#Disability Services

[cy-cyborg]

Big vent about Centrelink and Australia’s welfare system ahead.

I’ve known for a long time how cold and uncaring Australia’s welfare system is, especially Centrelink, but I don’t think it really clicked until today.

Im on the disability support pension meaning the government acknowledges I can not work full time. A few years ago, I messed up on some forms and never declared to them that my partner and I were in a relationship. I had meant to, but had a moment and forgot to hand them in. By the time I realised my mistake it was years later. Just before Christmas I went in to fix it and to get help with the forms because I always panic when I do Centrelink forms, I always miss something or misunderstand, I always do something wrong, so this time I went in for help with it. My partner and my support worker came with me to help make sure I was understanding everything, and to make sure I remember what they told me, because I tend to forget more when stressed.

Because my partner is an immigrant and self employed but not earning much, the process actually ended up being a bit more complicated so we’ve had to go in to do the forms over multiple appointments with the last one being last Thursday.

I was informed that because I didn’t declare the relationship right away, I’ve been overpaid and I’ll have to give that overpay amount back because, fun fact, just being in a relationship is enough for them to cut your payments here - not being married, just in a relationship. I knew that though and was prepared for it. At the last appointment I was finally given an estimate of how much I need to pay back.

It’s over $20,000.

I’m not entirely sure how they got that number, I’m going to ask for a break down of it once the amount is confirmed, but you want to know what sucks? I was relieved to hear that amount. I was mentally prepared for it to be double or triple that, and it would have been if the worker at the office didn’t pull me up and inform me I’d misunderstood some of the questions (so yeah, going in for help was a good call). Thankfully, because the disability support pension is already below the poverty line even before the cuts they made, I don’t have to pay it back at once, they’ll take a percentage of my pension out every fortnight to pay it back. Unfortunately, because I’m already below the poverty line, reducing my pension even further means I can’t afford rent anymore, even in a place that is already way, WAY below the current rental market value, so I can’t really afford rent…anywhere. Not even in remote and regional areas (I checked). Not a single private rental in the country is low enough for us to afford now. The only ones that were close weren’t wheelchair accessible. The pension will also go down if my partner earns anything, and it limits his hours (though I don’t know how that’s supposed to work if he’s self employed since pay isn’t really based on hours like typical jobs, I’m going to ask about that at the next appointment). Thankfully we had already planned for that and we’re planning to move in with my mum, but that means basically being cut off from the internet since her place is very rural and signal doesn’t really reach their place consistently.

But the shittyness doesn’t end there, oh no.

Today, I woke up to the dreaded “you have a myGov message” text. Only to open it and for them to tell me that they’re cutting my whole disability pension, it was just canceled. No ifs or buts, it was just gone. A few days before rent and all my bills are due. What was the reason you ask? Because one of the fields (asking for my partner’s tax info) on the form wasn’t filled out… the form I got the Centrelink office to check over before handing it in, that was definitely filled in. I know it was. There wasn’t even any “we’re missing information, you have x amount of time to fix this or your payment will be cancelled” warning, it was just, you didn’t fill out this one field that could be easily fixed so your pension is canceled, and you have to pay us that $20,000 out of pocket now, bye!

Obviously rattled and confused, I went back to the office (which is only a few minutes from where I live) and asked what the hell happened, the lady who helped us last time even vouched for us and said she knows we filled that out and gave it to them, she was there, only for them to go into my file and realise the way the file had been scanned cut off part of the field, so the automated systems didn’t see it and auto-cancelled my whole pension over it. So we had to wait an additional half and hour for the office staff to argue with whoever was in charge of that decision, to let them fix it because as far as Centrelink was concerned the issue wasn’t negotiable. It did eventually get sorted, so I’m at least not loosing my pension and being forced to pay back the dept out of pocket.

My partner, before coming to Australia was in the US military, he describes his experience with them as being treated like “numbered cannon fodder” and his dealings with the VA as being treated like “a piece of dog shit on their shoes”. He fought with the Australian immigration department for years to be allowed to stay here, the department that openly and proudly discriminated against him and me for our disabilities, that insisted he jump through countless hoops for the most ridiculous of reasons to prove he “wouldn’t be a burden on the system”. But today he just sat in the car after all this and stared off into space, saying this is the worst treatment from a government agency he’s ever seen. They didn’t see us as people, we were numbers. That automated cancellation over an automated mistake would have put us on the street if my mother wasn’t in the picture and paying off $20,000 of dept out-of-pocket. And they just didn’t care. We made a mistake, yes, but it was a mistake that is in-line with the diagnostic criteria of one of my disabilities (forgetfulness from a brain injury) and we did everything we were supposed to do to make it right once I noticed. we fessed up and did what we needed to fix it, we got help from multiple staff members to ensure we did everything we were supposed to, but a machine made a mistake and nearly ruined our lives anyway.

Im not saying any of this to ask for money btw, I couldn’t accept it even if I wanted to because I’m pretty sure that would count as income too and would mean my pension would go down even more or just be cut (again) entirely. We’re safe and as stable as we could be in this situation for now. I just wanted to vent a bit and explain where I’ve been. I’m probably not going to be back online again for a bit while we get the rest of this situation sorted, and once I move to mum’s, so the messages and ask box are staying closed for a bit longer.

[autisticmind]

Do you guys ever feel so much sudden rage at society for failing to provide the bare minimum support you needed/need to survive/thrive that you have to actually time. out. your mind for a while to calm down????

[not-a-medical-student]

Photo from ECAD

Important information for those not familiar with service dogs:

Don't touch or pet without permission.

Do not remove a service dog from a passed out person, even if they are resting on top of them. That may be the dog’s job during an episode, so just call an ambulance.

Do not let children pet service dogs without permission, It's usually best to tell them you shouldn't pet at all because the dog is at work.

Emotional support animals are not the same as service dogs and are not medically necessary.

Any dog that sits in a shopping cart or purse is not a service dog.

There are idiots out there who fake service dogs, but don't accuse people of faking if you don't know how training is done.

Although service dogs are well trained, their work can be interfered with by loud noises and especially untrained, faked service or emotional support dogs being in spaces expected to only allow service dogs and no other animals. This is especially prevalent in Walmart and other public spaces.

Service dogs are still dogs, if you see one in public with someone it's best to leave the dog alone completely. Even merely making eye contact with the dog can distract it and cause him or her to miss something important. Dogs are very susceptible to human eye contact, it's in their DNA.

And of course don't try to feed them or talk to them while they are on duty.

ALSO

Some service dogs are trained to smell or otherwise detect specific disorders and alert their human in any number of ways. For example, if someone with diabetes blood sugar is too low/high, their dog can smell that and may alert them by laying their head on the human's foot. If a service dog does it's alert to you or anyone who is not the owner of the dog, you should go to the doctor to get checked out because it's possible it's a real alert that the dog sensed in you.

Thank you doggies!

[cameoutstruggling93]

Open House at work today 👉😎👉

I'm not wearing healed shoes for a bit.

[chatdomestique]

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but Doordash, Instacart, and similar services are disability services, and if you choose (because it is a choice) to become a delivery driver, you are expected to accommodate for a wide variety a needs, which (and I can’t believe I have to say this) includes entering apartment buildings and walking up stairs.

The customer is not obligated to accommodate you; you are obligated to accommodate them.

[autisticlee]

so many services that can help with disability or medical needs are based on progress and working to make you not need them. why are they so against long term/life long help and management?!

for example, i need PT but for life. my hypermibility won't magically be better after a month of PT. doing it alone at home always results in injuring myself because no one corrects me doing wrong things. stopping doesn't help either. but there's no service for long term or life!!!! only private trainers that want thousands of dollars a month. another example is I need a case manager to help me do phone calls and male appointments but you need to call to make an appointment to get. you need to listen to a long list of info and provide your info over the phone. what if you can't do that? out of luck I guess (I only got their email because my therapist called and asked them for it for me. it's not available on their website)

good health is a luxury for the rich and disability services are only accessible for the abled. it sucks.

[bookquotesfrombooks]

“Doctors hold positions of power and dominance over the people in their care. They are gatekeepers of services, medications, and information. Their credentials grant them the authority to make life-or-death decisions, and their directives often go unquestioned. With that power comes great responsibility, so my expectations are uncompromising.”

Meghan Ashburn

I Will Die On This Hill

[ittyalfie]

Hi!

The need for support and services for autistic people has increased so much, even in the past year.

That is why I’ve committed to Run for autism this October. Please help me raise vital funds to change the lives of children and adults on the autism spectrum and support my Run for autism 2024.

I’ve personally used Aspect’s helpful Autism Alert card in emergency medical situations. And Aspect offer a range of support for Autistic individuals. It can be hard to find services who understand or even know what autism is like and how it can be unique for different people!

Aspect help people access NDIS services specific to autistic needs, and have community support and programs.

As well as aiming for my goal to walk/run 40km to raise funds for crucial support, I also want to add a goal to do drawings for donations! I wanna achieve these goals! Please donate or share, and leave a comment, message or ask for a drawing.

I want to promote awareness and the value of sharing personal experiences. Drawing character art is one of my special interests and it would mean so much to me to help in this way.

https://www.runforautism.org.au/fundraisers/cuddlecosmos

Click below! Please reblog :)

Your donation will help create a more autism-friendly world for children and adults on the autism spectrum. I’m actually so excited to be able to do this. I feel like the more we can help each other, the more it can enable others who were previously unable to help, to then contribute in their own ways to other causes. :)

Thank you so much!

Bit from Cuddle cosmos

PS If you want to join Run for autism, you can sign up via the link as well!

[chronic-chronic]

I am soon going to send my application to the city's disability services. I hope it'll be approved and I'll get transportation!

[thedashproject]

[ladymalchav]

Hey, if you're reading this and you're disabled (officially or not) do yourself a favor and check out these two orgs: United Cerebral Palsy and your state's Rehabilitation Commission. These two orgs are how I got all my adaptive technology AND a homemaker.  

UCP doesn't require a doctor's note. They got me a bath chair, a no-touch can opener, a UV lamp, and a bunch of other stuff. These are what they call adaptive technology. They eve offered to set me up with Smart Home tech! For FREE! There's lots of stuff they can get you. 

UCP CAN get you a homemaker, but I didn't go through them for some reason I don't remember. ANYWAY! The Rehabilitation Commission! It's known as MassRehab here, so just Google search for [your state] Rehabilitation Commission. Through them I DID get a homemaker. She cleans, she shops for me, she could even cook for me if I needed it. I don't remember what all I had to show them to get her, but it's worth finding out! The RC can also help you get back to school AND PAY FOR IT, but that's another conversation. 

So, yeah. If you're disabled at all, the tiniest bit, check out these orgs. They have been lifesavers! Feel free to ask me questions, and I'll try to help.(5/5)

[cy-cyborg]

So, right before Christmas I got some good news in the NDIS front.

Turns out they DID recognise my non-physical disabilities when this funding plan started, but just...didnt tell me... or anyone else. It still says my only disability is amputation due to meningococcol on everything I have and all the paperwork, but apparently they have my documents saying that i have "very clear but unspecified cognative and developmental difficulties" (my origonal "diagnosis" if you could call it that) so my Local Area Cordinator says they've acknowledged it on their end and agreed to help with it.

Why didn't anyone realise any of this? Since that should mean I have funding to support those disabilities in my plan?

Turns out the answer is just that my plan is REALLY fucking weird. Outside of my LAC, no one ive spoken to has seen anything like it, Something about the way it's structured is really bizarre, which is why my prosthetist, wheelchair maker and other providers had so much trouble getting paid last year: the category they usually take their payment from for 99% of their clients doesn't exist in my plan. I had the funding, but it was somewhere else, and no one told me how to get it because they thought I already knew. None of this was helped that I never got a copy of my plan myself until the advocate pushed for it. Apparently, someone was supposed to tell me all of this and explain it all, but I suspect that didn't happen because this plan started during the later Covid lockdowns, and everything was chaos.

So good news, I have funding to get help with daily tasks and other stuff that im struggling with relating to my non-physical disabilities. A lot actually. Over 2 years worth of funding.

Bad news though, Whatever's left over at the end of this plan period - 4 or 5 months from now - will be used to judge weather I actually need that funding or not. When the plan renews, if it's not all used, they might determine I didn't need it after all, and they are cracking down on this type of funding so they're unlikely to accept "I didn't know I had it".

That's a problem for after new-years though. Right now I'm just happy I don't have to spend several more months jumping through beurocratic hoops for the NDIS just to get some help. Well, any more than I already had to, lol.

Now I can focus on dealing with centrelink next year instead... yay...

ID: a gif of someone running across a field. the caption says: "[screaming]" /end Id

[bleakbeauty]

It's been very difficult getting good help from job services. I've gone through several job coaches, and none have been effective. One placed me in the job I have now, and I don't like it. He made bad assumptions about what the job would be, so he gave me bad information about what to expect from the job. Now I'm trying to get out of my current job and find another one.

My experience working with a job services provider has led me to believe that job coaches aren't trained in any way to interact with disabled people. Most just seem to be random individuals off the street who know how to use job search websites. My current job coach talks a lot, but she's a poor communicator and an even worse listener.

I can't believe that she's ever worked with an autistic person before. I've tried to explain my specific social challenges, but she ignores me. There's no malice in this; she's simply the kind of person that isn't capable of understanding social disabilities. She also disregards what I say I want in a job. If she has any kind of training or special aptitude, she can't be drawing on it.

The process of working with job services to try to find a job that doesn't make me miserable has itself made me miserable.

[cameoutstruggling93]

Today was a bit rough, got my Mental Health First Aid certification but the topics of bipolar, suicide, non-threatening self harm, and panic disorder were only SLIGHTLY triggering.

So! Came home, changed, and took a weed gummy cause I can't smoke well due to this facacta cough. My brain is feeling less....heavy. Self care its best.

[odixcare1]

Disability Services: Empowering Independence with OdixCare

At OdixCare, we believe that every individual deserves access to the care and support they need to live a fulfilling and independent life. Our disability services are designed to provide personalized care that enhances quality of life, allowing individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and thrive in their everyday activities.

What are Disability Services?

Disability services encompass a wide range of support options aimed at assisting people with physical, mental, or intellectual disabilities. These services help individuals navigate daily tasks, manage their health, and engage in social activities, all while maintaining their dignity and independence.

At OdixCare, we are dedicated to providing high-quality disability services that meet the unique needs of each person we serve. Whether you need assistance with personal care, daily living tasks, or social support, our team is here to help.

The Importance of Disability Services

Disability services play a critical role in helping individuals with disabilities lead fulfilling lives. These services ensure that individuals can access the support they need to manage everyday activities, from personal care to household chores. By offering disability services, we aim to:

Promote independence: Empowering individuals to make decisions and live as independently as possible.

Provide personalized care: Tailoring services to each person’s unique needs and preferences.

Improve quality of life: Enabling individuals to live life to the fullest, whether at home, in the community, or at work.

Support families and caregivers: Offering respite and support to those who care for individuals with disabilities.

Types of Disability Services We Offer

At OdixCare, we provide a wide range of disability services to meet the specific needs of our clients. Some of the key services we offer include:

1. Personal Care Assistance

We assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. Our experienced caregivers provide compassionate, respectful assistance while ensuring privacy and dignity.

2. Daily Living Assistance

From meal preparation and light housekeeping to shopping and transportation, we help clients with everyday tasks that are essential for maintaining their independence and comfort.

3. Community Participation and Social Support

We understand the importance of social connections and community involvement. Our disability services include support for participating in social activities, attending events, or simply getting out into the community to interact with others.

4. Health and Medication Management

Our team can assist with medication reminders, monitoring health conditions, and ensuring that clients stay on top of their medical needs. We work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that our clients receive the necessary care and treatment.

5. Respite Care for Families

We provide respite care to give family members and primary caregivers a break while ensuring that their loved ones continue to receive the care they need. Respite care offers relief and helps prevent caregiver burnout.

6. Nursing and Complex Care

For individuals with complex medical or health needs, we offer professional nursing care. This includes monitoring health conditions, administering medications, and providing medical treatments under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

Why Choose OdixCare for Disability Services?

There are many reasons why individuals and families choose OdixCare for their disability services:

Experienced and Compassionate Caregivers: Our team of trained professionals is dedicated to providing care with kindness, respect, and empathy.

Personalized Care Plans: We create individualized care plans based on the unique needs and preferences of each client.

Comprehensive Services: Whether you need personal care, social support, or complex medical assistance, we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs.

Client-Centered Approach: At OdixCare, we prioritize the independence, dignity, and well-being of our clients in all that we do.

Get the Disability Services You Deserve

At OdixCare, we are committed to helping individuals with disabilities live fulfilling, independent lives. Our team of professionals is here to provide compassionate, personalized support that meets your specific needs.

If you or a loved one require disability services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’ll work closely with you to develop a care plan that ensures your needs are met with dignity and respect.

Visit our website at OdixCare to learn more about our services and how we can help you or your loved one thrive. With disability services from OdixCare, independence is within reach.

[sowilo1]

Disability Services l sowilo.com.au

Disability services help people with disabilities to get the support they need. They can provide financial assistance, medical care, and help with errands. They also offer advocacy for those who need it.

Many people with disabilities have different needs and goals. Some want to work and earn income, but need help finding employment opportunities.

Disability benefits

In most countries, disability support services benefits are offered to help people whose illnesses or injuries prevent them from working. They can be provided through public programs, group insurance (provided by employers or associations) or individual policies purchased through licensed agents and brokers.

To qualify for disability benefits, you must meet certain criteria. The first step is to meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. This requires medical evidence to show that your health condition keeps you from performing basic work tasks like walking, sitting, and remembering instructions.

The SSA’s list of disabling conditions includes severe chronic diseases, such as cancer, lupus and multiple sclerosis. It also includes mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, cognitive problems and immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Your doctor must provide detailed information about your condition, hospitalizations, and treatments in the Adult Disability Report. They will also need to give the SSA permission to directly obtain your medical records.

Reconsideration

If you are not satisfied with the decision made by the disability determination services, you can request reconsideration. To do so, submit a written request to the Office of Disability Determination at your local Social Security field office. You should include any additional information that you believe is relevant to your case. The agency may ask for medical records or other documentation to support your claim.

Disability services are geared towards improving the lives of people with disabilities by providing essential resources and assistance. These services range from healthcare and education to housing and transportation. These services are essential to promoting independence and improving quality of life.

Various state and non-profit disability employment services provide job training and placement services for individuals with disabilities. These include ACCES-VR and NYS Commission for the Blind. They also offer vocational rehabilitation services to help individuals with disabilities find jobs that are suited for their interests and abilities.

Administrative hearing

If you are not satisfied with the decision from a program area, you may request an administrative hearing. You must do this within 30 days of the notice of alleged adverse action. The program area will then be notified and a schedule letter will be sent to you with information on how to participate in the hearing process.

Administrative hearings are held by an independent presiding officer who is an attorney with knowledge of the law and stringent rules of procedure. You have the right to represent yourself or have a representative assist you at the hearing.

The hearing can be conducted in person or by telephone or video conference call (such as Zoom, Webex, etc). A court reporter is present for all hearings and you are encouraged to bring an interpreter if needed. During the hearing, the ALJ will allow both parties to present facts and evidence through sworn testimony or documents. The ALJ will then make a decision. The decision will be mailed to you after the hearing.

Disability advocacy

Disability advocacy is the process of promoting, protecting, and supporting a person’s human rights. It involves many people and organizations working together toward a common goal. It can be used to create positive change in society and improve the lives of people with disabilities. It can also help people with disabilities get access to services and programs that they need.

Advocates may also help by raising awareness and educating others about the challenges that people with disabilities face. They can also collect and analyze data to support their efforts. They can also work with the media to highlight the importance of disability issues.

The ADA, the National Federation of the Blind, and the American Association of People with Disabilities are some of the most well-known disability advocacy groups.

They focus on a variety of issues, including bullying, employment, and accessibility. They strive to empower individuals with disabilities by encouraging them to take control of their own lives. They also encourage them to join online communities and forums where they can share stories and seek advice from peers.