Prime Minister Julia Gillard visits Seven Hills office

Ability Options Hosted Julia Gillard in Western Sydney Today as the Government makes ‘Insurance for Disability’ part of their five-point plan.

Julia Gillard this morning visited the Ability Options office in Seven Hills in order to hear about their 300 clients who already receive individualised funding, proving that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can provide solutions that really work. Ability Options is one of the largest disability not-for-profit organisations in NSW.

We provide more than 3,000 people with a disability across NSW with better opportunities that will enable them to enhance their lifestyle and achieve their goals. Ms Gillard has identified ‘insurance for disabilities’ as part of her five-point plan for Western Sydney.

Matt Donnelly, CEO of Ability Options comments, “Ms Gillard visited our office this morning to hear first-hand about how individualised funding can make a real difference, and to meet some of the people who are already benefitting from this model of funding. We hope that this is a significant step towards making the NDIS a reality for more people across the country”.

Ability Options founder, Greg McIntyre, inducted into the Western Sydney Community Forum Hall of Fame

On 27 February, Ability Options’ founder, Greg McIntyre OAM, was recognised for his outstanding achievements advancing the rights and opportunities of people with a disability by being inducted into the Western Sydney Community Forum’s (WSCF) ‘Hall of Fame’ during the ZEST Awards ceremony at The Grand Royal Function Centre in Granville.

The ZEST Awards, which receive more than 100 nominations annually, recognise projects, individuals and non-government organisations that have shown Zest, Enthusiasm, Strength and Tenacity throughout their activities within Western Sydney.

Greg sadly passed away in October last year. In the 1970s, Greg founded Ability Options, which is now one of the largest and most innovative disability service providers in NSW. Ability Options was the first in NSW to support people with a disability to move to live in the community at a time when institutionalisation and segregation was the practice.

In addition, Greg was heavily involved in developing the first advocacy services for people with a disability, wrote many of the first policies that underpinned the first NSW disability services and during the 80s and 90s was responsible for planning, policy development and the management of TAFE services for students with a disability.

Greg’s wife, Anita, and daughter, Kristin attended the ZEST Award ceremony and accepted the award on Greg’s behalf. Ability Options' CEO, Matt Donnelly, and Board Director, Anne McElduff, were also present at this special event.

Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill

Futures Alliance: Seeking better future for people with a disability who are ageing

The Futures Alliance is a cooperative of community representatives with a single focus on removing boundaries and maximising community resources to deliver improved options for people with a disability who are ageing. Ability Options is an active member of the Futures Alliance which made submissions to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Disability Care and Support in August 2010, and again in May 2011, in respect to the specific issues facing, and current policy gaps pertaining to people with a disability who are ageing.

The Futures Alliance has welcomed the opportunity to respond to the draft National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill 2012. The Alliance's comments pertain to areas in the legislation that directly impact on the specific needs and issues for people with a disability who are ageing.

Please find attached The Futures Alliance response to the draft legislation. For further information or comment the alliance can be contacted via Kellie Van Gool on
(02) 4620 2905 or at futuresalliance@gmail.com.

Leadership opportunity for people with a disability

Leadership opportunity for people with a disability

Applications are now open for the Leaders for Tomorrow program. This is a 12 month program that gives people with a disability access to coaching, mentoring and other leadership development training based on their individual interests and needs. The program is tailored in line with each participant’s leadership aspiration and goals and aims to support people with disability to become more skilled, confident and active in whatever leadership role they pursue.

There are currently 169 people already completing this program.

Hunter TAFE is the national provider of the Leaders for Tomorrow Program in partnership with E-QUAL (Enhancing Quality).

The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

Visit http://www.leadersfortomorrow.com.au/ to download an application pack or call:

• NSW, ACT, Vic and TAS 1800 887 624 or
• WA, SA, NT and Qld 1800 648 021 for more information

Applications close Friday, 29 March 2013