NDIS News Update
Keep up with most recent NDIS updates with Rainbow Palm Support Services
November 2024
🌧️ Disaster Preparedness Support for Our Clients 🌞
At Rainbow Palm Support Services, we’re fully committed to the safety and well-being of our clients, especially during extreme weather conditions. Here’s how we’re ensuring every residence is prepared:
- Home Readiness: We conduct regular maintenance to ensure air conditioning is working, and we have emergency plumbers and electricians ready to assist with any urgent repairs or appliance issues.
- Access to Key Contacts: Each house is equipped with a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, emergency contractors, utility companies, and government numbers. This ensures that both clients and staff can respond quickly to any situation.
- Personalized Emergency Plans: We maintain a current emergency plan for each client, reviewed annually with clients and their families to address any specific needs or changes.
- Emergency Kits and First Aid: Every Rainbow Palm house is equipped with first aid and emergency kits, and our staff are trained in emergency evacuation procedures. This gives clients and their families peace of mind knowing that support is immediate and coordinated.
Rainbow Palm is here to provide dependable, proactive support, ensuring our clients’ safety and comfort in any situation. 💪✨
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October 2024
Clarifications of NDIS supports
Hi All, the NDIS has recently introduced updated support lists to clarify NDIS-funded support options.
Please find the details clarifications at What does NDIS fund?
The NDIS has further categorized three supports.
- NDIS funded support
- Non- NDIS funded support
- Replacement support
As a registered SIL provider, Rainbow palm strictly follow NDIS regulations and guidelines to ensure service quotation are always provided prior to execution and all compliance is met.
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September 2024
Breaking news – Stronger registration to begin
The Australian Government is progressing a new registration system with NDIS commission for better support through stronger regulation of providers. The Australian Government will not require all platform providers, support coordinators and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers to be registered.
Our participants are assured. Rainbow Palm is the NDIS registered service provider, we are big support on the regulation change to ensure participants needs are met and rights are protected. Please refer to the link below for details.
Stronger registration to begin for NDIS Sector
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September 2024
NDIS Rule Changes from 3 Oct 2024: Key Updates on Funding and Services
Starting from 3 October 2024, there will be changes to the NDIS rules. We want to make sure you understand what’s happening and how it could affect the services we provide to you every day. Here’s what you need to know:
- New Rules for NDIS Supports: After 3 October, you will only be able to use your NDIS funding for things that are considered “NDIS supports.” This means that some things you could pay for before might not be allowed anymore. We will let you know what the new rules are and help you understand how to use your funding correctly.
- Daily Services: The way we provide your daily services might change a little to follow these new rules. But don’t worry – Rainbow Palm is here to make sure you still get the support you need. We will talk to you about any changes and make sure you understand what’s happening.
- New Budgets: If your plan changes after 3 October, it will show a total amount of money for all your supports, instead of listing each one separately. This will help you see how much funding you have and how long it needs to last.
Rainbow Palm will follow all the new rules and keep providing you with the best support. If you have any questions or are unsure about the changes, just ask us! We’re here to help.
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August 2024
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment passed by Parliament
On 22 August 2024, Parliament passed the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024. This legislation is a key step in implementing the NDIS Review’s vision to restore the scheme’s original intent and improve outcomes for Australians with significant and permanent disabilities. The NDIA will focus on delivering these reforms in partnership with the disability community, ensuring that people with disability play a central role in shaping how changes are designed and implemented. Over the next few years, key areas of co-design will include:
- Assessment and budgeting reforms
- Development of a new navigator role
- Changes to plan management services
- Integrity improvements
- A new psychosocial early intervention service
Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs), industry experts, and government agencies will also be involved in the co-design process, ensuring broad representation and collaboration. While the Bill has been passed, there are no immediate changes. Current processes and guidance remain in place for participants and providers until the laws take effect in the coming weeks. The NDIA will communicate the details of these changes as they unfold, providing support and clarity to ensure a smooth transition for participants and providers.
Stay tuned for further updates as we work together towards a stronger, more sustainable NDIS.
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August 2024
News Update: Important Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 for Disability Accommodation Providers
As of 1 July 2024, key amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 have come into effect, driven by the Disability and Social Services Regulation Amendment Act 2023. These changes aim to enhance the rights of people with disabilities living in specialist disability accommodation (SDA) in Victoria.
The Amendment Act, which became law on 23 May 2023, introduces important updates to the definition and coverage of SDA providers, residents, and dwellings. Specifically, these changes:
- Broaden the definition of “SDA provider” to include a wider range of disability accommodation and support services.
- Expand the classification of “SDA resident” to encompass more people with disabilities.
- Introduce a new term, “SDA dwelling,” to cover a broader spectrum of disability accommodation arrangements under Part 12A of the Residential Tenancies Act.
For people with disabilities, this means:
- Increased residential rights and protections.
- Greater choice regarding the type of residential agreements available to them in SDA.
- More opportunities for residents to be visited by Community Visitors, ensuring oversight and advocacy.
For further details, please visit the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website (https://www.dffh.vic.gov.au/disability-and-social-services-regulation-amendment-act-2023) or the Consumer Affairs Victoria website (https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/specialist-disability-accommodation) to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as an SDA provider or resident.
Stay informed to ensure you meet the new standards and continue providing high-quality living solutions to the disability community.
