Sunday 3 December marked International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), an incredibly significant date on our calendar. What you might not know, is this 2023’s IDPwD theme – ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by people with disabilities.’ The 2023 theme for IDPwD is asking everyone to work together to make the world better and fairer for people with disability.
It has been a big year for people with disability, with not only the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) turning ten, but the Disability Royal Commission laying down its 222 recommendations.
For us at Ability Options, highlights of the year are countless, especially in supporting people with disability. Most recently, Ability Options proudly purchased Privada Farm, a 20-acre property that offers disability support services on the Mid North Coast region and is a fun-filled place for participants to experience therapeutic support, a connection to nature, and to socialise with the many different animals on the property.
Farming for Wellbeing: NDIS Participants win big at Privada Farm
On the sunny Coffs Coast, a local group of NDIS participants have been getting into the thick of what it means to work on a Privada Farm, a favourite destination of the week for many people living with disability in the region, to look after a variety of animals, and develop their skills. Working on the farm has been a fantastic way for participants to be more social and getting to interact with the animals.
Inclusion is the core of everything we do at Ability Options, and we’re thrilled to be able to reflect on the success of Privada Farm in supporting people with disability to reach their goals and be fully included in society.
Empowering participants to unlock their potential
IDPwD asks everyone to work together to make the world better and fairer for people with disability. This is the core of the work we do at Ability Options to support people in a way that suits their needs, using a person-centred approach.
We offer NDIS Employment Assistance, also known as WorkReady to support people with disability prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce with confidence. Earlier this year, we spoke to Emma, our WorkReady manager who oversees the delivery and performance of the program and ensures we meet participants’ needs in a safe, supportive environment.
Striving to achieve best practice and outcomes for people with disability
Across various Ability Options services, there are many people who work incredibly hard to support people with disability, but this isn’t always face-to-face.
Behind the scenes, our Quality, Practice & Assurance division works to advocate for the rights of people with disability and put policies and procedures in-place to support our participants by advocating for their rights through Disability Services-wide industry changes.
Earlier this year, we spoke to Melanie our Senior Manager of Clinical Services who ensures the best healthcare services are provided to participants. Her passion for improving participants’ health has allowed her team to support the organisation in many areas, including developing health policies and training frontline workers in providing clinical support.
We’ve looked back, now it’s time to look forward
While there are countless more stories celebrating the achievements of people with disability and of the people proudly supporting them, now we’d like to look forward.
So much of the work we do strives for the continuity of the support or people with disability in achieving their goals and aspirations. A prime example of this is our two-fold acquisition of Mid North Coast services providers R&R Care and CHESS Connect in ensuring that supports continue for participants while we grow key parts of our workforce at Ability Options.
We have seen sector change and growth this year with the NDIS turning ten and the Disability Royal Commission laying down its 222 recommendations, but we would call on you to have your say in what should be improved for people with disability.
We would now like to pose a question to our community. Whether you are an Ability Options colleague, participant or external stakeholder, this question is absolutely for you.
What positive change would you like to see achieved for people with disability?
Write to us at Communications@abilityoptions.org.au
