EBL Newsletter EBL_Newsletter_Autumn_2018_DIGITAL | Page 2

A Word from Wendy W EBL Carer Advisory Group elcome to the autumn issue, We are extremely pleased to we are all enjoying the announce that the iPads purchased shorter days and longer nights as the with EBL’s recent grant win through weather starts to cool. As always, we I n mid- client expressed how grateful she mail. Please consider attending. We March, was to have feedback from the “My welcome any feedback you may have we enjoyed Weekend at Yarnbrook Cottages” about how these morning teas can the “Future2 Foundation Make the a great booklet completed by staff on her provide the most value possible. have remained busy since our last Difference Grants!” program have morning son’s stay in respite. If you have a As always, we are here to discuss any newsletter. been extremely well received by tea with child with limited speech, it is so concerns and ideas you may have to those who are already using them! the carers nice to get feedback on where they improve our service. As the article in this edition states, at the EBL have been, what activities they “a picture says a thousand words”. office. After were involved in, what they had to NDIS rollout. EBL has put together In the pages to follow, we also many years eat and to hear if staff made sure Convenor a list of frequently asked questions share an article by Alana Roy of not having this event, the Carers they cleaned their teeth. You feel EBL Carers Advisory Group (FAQs) that appear in this edition who is a registered psychologist, Advisory Group decided we would reassured that they were well looked – we hope you find this information mental health social worker, like to try again. We had carers who after, but more importantly, we can helpful. As always, we are here to counsellor, advocate, teacher and have been clients of EBL for many talk to them about their weekend, support you should you have further PhD candidate. Alana kindly gave years as well as some new families ask questions and hopefully get questions. permission for EBL to share her who are using EBL’s services for some feedback from them also. We insightful article detailing the NDIS the first time since completing their had a positive response concerning Pathways Review. Thank you, Alana. NDIS plans. We were able to discuss further morning tea gatherings. We NDIS experiences and share common will schedule two more for this year, problems about our children. A new and you will receive an invitation by As our cover article states, the Plan Management team have been busy ramping up in readiness for the full This edition of the EBL newsletter includes an article relating to Advocacy and what the NDIS says As always, a big thank you to the about it. This is an issue that has dedicated and wonderful employees particular interest for the Carer who continue to support our efforts – Group, and we acknowledge that we are so grateful for all that you do. it can be a challenging topic, so we hope this article helps to clarify your Wendy Warren questions. Chief Executive EBL Disability Services Ready to Boogie? Come Along to the Ron Clarke Disabled Disco! The Gift that Keeps on Giving As Chair of the EBL Foundation, As the Chair, I provide monetary the work we do has a powerful oversight of the Foundation's social impact on some of those most investments and expenditure. The vulnerable people in society who Foundation continues to diversify are living with severe and profound its portfolio, with a current project disabilities. underway involving key partners who There is a free sausage sizzle every other disco, not to mention a free supper Our Chair of the EBL Foundation, Furthermore, the work we do are establishing specialised disability and drinks in July and December. Father Christmas stops by to hand out Tracey Edwards, was recently creates financial benefits through housing. presents at Christmas, and there is lots of fun to be had, door prizes to be won interviewed by "Money and Life" sponsorship of carer events to ensure to share her insights on why she families and caregivers can take a believes helping charities and non- well-earned break from the caring for-profit organisations is important role. I never realised how important within the local community and the this work was until I saw the impact role EBL plays in this area. it has. Question: In what ways are you Specifically, the Foundation helping charities and not-for- sponsors people living with severe profit organisations in your local disabilities to participate in a range community, and why do you believe Tracey Edwards of recreational activities and assisted Chair of the EBL it is important to do so? holidays that may be out of reach for Foundation The disability housing project will showcase a range of innovative T he Ron Clarke Disabled Disco has been running for over 20 years. With anywhere between 25-40 people in attendance, the night is run by volunteers on the first and third Friday of every month (except January and February). and prizes for dancing! Birthdays are also recognised each month with a little present building design features and and clients must be over 16 years old to attend. integrated assistive technologies For more information about the Ron Clarke Disabled Disco, aimed at improving the access and Dawn Brodie contact Phillip on 8250 1763. independence of those clients who utilise the building. many individuals. 2 EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 3