THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED DECEMBER 2014

PAGE 14 Chris represents Self Advocates

PAGE 10 Disability Sector News

PAGE 11 Volunteer Services Update

COVER STORY | PAGE 06

Brighton North Launch

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PAGE 04 Master Plan Update

02 VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED

It is hard to believe we’re approaching Christmas, and although the year seems to have passed by very quickly, so much has happened, particularly in the last few months.

Since our last edition of Vocal Point, there have been many achievements at Minda, but we have also experienced great sadness, with the sudden passing of Business Manager Packaging Solutions Lonsdale, Peter Surman.

I know many people here at Minda are still coming to terms with the news; I have certainly had a tough time accepting that such a kind, compassionate and respected man is no longer with us.

Peter worked at Minda for nearly four years and in that time he made a great impact on the whole Commercial Enterprises team, in particular Packaging Solutions Lonsdale.

I know you will all join with me in offering the deepest condolences to Peter’s wife Louise and his family; our thoughts and prayers are with them. He will be greatly missed.

On the other hand, we experienced great joy with the launch of Brighton North accommodation on Bonython Way at our Brighton site.

This major part of the first stage of Minda’s Master Plan, Brighton North is an innovative model of service for Minda, based on individualised support.

The 10 houses and 17 apartments will allow Minda to deliver support to 61 people, that is tailored to their wants, needs and aspirations and fits in well with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and individualised funding.

The changes brought about by the NDIS also have far-reaching impacts across Minda’s service delivery and this has included the further development of Day Options.

The team have been working with Victorian-based organisation, St Laurence Community Services on learning-based model of service, MyPATH.

The change in service delivery is based on person centred thinking and active support, with each day providing the opportunity to develop skills and foster independence and we are looking to have MyPATH implemented and operational in early 2015.I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our Patron, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia. His Excellency has shown a commitment to fostering an inclusive and egalitarian society and as Patron joins us on our journey toward enriched lives for people with disabilities.

There is much for us to look forward to at Minda, and I do hope you can continue to support us into 2015.

Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Cathy Miller Chief Executive Officer

Vocal Point is the official newsletter of Minda

Minda Incorporated 12 - 16 King George Avenue, North Brighton SA 5048

PO Box 5, Brighton SA 5048Phone: (08) 8422 6200Fax: (08) 8422 6330mindainc.com.au

Board of MindaMr Tony Harrison President

Mr Richard Bruggemann

Mr Robert Crabbe

Mr Steve Favretto

Mr Michael Good

Mr Hermann Janzon

Mr Peter Krieg

Mr Richard Mellows

Ms Kathryn Presser

Ms Kate Thiele

Chief Executive Officer Ms Catherine Miller

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FROM THE CEO

CATHY MILLER

04 From the President

04 Master Plan Update

06 Cover Story

09 Minda Events

10 Disability Sector News

11 Minda News

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The stars of Minda’s recent appeals, Minda laundry employee Dale and sisters Monica and Jacqueline, have been keeping busy over the last few months with a range of day activities, outings, events and volunteering.Monica and Jacqueline have been participating in a range of activities including jewellery-making, painting, pottery and sensory exercises.

With a particular interest in technology, Jacqueline has been enjoying spending time on the iPad, learning new things, communicating and engaging with activities.

She has also been taking part as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, delivering meals to the Hove and Brighton community.

Monica continues to be a domestic goddess, helping to clean up after everyone at Future Directions, where she has also been showing her artistic flair.

On the other hand, Dale has been continuing to work hard at the laundry and has also completed his Self Advocacy training.

He also achieved a sweltering time in the City-Bay, finishing the 12km run in an impressive 1 hour and 17 minutes.

“At the beginning I just wanted to go, I just wanted to start, but we had to wait for what felt like ages. When it was time to start, I just bolted, I just went!” Dale says.

“It went very well, I enjoyed myself very much, but my legs were very sore after, very sore!”

Dale says he wanted to compete in the City-Bay to do something a little bit different and thought it was a great event for people supported by Minda to participate in.

“I was happy with myself for finishing the 12km and everyone was happy with me too which was good. I think it was a great day because everyone got to have a bit of fun,” he says.

“I will definitely do it again, and I want to do more training for next year and hope to get a better time.”

UPDATES FROM

Monica, Jacqueline and Dale

04 VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED

Minda families, volunteers, supporters and advocates, welcome to the Summer edition of Vocal Point, and our last for 2014.

It has been a very busy year for Minda, with October and November proving to be a particularly exciting time.

In readiness for changes brought about by the National Disability Insurance Scheme and in particular individualised funding, Minda has been preparing to meet the new landscape by adapting services and support arrangements.

This is a journey Minda embarked upon a number of years ago and since adopting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009, we have been actively promoting Person Centred Thinking (PCT) within a human rights framework.

This transformation of service delivery across the organisation has been significant and one way we have been advancing the case of PCT is through the Master Plan; the launch of Brighton North was a major step towards our goal to provide support which is truly person-centred.

The community accommodation for 61 people supported by Minda offers a greater level of privacy and independence than ever before, and I was so proud to be at the launch, which marks a significant milestone in Minda’s history.

I would like to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment of the Minda Executive team, together with the head contractor BADGE, who have played a significant role in the success of the Master Plan project to date.

Turning now to the Board, I would like to welcome Richard Mellows; a Barrister who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Minda Board, Richard will take on the position of Family Director, which was vacated by Kym Hancock earlier this year.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to my fellow Board members, to Cathy Miller, Executive Management, Minda staff, volunteers and Association Members for their hard work, support and commitment to Minda over the past year.

We are all focused on progressing our vision and ensuring that, as a service provider and employer, our core values very much reflect our culture of being passionate, respectful, accountable, innovative, successful and ethical.

I would also like to thank our Ambassadors, our Patron, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia, our corporate partners and you, our supporters, who have enabled us to continue to champion for South Australians living with intellectual disability.

Tony Harrison President

FROM THE PRESIDENT

TONY HARRISON

Master Plan Update

One of the most exciting Master Plan developments has undoubtedly been the launch of Brighton North on 17 November, which you can read about on page 6.In the weeks before the launch, the people moving into the new accommodation made regular visits to their new homes with Developmental Educators from Minda.

Although some people were previously experiencing trepidation about the move, fears and anxieties were quickly replaced by excitement upon viewing the houses and apartments for the first time.

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Look out for further updates in the next issue of Vocal Point

The roadway and roundabout (Jack Fox Way) which connects the Brighton Dunes apartments has commenced installation outside of the reception building, which is also starting to come into its own.

Roddy says,

“Everything is progressing well and I look forward to reporting back on the completed Stage One works in the next edition of Vocal Point.

“The new furniture has been a talking point, with items from TRAK Furniture, The Table & Chair Co and Le Cornu continuing to arrive, furniture which not only meets individual wants, but also support needs,” Project Manager Brighton North Libby Chapman says.

“The residents were involved in picking fabrics and making choices about the types of furniture they needed and wanted, so they have been very excited to see the items arriving, pieces that really reflect the personalities of the individuals.”

There have also been a range of assistive technology sessions run by Jackson Care Technologies (JCT) with Business Development Manager Gary Holzer conducting information sessions for new families.

In terms of the construction, BADGE has made significant progress to all stages of the Master Plan development, with Stage 1 nearing completion.

“The Wetlands and Minda houses were handed over in August and the Minda apartment building in October, with BADGE now focussed on finalising the internal fit-out of the Brighton Dunes apartments,” Executive Project Manager Roddy Clark says.

“A prototype apartment in building one of the three Brighton Dunes apartments is complete and will set the standard for the apartments for the remainder of the project.”

Works to common buildings have also been progressing well, with a dining room and barbeque area and pool nearing completion.

“The Plaza area has been waterproofed and the garden beds have been installed and the library building is nearly finished,” he says.

06 VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED

Brighton North Launch

MINDA | COVER STORY

Beverley Chatterton’s new apartment on Bonython WayOne of Bonython Way’s newest residents, Beverley Chatterton attended the launch of Brighton North with her mother Heather and both shared their excitement over the new accommodation. “It’s one of the best things ever, the happiest thing ever!” Beverley says in response to a question about what she thinks of her new home. Although Heather shares her daughter’s excitement, as a loving mother, she also has some trepidation about Beverley’s move to a more independent living environment; “As a parent, you always worry, and I think it will be a challenge for people living on their own; above anything though, I think Beverley and other people at Minda deserve the privilege of living a normal life and I am so happy she is moving into such a lovely home.”

On Monday 17 November, a new era in Minda’s history was marked with the launch of Brighton North by the Honourable Tony Piccolo, Minister for Disabilities.

Forming part of the first stage of Minda’s Master Plan, Brighton North is the establishment of an innovative model of service for Minda, based on contemporary and individualised support.

“For the people we support, Brighton North offers a new start, a place where individual wants and needs are at the forefront, a place to call home,” Minda CEO Cathy Miller says.

“This leading-edge accommodation allows Minda to deliver individualised support, tailored to each person’s wants, needs and aspirations, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

Brighton North offers three and four bedroom homes and independent apartment units, which include one and two bedrooms; based on Bonython Way, the 10 houses and 17 apartments are home to 61 people Minda support.

“This is part of the first stage of Minda’s Master Plan, which involves the creation of a mixed-use precinct; it’s the biggest project in Minda’s 116 year history and the development is the largest of its type anywhere in Australia,” Cathy says.

“The Master Plan gives the people we support the opportunity to live in a truly integrated community setting as independently as possible, without compromising on support.”

Assistive technologies plays an important part in Minda delivering support that is truly person-centred and Jackson Care Technologies (JCT) has delivered a system that will allow the people Minda support to enjoy a greater level of privacy in their new homes and also independence than ever before.

“The apartment building and houses are fitted with state-of-the-art technology which will enhance the quality of support provided by Minda and will equip us with the means to improve support plans and better understand the needs and behaviour of the people we support,” Cathy says.

Throughout the planning, design and construction stages Universal Design principles have been applied to all buildings and landscaping, which means that every building is accessible and compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our head contractor South Australian construction firm BADGE and Minda’s project management team who, together, have helped to fulfil our goal to replace institutional and out-dated accommodation with a solution that puts person-centred thinking at the very heart of the design,” Cathy says.

“This is the first step in creating a vibrant community that everyone can enjoy, and longer-term plans will eventually include purpose-built facilities for lifestyle activities such as pottery, arts, crafts and music, practitioner suites and child care options, as well as retail opportunities.”Minda CEO Cathy Miller

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08 VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED

MINDA | PARTNERS

PHIL HOFFMANN TRAVEL

JACKSON CARE TECHNOLOGIES (JCT)

Minda’s major technology partner and newest Corporate Partner, JCT has delivered a state of the art assistive technology solution to the 10 houses and 17 apartments in the Brighton North development.

The aim of the assistive technology is to enhance the quality of support provided by staff and to establish more independent living environments for the people who will be living at the new site.

“JCT is a specialist in integrating assistive technologies to help improve people’s lives and this is done by connecting these technologies with JCT’s software to build workflows, based on the needs of specific clients,” JCT Managing Director Eddie Jackson says.

“It will provide Minda with the means to improve support plans and also better understand the specific needs and behaviours of the people they support.”

Workflows are based on a collection of events that occur in the houses and apartments, which are triggered, or captured by devices such as Passive Infrared Readers or Reed Switches.

The introduction of these workflows has been designed to improve the level of support, safety and privacy for people who will be living at Brighton North.

“Workflows allow support workers to be notified if a resident gets out of bed and leaves the house at night, or if a resident has entered the bathroom, but has not left after an extended, or unusual amount of time,” Eddie says.

“It means people supported by Minda will have a greater level of independence and privacy, while still being offered support as and when it is needed.”

Minda CEO Cathy Miller says she is excited about the new technology and the impact it will have on the lives of people supported by Minda:

“JCT understood our requirements and were highly professional in delivering a system which offers functionality, usability and reliability.”

We couldn’t achieve what we do without the support of a philanthropic South Australian community, and one of Minda’s generous corporate partners is Phil Hoffmann Travel.

Established in September 1990, Phil Hoffmann Travel has built a reputation in South Australia for quality, value and personalised service.

As an individual, Phil Hoffmann has sustained a professional commitment to the development of standards in the travel industry from education and training, through to political, economic and environmental issues.

He was instrumental in the initiation and implementation of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) Training Colleges and the Australian Travel Agents Qualification Scheme (ATAQ).

Phil Hoffmann contributes his time to Minda as one of our Ambassadors, and Phil Hoffmann Travel employees have also dedicated their time to volunteering at Minda at a range of events including International Day of People with Disability.

They have also contributed to a range of events in support of Minda, including City to Bay fun runs, Minda golf days and the Black Tie Quiz night (top picture), which they won last year!

To keep up-to-date on their latest travel deals You can subscribe to receive the Phil Hoffmann Travel e-newsletter via their website www.pht.com.au/Subscribe.asp

This Christmas, in partnership with Adelaide Arcade, Minda is providing a gift wrapping service for a gold coin donation per gift.When Monday 1 December to Wednesday 24 December

Where Adelaide Arcade promenade (enter via Rundle Mall or Grenfell Street)

Wrapping hoursMonday to Thursday, 10am to 3pmFriday, 10am to 6.30pmSaturday, 10am to 5pmSunday, 11am to 2pmChristmas Eve, 10am to 4pm

“Adelaide Arcade has been very generous in giving Minda the opportunity to gift wrap again this year,” partnerships and fundraising specialist Marion Zafry says.

“December is such an exciting time of the year, especially in Rundle Mall, so we’re really looking forward to getting involved and we hope you will join us in the festivities!”

Helpers will receive gift wrapping training and will help staff the gift wrapping station and sale of Minda products in Adelaide Arcade during standard shopping hours in December.

You can support this wonderful initiative by visiting the Minda Christmas gift wrapping booth and alleviate some of the festive stress by having your gifts expertly wrapped for just a gold coin donation per gift.

“Please spread the word to your family and friends – we look forward to seeing you at Adelaide Arcade this December!”

Christmas Wrapping at Adelaide Arcade

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MINDA | EVENTS

Next May, Minda and Autism SA will be holding a joint gala event - A Night in Rio.

The party event of the year, A Night in Rio will bring the fun, colour and atmosphere of the carnival capital of the world to Adelaide.Join us at the Convention Centre on Saturday 23 May, for a night of fine cuisine, dancing and entertainment.

If you would like to purchase a table of 10 for the special early price of $165 per person (available until 31 January 2015), please contact Partnerships & Fundraising Specialist Marion Zafry on 8422 6286, or email events@minda.asn.au

For many years parents of children with disability have felt almost irrelevant when it comes to input into the care of their children when they have moved out of home into supported accommodation.In days long gone by parents packed a suitcase and dropped their child at an organisation or institution that assumed parental and legal responsibility and decision-making for the client with intellectual disability.

Many parents were emotionally traumatised by this process, feeling like they had abandoned their child to the care of others who did not have the understanding or compassion towards that client that the parents envisaged was appropriate. Parental input into supported accommodation and best outcomes for the child were not encouraged and often not appreciated or acted upon.

Now times are changing, and when Minda client, young Nick, welcomed the who’s who of the SA disability sector, including the SA Minister for Disability Tony Piccolo and Shadow Minister Duncan McFetridge to the opening of his new Minda-supported accommodation recently, he summed things up brilliantly when told the large audience in attendance “Different is Great”

This new house is very different; purchased by the family of the residents, it is located in one of Adelaide’s best suburbs in a delightful setting next to a park. Two mates share the house with service support from their selected NGO, with Disability SA funding services.

In his official opening speech, Minister Piccolo praised the partnership between parents, clients, service providers and government, describing it as the way of the future. He is undoubtedly correct.

There is little doubt there will be more options in the future, as parents imagine and action better structures for their children to thrive and prosper when they move out of home. Smart NGO’s will be keen to enter into these partnerships.

We expect state and federal governments to invest more time and money in working with clients and families to develop a broad range of service models that are flexible, personal and cost effective. Leading NGO’s like Minda are already progressive in this area and should be congratulated for their vision and willingness to enter such partnerships.

My daughter Kim lives at one of these new Minda facilities Kardinya at Blackwood, where the plan is to develop community and social networks that replicate a traditional family home; the outcomes have been fantastic and the clients have thrived.

Decision making and program development is a joint responsibility between Minda and the parents’ Kardinya management committee, and enables direct parental feedback into the program on everything from staff to specific person centred plans.

The future will be different and the good news is it is already happening now.

David Holst Parent of a child with intellectual disability, client of Minda Inc Chair, Intellectual Disability Association of SA

DISABILITY SECTOR | NEWS

Update from the National Disability Insurance Agency

10 VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) recently released their inaugural Annual Report, which summarises the first year of operation of the Agency and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“Throughout the past year we focused on improving the lives of people with disability, their families and carers, building the Scheme and developing the Agency’s capabilities to ensure that the Scheme is efficient and effective,” NDIA Chairman Bruce Bonyhady says.

“We are committed to a learn-build-learn-build model of operation and actively working together with all of our stakeholders to create a Scheme, which will be there for all Australians who may need it now and in the future.”

Some of the key achievements listed by the NDIA include:

• As of 30 June 2014, the NDIA had approved 7316 plans for people with disability, providing them with the reasonable and necessary supports required to lead an ordinary life

• In 2013-14 the Scheme provided $130 million of support to participants, well within the funding envelope of $148 million

• Amongst participants 94 per cent were satisfied or very satisfied with their plans

• As of 30 June 2014, there were 1350 registered service providers

• The NDIA invested approximately $4.5 million from the Sector Development Fund to help both individuals and organisations make the transition into the Scheme.

You can view the full version of the report at www.ndis.gov.au/document/925

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MINDA | NEWS

Message from Volunteer Services Manager Gai Dawe

The changing face of the disability sector and the impact of the NDIS has meant significant changes for Minda, particularly in the area of our Day Options programs.

The team has been working with Victorian-based organisation, St Laurence Community Services on a learning-based model of service, MyPATH, which will change the way Minda delivers day services.

Based on person centred thinking and active support, MyPATH gives people choices in activities, with 10 learning pathways and up to 30 modules to choose from, with each day providing the opportunity to develop skills and foster independence.

“The Day Options team is continuing to move forward in rolling out the new model

of service, and they are looking to have MyPATH implemented and operational in early 2015,” Senior Manager Lifestyle Services Dale Govett says.

“The transition to MyPATH means activities will be more outcome-focused and will offer greater choice in number and type of activities.”

Individuals will also have the option to participate in accredited training programs and have a greater chance to move around and socialise with their peers.

“We have been running training sessions with staff, including a day-long session with St Laurence Community Services’ MyPATH Senior Practitioner, Mel O’Meara,” Dale says.

“It was a great day and I know Minda staff members are really excited about the opportunities MyPATH will bring for participants.”

MyPATHIt has once again been a busy year for our volunteers who have been very generous in giving of their time and talents to enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

In 2013-14, in addition to giving over 25,171 hours of their time (which equates to approximately $589,650), volunteers made a significant impact on many groups and individuals across Minda through the support, skills and friendship they provided.

The commitment and contribution that volunteers make to Minda’s services is outstanding and they provide valuable service, not only to people supported by Minda but also our staff, with volunteers utilising their professional skills in Property Services, Commercial Enterprises and Disability Choices.

Volunteer Services has over 500 individual volunteers from an array of backgrounds,

including a very popular school volunteer program and corporate volunteers.

Recently, the SA Law Society joined our guys from Envirocare for a day of clearing weeds and overgrown areas and also planting a new herb garden. It was a great day out and everyone had a lot of fun!

With volunteer opportunities across the organisation, there is something to suit every skill-set; even if you can only spare an hour here and there, you will be helping to make a positive impact in the lives of the people Minda support.

We also have a range of opportunities for corporate support and volunteering, so if you would like your business or your employer to get involved, please contact us.

If you are interested in signing up, please contact Administration Assistant Volunteer Services, Danelle King on 8422 6244 or email volunteers@minda.asn.au

12 VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED

MINDA | NEWS

A message from Manager Disability Choices, Gai Dawe

It was always my dream to help families caring for someone with a disability. When my son was born with a disability, a social worker gave me a card and said call me if you need me. But, where do you go? Who do you call? Who holds all the vital information? Unfortunately my story is not an isolated case, even today.

Yes, things have come a long way since then, however there was no “one stop shop” for information and services; until Disability Choices.

With the support of Minda, my son has had opportunities and reached milestones our family would never have thought possible.

I often say to parents who attend Disability Choices parent forums ‘we are all part of an exclusive club that no-one wants to join, we are all caring for someone with a disability’.

Since launch in July last year, the initiative has assisted over 200 families to access services, funding or to provide information. The service has helped people to secure accommodation, in-home support, day placements, social and recreational activities and supported employment.

There has been a renewed focus on early intervention, with the Disability Choices team increasingly promoting Minda’s services to schools, liaising with teachers and providing parent and teacher support.

Additionally, much of the work of Disability Choices has been crisis-driven, with the team advocating for and accessing supported accommodation for 11 people who were at significant risk.

Support for parents has also been provided in the form of an active parent group; held every two months, the initiative has helped to ease the process of linking people to services and has allowed parents (who may feel isolated and disconnected) make contact with other parents.

The first two parent groups for 2014 will be held on February 18 at 7pm and February 20 at 10am at the South Australian Learning Centre (SALC), at Minda’s Brighton site.

For more information about parent groups, or to find out more about Disability Choices, free call 1800 1 MINDA (64632).

Disability Choices Update

SA Group Enterprises In October, Minda was pleased to announce its alliance with SA Group Enterprises, which protects nearly 140 local jobs – including more than 75 supported workers.The alliance proposal was finalised by the Board of SA Group Enterprises at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 7 November 2014, with proposed amendments to the SA Group Enterprises Constitution passed, resulting in Minda assuming control of the business.

A not-for-profit social enterprise, SA Group Enterprises provides employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities through their business divisions, which include, Aspitech, Inprint Design, Link Disability Magazine, Wire Ware and Your Employment Success (YES).

“I’m sure many of you will have seen SA Group Enterprises in the headlines prior to our alliance, with news of their imminent closure as a result of changes announced by the Federal Government regarding the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS),” Minda CEO Cathy Miller says.

“It is our understanding that production levels for Aspitech will resume to normal in the weeks ahead as new e-waste supply contracts begin, and we hope to see employment numbers eventually grow over time as the business works towards achieving a strengthened and more sustainable financial position.”

For Minda, the alliance will offer the potential for more choice in the type and range of jobs available to our supported employees, and a greater opportunity for Minda to offer support, that is truly person centred.

“As part of Minda’s commitment, our team will share processes and knowledge of operating a successful range of Commercial Enterprises, which continue to provide employment, as well as vocational learning and development opportunities,” Cathy says.

“From an operational perspective it will be business as usual for the SA Group Enterprises workforce, and on behalf of the Minda team, we look forward to directly assisting SA Group Enterprises to grow and flourish under this new alliance.”

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Minda’s Commercial Enterprises provides a variety of supported employment options for people with disability where they can receive training, instruction and support, specific to their needs.

On the job skills training is complemented by skill development in areas which assist supported employees in both the workplace and daily life.

“Supported employment within our Commercial Enterprises offers a sense of routine, the opportunity to earn a wage, learn new skills, make friends and gain a sense of achievement and pride in a supported environment,” says Senior Manager Commercial Enterprises, Tony de Vries.

There are a number of benefits for an employer too, with research showing that a diverse workforce fosters innovation, boosts staff morale and leads to increased productivity.

Tony adds: “Quite a few of our supported employees work within our customers’ businesses too; these customers are champions of social justice and help to break down some of the barriers that people with a disability can experience when it comes to employment opportunities.”

Supported Employment within Minda’s Commercial Enterprises can also be a pathway to Open Employment opportunities, after the skills needed are learned and developed in the supported employment environment. Organisations, such as Minda’s MJP offer transitioning support for these employees as they adjust to their new workplaces.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme will significantly change the way the market operates, in that it places an individual at the very centre of decision-making.

“The sector must play a role in supporting and empowering people with disabilities to take full advantage of potential benefits and opportunities, using person-centred approaches, including the development of individual plans to achieve both vocational and life goals and aspirations,” Tony says.

“In the future, I hope that increased awareness amongst the community, where the focus will be on each individual’s abilities and greater inclusion in a modern workforce, with higher levels of employment of people with disability across the public and private sector.”

For more information on supported employment opportunities at Minda visit mindainc.com.au/supportedemployment or phone 1800 1 MINDA (64632).

Supported Employment on track at Minda

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MINDA | NEWS

Chris represents Self Advocates The Self Advocacy program at Minda aims to give people living with intellectual disability a voice and the confidence and life skills to link in with the local community and become a valued community member.The program has two components: a self advocacy group, Express Yourself, and training in how to be a self advocate for people living with intellectual disability.

Self Advocate Chris Bergin has been spreading the word about Self Advocacy and the impacts of the NDIS at conferences around Australia.

In late August, Chris went to Newcastle for the NSW Council on Intellectual Disability Conference and was part of a presentation with other members of national Self Advocacy Group, Our Voice.

“I’ve been part of Our Voice for two years and at the conference I spoke about how the NDIS is rolling out in SA,” Chris says.

“There were activities at the conference too – Judy (the Chair of the Our Voice Committee) helped me to speak up about my dreams at one of the activities. People at the conference came up and told me I did a good job; that was pretty good.”

After his presentation in Newcastle, Chris was invited to Tasmania to present at the Speak Out conference in September.

“It was a really good trip, although it took quite a while to get to Tasmania! After leaving Adelaide, we had to wait in Melbourne airport, finally arriving in Launceston,” says Chris.

“After settling in, I went out to dinner with the other Our Voice committee who are from all around Australia. On the Friday, the first day of the conference, I did my speech in the afternoon.”

Congratulations Chris on putting the word out about Self Advocacy!

On 12 October, the doors opened on the AEIOU Foundation’s first Adelaide Centre in Huntfield Heights, with the service providing early intervention services for children with autism.

“It is a great day for local families caring for young people with autism, many of whom have been waiting for this type of support in the State for a number of years,” Cathy Miller says.

Cathy Miller says Minda is proud to support AEIOU Foundation and host the site of the future purpose-built centre, “This is another example of collaboration with a like-minded organisation interstate, and Minda’s partnership with AEIOU Foundation is one based on mutual values.”

With a reputation for delivering high-quality, early intervention programs to children with autism across Queensland since 2005, currently AEIOU supports more than 200 children across its nine centres in Queensland, and around 70 per cent of children who complete the program successfully transition to mainstream school.

Initially enrolling 10 children aged 2 to 6 years of age (full-time, or equivalent part-time spaces), the service will expand with Minda over the coming years, with an aim to expand to support 30 children by 2015.

AEIOU opening

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MINDA | APPEAL

Imagine being told every day that your child isn’t good enough, that they are too difficult, too disruptive, too much work. Now, imagine this happening every day, for 25 years.

Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was 21, Anthony always had the love of his parents, Julie and Joe and his sister Belinda - they dreamed of a day when he could find his niche.

“Our beloved son Anthony was always the black sheep; there was never a single positive day, just rejection. Schools, day care centres, teachers would all look at Anthony and say, “he’ll be fine” but everywhere he went, they wanted to kick him out,” Julie and Joe Esposito say.

“It was so hard for us, but the thing that broke our hearts the most was that it was so much harder for him; things started to change, when we started accessing services through Minda.”

Many of the hundreds of people supported by Minda require a high level of support in

most aspects of their life, such as daily care, work and in the home. And while people like Anthony do receive some government funding, it is only very limited and simply cannot be stretched to cover the things that allow them to experience and embrace life.

“We were on the Urgent Accommodation Waiting List for eight years and for so long it just seemed hopeless,” Julie and Joe say.

“Minda again came to our rescue and in 2012, Anthony moved into community accommodation. Anthony is so proud of his home and we can’t speak highly enough of the team at Minda who have made him feel so settled. As a family, it gives us peace of mind that he is taken care of; on the other hand it gives Anthony independence and the opportunity to make more decisions for himself.”

With the support of his family and Minda, Anthony now has his independence; he is proud of his home, and loves to go to the pub with his housemates, play darts, go bowling and play basketball and indoor cricket.

At the moment Minda provides accommodation for more than 500 people living with intellectual disability, but there are many more caring parents and siblings who desperately need support; they are families in crisis.

“If you saw our family five years ago, you wouldn’t believe the change, but we still see other families doing it tough – they need help,”Julie and Joe say.

“In the same way Minda helped us to achieve our dreams, you can be the light at the end of the tunnel for so many families in need.”

If you would like to make a donation, please visit mindainc.com.au or call (08) 8422 6555

Esposito family

MI1

87 SalmonStudio

.com

.au

Minda has a long and proud history of providing a unique and vital service to people with intellectual disability – a history only made possible by a philanthropic South Australian community.

Patron

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia

Ambassadors

Phil Hoffmann, AM

Katrina Webb, OAM

Ali Clarke

Sponsors and supporters

Advertiser Foundation

Australian Hotels Association SA

Australian Executor Trustees Limited

Beyond Bank

Bridgewater Associates, LP

City of Holdfast Bay

City of Mitcham

Datacom Systems SA

DataSpark Analytics

Ecolab

Evans and Ayers Chartered Accountants

Foodland

Glenelg Golf Club Ladies Committee

HESTA

Hindmarsh Development Australia

Katalyst Interactive Pty Ltd

Lions Club of Richmond

National Australia Bank

Phil McMahon Real Estate Pty Ltd

Presence

Public Trustee

Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA

SA Law Society

Salmon Studio

Sangamitha Foundation

Telstra

Woodhead

Woolworths SA/NT

Zero Waste SA

THANK YOU

Corporate Partners

King George Ave

PO Box 5, Brighton SA 5048Ph 08 8422 6200 Fax 08 8422 6330

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