December 2017

Dr Gill Hicks talks to us at International Day of People with Disability

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly!

ANZSCoS 2017 Conference

PQSA’s Peer Support Network is Going Regional

Contents

PQSA leads positive impact for people with Spinal Cord Injury and the broader disability community through

quality support and services.

Our VisionWe will be the voice, advocate and support to enable every South Australian with Spinal Cord Injury to fully participate in their community and live their potential.

Core ValuesAt all times, we will demonstrate:

• Excellence• Innovation• Responsiveness• Equality

• Ethical Behaviour

PatronsHis Excellency, Hieu Van Le, AO Governor of South Australia

Board

President: Craig Clarke

Vice-President: Suzanne Twelftree

Treasurer: Steve Russo

Gary Allison

Kenneth Soward

Marissa Brown

Chief Executive Officer: Peter Stewart

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From the CEO

HomeCare+

Volunteer Program

Latest Study

What’s On

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly!

Staff Lunch and Office Competition

International Day of People with Disability

ANZSCoS 2017 Conference

PQSA’s Peer Support Network is Going Regional

An update from the Recreation Program

NDIS Update

Stories From Neil’s Corner

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Hi all

All we want for Christmas is you! Well, your feedback and engagement at least.

As we continue to rollout the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it is so important that we continue to receive your valuable feedback on our services, our communication and how we are supporting you, your loved ones and friends. We’d also love to hear your good and maybe not so good stories regarding your NDIS experiences.

This can be done formally (in writing or via our website) or by speaking to any member of the PQSA and HomeCare+ team. Your engagement with us is vital to ensure we deliver our purpose of leading positive impact and our continued evolution will occur much more effectively with your support and contribution.

Part of this evolution has been the exciting announcement at our AGM that PQSA is branching out into the field of Allied Health with the appointment of an Occupational Therapist from February 2018.

We see this as the first step in expanding our suite of Support Services to provide a comprehensive community hub across the state.

In the coming months, there will also be the opportunity for our clients and members to be engaged in a large international study focusing on improving lived experience for people with Spinal Cord Injury.

We are excited with the early planning of the extension of our Peer Support networks and DPM workshops in regional South Australia, thanks to the generous support of the Lifetime Support Authority.

Our growth in HomeCare+ over the past year especially has been huge, and I can’t thank enough the myriad of people who work tirelessly to deliver in-home and accommodation-based support to hundreds of clients.

From the CEO

Everyone involved, particularly our amazing clients, make us all proud to work here.

January 2018 will see new challenges and, in line with a new phase of strategic planning with the PQSA Board, we will be working towards designing new solutions to enhance our client and member experience and to improve the health and wellbeing of every staff member. That’s a big ask, but we are committed to achieving it.

On behalf of everyone here at PQSA and HomeCare+, I wish you all a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year. I look forward as always to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming months.

Peter Stewart

Chief Executive Officer

PQSA is branching out into the field of Allied Health with the appointment of an Occupational Therapist from February 2018

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HomeCare+

Now that we are well entrenched in the warmth of summer and move toward the festive season it is an opportune time to reflect on the whirlwind 2017 has been!

2017 has seen HomeCare+ provide record levels of support to clients across all regions with a number of new clients choosing us as their service provider. However, our first commitment will always be to our existing clients, to provide them with information, assistance and support as they transition to the NDIS. This was achieved in part by the many information sessions and expos that we attended across the state.

Regionally, we relocated our office in Port Pirie into a bigger office space on Main Road at Solomontown. We experienced phenomenal growth in the sale of mobility, lifestyle and continence aids in the Riverland. There was also further expansion of services to the bottom end of the Yorke Peninsula, Clare and Gilbert Valleys and Eyre Peninsula.

There were further enquiries to provide services into the Barossa Valley, Gawler and Murray Bridge. We are committed to ensuring that any new service will be sustainable and will not compromise the high quality services we offer our current clients.

Many of the highlights of the year were the celebratory functions held within each region as a thank you to our clients and staff for their support. We look forward to doing this again in 2018.

The quality of service and support we provide is always reliant on the commitment, dedication and skills of our office-based staff and dedicated support workers who work tirelessly to ensure that HomeCare+ is the very best service it can be. The association is very fortunate to have a highly professional and passionate group of individuals who are committed to the well-being of our clients in achieving their individual goals and aspirations

In closing, I would like to thank you all for your support during 2017 and hope that 2018 brings happiness, good health, prosperity and kindness for all.

I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Christmas filled with love and laughter.

HomeCare+: “Supporting your potential”. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sue Houston

Operations and Business Development Manager HomeCare+

We are committed to ensuring that any new service will be sustainable and will not compromise the high quality service we offer our current clients

We have news!

PQSA is thrilled to announce the addition of Allied Health Services with the introduction of our first

Occupational Therapist! This service will commence in February 2018. It represents

a broader offering to our current and future clients. More information will be available in the new year.

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It has been another busy year with our volunteers providing over 3,500 hours of service in handy work, gardening, visiting, shopping, dog-walking, phone support, administration and assistance at our internet cafe QWERTY. To thank our volunteers and to celebrate we held a Christmas dinner at the Highway on 22 November.

Here we recognised the valuable contribution of one of our very first gardeners and handy persons, Allan Roberts. Allan has been volunteering with us for over 14 years and is now retiring. He had many regular clients as he always went above and beyond what was expected of him. Thank you Allan for all your hard work, commitment and dedication. We wish you well in your retirement. You will be sorely missed by us all!

Congratulations and thank you to Brian Whinfield who has been volunteering with us for ten years. Brian initially started doing gardening

Volunteer Program

and handy work but it wasn’t long before Brian became an ‘all rounder’ doing almost everything including visiting, fundraising and dog walking.

One of his highlights is helping a client’s dream come true by building a model railway. He helped source trains, switches and built an amazing glass display table. Thank you so much Brian for all your enthusiasm, hard work and commitment!

Thank you to all of our volunteers who brighten the lives of all those they work with. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2018!

Megan Quirk Mick Occhiuto

Team Leader, Programs Programs Facilitator

Dr Peter New and colleagues from Caulfield Hospital and Monash University in Melbourne are conducting a world-first study into the psychological and emotional issues facing people with spinal cord damage from any cause, including trauma, diseases and medical or surgical problems.

In particular, we are interested in how people with spinal cord damage cope and the influence of different factors after spinal cord damage. We hope to use this information to develop strategies to help people with spinal cord damage.

There are two separate parts to the study. Adults over 18 years can take part in one or both parts of the study. One part of the study involves a questionnaire.

No identifying personal details need to be provided and it takes about 60-90 minutes. You don’t have to complete it all at once, as long as you complete it within one week of commencing.

Latest Study

A paper copy can be posted to you by contacting Diana Hernandez on 0468 325 633 or email diana.ramirezhernandez@monash.edu.

The other part of the study involves an interview with a researcher. The interview can be conducted either face-face when and where it suits you or over the phone. It will take about 60 minutes to complete.

At this stage we are just collecting names of people who may be interested. If you are interested in this part of the project please call Diana Hernandez or email using her above details.

Participants will be offered a $20 shopping voucher for completing the questionnaire.

A mixed-methods study of the psychological and emotional experiences of people with spinal cord damage

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‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

What’s On

It was fantastic to see everyone at the annual client and member Christmas party on Sunday 26 November. There were so many smiling faces and a lot of catching up amongst friends. The afternoon was made more special thanks to ‘George the Magician’ who wowed the audience with clever tricks.

We also had a lot of our guests (big and small) partake in the face painting, and Father Christmas made a special appearance, giving each of our clients and members a very special Christmas ornament that we hope will be enjoyed for years to come.

Thanks to the Highway Hotel team for putting on an excellent lunch and the staff from HomeCare+ and PQSA who helped on the day.

Staff Lunch and Office Competition

Our Christmas lunch and Kris Kringle gift giving was held in the Dulwich office on Wednesday 13 December. Our growing numbers meant we only just managed to fit in!

This year we yet again set out the challenge to all office staff to get into the Christmas spirit and decorate your work area. It unleashed all kinds of surprising creative expression and introduced some healthy competition!

International Day of People with a Disability

What’s On

Celebrate on the Square

On Friday 1st of December, Victoria Square came to life to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. This year’s event was the largest to date with over 45 organisations exhibiting on the day and the entertainment on stage keeping the crowd captivated.

The entertainment included a great conversation between Amanda Blair and the inspiring Dr Gill Hicks, a thrilling performance by the Lolly Jar Circus and magnificent songs by the Sisters of Invention.

We also had Adelaide’s finest food trucks on day including Sookii Lala, Shake Street, Coffee and Crepes and Chimichurri Grill supplying our guests with amazing food and beverages.

PQSA together with our partners Lifetime Support Authority, Brain Injury SA and IPAA coordinate the event.

We are proud that the event grows each year and that so many of you support it. We are already planning bigger and better things for our 2018 event, so as they say…watch this space.

Regards, Olivia Boffa

Communications Coordinator

For more information on upcoming

workshops visit:

pqsa.asn.au/services/discovering-the-power-in-me

or

contact Annie on (08) 8355 3500

or email annel@pqsa.asn.au

PQSA’s Peer Support Network is going regional!

Peer Support will be providing a new program to extend our services regionally. The yet to be named program, is encouraging members with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to come together in their community to discuss all things relevant. Our aim is to conduct regular, informal and fun catch ups for members to share their skills and knowledge, to enhance their participation in the community, and to deal with the extra challenges that living in regional areas can present.

We are seeking volunteer Peer Network Facilitators that have experienced SCI and therefore bring an understanding of the issues facing clients during and after rehabilitation.

These networks are open to everyone in the SCI community and will be extended throughout South Australian regional areas including the Eyre Peninsula, Iron Triangle, Yorke Peninsula, Clare Valley, South East and the Riverland/Murray Mallee.

If you would like more information, have any suggestions, or would like to be involved in starting a group, please feel free to contact me on (08) 8355 3500.

Grant Leonard Regional Peer Network Coordinator

ANZSCoS 2017

Michael Arthur and myself were fortunate to attend the ANZCoS Spinal Conference in Brisbane in November. The conference allows us to network with colleagues from around the country and NZ where we discuss many issues in relation to spinal cord injury (SCI).

This year’s conference had many interesting sessions around the NDIS and how it fits with SCI. There were fantastic talks about an ocean paddle boarding program (stay tuned for future information on this one!),sexuality after SCI and smart phone technology for the home. Nurses, doctors, therapists and others presented posters displaying their research areas.

There was also a fabulous trade display where national and international companies displayed new equipment and technology.

We are very lucky to be able to participate in these conferences as it enables us to learn and then pass on information and knowledge to our PQSA Community. Please contact us if you would like to know more on (08) 8355 3500.

Nicola Bennett

RN CLA

WIN!We are looking for a groovy name for this new program. The winning name will win a

$50 voucher. Applications by email to grantl@pqsa.asn.au

close on Friday 5 January.

GOOD LUCK!

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An update from the Recreation Program

The last four months have been very busy for the Recreation Program exploring a variety of interesting destinations in Adelaide. Our Recreation Program invites adults of all ages, who have a Spinal Cord Injury or neurological disability and require the use of a wheelchair, to get together with others in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Our last few trips include:

• Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute

• Movies at Mitcham cinemas

• TAFE SA tour through the hospitality kitchens, followed by lunch at Tiros@Regency

• Bowling at Salisbury Bowland

• Harbor Town

• Lunch at Boomers on the Beach and a look around Moseley Square

• Adelaide Botanic Gardens

• Wheelchair Balloon Volleyball at the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre gym

• South Australian Museum

• Lunch at the Ramsgate Hotel

• Shopping at Hollywood Plaza

• International Day of People with Disability and the Central Market

It has been a wonderful year for the Recreation Program and I hope everyone has enjoyed the outings!

Mick Occhiuto

Programs Facilitator

The Recreation Program will take a short break over Christmas

and recommence on the following dates:

09/01/2018 – Southern Group

12/01/2018 – Northern Group

We have two Recreation Groups - in the south and north of Adelaide. Outings are held

fortnightly on Tuesday and Friday.

We would love to see new faces!

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Mick Occhiuto

on (08) 8355 3500 or michaelo@pqsa.asn.au

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The third NDIS rollout for adults commences from 1 January 2018 and covers the southern suburbs (Cities of Holdfast Bay, Marion, Mitcham and Onkaparinga), Fleurieu (Alexandrina Council, City of Victor Harbor, District Council of Yankalilla) & Kangaroo Island, Eyre Western, Far North, Yorke and Mid North. Information sessions have now been completed for these regions to support people’s readiness for their planning conversations.

The Getting Plan Ready workbook sent to all clients of PQSA and HomeCare+ is your tool to assist in the planning process.

NDIS UpdateRemember to be specific and clear about the supports you require, such as hours of support per day/week and equipment etc. If you can, provide a copy of your information including supporting documentation to your Planner.

Here are a couple of questions and answers that may be of help to you:

What do I do if my assistive technology equipment (AT) needs emergency repairs or replacement?

Your NDIS plan should include funds (under the capital budget) to cover repairs and maintenance costs for your AT supports which have been identified as reasonable and necessary. In the first instance, you should direct your repair and maintenance requests to the provider who supplied the AT. In some cases where the item is relatively new, you may be entitled to a replacement or repairs free of charge as part of your consumer rights to address any faults (see the ACCC website).

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More information on AT can be found on the NDIS website www.ndis.gov.au under the ‘Provider’ tab.

I have received my Plan and I don’t know if my requests have been included. Where can I get assistance from?

You can contact the NDIS Planner through their local office and request assistance to go through the details of your plan or telephone the NDIS on 1800 800 110. If your Plan was undertaken by a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) from Feros Care (a partner organisation supporting the NDIS for the Northern Rollout regions) you can visit one of their offices, email lacinfo@feroscare.com.au or telephone Feros Care on 1300 986 970.

You can also contact HomeCare+ or PQSA for assistance. Please feel free to also contact me if you have any queries.

Cheers, Linda Macmillan

Projects Coordinator

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Socialising, Operating, YES and banging the drums …

Last newsletter I said I would tell you about some of the informal social groups that I hang out with. The longest standing is what we call ‘The Friday Nighters’. It all started way back in 1990 when I started work as Director of the Disability Information and Resource Centre (DIRC) now defunct. Almost every Friday night after work we would go to the local Astor Hotel for drinks. They had bar food in those days.

Occasionally we would go to a local restaurant. For a while we were regulars at the Brecknock Hotel but after an unfortunate incident we set ourselves a goal of going to a different restaurant every Friday. ‘The Friday Nighters’ numbers have dwindled a bit and we have a core group of four to six people and we are much less regular than we were in our hey-day. The Entertainment Book (you can purchase this from PQSA and they get 20% of the funds) makes our outings relatively inexpensive.

I am the fearless Baton Master of the ‘Stepney Coffee Club’ that kicked off in February 2005. We gather for breakfast on a Friday morning. Because I run things, I get to choose how often and where we meet. I try to spread it around a bit in the inner-city suburbs. There are about 18 blokes on the email list and usually about ten roll up. This week we are off to Wholly Belly on Magill Road. If you know of any places that do a good coffee and breakfast, please let me know!

More recently (2015) I have been catching up with a group of guys who meet every Tuesday for morning coffee. Conversations meander all over the place from plants to politics and everything in between.

We have been discussing writing a new set of rules for the AFL. If I remember I will submit some of my proposed changes nearer to when the footy season kicks off.

Then there is what Glenys calls the ‘drunken lunch’ because on one occasion I over indulged. This group is predominately made up of guys who come from Naracoorte. ‘Bad boys from Naracoorte are we …’ sung to some tune of unknown origin. John herds this lot of cats. I met John the year before my spinal injury and he is one of the champions of my rehabilitation. He unwittingly organised my social rehabilitation, much of which involved the other members of this group.

Stories From Neil’s CornerWe meet monthly, initially at the Norwood Hotel, then The Maylands and currently at The Colonist. All within pushing distance of where I live.

Get yourselves up to Summertown Astrologist (1097 Greenhill Road). Glenys and I went for a Saturday lunch. We had three shared plates - asparagus with broad beans & broad bean leaves with burnt butter; - nettle gnocchi (fried) with salad & miso sauce; - grilled baby snapper with salad stuff. The food was absolutely excellent, equal to any of our past ‘best meals’. Access is a bit of a challenge and they are working on making improvements but I managed OK.

My sister Helen and I have been to two operas since last letter. Having dined at T-Chow (excellent meal) we went to Die Fledermaus a three act operetta by Johann Strauss ll (1825-1899) performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre. The action was set in modern day Beverley Hills, California with a Batman and Robin theme with costumes, capes, masks and mixed-up identities. Very amusing at times. Unfortunately I couldn’t really enjoy the ending as the show ran about 20 minutes over the advertised duration, so I was stressing about the Access Cab. Luckily he hung around and I only had to cover a bit of waiting time. A woman was less fortunate as she had booked an access cab and it had shot through!

I really enjoyed the Verdi Spectacular at the Adelaide Town Hall. This comprised a number of arias, orchestral pieces and chorus performances from Giuseppe Verdi’s many great operas. Top class stuff I thought and the show ended on time!

You can read a more professional review here: www.broadwayworld.com/bwwopera (search for Verdi spectacular).

While Helen and I waited for our access cab we happened to cross paths with Rosemary Penn. She and her late husband, Malcolm, were very active in promoting and running the Charles Bright Award.

Justice Charles Bright conducted a major investigation into the rights of people with disability. This resulted in The Bright Reports and subsequently the first disability anti-discrimination legislation in Australia - the Handicapped Persons Equal Opportunity Act 1981.

In 1982 I worked in the Equal Opportunity Commission as a Community Education Officer. Little wonder then that I advocated for a yes vote in the recent Marriage Equality survey. It astounds me how some people can discriminate about who should be free of discrimination. By the time you read this we will have marriage equality in Australia, and that’s worth celebrating. Sincere thanks to all of you who voted yes.

Here is a shot of the poster I put together and hung on my front gate.

I did have quite a giggle whilst creating the poster, took me back to my amateurish primary school projects! Oh, and I forgot to mention above another social group that I attend. Its organised by David Bright, son of Charles. This group, predominately from the law fraternity catch up at a local fish and chippery!

Talking of primary school, for a very short time I got to play the big bass drum for the kids to march into school to the beat of my drum. I was in grade 7, the drum was taken off me by the Headmaster and given to his son who was in grade 6. Nepotism! Imagine the humiliation of that. It spoilt my budding musical career and I’m still struggling to recover. I can’t even join in with crowd clapping at concerts! Should I sue the Education Department? I am working on my recovery and at a recent reunion at my old High School I got to give the drums a good work out. Peter has generously offered me a gig with Orange Whip, unfortunately it seems to clash with my appearance at Carnegie Hall. Such is life!

My next newsletter contribution will contain language, themes and nuts. So be warned! It relates to an Access2Arts project, but that’s another story …

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