The roll out of the NDIS is establishing an environment that encourages organisations to develop new and innovative approaches to the engagement of service users, and to the provision of service. Windaan Aboriginal Services has developed partnerships with a range of Aboriginal controlled organisations throughout NSW for the purposes of delivering support coordination and early childhood early intervention disability services. These initiatives effectively integrate a cultural model of care and community connectedness with integrated multidisciplinary allied, and primary, health services.

• Mental health and the NDIS
• Current provisions for individuals with a mental illness, either primary or secondary to a physical injury
• Current challenges and how to overcome these

This presentation will provide an overview of the key published NDIS Appeals from the AATA and the Federal Court.

•  What are the key points of contention?
•  The wide discretion afforded the NDIA in assessing what is ‘reasonable & necessary’
•  The leading decision of McGarrigle
•  Decisions post McGarrigle – Has there been any change?

• How can community housing providers meet the needs of nonSDA funded NDIS customers seeking housing independence, but needing some level of SIL site support?
•  What sort of ‘mixed community’ can be created for this potential group in collaboration with a common SIL service within medium density buildings?
•  Customers – What system, policy and procedural changes will be needed?
•  ‘Pain points’, the risks and the costs

• Current and emerging technologies being used in accessible housing design
• Findings from evaluation of user (tenant) experiences of technology
• Key considerations in application of integrated, assistive and smart technologies in housing and support design
• ‘My Home Space’ – Interactive virtual housing tool for exploring and planning housing, technology and support design

In responding to the opportunities presented by Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) developers and housing providers face a range of risks and challenges in assessing and understanding demand, responding with both current and planned supply of suitable housing stock, managing vacancy and tenancy issues, as well as staying on top of maintenance responsibilities. How can developers and housing providers ensure this is managed and costed?

•  The invisibility of children with a disability in family violence situations and government reports
•  The reality of life as a carer of a child with special needs in a family violence situation
•  The multiple additional challenges to be faced
•  Introducing the Special Needs Assessment Template – A solution to saving lives

•  Participation of people with disability in the labour force, the reported types of employment restrictions, and the support and assistance available to enable participation in the labour force
•  Participation of people with disability in education and the positive affect that support, assistance and available equipment can have on participation in education
•  Reported experience of discrimination for those living with disability and the source of that discrimination

•  Not fitting into any boxes
•  Maximising my choice and control
•  How using my NDIS funds helped me to realise my potential