Cynthia T Stevens Invision Wellbeing

01/10/2024

People with disability now know exactly what supports they can and can't claim on the government's support funding scheme.

For the first time, the federal government on Tuesday released a list of resources National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants can spend their money on.

The list will come into effect from Thursday, though there will be a one-year transition period so participants who have planned to access supports no longer on the list will be able to keep those until the expiry of their plan.

This update would help return the scheme to its original purpose and ensure it wasn't paying for supports that should be covered by Australia's other care systems or shouldn't be covered at all, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said.

"This scheme is going to be run properly, transparently, and in the best interest of participants, not some service providers who are selling therapies which we cannot find much in the way of a scientific or evidence basis," Mr Shorten told reporters in Canberra.

"They're selling snake oil. They're selling stuff which, frankly, doesn't work.

"What this does is it gives all Australians confidence that the cowboys and fly-by-nighters can't sell their nonsense and be subsidised to do so."

The NDIS will continue to cover supports such as assistance animals, access to employment or higher education, help for travel and daily tasks and a host of other resources.

But costs such as rent, holidays and alternative practices including tarot card reading, shamanic healing and hypnotherapy can no longer be claimed.

Fertility treatments and specific wellness and coaching supports such as sports supplements and life coaches have also been ruled out.

If people continue to claim items that are not NDIS supports despite being provided with information and advice, remedial action will be taken.

The government will also provide a substitution list so participants can request a replacement support in cases where a standard household item might be able to provide them with better outcomes.

"There'll be a fair bit of common sense," Mr Shorten said.

The lists are the result of a month-long public consultation which received more than 7000 responses from the public, organisations and peak disability bodies.

Though they are believed to help with the NDIS's ballooning costs, the government hasn't banked any savings from the lists. - AAP

30/09/2024

Join Michael Theo tonight on Australian Story
Michael Theo, the breakout star of Love on the Spectrum, had a transformative moment when he realized he was no longer “a nobody from nowhere.” At 25, Michael was living with his parents in Wollongong and working in a kitchen cabinet factory.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-30/how-love-on-the-spectrum-michael-theo-found-a-new-love/104031692
Michael’s journey to fame is particularly inspiring because he was non-verbal as a child and faced significant challenges growing up.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-06/michael-theo-stars-in-new-abc-drama-comedy-austin/103937648
Despite these obstacles, he always dreamed of becoming an actor and finding love1. His appearance on the show not only brought him recognition but also opened up new opportunities, including landing his first major acting role in the comedy-drama Austin
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-02/love-on-spectrum-star-michael-theo-creates-new-podcast/100668646

https://thelatch.com.au/michael-theo-love-on-the-spectrum/

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/australian-story?
Australian Story

26/09/2024

Important update!

The Hon. Bill Shorten, Minister for the NDIS and Government Services, has announced that all platform providers, support coordinators and Supported Independent Living (SIL providers) will need to be registered.

This has sparked some discussion and questions about the changes to provider registration.

These registration changes will be introduced gradually, over time, and there will be a transition period.

No immediate action is required at this time. We'll keep you updated about the consultation process and upcoming changes so you're aware of what will be done and when.

We've prepared responses to some frequently asked questions about the changes to mandatory registration, which you can read on our website https://bit.ly/3XSUljs .

[ID: The words "Provider registration FAQs" in large white text on a green background, with a purple megaphone icon in the bottom right corner]

20/06/2024

Have you just loss your sight or struggling with life due to vision loss?

Well, let me introduce myself!
I'm Cynthia T Stevens a Life Coach, Counsellor and Peer Mentor for individuals that are blind or vision impaired and their families.

What I Do!

First off let me assure you, I don't sell you expensive equipment or other useless gadgets, I support you with everyday issues and barriers you face due to vision loss!

Why Work Whith Me?

⭐️ I have lived experience of vision loss.
⭐️ I've successfully overcome barriers in my own life
⭐️ Navigated a lot of government systems and programs
⭐️ Acquired knowledge and experience from working in the disability and unpaid family carer sector for over 20 years
⭐️ Qualifications in Coaching, Counselling, Disability and Mental Health.

Compassion, Confidentiality, Comprehensive, Caring and Action are my core beliefs.

"I believe that blindness need not be a barrier to living a happy & fulfilling life."

My Life Coaching, Peer Mentoring & Counselling services provide
✅ tools and strategies to grow your mindset, overcome limiting beliefs and build stronger relationships
✅ support to identify, develop and implement an action plan to achieve your goals.
✅ accountability
✅ compassion and understanding
✅ a safe place to share your experiences
✅ guidance
✅ authenticity
✅ respect

If you're ready to get rid of your negative mindset and make a change, learn the skills to be the best version you really want to be, then call me!

Scan the image below to learn more!

Chat soon

03/06/2024

"You can't know we're you're going....... if you don't know your why!"

Vision Wellbeing
Blind & Low Vision Counselling & Coaching

20/03/2024

Are you trying to achieve a goal but just can't get there?
Who is supporting you to achieve your goal?
Why did you choose that goal?

If you are struggling to answer these questions then it's a good possibility that you aren't going to achieve it because you don't really want to!

Over the last 10 years I have supported over 10,000 clients to identify, develop and achieve there goals!
You're most probably thinking wow that's a lot of people, well yes it is but I love supporting clients to achieve their goals. It's so exciting to watch the moment that a person realises that they just achieved what they set out to do 😂

Come join the list of clients Ive worked with and achieve your goals too!

Contact me now to start your journey to achieving your goals!

09/03/2024

My door is always open, kettle is always on and my sofa is always warm, my pets are always cuddly and my house is always a place of peace and non judgement, any of my mates who need to chat are welcome anytime. It's no good suffering in silence. I have tea, coffee & snacks in the cupboard and i will always be here....You are never not welcome!! I'm sure you all already know this but everyone needs reminding.
💚

06/03/2024

It's a dogs life!

She's been joining in on my relaxation teachings

04/03/2024

You can join in online!

Members of the disability community are invited to take part in a special Town Hall briefing on the NDIS Review in Darwin next week.

NDIS Review panel members will be there to discuss proposed changes to the Scheme, and you will have the chance to ask questions.

The Town Hall briefing will take place at the Darwin Convention Centre on Wednesday 13th March from 2:30pm - 4pm – Australian Central Standard Time.

You can participate in person or online.

There will be Auslan interpreters, Hearing Loop, Closed captioning and more to ensure everyone attending can take part.

Learn more about the event and register here: https://events.humanitix.com/ndis-review-town-hall-event-darwin

Ngaree Ah Kit: Member for Karama Bill Yan MLA - Member for Namatjira

13/02/2024

Happy Valentines Day

12/02/2024

08/02/2024

Calling all people that are blind or have low vision that are over 30 and working!

My name's Cynthia, I'm a disability mentor, certified results coach, business owner, entrepreneur, mum & i’m blind.

I'm an avid supporter of people that are blind or have low vision that want to learn, grow, share and make genuine connections in a supportive and positive group but there is a real gap for us that work.

Most connections are made through support staff that are paid through ndis or employmentt with little time to find like minded people to chat withh or have a laugh with, that understands the pressures of working and being blind.

Life is filled with many challenges and hardships and during these times there is a lack of positive spaces for us to seek comraderie, support and acknowledgement, especially during difficult times.
This group will fill that gap and help each other as we just get it!

The group will aim to meet once a month to share a meal, talk, laugh and support each other.

There are no ndis agencies that meet the social needs of individuals that work and are blind, so lets create our own social network outside work hours!

This group is free as it is a social group and everyone will pay for their own meals and support worker if you need one but I’m sure we can band together and muddle through the menu lol

So if you are 30+ and employed and want to connect comment below and we’ll get it happening!