InFocus

18/03/2025

We have made the difficult decision to close our Plan Management business, effective 24 March 2025.

If you haven't yet transferred your Plan Management to an alternate provider, our team is ready to help.

Email help@infocusdisabilility.org.au or call us on 1800 928 437.

29/01/2025

If the recent NDIS changes have you confused, this quick reference guide might help.

The Australian Government has introduced the most significant changes to the National Disability Ins...

13/01/2025

The NDIS recently introduced updates to its impairment notice processes to enhance clarity, fairness, and efficiency for participants. Starting 1 January 2025, these changes have implications for how participants engage with the scheme. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, what it means, and how it might affect participants.

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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recently introduced updates to its impairment notice...

31/12/2024

The countdown to 2025 is on!

We'd like to wish all of our clients and families a safe, healthy and happy new year!

17/12/2024

It's great to know that we can make our client's day!

05/12/2024

📺New show alert!🎵

The ABC's new show Headliners, musician and fervent campaigner for inclusion, access and equality, Elly-May Barnes leads the quest to create two bands made up entirely of musicians living with disability.

Almost 20% of Australians live with a disability but our community is under-represented and even excluded in the music industry. Headliners aims to start the change!

Stream this heartwarming, five-part series on ABC iView.

Musician and fervent campaigner for inclusion, access and equality, Elly-May Barnes leads the quest to create two bands made up entirely of musicians living with disability.

28/11/2024

During Disability Action Week and in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Queensland government supports inclusive tourism opportunities across the state.

Recently launched on the Redlands Coast, this Aqua Accessibility initiative, ensures individuals of all abilities can enjoy water sports and explore the natural beauty of Moreton Bay Marine Park. 🚣‍♂️

An initiative of Bay Islands Lifestyle, they have introduced an extensive range of fit-for-purpose equipment, including specially designed kayaks, seated paddle boards, quad bikes, water and beach wheelchairs, and beach access mats.

Find out more 👇

Following recent changes to departmental responsibilities, we are now the Department of Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games. Work is underway to update our websites.

21/11/2024

On Friday 29th November, during Disability Action Week, join Queenslanders with Disability Network webinar to explore this year's theme Accessible Communication: connect, include, and empower.

With keynote speakers including former Australian Human Rights Commissioner Dr Graeme Innes AM and Deaf Connect CEO Brett Casey sharing their insights and experiences, this is a must-attend event for creating a more inclusive and accessible Queensland.

QDN encourages those with lived experience to take part and help shape the future of Accessible Communication in Queensland.

📆Date: Friday 29 November
⌚️Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
📌Location: Online via Zoom

Get tickets on Humanitix - Disability Action Week Webinar. Online. Thursday 28th November 2024. Find event information.

06/11/2024

🌟 Mark your calendars! Disability Action Week 🌟

Disability Action Week runs 24 Nov-1 Dec, leading up to the International Day of People with Disability on December 3rd. Disability Action Week is all about sparking conversations, celebrating achievements, and promoting inclusion. Join in and support events in your community to help build a more inclusive world! Events start THIS WEEKEND!!

Check out events near you 👇👇👇

Held in Queensland at the end of November each year, Disability Action Week promotes inclusion and r...

01/11/2024

Navigating Short-Term Accommodation (STA) funding can be complex, and with the NDIS tightening its review process, staying informed is more crucial than ever. In a recent article, we outline some essential tips and recent trends:

📌 Increased Review Times: The NDIA is taking longer to process STA claims to ensure they meet strict eligibility criteria.
📌 More Information Requests: Expect possible follow-ups to provide additional evidence for your claim.
📌 Higher Rejection Rates: Claims may be declined, especially if deemed ‘holiday’ expenses, so it’s important to clarify needs early on.
📌 Limitations on Days: Remember that STA is capped at 28 days per year, with any additional days need pre-approval.

For anyone using STA, the best advice is to connect with your NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) before making bookings or upfront payments. Discussing your support needs beforehand can help ensure smoother claim approvals and minimise any surprises.

Read more 👇👇👇👇

Short-term accommodation (STA) funding and how to use it can cause some confusion. In recent months,...

30/10/2024

🎧 We just discovered the 'I Can’t Stand' podcast, and it’s a breath of fresh air! Host Peta Hooke shares the real ups and downs of life with a disability - talking honestly about daily struggles, big life moments, and all the awkward stuff in between. It’s like listening to a friend who gets it and isn’t afraid to laugh along the way.

Peta’s stories are relatable and real, making each episode feel like a supportive chat we can all connect with. If you’re looking for a podcast that speaks to the experiences of 1 in 5 Australians with a disability, this is one to check out! 🎙
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Have you ever wondered what it is like to live with a disability? The I Can't Stand Podcast is for everyone who has a question or just wondered about disability. No questions are off-limits any question you have is allowed. Every week Peta will answer any question you have.

25/10/2024

🎥✨ TV BRA: Empowering News, Changing Lives! In Norway, a groundbreaking news station, TV BRA, is making waves by giving people with learning disabilities a platform to tell their own stories—whether it's news, entertainment, or sport.

With simplified reports and a dedicated team of reporters with autism and disability, they deliver news in a way that’s accessible to all. Imagine how incredible it would be to see something like this in Australia! A true example of inclusion and empowerment. Let's start the conversation! 🇦🇺💬

An easy read version of a story about Norway's TV BRA, which makes a programme for people with learning disabilities.