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Rural Lifestyle Options Australia

Community Service Provider

1300 032 175

Rural Lifestyle Options Australia

The latest Rural Lifestyle Options Australia updates.

Our News

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Planning resource for people with disability


    A new resource has been released which assists people with disability to exercise control over their response to COVID-19.


    Key points



    COVID-19 Planning resource for people with disability


    The COVID-19 Planning resource for people with disability helps people with disability get the facts about COVID-19, make a plan for how they will manage during the pandemic, and know what to do if they experience symptoms.


    The resource was developed by researchers at the University of Sydney, in partnership with the Queenslanders with Disability Network.


    Please share the resource with the people you support, and their families/guardians, as this is one way to support NDIS participants to exercise choice and control in the current situation.


    Further information, alerts and resources


    The Coronavirus (COVID-19) information webpage on the NDIS Commission website contains links to updates, training, alerts and other resources.


    We also have a COVID-19 webpage containing information for people with disability, and a webpage of frequently asked questions about COVID-19 for all stakeholders.


    Contact Us



    Links to previous COVID-19 provider alerts


     

    The above information was provided by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

    10 Minutes With Annett Reeves


      This month we sat down with Annett Reeves, who provided a glimpse into her life and her role at Rural Lifestyle Options Australia as Office Manager.


      What are you responsible for? I'm responsible for mentoring, training and supporting the Customer Service Team members at all three of our Offices. My role encompasses providing efficient and effective administrative support to staff and provide outstanding customer service to visiting participants, families and stakeholders. What do you consider to be your strengths? As far as my strengths go, I really pride myself on getting in and getting it done to meet the needs of our Team. I don't like to make people wait. What is an unknown fact about you? When I was younger I was an avid BMX rider, and I even went to the State Championships for it. What drives you nuts? When people say they are going to do something by a specific time and they don't do it and then don't let you know that it is not going to be done in time. What are your interests? I like going out and riding bikes with my kids, exploring the local national parks and fishing. I also enjoy a glass of wine (or three) and socialising with friends.

      What is your favourite food?

      I’m well known with friends for having the best Cobloaf, whenever there is a gathering I’m asked to bring along my signature dish to share with everyone. I’m also partial to sweet treats such as Cadbury Popping Candy Chocolate or Mars Bar Ice Creams.

      What was the last TV show you binge watched?

      I am binge watching 'The Flash' at the moment with my children.

      What is your favourite work tip?  Close the loop. How do you like to receive feedback?  I like direct feedback. If someone is happy with what our team does or how we are doing it let us know. If there is something me or my Team is not doing that we could do better let me know, if I don’t know I can't fix it. I appreciate open communication. What is the best way to contact you?  People can get in touch with me by emailing annett.reeves@rloa.org.au

       

      Guidance for the disability sector in relation to Border Restrictions Direction (No. 11)



        Please see below an important Public Health Alert from the Queensland Government. New border restrictions that will take effect from 1.00am on 8 August 2020. The below information provides guidance about these restrictions apply to the disability sector.


        Further information, including how to apply for an exemption is available at


        People with disability accessing services


        What should I do if I am concerned border restrictions will impact my disability services?


        If you are concerned these arrangements may impact your support arrangements, please contact your support provider in the first instance.


        If a provider has withdrawn services you should contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission by phoning 1800 035 544.


        If you are a NDIS participant and have immediate concerns about not receiving essential supports due to border closures, contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 and select option 5.


        If you are in need of urgent essential disability care and you have been unable to access alternative services through your usual provider or an alternative provider, please contact the community recovery hotline on 1800 173 349.


        In the event of an emergency please call 000.


        What if I need to travel to Queensland to access specialist disability support but I am not a Queensland resident?


        You may apply for an exemption in extreme exceptional circumstances if you are coming from a COVID-19 hot spot.


        NSW residents residing in the Border zone may enter and remain within the border zone in Queensland if they have not been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days.


        Providing services to people with disability


        What if I need to travel to Queensland to provider specialist disability support but I am not a Queensland resident?


        You may apply for an exemption in extreme exceptional circumstances if you are coming from a COVID-19 hot spot.

        NSW residents residing in the Border zone may enter and remain within the border zone in Queensland if they have not been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days.


        What should I do if I am a support worker and I am concerned these changes will impact my ability to provide disability services?


        It is vitally important that any workers tell their employer if they are not able to provide a Queenslander with disability essential daily in-home support, as this will enable other arrangements to be made.


        NDIS providers have obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct and the NDIS Practice Standards as well as conditions of registration that relate to the delivery of safe, quality supports and services, and the management of risks associated with the supports provided to NDIS participants.


        Visiting a family member or friend with disability


        Can I continue to provide informal supports or care to a family member with disability that lives in New South Wales?


        If you are a border zone resident, you can continue to travel to visit or provide supports to a person within the border zone.


        However, you cannot travel outside of the border zone in New South Wales. You cannot otherwise travel to New South Wales (or any other COVID-19 hotspot). If you do visit a vulnerable family member or friend in New South Wales (or any other COVID-19 hotspot), you will not be able to re-enter Queensland via road and will have to quarantine for 14 days at government arranged accommodation at your own expense when you come home by air.


        Can I enter Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot to visit a family member with disability?


        You may apply for an exemption in extreme exceptional circumstances. Example: Residents of New South Wales, except for those residing in a border zone, cannot enter Queensland other than in certain limited circumstances, otherwise they may have to apply for an exemption in extreme exceptional circumstances.


        New South Wales residents residing in the border zone can enter Queensland only if they remain within the border zone. Travelling to Queensland I am a Queensland resident returning home and I have an intellectual, developmental or other disability and need special equipment and/or support for my health and wellbeing which means I can’t travel home by air.


        Can I travel by road?


        You may apply for an exemption in extreme exceptional circumstances.


        Quarantine


        If I have an intellectual, developmental or other disability and need special equipment and/or support for my health and wellbeing can I quarantine at home?


        There is discretion for an emergency officer (public health) to allow for quarantine at another premise other than government nominated accommodation as directed by an emergency officer (public health).

         

        The above information was provided by the Queensland Government.



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