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Month:

Disability employment reform: less red tape, more options and support

Disability employment reform is underway with a new specialist disability employment program to commence on 1 July, 2025. Its goal is to remove the red tape for providers supporting participants and to boost access for participants looking for sustainable employment. On the back of the government’s commitment of an additional $227.6 million to the new program in the 2024-25 Federal Budget, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said there is a “clear vision” and that it will bett... CONTINUE READING

New NDIS Taskforce cracking down on providers illegally overcharging participants

A taskforce endorsed by Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten MP says it intends to crack down on unfair prices and the suspected overcharging of participants by dishonest services providers. Chaired by the ACCC, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and the National Disability Insurance Agency, the taskforce will prevent dishonest service providers from charging more than they should for their services. Talking to the ABC on the crackdown, Minister Shorten said it’s high time these p... CONTINUE READING

Celebrating the successful integration of R&R Care into the Ability Options family

Earlier this month, we hosted a Community Afternoon Tea to celebrate the final stage of Mid North Coast disability services provider R&R Care joining the Ability Options family. Welcoming colleagues, participants, families, carers, as well as Coffs Harbour City Council Mayor Paul Amos, the day acknowledged the legacy of R&R Care and signified a new era for our organisation and the people we proudly support on the Mid North Coast.... CONTINUE READING

Our 2023 STAR Awards Sponsors

It’s the week of our 2023 STAR Awards Ceremony!   Our STAR Awards highlight, recognise and reward our people for the incredible work they do in line with Ability Options’ core Values of Trust, Respect, Inclusion, Courage and to Lead.... CONTINUE READING

Our 2022 STAR Employee Awards Winners

On Friday, 2 December, Ability Options colleagues gathered to celebrate their crowning achievements and dedication to supporting people with disability in our communities year-round for the 2022 STAR Employee Awards.  A record-breaking 460 nominations came in during the lead up to what was an exceptionally special night where our colleagues got together to celebrate and recognise each other’s har... CONTINUE READING

Mutual Obligations News

As difficult weather conditions around NSW continue, our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted across the state. Our communities are being tested by flooding and challenging weather events. A wide range of people in flood-affected NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) have had mutual obligation and participation requirements paused. If you receive support through Disability Employment Services,... CONTINUE READING

COVID-19 Letters to the NSW Ministers

In light of the COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Mandate in the Disability Sector, Ability Options CEO Julia Squire has written to both the NSW Ministers for Health and Disability. The letters outline our dedication to vaccine advocacy, compliance with Public Health Orders/Work Health and Safety obligations and ask for important clarification around mandates and the future of COVID-19 vaccinations in our sector. It is crucial to read these letters and to know of the importance of Ability Options’ v... CONTINUE READING

How to Work with A Speech Pathologist to Achieve Communication Goals

Verbal communication is so important to modern life and work. Whether it’s a quick chat over the phone, or an in-depth meeting, we constantly rely on speech to express ourselves and communicate ideas. Many people see speech pathologists for assistance with their communication skills. Often people assume that a speech pathologist is there solely to help people correct a lisp or a stutter, but the reality is that speech pathologists can do so much more for their patients.... CONTINUE READING

Taking Care of Yourself as a Carer: Practical Tips for Balancing your Wellbeing

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Ability Options would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.