Wrapt Disability Support Coordination + Recovery Coaching

20/06/2025

Love Sport? Or want to get more active and meet new people?
⚽️🏀🎾🏉⛳️🏹🏒🏏🤿🥋🚴‍♂️🏆🥇

Have you tried https://aaaplay.org.au/ - this is the Victoria Government portal which helps connect people with disability with activities across Victoria. Access All Abilities (aaaplay) is delivered in partnership with Reclink Australia.

Have a look at the “find a sport or activity search” – there are lots of options, from archery to waterpolo. And yes, soccer, AFL, basketball and bowling too!

If you can’t see anything of relevance already promoted on aaaplay, you could reach out to the state sporting body directly to ask their advice about any other clubs or opportunities they know, it might prompt them to promote or support more clubs through aaaplay!

To stay connected to sport and disability news, you can also follow aaaplay on Facebook and subscribe to the aaaplay newsletter https://aaaplay.org.au/subscribe/

19/03/2025

On behalf of Carinya Society I'm spreading the word about their upcoming Open Day on 26 March 2025 where you can explore the centre, see their programs in action, and meet their amazing team.

There are three tours, at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm, so you can choose the time that works best for you.

Carinya Society provides adult training and support services to advance the independence, dignity, worth and human rights of people with disabilities. They run over 70 day programs for more than 110 participants. They also offer Community Respite Care and Specialist Disability Accommodation Services.

Carinya Society is a special place for adults with disabilities, where they receive care and support to fulfil their hopes and dreams.

This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what Carinya do. If you’d like to attend, please register in advance by contacting them via admin@carinyasociety.org.au.

Feel free to spread the word to families, carers and clients.

08/03/2025

Did you know that it's legal for disabled people to be paid as little as $2.90/hr, even though the minimum wage for others is $23.23/hr?

Locking disabled people into a lifetime of poverty and dependence on government services is a model that the rest of the world is moving away from. In the US, where subminimum wage originated, 19 states and DC have eliminated subminimum wage, leading to better employment outcomes. The Guardian also recently published an article about this issue and our campaign: The Guardian - Subminimum Wage. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/28/larry-was-paid-420-an-hour-in-australia-its-not-enough-to-live-on-but-its-completely-legal

Our Fair Go (OFG) is a disabled-led advocacy organisation focused on promoting and protecting the human rights of disabled people in employment. OFG main goal is to promote integrated employment at full wages while opposing forced or coerced labor, segregated work, and subminimum wage practices. OFG also focus on eliminating discrimination in:

👎 Subminimum award wages
📦 Sheltered workshops
🔕 Work for the Dole and similar programs
🚨 Prison labor
🫸 Training programs and therapies involving compelled or coerced labor
〽️ Any system where disabled people's labor is coerced or compensated less than non-disabled peers

Two was to take action:

🥇 To join OFG click here: https://ourfairgo.org.au/

🥈 To view and sign the OFG open letter here: https://forms.gle/FGJX8GUUaH4QzePd6

Wrapt Disability Support Coordination + Recovery Coaching have signed in support of ending this archaic practice and encourage you to sign in support of a fair go for disabled people.

Promoting Disabled Peoples' Rights at Work

06/01/2025

🎉 We’re Back & Ready to Support You in 2025! 🎉

Our office has officially reopened after the holiday break, and we want to take a moment to thank all of you for your continued trust and support in 2024. Your resilience and commitment inspire us every day, and we are excited to continue working with you in the year ahead.

The holiday season can be a challenging time for many, with increased pressures on mental health and well-being. We understand how difficult it can be, and we want to remind you that you are not alone. If you’ve been struggling, know that support is available—both in the community and through our services.

Recent stats show the growing impact on mental health:

In 2023, over 1 in 5 Australians experienced mental health issues, with the holiday period often intensifying these struggles.

There has been a 20% increase in demand for mental health services during the festive season, leading to more pressure on healthcare providers and community services.

Sadly, su***de rates tend to spike during the holidays, with a rise in calls to mental health helplines in late December and January.

We stand with you as we enter this new year, and we’re here to offer support and care when needed. Let’s make 2025 a year of healing, hope, and community.

Thank you once again for your incredible support, and we wish you all a happy, healthy, and fulfilling New Year. 💙✨

#2025

16/12/2024

🚨 Call to Action - Music Therapy for NDIS Participants! 🚨

As many of you may have heard, there are proposed changes coming to Music Therapy funding under the NDIS.

Starting February 1, 2025, Music Therapy will no longer be funded under the Capacity Building, Improved Daily Living category unless it is specifically stated in a participant's plan. If it's not included, participants will only be able to access it through the Core Supports category, under Community Participation, at the support worker rate of $67.56 for 1:1 sessions.

💡 Why is this a problem?

Currently, Music Therapy is funded under the Capacity Building category at a rate of $193.99 for 1:1 sessions, which reflects the professional qualifications and expertise of Music Therapists (who are university-trained with a Master's degree and registered with AMTA). However, under the proposed changes, the support worker rate of $67.56 grossly undervalues this highly skilled therapy, which is on par with other allied health professions like physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Music Therapy is a proven practice that provides significant benefits to people with disabilities, including improving emotional expression, communication, social skills, and functional outcomes.

Many NDIS participants are currently benefiting from Music Therapy, even if it’s not specifically listed in their plan, as plans are often high-level and don’t detail every available support. Removing Music Therapy from the Capacity Building category will limit access for many participants who rely on this service to achieve their goals.

🎶 The Impact

Music Therapists are highly qualified professionals, and the proposed changes would make it financially unfeasible for many providers to continue offering Music Therapy at the support worker rate. This would result in reduced access to an essential service that delivers meaningful, life-enhancing outcomes for people with disabilities.

⚡ What can you do to help?

1️⃣ Contact your local MP – Urge them to support Music Therapy as a vital therapeutic service that provides functional, evidence-based outcomes for people with disabilities. Ask them to ensure Music Therapy remains funded under the NDIS, just like other allied health supports.

2️⃣ Sign the AMTA petition – Add your voice to the growing movement to keep Music Therapy funded under the NDIS. ✍️

Wrapt Disability Support Coordination + Recovery Coaching will continue to advocate for Music Therapy services and will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Let’s ensure that the power of music continues to make a positive impact! 🎵

Keep Music Therapy as an NDIS funded THERAPEUTIC Support!

30/11/2024

🌟 **Event Success & Gratitude Post** 🌟

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Wrapt Disability Support Coordination + Recovery Coaching event in partnership with BDS Support Services! 🙏

We’re so grateful to have had the opportunity to come together with such a passionate group of participants, carers, service providers, and community leaders. Your engagement, insightful conversations, and shared experiences truly made this event a success.

A special thanks to BDS Support Services for hosting and creating an environment where collaboration could flourish. It was inspiring to see how we all connected, identified alignments, and explored new ways to strengthen our services for people with disability.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of NDIS legislation and its impacts—from planning to spending to compliance—it’s more important than ever to support each other. Together, we’re building stronger, more effective networks that will help improve the lives of those we support.

The conversations we’ve had and the connections we’ve made have sparked many exciting opportunities for future collaboration. We look forward to continuing these conversations and working together to make a real difference.

Let’s keep this momentum going and continue to support one another during this time of change. 💪✨

18/10/2024

Wrapt Disability Support Coordination + Recovery Coaching in partnership with BDS Support Services invite you to join us for an informative session on understanding and utilising the NDIS.

Whether you are a participant, carer, or service provider, this event will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you make the most of the NDIS.

10:20 AM - 10:30 AM: Doors Open
10:30 AM - 10:40 AM: Welcome and Introductions
10:40 AM - 11:20 AM: Accessing and Navigating the NDIS
11:20 AM - 11:30 AM: Q&A
11:30 AM - 12:00 AM: Morning Tea and Optional Site Tour

Register now to secure your free spot and empower yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate and access the NDIS successfully.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/navigating-and-accessing-the-ndis-tickets-1010263273647

10/10/2024

Professional Development in Uncertain Times: An NDIS Provider's Perspective.

As the NDIS undergoes significant reforms, small operators are feeling the impact—especially regarding funding, compliance, and workforce stability. With challenges on the rise, many independent support coordinators are considering how to adapt, including the option to enrol in a degree in Social Sciences, such as Psychology or Counselling, to future-proof their businesses.

However, with the uncertainty surrounding the future of support coordination services under the NDIS, this raises a crucial question: Is investing in a social sciences degree a wise decision, or is it a potential waste of time and money?

There are several potential benefits to consider. A degree in Social Sciences can provide deeper insights into client needs, enhancing your skills and enabling you to offer more personalised support. This is especially important for vulnerable members of society and NDIS participants, who rely on tailored services to navigate their unique challenges. By broadening your service offerings, you could attract more clients and ensure that those in need receive the comprehensive support they deserve. Moreover, having qualifications in mental health can set you apart in a competitive landscape, positioning you as a credible professional. Being part of a university programme can also facilitate valuable networking opportunities, helping you build connections in the industry. Finally, formal qualifications can enhance your professional standing and instil greater confidence in clients and stakeholders.

However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. The cost and time commitment of a degree are significant, so it's essential to evaluate whether this investment aligns with your business goals. Additionally, consider how much of the curriculum directly applies to your role as a support coordinator. If a full degree seems daunting, exploring shorter courses or certifications that could offer similar benefits at a lower cost may be a viable alternative.

Ultimately, whether this investment is worthwhile depends on your career goals and how you envision your business evolving in the uncertain NDIS landscape. The choices made now will not only impact your future but also the lives of the vulnerable individuals you support. In summary, Wrapt Disability Support Coordination + Recovery Coaching encourage you to continue investing in professional development, as it can enhance the support participants receive. However, it’s essential for coordinators to consider the broader implications of NDIS changes on their ability to provide consistent, high-quality care. The choices made now will have lasting effects on the vulnerable individuals they support.

💬 What are your thoughts? Should independent support coordinators pursue professional development like a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, given the uncertainty surrounding support coordination services and the potential impact on NDIS participants? Share your insights below!

07/10/2024

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

— Nelson Mandela

16/09/2024

The Hidden Costs of Drug & Alcohol Addiction in Australia: An NDIS Perspective

The figures are staggering: Australians spent $9.3 billion on substances like m**h, co***ne, M**A, and he**in between 2016 and 2017. But the true cost extends far beyond dollars—it's deeply affecting our communities, including those supported by the NDIS.

🔹 Rising Vulnerability:

Groups such as those with mental health conditions, LGBTQI individuals, younger people, First Nations communities, and those in contact with the criminal justice system are increasingly at risk of addiction. This trend highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and prevention efforts.

🔹 Health & Safety Impacts:

Addiction leads to severe health issues like liver disease, cancer, and mental health disorders. Alarmingly, alcohol alone contributes to 22.2% of assaults and 26.5% of domestic violence incidents, with spikes in crime during high-alcohol consumption hours.

🔹 Community Strain:

The rise in drug and alcohol-related issues increases demand on community services and contributes to homelessness. For those in the NDIS system, this means a heightened need for support services, including case management, counseling, and transitional housing.

🔹 Need for Effective Interventions:

At wrAPT Disability Support Coordination + Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, we believe it is crucial to invest in comprehensive and culturally appropriate interventions to tackle these problems. These efforts must address both the immediate and long-term impacts of addiction to support individuals and strengthen community services.

Let’s work together to provide the necessary support without judgement and break the cycle of addiction. 🌍💪

14/08/2024

Attending events like allows Wrapt to establish real connections with service providers and gain insight into their offerings. This enhances the referral process, providing greater confidence in the quality and safety of the support.