Dear Friends and Supporters of CRU,

As well as keeping you updated with CRU events, from time to time we like to share information about other events that are happening that we think might be of interest to you. Please see below for information on the New Worker Screening for Self and Plan managed NDIS participants, details of the Down Syndrome QLD Conference and find out more and have your say about proposed changes to the NDIS.

Webinar: New worker screening for self-managed & plan managed NDIS participants

From 1 February 2021, a new National Worker Screening system began in Queensland. New workers for registered NDIS service providers, working in risk assessed roles, will need to obtain a worker screening clearance. But what will the new system mean for people who are not using registered providers?
Join CRU, QDN, ADA, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland (ATSIDNQ) for a free webinar to find out what the changes mean for self-managed and plan managed participants and their families.

• Webinar for NDIS self and plan managed participants on new worker screening process
  10am Thursday 18 February

Endless Possibilities Practical Inclusion Conference
Down Syndrome Queensland

Members of CRU’s Families for Inclusive Education Project team are excited to be presenting at Down Syndrome Queensland’s Endless Possibilities Conference being held in Brisbane – and live streamed – in early March. For families and teachers, the conference will provide practical ideas, strategies and tips to achieve Inclusive Education.

8am – 4:30pm (Qld) March 4, 2021

Victoria Park Golf Club, Herston, Brisbane (and live streamed). Separate Parent and Teacher streams are being run.

Click here for the program and full list of topics/speakers, and to find out how to register.

Have your say on proposed changes to the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is proposing a number of significant changes to the way the NDIS works, and is asking for feedback about these changes. We encourage you to take some time to understand what is being proposed and think about what these changes might mean for you or your family. There is more information, including discussion papers and FAQs on the NDIS website.

• Access and eligibility policy with independent assessments
• Planning policy for personalised budgets and plan flexibility (including using independent assessment in determining plan budgets)
• Supporting young children and their families early (changes to Early Childhood Early Intervention, including increasing the age from under 7 to under 9 years of age)

You can provide feedback on any of the proposed changes, in written, audio or video format. Consultations close at 10am ADST Tuesday 23rd February.

CYDA information sessions on upcoming NDIS Changes

Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) is holding online information sessions on the proposed NDIS changes, and seeking feedback on the changes through surveys. There will be a session and survey for parents and caregivers, and a session and survey for young people with disability who have hand experience with the NDIS.

• NDIS Survey – Young People with Disability
  This survey is aimed at young people with disability who have experience with the NDIS. If you would prefer to talk to someone instead, please email or call 1800 222 660 (outside metropolitan Melbourne) to express your interest in participating in an interview. CYDA will organise a time to talk to you about your NDIS experiences.
• NDIS Survey – Families and Caregivers
  This survey is aimed at family members and caregivers of children and young people with disability who have experience with the NDIS.  CYDA encourage you to consult with your child or young person while completing the survey.
• NDIS Changes Information session for family members and caregivers
  Tuesday 9th February at 1 PM AEDT on Zoom.
• NDIS Changes Information session for young people with disability
  Thursday 11th February at 7 PM AEDT on Zoom.