FAQ

Social support groups offer a range of activities tailored to the needs of participants. These may include informative sessions with guest speakers, recreational activities such as memory training activities and art classes, as well as day trip and getaways to places of interest. Additionally, they may provide opportunities for gentle exercise, wellbeing, and gardening sessions, both online and face-to-face, catering to various preferences and needs.

Participating in social support programs offers numerous benefits, including access to information, emotional support, and opportunities for social interaction and engagement. These programs promote empowerment, well-being, and community inclusion, enhancing overall quality of life for participants and their families.

Eligibility for Social Support Groups extends to individuals meeting specific criteria, including senior citizens, those with disabilities, and individuals from ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, carers of persons with disabilities or mental health concerns may also qualify. Referrals can be made by healthcare professionals or individuals themselves who believe they would benefit from the support group.

Social Support Groups encompass a variety of services tailored to individuals with disabilities or senior citizens, particularly those from Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. These services aim to provide essential support, including peer assistance, recreational activities, and access to information, fostering empowerment and community engagement.

ADEC works closely with local networks and councils to identify and understand the needs within the community. This is done through meetings, community projects and 1:1 supports to clients and by taking part in local Expo’s.
Capacity Building Projects enables ADEC to ask questions and collate feedback to enable the successful delivery of services. Through such projects, participants are encouraged and supported to take the lead in facilitation in areas of experience, life skills and confidence. ADEC provides support to the community by empowering them with knowledge, enabling them to connect and educate their families and advocate on issues and barriers identified within their community.

While our primary focus is on CALD communities, some programs and resources may be open to individuals from non-CALD backgrounds. Specific eligibility criteria may apply, and we encourage interested individuals to contact us for more details. Please reach out to us if you are interested in joining our group programs.

The process for enrolling in NDIS disability support services involves the following steps:

Determine Eligibility:  To get started, check if you’re eligible for NDIS . The checklist is a helpful tool to gauge whether you meet the criteria for NDIS support.

Application Options:  If you believe you are eligible for NDIS support and wish to apply, you have two primary options:

1. Verbal Application:  You can initiate the application process by calling the NDIS on the toll-free number 1800 800 110 . During this call, you can provide essential information and express your intent to apply for NDIS services.
2. Fill in a form: Alternatively, you can opt to complete an  Access Request Form . This form gathers comprehensive details about your needs and circumstances. Once filled out, you should submit it to the NDIS as part of your application.

Seek Assistance:  If you require assistance or have questions during the application process, it is advisable to reach out to relevant sources for guidance. You can contact:

• Local Area Coordinator:  These coordinators specialise in helping individuals navigate the NDIS application process. They can provide information and support tailored to your specific region.
• Early Childhood Partner:  If your application involves services for early childhood, early childhood partners are available to offer specialised assistance.
• NDIA Office: The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has offices that can assist with your application process and address any queries you may have. Please contact us for any advice on the process, however, please note that we are unable to make an application on your behalf.

ADEC’s has been a leader in supporting ethnic communities for over 42 years.

Decades of Experience:  ADEC has been a trusted provider of disability services since 1982. With over 4 decades of experience, we have a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities from ethnic communities.

Multilingual Team:  Our dedicated staff members are proficient in more than 33 different languages, ensuring that we can effectively communicate and provide support to a diverse range of individuals. This commitment to linguistic diversity enables us to cater to the specific cultural and language needs of our clients.

Personalised Engagement:  We offer a free meet-and-greet service, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for individuals seeking our support. This initial interaction allows us to get to know our clients and understand their specific requirements better. Moreover, our transportation costs are kept at a minimum, making it more accessible for those in need.

Collaboration with NDIS:  ADEC works closely with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This collaboration ensures that our services align with NDIS standards, guaranteeing that clients receive the highest quality of care and support.

Our support workers not only speak your language but also aid in various aspects of daily life, including:

Community Access:  Enabling individuals to participate in community activities and events, fostering social connections and a sense of belonging.

Personal Care:  Assisting with personal hygiene, grooming, and other essential self-care activities to maintain well-being and dignity.

Independent Living Skills:  Empowering clients with the skills and knowledge needed for independent living, promoting self-sufficiency and confidence.

Cooking and Nutrition:  Assisting with meal preparation and nutritional choices for a healthy lifestyle.

Recreational Activities:  Encouraging engagement in recreational pursuits that promote physical and mental well-being, fostering a balanced and fulfilling life.

The NDIS offers funding for various types of disability support services, including:

Daily personal activities: Assistance with daily living activities to promote independence.

Help with household tasks: Aid in managing and maintaining one’s home environment.

Transport to enable participation: Support for community engagement and participation in social, economic, and daily life activities.

Workplace help: Assistance to secure and maintain employment in the open or supported labour market.

Therapeutic supports: Inclusive of behaviour support and other therapeutic interventions.

Aids and equipment assessment: Evaluation, setup, and training related to aids and equipment.

Home modification design and construction: Adaptations to the home environment to enhance accessibility.

Mobility equipment and vehicle modifications: Support to improve mobility and vehicle accessibility.

Once the NDIS conducts an internal review, they can’t perform another review on the same decision. If you’re still unsatisfied, you can ask the NDIS to explain their decision and explore plan utilisation and support options. Check what  other options  are available for you. If you’re not satisfied with the internal review, you can request an external review from the Administrative Reviews Tribunal (ART), but only after the NDIS completes the internal review.

The NDIS aims to complete all internal reviews within 60 days from the day after they receive your request. During this time, they will thoroughly assess your case, including any new evidence or information you’ve provided, and provide you with written reasons for their decisions. This process ensures transparency and helps you understand the result of the review. The actual timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of your case.

When you request an internal review of a NDIS decision, it’s essential to provide specific information to help the NDIS understand your situation and concerns. You can let the NDIS know:

The Expected Decision:  Clearly state what decision you were expecting from the NDIS.

Reason for a Different Decision:  Explain why you believe the NDIS should make a different decision. Detail the specific reasons or circumstances that support your request for a change.

Reconsideration of Previously Submitted Information:  If there’s information you’ve already provided to the NDIS that you’d like them to reconsider, be sure to mention it. This can include any relevant documentation or details previously shared.

New Evidence:  If you have acquired any new evidence, such as recent medical reports, therapy assessments, or other supporting documents, it’s important to include these in your request. This new evidence can strengthen your case and influence the review process.

For more detailed guidance on what to include with your review request, we recommend checking NDIS’  guide on how to request an internal review of a decision