Able WA

23/10/2025

🌿 When the days get too much...

We’ve all been there — exhausted, overwhelmed, and feeling like we’re fighting an endless battle just to keep things moving forward.

Caring for someone with a disability is one of the most meaningful things you can do — but it’s also one of the hardest. 💛

That’s why the Carer Gateway exists. It’s a free national service designed to support the everyday heroes — the mums, dads, sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles, grandparents, and friends who quietly hold everything together.

If you ever feel like it’s all getting a bit too much, please reach out to their counselling team. You don’t have to do it alone — they truly understand and are there to listen.

👉 Learn more or contact them below:

💬 For the Days That Feel Heavy

When your cup feels dry and your heart feels sore,
Take a breath — you’ve carried so much more.
Reach out your hand, let someone care,
You’ve given your all — now let them share. 💚

Support is available for carers who experience grief and loss.

Grief can come from the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of health, a job, financial security, or even future plans.

Talking to someone you trust can help.

At Carer Gateway you can speak to a professional counsellor who can provide strategies to help you work through your emotions.

To learn more, please see comments

12/10/2025

Goal Setting – Turning Your NDIS Goals into Action

Let’s talk GOALS! 🎯 You’ve got goals listed in your NDIS plan – now your Support Coordinator will help turn those into a concrete action plan. In our approach, we often use a Goal Planning worksheet or session as part of your Participant Empowerment Plan.

Here’s how we break it down:
• Understanding Your Goals: First, we make sure we truly understand what each goal means to you. The wording in your plan might be broad (e.g. “increase independence”), so we’ll ask, “What would achieving this look like in your life?” For one person, independence might mean learning to cook; for another it might mean using public transport alone. We get specific. Example: If your goal is “find a job I enjoy”, we’ll discuss what kind of job, how many hours, what support you’d need, etc. We basically add detail and personal meaning to the goal.
• Steps and Supports: Next, we outline steps to reach each goal. This is where support coordination shines. We map which funded supports, services, or community activities will help. For a job goal, steps might include: getting a vocational assessment, finding a disability-friendly employer, maybe some assistive technology for work. If your goal is more social, steps could be joining a local club or finding a support worker to go with you to events. We also identify who will do what – some things the SC will arrange, some things you or your family might do, etc. It’s a team effort!
• Leverage Informal & Community Supports: Not everything has to be an NDIS-funded service. We’ll talk about community or informal supports too. Maybe there’s a local art class or a peer support group that fits your goals. We help connect those dots because NDIS isn’t the whole picture – your life in the community is the goal. 🌏
• Checkpoints: We set some milestones or checkpoints. For example, “By 3 months, have completed a resume and 1 practice interview.” These aren’t strict deadlines, but they give us something to celebrate and evaluate progress. Your SC will monitor these and adjust as needed.

Remember, your goals can evolve. If along the way you achieve one or your priorities change, let’s update the plan! An NDIS plan isn’t set in stone – goals can be adjusted each year, or you can even request a change if something big shifts.

🎉 Share a win: What’s a personal goal (big or small) you’ve achieved recently? It could be NDIS-related or anything in life. We’d love to cheer you on!

Comment below and let’s celebrate progress together.

11/10/2025

Onboarding – Your First Meeting with a Support Coordinator

You’ve chosen a Support Coordinator – yay! 🎉 Now, what happens in the beginning? Onboarding with your SC sets the foundation for a great working relationship.

Here’s what usually happens in those first steps:
• Service Agreement: First, you’ll likely sign a Service Agreement. This is a document between you and the SC’s organization (for example, Able WA) outlining the services they’ll provide, how often you’ll meet, and how they’ll claim funding. It’s basically a mutual agreement to work together. Your SC will go through it with you to make sure you’re happy with everything before you sign. ✍️
• Getting to Know You: Expect a deep dive chat about you! Your coordinator will ask about your daily routine, what’s working or not, your interests, and of course, your goals. They might use tools or forms like a Participant Profile or Personal Goal Setting form to gather info. Don’t be shy – share what matters most to you. The better we know you, the better we can help tailor your supports. 💕
• Participant Empowerment Plan (PEP): Many support coordinators (including us) create a Participant Empowerment Plan. This sounds fancy, but it’s basically your story + your aspirations + the game plan. It can include your goals (short and long term), preferences for how you want to receive supports, and any challenges or risks to be aware of. The PEP is like a roadmap we refer to, ensuring we’re always on the same page about what you want to achieve.
• Risk Assessment: As part of onboarding, the SC will also discuss any safety concerns or special needs. For example, do you have allergies, behavioral risks, or a vulnerable home situation? This is so we can develop a risk management plan if needed – our duty of care is to make sure you’re safe while exercising your choices. We respect your right to take reasonable risks (that’s called “dignity of risk”), while also putting safeguards in place for big dangers. So we might ask a few sensitive questions – it’s only to plan properly, not to pry. 🔒
• Plan “Unpacking”: Finally, your SC will help unpack your NDIS plan. They’ll explain each part, confirm the budget amounts, and start mapping which supports you need to line up first. It’s strategy time! Perhaps you need a wheelchair repair urgently – that might be action #1. Or maybe finding a speech therapist for your child’s new school term is top priority. We’ll note those down.

By the end of onboarding, you should have a clear idea of “what happens next” – which providers to call, what goals to focus on first, and when your next catch-up will be. You’ll likely feel a mix of relief (“Yay, I have help now!”) and excitement (“Let’s get things moving!”).

😊 Question for you: What would make you feel most comfortable and confident in your first meeting with a Support Coordinator?

Let’s talk about it!

09/10/2025

🟢 Seeking Saturday Support Worker – Kewdale Area (Male Preferred)

Able WA is looking to connect with an organisation or independent support worker to assist one of our NDIS participants in Kewdale on Saturday mornings.

About the support:

2–3 hours each Saturday (ongoing)

Light exercise, walking, or calisthenics at Tomato Lake

Focus on motivation, consistency, and community connection

Calm, patient, and supportive approach preferred

Ideal match:
✅ Male support worker preferred
✅ Confident working with adults with ASD and fatigue-related conditions (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome)
✅ Reliable, friendly, and consistent
✅ Fully insured with ABN, NDIS Worker Screening Check, and First Aid

We’re open to hearing from both independent support workers and organisations with availability to take on this Saturday morning support.

📍 Location: Kewdale, WA
📅 Start date: November 2025

If you or your organisation have capacity, please email admin@ablewa.com.au

Let’s work together to support a healthy and positive weekend routine 🌿

08/10/2025

Finding the Right SC – Choosing a Support Coordinator (Able WA can help!)

So you’ve got Support Coordination funding – how do you pick the right person or team? 🤝 In the NDIS, you get to choose your Support Coordinator (just like other providers).

Here are some tips to find a good match:
• Look for Experience & Knowledge: You’ll want someone who knows the NDIS inside-out and understands the supports for your specific needs. For example, our team at Able WA are NDIS specialists in Perth – we have deep understanding of the WA support landscape and experience across all disability sectors. An experienced SC can navigate tricky situations and find creative solutions.
• Local Connection: It helps if the coordinator knows your local area. Local coordinators (like Able WA in Perth, WA) have networks of providers across the region. They can connect you with nearby services and community resources that a random pick might not know about. Local love! 🌏
• Personal Fit: This one’s important – you should feel comfortable with your SC. They’ll be working closely with you, so trust and good communication are key. It’s okay to “interview” a Support Coordinator before signing on. Ask questions like: Have you worked with participants with [your condition]? How will you communicate with me (email, calls, visits)? See if their style suits you.
• Values: A great SC respects your choices and culture, listens to what you want, and empowers you rather than taking over. You should feel heard and supported, not judged. For instance, Able WA’s approach is all about personalized support and empowerment – you’re the boss, we’re the support. Make sure whoever you choose shares that philosophy.

Once you find a likely coordinator, you’ll enter into a Service Agreement with them (a simple contract about services and expectations). Don’t worry – we’ll cover that in the onboarding post next. 😉

What qualities would you most want in a Support Coordinator? Friendly? Prompt? Creative?

Let’s discuss! Drop a comment. 💬

05/10/2025

Support Coordination – What Is a Support Coordinator?

By now you might be wondering, “Do I need a Support Coordinator?”

If your NDIS plan includes funding for Support Coordination, you get to work with a person (like those on our Able WA team 🙋) who helps you make the most of your plan. Support coordination is actually a capacity-building support in your plan – its goal is to help you understand and use your NDIS plan to pursue your goals. Think of a Support Coordinator (SC) as your personal guide or project manager for your NDIS journey.

Here’s what they do:
• Explain Your Plan: They’ll break down the NDIS lingo, budgets and rules so you truly get what you’re funded for. Many people find the NDIS confusing at first – your SC is like your translator and teacher.
• Connect You to Services: One big role is linking you to the right support providers – whether it’s therapists, support workers, community programs, or assistive equipment suppliers. They have knowledge of lots of providers and can give you options. You always have choice and control; the SC just does the legwork of finding and coordinating services.
• Build Your Skills: A Support Coordinator helps build your confidence to coordinate things yourself over time. They might show you how to use the NDIS myplace portal, how to schedule services, or how to advocate for what you need. It’s about empowering you. 💪
• Problem-Solve: If issues come up – say a service isn’t working out, or you have a crisis – your SC helps sort it out. They can mediate with providers, adjust schedules, or find alternatives. They’re like your go-to trouble-shooter.
• Plan Ahead: SCs also help with preparing for plan reviews (more on that soon) and making sure your supports keep up with any changes in your life.

Not everyone has support coordination in their plan; it’s typically included if you have many supports to juggle or need extra help to get started. There are actually three levels: Support Connection (basic help to connect), Support Coordination (more ongoing coordination) and Specialist Support Coordination (for complex situations). But no need to worry about the jargon – the bottom line is we’re here to help you navigate the system and succeed 🎉.

Do you have a Support Coordinator? If yes, what’s one thing they’ve helped you with that you appreciate? If not, what would you want a Support Coordinator to assist you with? 🤔

05/10/2025

Support Coordination – What Is a Support Coordinator?

By now you might be wondering, “Do I need a Support Coordinator?” If your NDIS plan includes funding for Support Coordination, you get to work with a person (like those on our Able WA team 🙋) who helps you make the most of your plan. Support coordination is actually a capacity-building support in your plan – its goal is to help you understand and use your NDIS plan to pursue your goals. Think of a Support Coordinator (SC) as your personal guide or project manager for your NDIS journey. Here’s what they do:

• Explain Your Plan: They’ll break down the NDIS lingo, budgets and rules so you truly get what you’re funded for. Many people find the NDIS confusing at first – your SC is like your translator and teacher.
• Connect You to Services: One big role is linking you to the right support providers – whether it’s therapists, support workers, community programs, or assistive equipment suppliers. They have knowledge of lots of providers and can give you options. You always have choice and control; the SC just does the legwork of finding and coordinating services.
• Build Your Skills: A Support Coordinator helps build your confidence to coordinate things yourself over time. They might show you how to use the NDIS myplace portal, how to schedule services, or how to advocate for what you need. It’s about empowering you. 💪
• Problem-Solve: If issues come up – say a service isn’t working out, or you have a crisis – your SC helps sort it out. They can mediate with providers, adjust schedules, or find alternatives. They’re like your go-to trouble-shooter.
• Plan Ahead: SCs also help with preparing for plan reviews (more on that soon) and making sure your supports keep up with any changes in your life.

Not everyone has support coordination in their plan; it’s typically included if you have many supports to juggle or need extra help to get started. There are actually three levels: Support Connection (basic help to connect), Support Coordination (more ongoing coordination) and Specialist Support Coordination (for complex situations). But no need to worry about the jargon – the bottom line is we’re here to help you navigate the system and succeed 🎉.

Do you have a Support Coordinator? If yes, what’s one thing they’ve helped you with that you appreciate? If not, what would you want a Support Coordinator to assist you with? 🤔

05/10/2025

Finding the Right SC – Choosing a Support Coordinator (Able WA can help!)

So you’ve got Support Coordination funding – how do you pick the right person or team? 🤝 In the NDIS, you get to choose your Support Coordinator (just like other providers). Here are some tips to find a good match:

• Look for Experience & Knowledge: You’ll want someone who knows the NDIS inside-out and understands the supports for your specific needs. For example, our team at Able WA are NDIS specialists in Perth – we have deep understanding of the WA support landscape and experience across all disability sectors. An experienced SC can navigate tricky situations and find creative solutions.
• Local Connection: It helps if the coordinator knows your local area. Local coordinators (like Able WA in Perth, WA) have networks of providers across the region. They can connect you with nearby services and community resources that a random pick might not know about. Local love! 🌏
• Personal Fit: This one’s important – you should feel comfortable with your SC. They’ll be working closely with you, so trust and good communication are key. It’s okay to “interview” a Support Coordinator before signing on. Ask questions like: Have you worked with participants with your condition? How will you communicate with me (email, calls, visits)? See if their style suits you.
• Values: A great SC respects your choices and culture, listens to what you want, and empowers you rather than taking over. You should feel heard and supported, not judged. For instance, Able WA’s approach is all about personalized support and empowerment – you’re the boss, we’re the support. Make sure whoever you choose shares that philosophy.

Once you find a likely coordinator, you’ll enter into a Service Agreement with them (a simple contract about services and expectations). Don’t worry – we’ll cover that in the onboarding post next.

😉 What qualities would you most want in a Support Coordinator? Friendly? Prompt? Creative?

Let’s discuss! Drop a comment. 💬

04/10/2025

Your NDIS Plan – Understanding the Plan & Funding

Ta-da! Your NDIS Plan is approved – you’ve got it in your hands (or on the screen). But what do all these parts mean? 🤓 Let’s break down a typical NDIS plan:

• Your Profile: In the front you’ll see details about you – your disability, daily life, and current supports. This gives context to why your supports are funded.
• Your Goals: NDIS plans list the personal goals you told them about. These are super important – all your funding is basically aimed at helping you work towards these goals.
• Funded Supports: This is the $$ part! The plan divides funding into categories (sometimes called budgets). Common ones include Core, Capital, and Capacity Building. Each category covers different things (e.g., Core for daily living support, Capital for one-off purchases like equipment, Capacity Building for therapies, training, employment support, etc.).
• Support Areas: Within those budgets, you might see support line items. Don’t worry about the jargon – it’s basically specifying what type of support you can spend that money on. For example, you might have funds for therapy under a “Improved Daily Living” category, or a support coordinator under “Capacity Building – Support Coordination”.

Remember, your plan is a written agreement made with you – it’s meant to reflect your needs and goals. No two NDIS plans are the same, so try not to compare with others. Instead, focus on understanding your plan. A good exercise is to go through each goal and see which funded supports connect to it. If something’s unclear, you can ask your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator for help interpreting it.

📖 Fun fact: The plan comes with an NDIS Plan ID and you’ll use the myplace portal to manage funds and bookings. We’ll cover using your plan in future posts.

Question: What’s one goal in your NDIS plan (or a goal you’d want in a plan) that you’re excited about?

Share below – let’s celebrate goals! 🎉

01/10/2025

Planning Ahead – Your NDIS Planning Meeting

Congrats, you’ve been found eligible! 🎉 Next up is creating your NDIS Plan, and it starts with a planning meeting (often with an NDIA Planner or Local Area Coordinator). This is where you’ll talk about your life, needs, and goals so a tailored plan can be written for you. Here’s what to expect:

• You’ll discuss things like your daily activities and challenges, any supports you currently have (family, community, other services), and what goals you want to pursue in the next year. For example, do you want to find a job, join a social group, improve your mobility? Think about what’s important to you. 🎯
• They’ll ask about help you need to live more independently or safely – such as equipment, home modifications, or assistance with self-care. Don’t hold back – this is your chance to let them know where you really need support.
• Together, you’ll work out a plan of funded supports. Everyone’s plan is different because it’s all about your unique needs. The planner’s job is to make sure the plan provides the right support for you to achieve your goals.

📝 Tips to ace your planning meeting: Jot down your goals beforehand and any current supports or gaps. It can help to bring notes or have a family member/carer with you for support. If the meeting is by phone, find a quiet spot and don’t hesitate to ask the planner to repeat or explain anything – it’s so okay to ask questions!

After the meeting, the NDIA will finalize your plan and send you a copy.

How would you describe your “dream outcome” from an NDIS plan?

Drop a comment – we’d love to hear your goals! 💖

28/09/2025

Getting Started – How to Apply for the NDIS

Ready to apply? 📝 Applying to the NDIS is simpler than it seems. Here are a few ways you can make an NDIS Access Request:
• Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 and ask for an Access Request Form. They can mail or email it to you, or even fill it out with you over the phone.
• Visit your local NDIS partner (Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood partner). They can talk you through the evidence you need and help submit your application. In WA, partners like APM or WANSlea are there to assist.
• Download the form from the NDIS website, fill it out, and email or post it in. You can email applications to the NDIA or mail to NDIA in Canberra. If forms aren’t your thing, you can even walk into an NDIS office and they’ll print one for you.

After you apply, the NDIA will review your information (they might call you or your health professionals if they need more details). The good news: the NDIA must make an access decision within 21 days for most applications. That means you won’t be left hanging for long! 🎉 If you’re eligible, you’ll get an “access decision” letter, and then the fun part begins – planning your supports. If not, they’ll explain why (and you can ask for a review of the decision if you disagree).

🤞 Fingers crossed! Applying can feel daunting, but remember – we’re rooting for you.

Have you applied for the NDIS? Share one tip or question from your experience! 💬

27/09/2025

NDIS Basics – What is the NDIS and Who Can Access It?

NDIS 101 🤔: The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s national support system for people with disability. It provides funding directly to individuals with permanent and significant disability so they can access supports and services to improve their lives[1]. There are around 4.3 million Australians with disability, and the NDIS is expected to support about 500,000 of us – for many, it’s the first time they receive the disability support they need[1]!

Who is eligible? To access the NDIS, you must:
• Be under 65 years old (you can apply if you’re between early childhood and 64).
• Live in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident, or hold a special category visa.
• Have a permanent disability that significantly affects your daily life. This can be an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial (mental health) disability.
• Usually need support from another person or equipment to do everyday activities (or need some supports now to reduce future needs).

If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible for the NDIS – the final decision is up to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Not sure if you qualify? Take the NDIS eligibility quiz on the official site or ask us in the comments! We’re happy to help point you in the right direction. 🤗

💡 Tip: Even if you’re not eligible, local coordinators can connect you with other community supports. The goal is to support everyone who needs help.

Question: What’s one thing about the NDIS you’re curious about? Let us know! 👇