to change the world for people with disabilities.

Welcome to the team! 🌟🌈

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We are thrilled to introduce Lisa Martin as the new Service Coordinator at Ability Advocates.

Lisa brings with her extensive years of experience in the care services sector including child care and disability, where she has demonstrated her dedication and compassion in providing high-quality care to individuals with diverse abilities.

She has a proven track record in fostering independence, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring the well-being of participants. Lisa’s strategic planning and ex*****on skills, coupled with her ability to build and manage teams, make her a valuable asset to our organisation. Her experience and knowledge of best practices in disability support and healthcare, will be instrumental in helping us achieve our mission.

Lisa is passionate about assisting people to achieve their goals and experience their full potential, and her skills and passions will greatly enhance the lives of all individuals she works with at Ability Advocates.

Welcome aboard, Lisa!

🎉 Get ready for the launch of EmbraceABILITY at Inner West Council! 🎉

We are thrilled by the amazing response to the pilot Mentoring program for People with Disabilities at Inner West Council.

At a recent info session facilitated by our CEO Lorraine Salloum, we had over 140 registrations from all corners of the council, showing a strong interest in fostering inclusivity and empowerment in the workplace. It’s a clear sign that Inner West Council is a fantastic place to work! 🌈

This program is all about thinking ahead and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. With personalized plans, strong mentor-mentee matches, workshops, coaching for mentors and mentees, and a range of tools and support, we are bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. This will lead to meaningful connections and real change.

Huge kudos to the councillors, executives, especially Helen Lyons and her Diversity and Inclusion team, for championing this initiative. We at Ability Advocates are proud to be part of this journey. 💪

I’m thrilled about the positive impact we can make together in promoting diversity, equity, and empowerment.

Let’s join forces to rewrite the story and advocate for a more inclusive society where every individual is valued and celebrated for their unique abilities. 🌟

🌟✨ I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this heartfelt appreciation from the board of Yala4Lb presented by Nohra Sakr, Chair of the Board of Yala4Lb in Australia, and his wife Nina. 🌟✨

During a chance encounter, I was deeply moved by their unwavering mission and passion to support the youth and community in Lebanon, particularly in the face of the ongoing economic crisis. Their dedication to uplifting those less fortunate is truly commendable.

In recognition of our support for establishing Yala4Lb in Australia, I was presented with a beautiful certificate and a stunning handcrafted mosaic of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. These tokens of appreciation symbolize the profound impact and hope they strive to bring to the Lebanese community.

As Mother Teresa wisely said, "It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving." 🌺

Thank you to Nohra Sakr and the entire board of Yala4Lb for this honor and for their relentless efforts to make a difference. Together, we can continue to spread hope and love. 💖

🎉🎂 Happy 21st Birthday to our amazing business administrator, Hanna! 🎉🥳

Hannah, a current business and law student and part-time employee at Ability Advocates is not only talented and dedicated, but also a kind-hearted soul who brings a beautiful atmosphere to our team. Her hard work and positivity are truly appreciated by all our clients and staff.

Thank you Hanna for your dedication and caring so deeply about making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Here’s to celebrating you today and always! 🎈🎁 🌟

Shining a light on the unseen - the struggle against disability abuse & neglect is real and urgent 😔. Last week at the NDISLink Symposium, our CEO tackled hard truths and sought to spark change 🗣️💪. It’s imperative we shift perceptions to embrace disability as a valued part of human diversity, not something to ‘fix’ 🌈🙌. Shocking stats remind us: action is overdue. We’re on a mission to protect rights and dignity for all, transforming how society views and treats individuals with disabilities 🛡️❤️. Let’s join forces to make respect and inclusion a lived reality, not just an ideal 🌐✨. Be a part of the movement. 🏳️‍🌈👊🌟

We are hiring Disability Employment Support Workers, Coaches and Therapy Assistants.

Join the team dedicated to changing the world for people with disabilities and their families.

www.seek.com.au

We are hiring Disability Advocacy and Support Officers.

Join the team dedicated to changing the world for people with disabilities and their families!

www.seek.com.au

📣 Step into the world of Support Coordination with our comprehensive course!

Are you new to support coordination or looking to enter this rewarding field? We have the perfect course for you! Our course is designed to equip new and entry-level support coordinators with the knowledge and skills they need to excel.

🔑 Flexible Learning Options:

Half-Day Taster ($199): Get a taste of what it’s like to be a support coordinator. This session provides an overview of NDIS Basics, Intro to Support Coordination, NDIS Access Criteria, and Reasonable and Necessary.

One-Day Basics ($399): Dive deeper into the world of support coordination with a full day of intensive learning. This includes everything from the half-day course, plus Case Noting, Time Management, and Role Boundaries.

Two-Day Extension ($650): For those who want a comprehensive understanding, our two-day intensive option covers all aspects of the role in detail, including NDIS reviews, supporting choice and control, and practical exercises such as case studies, role plays, and simulations.

🎯 Exciting Opportunity: Successful applicants who complete the 2-day course may be offered a contract position with Ability Advocates. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your newly acquired skills into practice and make a real difference in the lives of others.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our course offers a flexible and comprehensive learning experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your career and make a difference in the lives of others!

Sign up today and take the first step towards becoming an effective support coordinator! 🚀

Meet one of our incredible clients, glowing with happiness after a memorable fishing trip! 🎣

At Ability Advocates, we believe in the power of personalised support and a human-first approach to enhance the lives of all our clients.

Whether at home, in the community, or in the workplace, we’re committed to making a meaningful impact.

This heartwarming smile speaks volumes! 😊

🌟 Exciting News at Ability Advocates! 🌟

We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Woolley as our new Group Programs Coordinator! With her passion for supporting others and dedication to making a difference, Rebecca is a perfect addition to our team.

As we welcome Rebecca, we also want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Cindy Khattar, our Business Administrator. Cindy has made the difficult decision to leave the team temporarily to focus on her family. She has been an integral part of our journey, and we wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life. 🌸🍰

At Ability Advocates, we believe in being human first, both with our clients and our staff. Our team consists of caregivers or individuals with lived experiences, putting family first in everything we do.

Stay tuned as we gear up for some fantastic group programs for our clients and their carers. We can’t wait to see the positive impact Rebecca and the team will bring to our community! 🌟

🌟 We received this important piece of mail today and are thrilled to share with our Ability Advocates community! 🌟

👏 Our founder Lorraine Salloum and the entire team are honored and grateful for the recognition from Member of Parliament Donna Davis in the NSW Parliament. 🎉

📜 During a recent session, MP Donna Davis acknowledged the launch of Ability Advocates and the impactful vision and contribution of our founder, Lorraine Salloum. This statement has been officially recorded in the parliamentary record Hansard, marking a key milestone for our mission to promote inclusivity and empowerment for individuals of all abilities. 📚

🙏 We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to MP Donna Davis for her support and recognition of our efforts. Together, we will continue to advocate for a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone. 💪

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟

We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Thomas Dornan Psychologist, and Dr. Yasser Mohammad, Occupational Therapist and Mental Health Nurse, as the newest additions to our exceptional team at Ability Advocates! Their expertise will be invaluable as we expand our disability employment and workplace services. 🙌

At Ability Advocates, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities by empowering them to thrive in the workforce. Together, we are making a difference, one job at a time. 💼

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Noonan and Dr. Mohammad to our team!

Dr. Yaser Mohammad Thomas Dornan

🌟 Exciting news 🌟

👏 Introducing Dr. Thomas Dornan, Psychologist, and Occupational Therapist and Mental Health nurse Dr. Yaser Mohammad, our newest team members at Ability Advocates! 👨‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

Together, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities by helping them thrive in the workforce. 💼

Changing the world for people with disabilities, one job at a time! 🌍💪

Contact us if you are looking for an individualized plan to get and keep a job or to join our school leaver employment service. 📞

Please join us in welcoming these talented and dedicated individuals to our multidisciplinary team. 🤝

🎉🌟 As we step into 2024, the Ability Advocates team wants to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing clients, partners, and supporters! Your unwavering dedication to our vision of creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities has been the driving force behind our work. 🙏✨

Your support empowers us to continue our mission of making a difference and inspiring others to join us in championing disability inclusion. Here's to a year filled with collaboration, progress, and boundless hope! 🌍🤝

Wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous New Year! 🌟🎆

🌟 At Ability Advocates, our vision is clear: to change the world for people with disabilities and their families. Some of the services we provide include free non-legal advocacy for people with disabilities, NDIS application and review support, NDIS support coordination and plan management, assistance to find and keep a job, as well as carer well-being and support groups. Join us in our mission to make a difference and let us see how we can change your world. 💫