FAQ

ArtAbility® is a prominent disability art program offered in Melbourne by Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities (ADEC). These programs offer workshops and exhibitions throughout Greater Melbourne, targeting a diverse group including individuals with disabilities, seniors, refugees/asylum seekers, Indigenous peoples, and those facing mental health challenges, as well as their caregivers or guardians. This initiative allows these communities to participate in the arts within a nurturing and supportive environment.

Disability art programs offer a variety of engaging art activities tailored to the interests and abilities of participants. From painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media, these programs provide a supportive space where individuals can explore different mediums and techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. Caregivers or guardians are welcome to join in the creative process alongside their loved ones, fostering meaningful connections and shared experiences.

Disability art programs welcome a diverse range of participants, including individuals living with disabilities, seniors, refugees/asylum seekers, Indigenous peoples, and those experiencing mental health challenges. Additionally, caregivers, guardians, or caretakers are encouraged to support and accompany participants, ensuring they feel comfortable and included in the artistic process.

Disability Art Programs, such as ArtAbility®, offer a nurturing environment where individuals with disabilities, seniors, refugees/asylum seekers, Indigenous peoples, and those experiencing mental health challenges can explore their creativity. These programs aim to boost confidence, foster social connections, and empower participants through artistic expression, providing a meaningful outlet for self-discovery and personal growth.

Certainly, ADEC goes beyond advocacy to help participants establish connections with a range of government services. Whether it involves navigating disability support services, transport services, or other governmental support, our team is committed to understanding your unique circumstances. The extent of assistance is tailored to your specific case and the services required.

To access NDIS plan management services, simply express your interest during your planning meeting with the NDIS staff. They will allocate funding within your plan to cover the cost of your plan manager, which is separate from your budget for other services and supports. If you’re already in the middle of your plan and wish to make changes, please contact the NDIS at 1800 800 110 to discuss how to incorporate plan management into your existing plan.

Our NDIS Plan Managers offer a range of benefits to empower you in managing your NDIS plan effectively. With our services, you can:

Enhance your financial and plan management skills: Our plan managers will provide you with valuable insights and resources to boost your financial literacy and better understand your NDIS plan, ensuring you make informed decisions for your future.

Facilitate hassle-free payments to service providers: Our seamless payment process simplifies the often complex task of paying service providers, ensuring they receive timely and accurate payments, and allowing you to focus on your goals.

Access NDIS plan budget reports and gain greater control over your budget: With our detailed financial reporting, you’ll have a clear overview of your NDIS plan’s funding health, enabling you to make strategic decisions to achieve your goals more effectively.

NDIS plan management involves partnering with a provider to effectively oversee the funding within your NDIS Plan. As a Plan Management Provider, we play a pivotal role in ensuring your plan’s funds are used optimally. It’s important to note that plan management is distinct from having the NDIA directly manage the funding in your NDIS plan or choosing to self-manage your plan.

Yes, the NDIS considers individuals eligible for access regardless of whether their impairment is a result of birth, disease, injury, or accident.

For NDIS funding to be applicable, the medical condition or disease must lead to a permanent impairment, encompassing physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, visual, hearing, or psychosocial aspects, resulting in a significant disability.

For instance, a stroke causing hemiparesis (substantial reduction in mobility) or severe emphysema resulting in irreversible lung damage (chronic dyspnea significantly reducing mobility, self-care, and community participation) are scenarios where individuals may qualify for NDIS support.

The NDIS does not allocate funds or support for conditions that are time-limited or non-ongoing. For instance, cases of reduced mobility arising from acute injuries like a lower limb fracture do not fulfil the NDIS disability criteria, as these conditions are expected to resolve over time.

Additionally, chronic health conditions unrelated to a person’s disability are not eligible for NDIS funding or support. It’s crucial to distinguish between the management of chronic health conditions and their associated comorbidities and the realm of disability.

For instance, the NDIS may provide financial support for disability services for someone who underwent a lower limb amputation due to peripheral artery disease linked to diabetes (physical impairment leading to disability due to a health condition), provided they meet all access requirements.

However, the NDIS will not cover expenses related to medication or medical care for the treatment of diabetes or peripheral artery disease.

For individuals with mental health conditions, eligibility for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support is contingent on the presence of a severe, longstanding, and impactful psychosocial disability resulting from their condition. It’s important to note that not everyone with a mental health condition automatically qualifies for NDIS support, but for those with a psychosocial disability, NDIS is designed to provide assistance. The focus of NDIS support is on functional ability and long-term recovery, rather than clinical interventions. This means NDIS may fund supports to enhance capabilities related to daily activities and those affected by the disability. Whether it’s aiding in daily living activities, fostering community participation, or rebuilding skills and confidence, NDIS is dedicated to supporting individuals in various aspects of their lives affected by mental illness or psychosocial disability.

Engage in Activities of Daily Living: This involves supporting individuals in navigating their daily routines, ensuring they can independently manage tasks such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, and household activities.

Participate in the Community, Social Life, Study, and Work: NDIS aims to facilitate active involvement in various aspects of life, including community engagement, social interactions, educational pursuits, and employment. This support extends beyond the individual’s immediate needs to promote a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

Recover and Build Skills and Confidence in Daily Activities: NDIS is committed to assisting individuals in recovering and enhancing skills that may have been impacted by their disability. This includes rebuilding confidence in routine activities, fostering a sense of independence, and promoting long-term self-sufficiency.

These points encapsulate the diverse ways in which NDIS focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with mental health conditions, addressing their specific needs in both practical and holistic dimensions.

If you’re between the ages of 9 and 65, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is accessible to you with the assistance of a local area coordinator. They can guide you through the NDIS application process, help you understand the system, and connect you with other government and community supports. On the other hand, if you have a child younger than 9, an early childhood partner is the key support figure. Early childhood partners not only provide assistance to children before applying for the NDIS but also assess whether the NDIS is suitable for the child, keeping families informed about the eligibility process. This age-specific approach ensures tailored support structures for individuals and families at different stages of life.