NDIS, disability and development news

NDIS, Disability & Development News

Find out the latest news, insights and stories in the areas of NDIS, disability and early childhood development at Windermere.

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**Windermere is committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people** For more information, see our Protecting Children Policy here.

Meet Kimberley Talbot, Senior Early Childhood Education Specialist

Find out how Kimberley in the EITS team extends her expertise and strategies as a keyworker to support families on the NDIS address their children’s additional needs.

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Meet Cecilia Libor Lictaoa, Plan Manager in Windermere’s NDIS team

As a plan manager, Cecilia unites her expertise in finance admin and disability support to help individuals and families make the most of their NDIS fund.

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Meet Georgia Presutto, Occupational Therapist/Key Worker and Allied Health Graduate

Georgia shares how the Allied Health Graduate program and Windermere's culture of learning have helped her develop her skills as an Occupational Therapist and Key Worker.

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How Support Coordination helps Michael live a full life

After sustaining an acquired brain injury seven years ago, Michael overcomes many challenges in life with the help of our Support Coordination services.

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Meet Tayla Keddie, Support Coordinator in Windermere’s NDIS team

As a Support Coordinator, Tayla helps those she supports make the best use of their NDIS funds and build their capacity.

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7 reasons to choose NDIS Plan Management

Find out the benefits of NDIS Plan Management services to help you make the most of your funds.

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Meet Jodie Mortimer, Team Leader of NDIS Early Intervention & Therapy Services

Jodie started out at Windermere as a physiotherapist in the Allied Health Graduate Program, a year ago. Now as Team Leader of Early Intervention Therapy Services, she credits the culture of learning and support for her career development.

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Find out if your child needs early intervention

Find out about the development milestones to help you understand if your child needs early intervention.

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Meet Joyce Ramsay, Dietitian at Windermere

Joyce works with children and adults to help them develop a healthy and varied diet to improve their health and wellbeing.

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Preparing for your next NDIS plan reassessment meeting

Learn how you can prepare for your NDIS plan reassessment meeting to ensure you receive a plan that meets your needs.

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Meet Marian Moloney, Senior Psychologist and Key Worker

Senior Psychologist and Key Worker, Marian draws on her key worker training and education to support Windermere's Adult Psychology and Early Intervention Therapy services.

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Meet Maria Eldho, Paediatric Physiotherapist and Key Worker

Paediatric Physiotherapist, Maria draws on her specialised skills and key worker training and education for her role in Early Intervention Therapy services.

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Meet Tracey McQueen, Integrated Family Services Specialist Disability Practitioner

Tracey, our Integrated Family Services Specialist Disability Practitioner draws on years of experience to enhance support for families in the South Melbourne region.

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Mighty Munchers – helping children eat better, the fun way

The Mighty Munchers group program is designed for children with feeding difficulties and educates parents on strategies that help their children eat better.

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Meet Michaela, Occupational Therapist and Key Worker in Windermere's Allied Health Graduate Program

As an Occupational Therapist and Key Worker at Windermere, Michaela works with children in the disability space supporting all areas of their development.

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Meet Billy, Senior Support Coordinator at Windermere

As a Senior Support Coordinator at Windermere Billy supports people to navigate the NDIS and build their capacity.

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Meet Narrelle, one of our friendly Support Coordinators

As an NDIS Support Coordinator at Windermere Narrelle ensures the people she works with can link into the appropriate NDIS services.

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Meet Deepti, Finance Officer, Windermere Services

Deepti works to assist our NDIS families with invoice related queries.

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Meet Victoria, NDIS Plan Manager

I help people with their National Disability Insurance Service (NDIS) plans.

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Meet Sandra, NDIS Consumer Response Officer

As an NDIS Consumer Response Officer with Windermere Sandra ensure the people she works with feel happy and supported.

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Meet Narelle, one of our friendly NDIS Plan Managers

Plan management takes some of the stress away from families in that we manage the financial part of their NDIS plans.

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Meet Jodie, paediatric dietitian with Windermere

I provide nutritional advice, meal planning and education for a range of health conditions, food allergies and food intolerances.

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How trauma services can help your family

Your trauma experience may affect your parenting in multiple ways. This may mean you could experience more challenges in the relationship with your child.

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How to deal with a child’s tantrum in public

Know what to do when your child has a tantrum in public and find ways to reduce tantrums occurring.

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The parenting program that works magic on challenging behaviours

The three session program provides parents and caregivers with tools to manage challenging behaviours and to proactively encourage positive behaviours.

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Introduction to Plan Management Info Session

We have developed a series of Plan Management online information sessions to maximise the benefit of your funding and get the most out of your plan. Throughout the series we will explain how Plan Management works, help you understand each category and break down your NDIS plan to help you get the most value.

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Meet one of our support coordinators

Specialist Support Coordinators work with you to coordinate complex support options under the NDIS.

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What does a specialist support coordinator do?

Specialist Support Coordinators work with you to coordinate complex support options under the NDIS.

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Meet Ricky, one of our Occupational Therapists

Key workers work with children under seven years old who have a developmental delay or disability. A key worker is part of Windermere's range of therapy and support services.

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What our feeding program tells us about online support

We know that children learn best in their everyday environments, such as home, kinder and school.

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After a lifetime of challenges Lee finally has the right supports

“I now know when I die Lee has the supports she needs in place and will be fine.”

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Help your child settle into new routines

New school, new year level, new kinder or new childcare? Here are some practical things you can do to assist your young ones to settle in.

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Meet Hannah, Occupational Therapist in Windermere’s Allied Health Graduate Program

"I really liked that Windermere uses a key worker approach. Being in a multi-disciplined team means you can draw on wider support and the expertise of the team if you need it,” she says.

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Meet Jodie, Physiotherapist in Windermere’s Allied Health Graduate Program

“I absolutely recommend doing a student placement with Windermere. I’ve already put into practice so many skills that I learnt and a large part of gaining employment was due to my experience at Windermere,”

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How Plan Management helped Boyd

“When Jacqui and Boyd started Plan Management services with us, we realised they were not able to take full advantage of our services and needed some assistance to understand more about what was detailed in Boyd’s NDIS plan."

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Joanne’s long journey to gain her licence and independence

Kate and Joanne’s support worker Pam have supported her to go through the complex steps needed to regain her licence.

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From tantrums to calm: how Joseph changed his life in a year

“He has gone from a boy who would not attend school and had frequent outbursts to being much happier and calmer,”

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Comfort and dignity while facing one of life’s greatest challenges

“Gunter’s supports are also about his quality of life, especially during the pandemic. We want things to be fulfilling and for him to enjoy community supports and time with his family."

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Supporting education

Students participate in our structured program which provides work placements in Community and Public Services, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Therapy.

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Virtual NDIS Expo, September 2020

This was the first time the expo was held virtually.

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Tracey lost her children and her home to family violence. Then she rebuilt her life.

“It was such a relief to have my kids back and know that I can look after them again.”

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Paralympic hopeful saddles up for competition

Phoebe is now working towards re-qualification for the 2021 dressage competition.

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Toilet training success

“There are a lot of sensory and physical skills that children need to master before they are ready to use the toilet."

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Merry Mission in the News

Every Christmas our Merry Mission aims to bring real joy, happiness and hope to the lives of local children and families, at what can be a difficult time for so many.

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How Support Coordination gave Dorothy new independence

Support Coordination has assisted Dorothy to access a range of supports designed to maintain and increase her independence as well as protect her during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Why is reading to children important?

Reading with young children is often described as one of the most important things you can do as a parent or carer. This is because early reading (or reading to children when they are young) assists literacy development and also enriches life experience, both in childhood and adulthood.

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Making telehealth work when you are 5 years old and non-verbal

The feedback from David’s school and family is that he is much calmer, happier and “like a different boy.” Additionally David’s concentration has improved and his now able to maintain attention for up to 15 minutes, well over the initial goal of five minutes.

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Keeping Our Young People Safe

Life was tough for Scott, who had even spent time in an inpatient neuropsychiatry ward, but his parents, family, friends and teachers just didn’t know what to do, or how to handle his explosive behaviour.

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Brendan's NDIS journey

Brendan is gradually building confidence and enjoying new independence by even having limited times on outings by himself.

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Cameron's story

"It was such hard work just trying to coordinate Cameron’s NDIS plan. To work out the financial side of things as well would just have been impossible for us.”

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5 ways to look after your mental health

It is important to look after your mental health in tough times. Here are five simple things that you can start doing now.

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Meet Christine, Early Intervention and Therapy Services, Senior Speech Pathologist

I love working closely with families and creating really meaningful professional relationships. I enjoy helping children achieve little and big goals.

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Supporting young Ben to thrive

“The speech therapy has made a huge difference. Ben is now on par of where he should be developmentally."

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Learning to have fun with friends

Fun with Friends is structured according to the needs and interests of the children in the group. It includes intentional teaching activities that enable the children to practice social interactions within a play-based setting.

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After being isolated for years, Louise is connecting with her world again

“It’s been a true team effort between Louise, parent involvement and a range of services.”

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Royal Commissions underway to improve physical & mental wellbeing

Over the past few months the government has announced the establishment of two separate and distinctive Royal Commissions to improve quality of life for all Victorians, including those living with disability and their families - Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

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Holmesglen's 'Run for Change' donates over $10K to Windermere

“We (Holmesglen) are delighted to have had Windermere as one of our charity partners for the 2018 event. I am a great admirer and impressed with the work they do in the community and am looking forward to further building our relationship with them”.

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How does the NDIS support carers?

“We want our consumers and their carers to feel comfortable that they can sit down with us and we can work things out in a way that is best for them,”

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How will I benefit from Support Coordination under the NDIS?

“We work with people to get them to a stage where ultimately they have the knowledge to access services by themselves, so in time they no longer need us,” says Windermere Support Coordinator Kate Louden.

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How the right support helped Emily to grow

“You people are angels, I have nothing but absolute gratitude and great admiration for Windermere,” says Sylvia.

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5 things to know before your NDIS planning meeting

We know there are lots of people who have questions about the NDIS planning process. Here are some of the things you should know before you go to your initial NDIS planning meeting.

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Helping Lani to find her voice

“There are people who would talk to her every day on the school run, and she would never give them a response. All of sudden she is suddenly able to reply to them,” says Kristy.

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Easing NDIS worries and finding the right support

Olivia, who is sole carer for Harrison 17 and David 13, was apprehensive about developing their NDIS plans and being able to put them into action.

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Two decades providing services in Warragul

"We support families to support their children," says Deb.

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Easing the worry of moving to the NDIS

“Michelle believes that she finally has a purpose in life. She can voice her opinion and feels that her opinion is heard and valued. She can also select the programs and activities that she likes,” says Tanya.

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Teeing off for a good cause

It was a crisp start to the day, but that didn’t deter the 70 odd golfers who teed off at Victoria Golf Club on 3rd May in the annual Windermere Classic.

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NDIS and your feedback

What is the NDIS? NDIS is a generational reform that focuses on a person centred system of support. The scheme will aim to provide a person with a permanent or significant disability access to reasonable and necessary supports to achieve their goals and participate in social and economic life.

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DIY Autism Starter Kit

To help determine the best way to meet the needs of people with ASD, Windermere has developed a ASD kit to help case workers and carers.

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Living with Autism - Dexter's Story

“I thought if I ever left Dexter with anyone other than myself, his father or his grandmother, I feared he wouldn’t survive”.

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Meet Rory - our new Counsellor!

Meet Rory, Windermere's newest counsellor!

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Molift Raiser gives Peter and Daphnie hope

At 46 Vivian still lives at home with his parents Peter and Daphnie. That’s because Vivan has cerebral palsy. He is unable to perform everyday tasks, not even being able to stand and sit without their help. Peter and Daphnie have always cared for Vivian and wouldn’t dream of having it any other way however the years of 24/7 care have taken their toll.

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How will the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) affect me and Windermere?

For consumers who currently participate in State or Federal programs, it’s important to understand that those programs will continue until you start your NDIS plan. Until that time it's important to understand how Windermere will respond and how that affects you.

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What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)?

What is the NDIS? NDIS is a generational reform that focuses on a person centred system of support. The scheme will aim to provide a person with a permanent or significant disability access to reasonable and necessary supports to achieve their goals and participate in social and economic life.

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Integrating a special needs child successfully into long day care

Eve was a premature baby and had a lot of health issues including trouble feeding resulting in delayed growth. This meant having a peg fitted into Eve's tummy to ensure she received the correct amount of nutrients and kilojoules everyday which was closely monitored by a dietician. When we first met Eve and her family, they where using a long day care service however, their GP referred them to Windermere.

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(Through Kids on Track) I learnt more about how drugs and alcohol affect our bodies. I don't want to end up the same way as Dad so I can now care for my body and make better decisions than what he did. 

Grade 6 Student, Program Participant - Cranbourne

Resilience for Life has been nothing short of wonderful for me, and enormously empowering. I am feeling so much more optimistic and confident in myself, my driving and taking care of my husband.

Prue, Program Participant - Melbourne

My (Windermere) counsellor has been one of the most important supports I have had throughout this whole process. She is amazing. I now see things from a completely different perspective.

I am on the lookout now too - next time I am in a relationship, I will be able to recognise the signs of domestic violence and I won’t let myself get stuck in that sort of position again.”

Witness, Royal Commission into Family Violence - Melbourne 

An Afternoon of Wellness was an inspiring event. To hear from people whose lives have been turned around is wonderful. 

Jane, Event Attendee - Melbourne

The amazing opportunity I got coming into the Windermere house and the 100% that I put into the program, has given me and my son a roof over our head and a second chance at a normal life.

Resident, Mums & Bubs Program - Melbourne

(After the Healthy Women Healthy Relationships course) I am on the lookout now - next time I am in a relationship, I will be able to recognise the signs of domestic violence and I won’t let myself get stuck in that sort of position again.

Program Participant - Melbourne

Learning in a step by step process that we have to follow, we can’t reach the last step without stepping the first step. If we as educators succeed in building trust and connectivity then learning is fun. “To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today”.

Naeve, Windermere Early Childhood Educator - Melbourne

I respect each child's individuality and needs and want to help them feel safe and secure so they can grow and learn in a natural environment. The early years are the foundations of learning for the rest of their lives.

Sally, Windermere Early Childhood Educator - Melbourne

I understand that every child is individual with different strengths and different ways of learning, By recognising and understanding each child and what it is that they love and how best they learn, I can provide them with the best experiences that help them to reach their full potential in all developmental areas. I love doing it.

Sandra, Windermere Early Childhood Educator - Melbourne