Month:

What to expect during your first counselling appointment

Making the decision to reach out for assistance with managing your mental health is a big step and if you feel worried about attending your first session, that is completely normal. To put your mind at ease, here are some guidelines on what you can expect during your first appointment. It’s time for you and your counsellor to get to know each other. Your counsellor may provide you with information about their background, qualifications, and experience. Feel free to ask them any qu... CONTINUE READING

Speech Pathologists: here to help you manage change and new routines

Routine is important to your wellbeing. Having a routine can be a valuable form of communication – it helps us to know what’s coming up and when, what others may say or do, and what is expected of us. But starting up a new routine, or adding to your existing one, can make anyone feel nervous. Or even nervous-excited. Everyone processes things differently, whether you have restricted mobility, speech difficulties, vision impairment, or sensory issues, starting up a new routine can be daunt... CONTINUE READING

Social & Group Program Events Calendar

We are excited to announce the launch of our Social & Group Program Events Calendar! The calendar incorporates all the fun group programs and activities in each of our regions, tailored to different age groups. View our calendar here, and sign up to programs & activities that suit your interest! People of all ages can be a part of Ability Options’ community and s... 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

COVID-19 Update – February 2022

Like so many out in the community, our teams at Ability Options are also managing the impacts of the current wave of COVID-19. Our COVID Management Plans are working really well. We continue to support staff to stay safe and to help keep participants safe. We are also well stocked with rapid antigen tests (RATs) and are supporting everyone to get their booster vaccinations. We have Ability Options vaccination clinics coming up, which participants can attend if they want to by speaking with th... CONTINUE READING

Top Honour for Nola – Champion for People with Disability

Mrs. Nola Buck, Ability Options life member and long-serving Board Director has been awarded the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to people with disability, and to the community. The entire Ability Options community is delighted and would like to congratulate Mrs. Buck on the recognition of her lifetime’s leadership, advocacy and support for people with disability.... CONTINUE READING

Ability Options is a TTP Provider

From 1 July 2019, providers of attendant care and community and centre-based activities have access to a higher support price limit through a Temporary Transformation Payment (TTP). The TTP assists providers with any costs associated in transitioning to the NDIS.   Ability Options is a registered TTP Provider.   The NDIA have increased existing service bookings to ensure the additional funds are available to be claimed, and do not impact the quantity of services provided to... CONTINUE READING

Kathryn Key to lead the way in Transforming Community Services

Last month, Kathryn Key took up the role of Project Executive for the Transforming Community Services Program. Her leadership of Community Services spans from Coffs Harbour to Sydney, along with Support Coordination, our business support team (PALs) for Community and Therapy...

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.