eblinI N D E P E N D E N C E I S U P P O R T I P E A C E O F M I N D

winter newsletter August 2014

t (08) 8252 1000 I f (08) 8255 1066 I www ebldisabilityservices.org.au15 Knowles Road Elizabeth Vale, South Australia 5112

contentsA word from Wendy 2

School Holiday Fun 2

Meet Harrow House Manager ‘Deb’ 3

ProjectABLE 4

Adelaide Shores Children's Holiday 5

Happy 21st Birthday Travis 6

Robert supports Animal Welfare League 7

The Phoenix Cup 8

EBL is proud to announce our newpartnership with Harrow House

The Board of Harrow Trust is pleased that

its first residential building project situated at Glenside (“Harrow House”) is now being operated by EBL Disability.

The Harrow Trust concept commenced in 1998 and was officially formed in 2002 by the families of two intellectually disabled young people, and the Board has over the years constituted members of those families, members from other families with an intellectually disabled family member, and public

servants from various government departments. Its focus has been to create a model of building supported accommodation for those with mild to moderate intellectual disability, which encourages the continued involvement of families and friends in the lives of the residents.

Getting the land, then obtaining funding from government, to commence construction of Harrow House has been a long and at times frustrating battle, but in 2005 we

finally obtained the land at Glenside and confirmation of funding to build the 12 bed residence. We also raised a mortgage to meet construction and establishment costs, and sought financial contribution from families of inaugural residents. By November 2010 the house was built and the selection of the first group of residents had been finalised.

From the outset of the process the Board of Harrow Trust has been involved with the tendering

process for a service provider, and various government departments, particularly Disability SA, because we wanted to ensure that government, the service provider, and families understood the particular philosophy of Harrow.

Everyone from EBL has been enthusiastic and supportive of this philosophy and we look forward to learning more about each other in the future.

Harrow Trust

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As always EBL continues to be a very busy place

and once again we have expanded our services. We are extremely proud to announce our newest partnership with Harrow House.

It’s been a privilege to welcome the residents, families and staff to EBL. I’ve had the great pleasure of attending family events at Harrow and can say with a high level of confidence that this is truly a rare and inspirational shared-accommodation model. The home is designed in such a way that it encourages independence for each person while creating a setting that provides ample opportunity to build social networks and lasting friendships. Connection to family is paramount and it has been wonderful to be part of family gatherings where parents have the opportunity to share a meal while interacting and enjoying each other’s company.

Residents are supported to grow their own veggies, tend their garden beds, and look after the Harrow

chooks who never fail to deliver a good quantity of free range eggs. There is considerable space for people to be alone or to join in the many groups that form around the home or the gorgeous gardens. In my opinion, the Harrow model bridges the gap between disability and aged care with all residents having an option to remain in the home for many years.

There is much to learn from the Harrow accommodation model and we look forward to working with the residents, families and Harrow House Manager ‘Deb Tobin’ and her team for many years to come.

Since our last newsletter we have held a number of recreational activities and holidays which you will read about in the following pages. I continue to be touched and inspired by the care and commitment shown by EBL staff and thank them for making a genuine difference in people’s lives every day. We are extremely blessed to have such a wonderful team.

For some of you with children aged 13 years and under there were significant changes as at 1st July 2014 with stage two of the Individualised Funding roll out. For those who are still grappling with what this all means; essentially each person in this age group will have an individualised plan that is tailored to their goals, personal circumstances and disability support needs. The types of supports that the National Disability Insurance

Scheme may fund include:• personal care to support

an individual in their home or the community

• supports to assist people with disability to enjoy social and community interaction without relying solely on you

• supports that maintain a carer’s health and wellbeing will be considered. This support may include participation in a support group or a special interest network. In deciding whether to fund or provide a support, the National Disability Insurance Agency will take account of what it is reasonable to expect families, carers, informal networks and the community to provide.

• assistance with tasks of daily living including to help improve a person’s ability to do things

• supported employment services and help for people to move to work programs that prepare people with disability in work, and

• training related to the caring role that may enhance your ability to provide care.If you need assistance

to work through this new process please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will make every effort to connect you with the best people at the National Disability Insurance Agency.

Wendy WarrenChief Executive

A word from Wendy

2 I Winter newsletter I August 2014

Over the school holiday period

in April we were able to offer some of our families extra respite which was truly appreciated by the parents /carers. We really wanted to make the school holidays a memorable one full of fun and adventure. Below are pictures of some of our school holiday adventures…

Club Cool – Gee these girls can dance! We danced so much we all found it hard to walk the next day.

SCHOOL HOLIDAy FuN

Mikayla grooving on the dance floor

Shianne & Maddison doing the twist

Finally off the dance floor for lunch with Jodie.

www ebldisabilityservices.org.au I t (08) 8252 1000 I f (08) 8255 1066 I 3

The year is going by quickly and we are

already making plans for the AGM that is being held on the evening of October 28th. Please pencil this in to your calendar as it should be an interesting event. We have a few seats available on the board and are looking for potential new candidates. We have recently lost our Treasurer and so are looking for new accounting skills to add to the board room.

In addition, we are looking for someone that has skills either with medical or aged care interests due to the crossover of these areas with our business. And as always we are on the lookout for carer involvement. We do have three carers on our board at the present time; Steve Stone, Chris Streeter and Dawn Brodie. Their voices are much appreciated, but we recognize that no matter how many carers are on the board we still won’t have all the issues and perspectives covered.

That is why we send out our annual surveys and why I encourage you to contact me or Wendy directly if you wish. Doesn’t have to always be bad news, we are always happy to hear about what we (mostly our staff) are doing well.

With this in mind the board has been discussing putting together a Carer Advisory Group to the board and are looking for expressions of interest. Steve Stone is heading this up and we are framing what the potential commitments may be and what the mandate of the Group might be. If you wish to get involved, we would welcome any input. Or is you just have a suggestion that this group may address, we would like to know that as well. Again, my email is chair@ebldisabilityservices.org.au. your questions and advise are always welcome.

We also welcome Campbelltown and Harrow House into the EBL fold. We are proud to have them join the family and wish to welcome everyone associated with these accommodations; staff, clients, carers etc. Karen Bard, EBL Chair

Karen bardChair

Hello again!

In sept of 2010 I was offered the position of team leader at Harrow House after working in the

disability sector for over 10 years. I may sound biased but working at Harrow House has been the most rewarding work of my entire career. Over the last 3 and half years, Harrow staff and I have been amazed and thrilled to see each one of the 12 residents learn new life skills as they adopted to independently living away from their family home. During this time we have witnessed individuals form meaningful relationships with their fellow house mates and Harrow staff.

On 1st of June 2014, Harrow House appointed EBL as their new service provider. I was appointed to the role of House Manager which has opened new doors to me and the entire team. Here at EBL we feel supported to go the extra mile to achieve outcomes that really do benefit each resident. Already with EBL’s support we have introduced new programs, improved systems and specialised training for staff. The team are very excited to be exploring new ideas and learning new things that will improve their skills. Although we have only been working with the EBL team for a short time we are already planning tailored holidays with our clients which is a new concept for us.

I am very happy with the level of support and freedom that has been given to me since commencing with EBL as House Manager. My job involves overseeing and communicating all aspects of everyday running of Harrow including; liaison with families and medical professionals, coordinating employment, day activities, parties, recreational activities, management etc. Based on my experience so far, I am confident that we will continue to learn from EBL which is improving my skills and knowledge as a manager and the whole team which is leading to great overall outcomes for those residents who call Harrow their home.

Deb Tobin House Manager Harrow House

MEET HArroW House MANAger ‘DEB’

4 I Winter newsletter I August 2014

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D uring may and june of 2014 EBL Disability

Services welcomed local high school student from Paralowie R-12 school and Tyndale Christian college to a projectABLE workshop. ProjectABLE is a free initiative created by CARE Careers and developed by National Disability Services (NDS) to address the increasing demand for skilled workers in the disability and community care sector.

Projectable gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the disability and community care sector. The projectABLE half-day workshop involves students participating in hands-on exercises that help build skills and knowledge in the disability and community care sector. The sessions are an inspiring introduction to a career in the disability and community care sector and offer students increased

disability awareness and the opportunity to learn about the variety of careers available. Students also learn:

• Ways to promote positive perceptions of people with disability

• The importance of inclusion and participation for people with disability in the community

• Career opportunities in the disability and community care sector, and

• Educational opportunities in the disability and community care sector.

The workshops were hosted by EBL staff from a range of areas from the organisation demonstrating the diversity of roles available within the sector. Two people supported by EBL, Genelle and Travis also joined in facilitating the workshop, providing students with a valuable insight to disability.

The projectABLE workshops were extremely well received by students with several students securing work experience with EBL in the coming months!

Whispering Wall

Girls heading across the bridge

The girls were quite amazed that they could hear each other from opposite ends of the wall

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O ur children’s holiday started with a gathering

at Daveron Park. After saying goodbye to parents and carers we headed off to Adelaide Shores for the first leg of our adventure. Everyone prayed for fine weather and we were very lucky to have blue skies for most of the time away.

Once we settled into our Cabins, we all had an opportunity to tour the Resort and have a go on the large bouncy mat. One of our staff members Melissa C really put on a show for us.

After loads of bouncing everyone was exhausted so it was time to head back to the cabin for dinner and a movie. Although we thought everyone was tired we were wrong. Once the Wiggles came on everyone was up dancing and clapping.

The next day it was off to Monarto and the weather was perfect!! After a full day at Monarto we headed back to our cabin for a relaxing night in. The following morning we got up early excited about the day ahead. We headed off to the BIG Rocking Horse where everyone had a chance to get up close and personal with the animals. The pictures tell so many stories, the children had a great time but we must not forget

that these wonderful times come with the support from our staff, (Mellissa C, Mellissa D and our Service Coordinator, Lynda Woods).

Jodie Bunyan Daveron Park Children's House Manager

Adelaide Shores Children's Holiday

Ryan needed a rest after all his jumping and performing tricks

Erin enjoyed sitting on the side watching Ryan jump

Monica loves dancing to the Wiggles and Taylor enjoyed clapping along

6 I Winter newsletter I August 2014

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W e had the best surprise in a long

time on Sunday the 1st of June 2014!! Over 30 people mixed between staff, friends and family members gathered to celebrate Travis’s 21st birthday. Travis had no idea that this was in the works. EBL and Travis's mum Sue put their heads together in order to make this day a surprise for Travis, and Travis absolutely loved it!!

We were both humbled and overjoyed at the turn out of staff, family and friends. He can't believe how many people came! It was so great to see friends, which Travis hasn’t seen in years, and some of the friends he has made throughout his life. All of the hugs and love filled him with so much gratitude and strength. To see all of them gathered together was amazing. Moreover we were great full that EBL management would take time out of their busy schedule to attend Travis birthday party. They were simply wonderful.

We have to share the thoughts that Travis had when he arrived the day of the party, and realized that it was a surprise party for him. He saw tons of balloons, and really hoped he was

crashing somebody else's party. He had a unique feeling of joy and surprise when he walked into the beautiful Paralowie home dining area, and saw all of the loving, smiling faces of everyone waiting there It was a hushed, almost reverent feeling. Travis had a big smiley face, as he saw all of the friends and family. Thank you to all who helped with food, decorations, invitations and entertainment. We are thankful to the all EBL team for hosting and to loved ones who gathered. It gave Travis great comfort and joy. Moreover, a big thank you must go to Travis's mum Sue for all her input and decorations as well as Travis other friends and family for making Travis day so special. What a party it was!!!

Travis’s guardian Sue was delighted to share the day with Travis, family and EBL staff. Following the 21st birthday party she wrote….

Happy 21st Birthday Travis

Good Morning everyone,

Firstly, I wish to congratulate and thank EBL staff for their continued care of Travis.

Travis attended a function with me on Saturday night and all in attendance commented on how well he looked and how healthy and happy he looked. To say that they were shocked is an understatement. This is a huge credit to the staff at EBL Paralowie and those others that have been involved with Travis. Travis was a skinny miserable thing when he came into your care from another service in May/June 2013.

A huge THANKYOU must go to Lhana and Raj for the surprise 21st Birthday Party for Travis yesterday. It was a great day with one young man feeling quite overwhelmed by the whole thing. A great time was had by all. Even if we did have huge problems with the delivery of my balloon order and Raj doing a magnificent job stalling Travis.

You have a great team at EBL and I appreciate all that you do for Travis and hope that we can all continue this amazing relationship that I have with Peter, Lhana and Raj.

Again thankyou so much and keep up the amazing work that you all do with such commitment and passion. Congratulations on a job well done!!

Kind Regards, Sue Mc C

www ebldisabilityservices.org.au I t (08) 8252 1000 I f (08) 8255 1066 I 7

A fter seeing an ad on the TV for donations

of blankets needed at the Animal Welfare League, Robert Ward wanted to make a blanket for a lost dog.

Robert informed his EBL support team at Munno Para of his wish, describing the colours he would like to use in the blanket. Robert chose red, white and blue as he felt these would make the dog feel happy as well as having a warm blanket. The Munno Para team supported Robert to purchase some wool and set to work to crochet the each square for the blanket.

After a number of weeks the blanket was complete and ready to be presented to its new owner. An appointment was made at the Animal Welfare League

in Wingfield for Robert to meet the dogs.

After much consideration, Robert chose to give his blanket to Stanley, a greyhound waiting to be rehomed. Robert was so please with his efforts and to give his blanket to keep his new friend Stanley warm through the winter.

Robert will be making regular visits to the Animal Welfare League to keep the dogs company until they can find their forever homes. We are very proud of Robert’s acts of kindness and determination to see this project through. We know he will enjoy regular visits to the Animal Welfare League for many years to come. We are all very proud of you Robert!

Robert supportsAnimal Welfare League

This greedy goat just couldn’t get enough food from Madison

Even Jessica's friend Boston enjoyed his time at the farm feeding the sheep

Whilst at the Rocking Horse

the girls were able to enjoy the farm life, they got the chance to feed Kangaroo's, goats, Alpaca's and sheep. We had to be careful of the Black Alpaca as he is known to show behaviours of concern.

ROCKING HORSE & ANiMAl FArM

Robert proudly shows off his home-made blanket for Animal Welfare League

Robert presenting blanket to ‘Stanley’ who lives at the Animal Welfare League in transitional accommodation until his new home can be found.

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t (08) 8252 1000 I f (08) 8255 1066 I www ebldisabilityservices.org.au15 Knowles Road Elizabeth Vale, South Australia 5112

NDIA Update

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)

is updating its guidance for planners and participants in some of its operational guidelines. This will help make our planning process more efficient and improve consistency of decision making.

The revised guidance will help guide NDIA decisions on some funded supports—those that were identified as being important to participants’ goal achievement.

The operational guidelines give more direction about the expected levels of funded support in the following areas:

• personal care supports• recreational supports• supports for sustaining

informal support• supports for early

childhood, and• household tasks.

More information is available on the NDIS website at http://www.ndis.gov.au/document/769

O n Saturday 8th November at Ladywood Reserve The Phoenix Cup, a seven aside

football (soccer) tournament for people with intellectual, physical and sensory impairments is on again for its sixth consecutive year and the organizers, Modbury Jets Amateur Football Club and the Phoenix Cup committee have invited EBL to register a team. This tournament is a fun day for all and offers a competition for both Junior and Senior male/female or mixed teams. All games will be played on mini pitches with inflatable walls (to keep the ball in play).

As with previous years, all participants will be provided with strips/uniforms that are fully funded for by the sponsors of the tournament. The Phoenix Cup tournament has a carnival atmosphere that involves local businesses sponsoring the tournament, support from local community members. All participants on the day are cheered on by the many family, friends and local supporters and at the end of the day are awarded with participation packs and medals. Participants are provided a free lunch (sausage sizzle) and there is a fundraising BBQ for the spectators well as fun activities for all including clown, balloons, face painter, airbrush tattoos and of course soccer goals and balls to have a kick around.

The Senior tournament usually runs from 9.30 to around 4.30 with the junior tournament scheduled to run for around one hour during the lunch break. More information on that once we have registered our team.

So Parents/ House managers get behind the people we support and encourage them to commit to establishing an EBL team.

Please contact me, Lynda Woods, on 8252 1000 and register your interest before the end of August so that I may register our team.

lynda WoodsClient Services Coordinator

The Phoenix Cup