Where has the year gone? It feels like only yesterday the Federal Government announced its support and commitment to the NDIS. Now, we are 2 months into the scheme and it hasn’t been without its issues for the people we serve, their families and providers. However, we have also seen an immense amount of positivity as we continue to support NDIS participants and individuals and their families in their NDIS planning meetings with local planners.

Interaction continues to offer the people we support and their families and carers assistance with the pre-planning process. This is a free service and available for anyone who would like help navigating the NDIS planning maze. If you would like to arrange an individualised pre-planning meeting, please contact Helen Amos or Panna Makko on 1300 668 123 or ndis@interactionservices.org

Interaction has been busy and continues to rise to the challenges of operating in the new world whilst continuing to provide its traditional block funded programs. In June 2016 Interaction was chosen to provide reauspiced programs from Anglicare to broader Western Sydney. This included expanding Interaction’s case management services and assistance for older parent carers. Contact has been made with all transferred clients and families to ensure a smooth transition between providers.

Interaction was honoured to host Mr John Ajaka, Minister for Disability Services and Mr Ray Williams, Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney on the NDIS launch week. Minister Ajaka and Mr Williams toured Interaction’s head office and addressed Interaction staff prior to the launch of the NDIS on 1st July 2016. They were very impressed with Interaction’s support of the NDIS. In Minister Ajaka’s words “we get it”. They were shown the training area which was providing training to a staffing group, the Clinical counselling area, newly made-over Activity Room and Sensory Room. They were also impressed with Interaction’s support of families and carers, something which is not funded for directly in the NDIS.

The visit highlighted Interaction’s NDIS readiness and support of the community in this transition. Minister Ajaka noted his research of Interaction showed nothing but positive stories and reputation and reiterated it is certainly a time for growth and response to client need and choice.

Interaction has also continued its commitment to the long term future of the Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) community. Since my last update, Interaction has expanded to 3 PWS-specific accommodation sites. I also engaged in a research trip with James O’Brien, President of the PWS Association of Australia to observe and learn from international accommodation models that support people with PWS in the United Kingdom, Denmark and Germany. The trip was concluded in Toronto, Canada where I represented Interaction at the 9th International PWS Conference.

This trip really solidified my vision of providing worthy accommodation for people with PWS so they can live an ordinary life, i.e. live in the community, build and explore relationships and engage in meaningful work. This is why Interaction’s project of providing purpose-built accommodation for people with PWS is so important. We are now in the process of seeking land for the proposed house. Unfortunately this has been far more difficult than expected due to land size and topography being constant challenges. However we will continue to search for an appropriate block in the community and liaise with local councils as required.

As always, feel free to contact Interaction’s staff or myself with any queries you may have about the NDIS or any other matters. We have ensured all of our staff are well informed of the evolving changes.

Kind regards,

Craig Moore
Chief Executive Officer