Able Cable - Issue 8, May 2015

‘One Trusted Source – Many Options’

ISSUE 8 MAY 2015

ABLE CABLE

IN THIS ISSUEENERGISING EMPLOYMENT1Time for a new approach1

NDIS IN THE HUNTER1How’s it working?1

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Welcome to the May edition of Able Cable. Aside from the great news stories from around the organisation, this issue focuses on our Employment Division. Helping people fi nd jobs is a real strength of Ability Options, we have placed 887 people into jobs already this fi nancial year.

Employment for all Australians is an issue I feel very passionate about and know that securing and sustaining a meaningful job delivers self-respect, independence and a sense of belonging. I am proud to announce Ability Options will soon enter the mainstream job market through the Olympus Solutions consortium.

We will be introducing a new, empowering way of working with job seekers and employers, known as Energise. Energise will be implemented across all our employment sites, refl ecting our person-centred approach and incorporating technology driven solutions. More detailed information about Energise is included in this issue of Able Cable, please take a read!

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to roll out across the Hunter Region with Maitland coming on board soon. Ability Options is right there, creating opportunities. We are building another innovative service – this time assisting

Able Cable is Ability Options’ quarterly newsletter. Please send any suggestions or comments to [email protected] or call our MarComms team on (02) 8811 1777.

Cover: Chris and Deanne Watson from Elementree Drafting with new recruit Zoe (centre). Read Zoe’s story in this issue.

Ability Options would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Aboriginal people and pay our respects to the Aboriginal elders both past, present and future. Ability Options respects the signifi cant contributions made by Aboriginal community organisations and groups, Aboriginal community members and Aboriginal staff.

parents of children with disability. Read more about our Transdisciplinary team approach and the benefi ts to families in this issue.

Results from the most recent Voice Survey are also included in this issue. I thank those of you who contributed for your invaluable feedback.

I would like to acknowledge former Chair and CEO of Ability Options Stephen Goode, who was recently presented a prestigious lifetime membership award by current Chair, Jon Isaacs. On behalf of us all Jon and I would like to thank Stephen for his dedicated support of our organisation and wish him all the best for his upcoming trip overseas.

As always, if you have any comments or ideas, please get in touch.

Kind Regards

Fred JP Van SteelChief Executive Offi cer

Left to right Fred Van Steel, Stephen Goode and Jon Isaacs

CEOUPDATE

ABILITY OPTIONSAbility Options is the best option for people who requireassistance to achieve their aspirations and inclusion in the community as we deliver life-changing solutions that really work for the individual. We offer people a personalised solution to achieve both short and long term goals which enhance their life and allow them to be more independent and engaged with the community.

Our services are individually focussed to include holistic life options which promote choice and control. We are committed to enhancing quality of life for everyone we support, assisting people to develop meaningful and valuable relationships and supporting new experiences. We are dedicated to providing opportunities for people to develop valued roles in their community and be seen and respected as contributing members of society.

We work tirelessly to enhance people’s lives and offer a wide range of support to thousands of people across NSW, including:

• Employment services

• Assistance transferring easily to the NDIS

• A range of accommodation options according to your support needs

• After school and vacation care

• Social and community inclusion activities

• Individualised self-managed funding services

• Supported employment in our wholesale nurseries

• Training to help you get the job that’s right for you.

C E R T I F I E D

QUALIT YM A N A G E M E N T S Y S T E M

D E S Q A

ABLE CABLE MAY 2015


ENERGISE – A NEW APPROACH TO ASSISTING PEOPLE F IND EMPLOYMENTFollowing a recent Government announcement, Ability Options is expanding into mainstream employment and will soon be introducing a new system called Energise.

Energise is a refreshing and empowering approach to helping people fi nd work – in both the mainstream and disability sectors. Energise changes the face of the traditional waiting room model of employment services by introducing a ‘concierge’ to greet participants and support them through their activities. An open plan layout and mock ups of typical work situations where participants can practice their skills are key components. A mock retail setting with a cash register, stocked shelves and point of sale material or a table setting for those entering the hospitality industry are two of the work situations on offer.

For employers, Energise provides motivated applicants who are more accurately job matched with enhanced skills gained through hands on learning.

As well as the open plan area Energise also allows for private one-on-one discussions with employment consultants and potential employers.

Ability Options plans to transition each of our employment sites to Energise by the end of 2015. Our fi rst Energise site is scheduled to open at Baulkham Hills in May 2015.

Energise features include:

• Open plan layout and design

• Bright welcoming colours and environment

• A concierge to greet you and support you through your job search journey

• Mock ups of typical employment settings

For more information about how this innovative approach can help employers fi nd the right candidates for their organisation please call 1800 447 427.

WORK READINESS YOUTH PROGRAM ACHIEVES IMPRESSIVE RESULTSIn Merrylands we’ve developed exciting community partnerships through a new program created specifi cally for young people at risk of disengaging from school. Our Work Readiness Youth Program is all about providing pathways to employment or future study. So far the results speak for themselves with an impressive 90% of young participants moving into full time, sustainable employment.

The program looks at the entire job application process and builds strategies to overcome barriers that could limit a young person’s progression into work or study. The program was designed and is run by Brigid from Ability Options Merrylands and was made possible with the generous support of 21st Century Youth Skills, funded by CLUBGRANTS. We look forward to telling you more as the program develops.

If you are interested in fi nding out more about this Work Readiness program please call 9637 5562.

Hospitality training in the skills centre

Graham Morris, Manager at Big W

with Josh, customer service trainee

ABLE CABLE MAY 2015

Artist’s impression of an Ability Options Energise employment site


It wasn’t too long ago that Jarrod was living at home with his Mum and Dad. He felt ready to spread his wings and gain some independence. A few months ago, Jarrod moved into his own two bedroom fl at.

Life has never looked so good; Jarrod drives his car to work, is learning to cook his own meals and heads off to the footy when the Knights are playing at home. Recently, Jarrod decided he wanted to start hitting the gym. In consultation with his Ability Options support worker together they planned what he’d need to enable him to attend the gym. Ability Options matched him with Brendan who now facilitates his gym visits.

Jarrod really likes the fl exibility around his support under the NDIS. He visits his mum and dad on weekends and with his new found independence, he feels more confi dent to make his own choices about what he does. Jarrod likes having his own space with no one to tell him what to do – but knows there are people to help him with things as well.

For assistance in transitioning to the NDIS, please contact our Charlestown offi ce: 02 4943 3411

JARROD – MAKING THE NDIS WORK FOR ME

SUPPORT WORKER IN NEWCASTLE EMBRACES THE NDISThe role of a support worker looks a little different under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Whilst change can be overwhelming, Ability Options Support Worker Keely is someone who has embraced these changes and has not looked back.

Keely has worked in the sector for a number of years, and joined the Ability Options Hunter team just under 12 months ago. Keely is passionate about supporting people to build their own independence and focusses on doing this step by step, adjusting to the pace of change of the individual.

She also has witnessed the benefi ts of choice and control in peoples lives and says this is the best thing about working in the new system.

When asked about supporting people in the new world of NDIS, her response was both encouraging and inspiring. Keely explained there will always be challenges with something that is so new and different, which is sure to lead to uncertainty, “It’s about turning the challenges into positives, because underneath it all the whole idea is that the services are exactly what people need, they get their services shaped individually and this can only be a good thing”.

Keely went on to say, “We are on the frontline for the NDIS so we have more responsibility than in the past, which means we can make a real difference. Now we connect the individuals with the services they need, and with the NDIS there’s more choice and control. It’s really important to get everything right.”

Jarrod with his gym buddy Brendan

Jon sits with our wonderful support worker Keely

ABLE CABLE MAY 2015


10 JOBS IN 10 WEEKS CAMPAIGN NAILS IT In August last year, Ability Options ran an employment centered campaign with the local newspaper, The Hills Shire Times. Over ten weeks, the paper promoted our skilled and job ready candidates to local businesses. One success story is Zoe’s new job as receptionist at Elementree Drafting in Annangrove.

Local business owners, Deanne and Chris Watson saw the article;

“Zoe’s profi le fi tted perfectly with our company’s needs. We had no idea that Zoe was hearing impaired at the time of reading and didn’t care. After meeting her, we knew she was exactly the person we needed.”

In order for Zoe to perform her role, Deanne and Chris needed to install a Captel phone system. The process took fi ve months. The entire system needed to be replaced, including the phone lines. This was a task they were willing to undertake to secure Zoe for their business. Ability Options coordinated on behalf of the employer with Job Access and were able to secure Government funding to install the new phone system and the Captel hardware.

Zoe says that being able to make and answer calls herself gives her confi dence and has opened up an exciting world of opportunity.

“Employing Zoe was the best decision we could have made! This year, Zoe will be doing an accounting course organised by Ability Options through OTEN, to further enhance her skills.” said Deanne.

To fi nd out how Ability Options Employment can help your business please call: 1800 447 427

EARLY INTERVENTION IN THE HUNTER – AN ORIG INAL APPROACH TO SUPPORTING

CHILDRENWith the NDIS trial continuing to expand across the Hunter, Ability Options is developing innovative solutions to meet the needs of people of all ages, once they receive their NDIS plans.

Speech Pathologist Kimberly Mulder recently joined our

Hunter NDIS team. Kimberly has vast experience of working in early intervention and providing services to young people and adults with intellectual disability. She heads up our Transdisciplinary team.

The Transdisciplinary team is made up of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and psychologists who assist young children and teenagers. The goal is to learn key life stages skills and catch up their development. Kimberly is excited about designing and sharing a therapy service that offers participants and their families true choice and control over the supports they receive.

The Transdisciplinary approach ensures families have one key contact who manages the services they require. This reduces overlap between the various specialists and gives continuity. “ This approach focusses on building a strong relationship between the key worker and the family,” says Kimberly, “the family can have confi dence that the services will be arranged and provided by the most skilled and relevant therapists and they will not have to tell their story more than once.”

For more information, please contact our Charlestown offi ce: 02 4943 3411

business please call:: : 1800 447 4277

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VTEC GOES WILDMarnie Flanagan is CEO of Naturally Wild, a 100% Australian owned company that has created a new category of “Wild Australian Meats” for customers such as Coles and Woolworths.

In line with her vision, Marnie wanted to explore pro-indigenous employment to help ignite passion and pride in the communities where she gets her produce. She was immediately drawn to the Ability Options VTEC indigenous employment program and especially our candidate, Kellyann “She is a passionate, loyal, enthusiastic young woman who demonstrated she was good fi t for where we want to take our business. She is already supporting and building on ideas involving indigenous communities” said Marnie.

Kellyann is really excited and optimistic about her new role with Naturally Wild and offers this advice to job seekers, “Never give up. When it happens, it can happen quickly and you have to grab an opportunity when it arises”.

For more info about how we can assist you fi nd committed and skilled candidates, contact Ability Options Campbelltown on 02 4620 4555

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ABLE CABLE MAY 2015LE MAY 2ABBLE CA

Marnie Flanagan with Kellyann


WORK EXPERIENCE WITH ABILITY OPTIONSAbility Options job seeker Josh has a keen interest in computers and technology. His goal is to work as a technician. Employment consultant Cherie saw Josh’s extraordinary aptitude with computers and technology and immediately thought of a perfect work experience opportunity for him.

Ability Options were looking for a technically savvy person to go through various old PC units to see if they could be recycled or decommissioned. Josh was ideal for the role. “Josh did an amazing job and was very fast and concise in his work” said Shailesh Kodolikar, Co-ordinator ICT at Ability Options. At the end of his two week work experience period, Josh had recycled seven computers and will use this valuable experience to assist him in fi nding his ideal job. Nice one Josh!

Each year we ask those of you who use Ability Options services to provide feedback on our performance. This year 180 people took part in the Voice survey. Again there was a very high level of satisfaction reported: • 85% are happy with the services provided• 89% consider Ability Options staff easy to talk to• 92% agreed that our staff are friendly• 88% said they know who to go to if they have a concern

The future A key area for us to work on is that many people reported that they feel uncertain about what lies ahead, with only 54% saying they felt aware of our plans for the future. This refl ects the changing environment in disability services with the anticipated introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Ability Options has been working hard to ensure all of our services and supports are ready for the roll-out of the NDIS across NSW. Our fi rst-hand experience with more than 160 individuals supported by Ability Options in the Hunter region trial site is incredibly valuable. The timeline for the full rollout is expected to be confi rmed by July 2015. We are organising information sessions and will be available for questions, to talk with you about your plans and what we can do to assist you with a smooth transition.

Accommodation Since 2014 when Ability Options invested in building 4 new purpose-built houses, we have seen improvements in each person’s experience of their home and in their community engagement. In Newcastle and the Central Coast, in partnership with Compass Housing, we have been able to secure new homes that enable 20 individuals to live independently, with excellent results so far.

We continue to focus on housing solutions and we know that social housing is essential to building a good life. We know from your responses and the positive experiences to date that you want us to continue to partner with other organisations to meet this key demand.

Community Having a job, being a volunteer, being part of a club or meeting friends at a local café – in other words, being engaged in the community - is a major part of the Ability Options core mission for the people we support and their families.

We’re encouraged to know that: • 79% of respondents feel that we create opportunities

for you to build community connections• 80% are happy with their engagement in the community • 87% felt supported in making choices to meet their

needs and goals • 82% agreed that Ability Options help them plan and

pursue what they want to do now and in the future

We know that there is always more to do. Your feedback is really important to help us improve and we thank you for your contribution.

LearningsThis annual survey continues to provide an independent assessment of how we are tracking and what changes we need to make. For more details on the survey fi ndings and our commitment to continual improvement, please email [email protected].

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ABLE CABLE MAY 2015


NEW OUTREACH SITES AT RIVERSTONE AND SCHOFIELDSAbility Options recently secured a contract to open sites in Riverstone and Schofi elds to run the Australian Government’s Disability Management Services (DMS) program. DMS aims to assist those with short term illness or injury, back into the workplace. Essentially, the service is for job seekers with disability, injury or health conditions who require the short term assistance from a provider like Ability Options to assist them to fi nd employment, but are not expected to require ongoing support in the workplace.

One such person is Ben, who successfully accessed the DMS Program and has now found a job. Ability Options Employment assisted Ben to apply for positions, making sure his resume and cover letters would attract employers’ interest whilst responding to the requirements of each position.

“I was desperate to fi nd work to support my family and due to personal & health reasons I had been unable to fi nd anything suitable” said Ben.

Ben’s health conditions meant he could only cope with working three days, which made it diffi cult to fi nd a job that fi tted with his personal and medical barriers. Ability Options Employment referred Ben to a Driver position transporting medical supplies to various locations within the Sydney metropolitan region.

“When I obtained my new job, Ability Options bought work shoes and assisted me with support on a fortnightly basis to ensure any work related issues were addressed.” Ben explained.

After a few months working, Ben was offered a permanent position and is now working fi ve days.

“I am married with children and have lived in the local area for a number of years. I enjoy working as this sets a great example for my children for the future.” said Ben.

For further information on our DMS Program contact: 02 9625 3266.

Ability Options Community Access has a great partnership with Blacktown Aquatic Centre. Each week several of our regulars take swimming lessons run by instructors specially trained in providing services to people with disability.

One participant, Michelle, took up the challenge to learn how to swim. Michelle was initially reluctant to go into the water but with patience and gentle encouragement from her Ability Options support worker, Michelle chose to get into her swimmers.

After a year working with Blacktown Pool’s specialist staff members, Michelle fi nally went into the water. The swimming pool/hydrotherapy was highly recommended by Michelle’s health professionals, as she has diffi culties walking longer distances.

Michelle is so proud of her achievements and called her brother to share with him the great news!

Michelle now looks forward to swimming lessons each week.

For more information on joining the community access program please email [email protected] or phone 8811 1723.

LEARNING TO SWIM WITH COMMUNITY ACCESS

Michelle enjoying her swimming lessonAshtar, Uncle Greg, Gemma Lee, Tracey, Raffi , Tatiana and Maggie

ABLE CABLE MAY 2015


Ability Options offer meaningful social activities to support people with disability in acquiring new skills and making new friends. Please email [email protected] or phone 8811 1723 for more information.

COMMUNITY ACCESS CALENDAR

MONDAY

FEATHERS, FUR, FINS AND CREEPY CRAWLIES Various venues9.30am - 2.30pmMeet up with animals furry, feathered or otherwise. You can get close with the animals up close, or just stand back and watch.

EXPLORE SYDNEYVarious venues9.30am - 2.30pmUsing trains, buses and ferries, visit a mixture of popular tourist haunts and lesser known spots. Bring along an adventurous spirit to help you enjoy the day.

BOWLINGAMF Bowling, Rooty Hill10.30am - 12.30pmCome along and learn the skills of bowling. Make new friends and be part of a bowling team. This popular program is lots of fun for everyone. We will have a party at the end to celebrate our strikes and other successess.

TUESDAY

ENTERTAINMENT – SHOWTIMEVarious venues9.30am - 2.30pmA great way to spend the day, going to popular spots, local clubs and other fun venues. Enjoy lunch and a show. Be prepared to be entertained!

ENTERTAINMENT – MOVIESVarious venues9.30am - 2.30pmAlternative to the local clubs this is a movie group for those who like to keep up with the latest fl icks. Lunch will be supplied.

SHAKE & RATTLESeven Hills10.00am – 12.00pmEnjoy good music and crazy beats then catch up over some yummy morning tea while we talk about the fun morning.

LET’S BE CRAFTYSeven Hills12.00Pm - 2.00pmEnjoy painting, cutting, gluing and all things crafty? Explore your creativity, and make something special to show off to your friends and family.

THE GAMES WE PLAYVarious venues10.00am - 2.00pmBingo, draughts, cards, board games and fun activities. An opportunity to meet with friends, make new friends and have a really great time!

WEDNESDAY

ART AND ABOUTVarious Venues 9.30am - 2.30pmVisit art galleries local landscapes. Find out about the world of art, try some new and old techniques and create lovely artworks

GOLDEN MEMORIESVarious venues9.30am - 2.30pmRemember your fi rst movie experience? Visit older style cinemas, see an organ come out of the stage or sing along to some show tunes!

PUTT PUTT GOLFVarious venues9.30am - 11.30pmVisit various Putt Putt venues around Sydney. Practise your ball skills, enjoy the fresh air and the sound of the white ball rolling into the hole.

THURSDAY

YOUNG @ HEARTVarious venues9.30am - 2.30pmAn ever popular program for the young at heart. Visit social venues, the latest shows and rediscover old favourites.

FEATHERS, FUR, FINS AND CREEPY CRAWLIESVarious venues9.30am - 2.30pmYes it’s so popular we are doing it twice a week. Visit wildlife parks, farms and get up close to animals – furry or otherwise.

SWIMMINGBlacktown Aquatic Centre11.30am - 1.30pmAn intimate group with qualifi ed instructors to encourage and assist you to be comfortable, confi dent and safe around water.

MERRY MUSICALSSeven Hills12.00pm - 2.00pmFor those who enjoy a singalong with musicals, old and newish. Oklahoma, Paint your Wagon and Grease are some favourites. Come and sing, or even have a dance.

PET THERAPYSeven Hills9.30pm - 11.00pmWe bring various pets and animals to you to touch and cuddle. Not all will be furry so who knows what may happen.

FRIDAY

BOWLING & BBQSeven Hills9.30am - 2.30pmCome along and learn the skills of bowling. Make new friends and be part of a bowling team. Afterwards enjoy a BBQ lunch to wind down at the end of the week.

PUBSPORTSVarious venues 11.00am - 2.00pmOur ever popular PubSports program – enjoy a pub lunch with your friends, play pool and cards or other activities you might enjoy. You will need to bring some money to cover your pub lunch.

FISHINGVarious venues 9.30am - 1.00pmEnjoy the cooler days fi shing at our local Sydney spots. Meet up with your fi shing buddies from last year, or make new friends and talk about the “one that got away! ”

MAY / JUNE

Suite 1.14, 29-31 Lexington DriveBella Vista, NSW 2153

Ph: (02) 8811 1777Fax: (02) 8811 1788

Email: [email protected]

ABN: 92 003 175 335

If you would like to provide any feedback or suggestions about Able Cable then please email

[email protected].

CONTACT DETAILS

CONNECT WITH US

For more information about our services, how we can help you transition to the NDIS and

current news, please visit abilityoptions.org.auor join the Ability Options conversation online.

twitter.com/abilityoptionsfacebook.com/abilityoptions

youtube.com/user/abilityoptions


Documents

Able Cable - Issue 8, May 2015