**The WA Government Response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (Disability Royal Commission) was released today. Please see the response at the WA Disability Royal Commission website, we hope that you will share this with your networks.

The WA Government is accepting, in principle or accepting in part 100 of the 132 recommendations that apply to WA. The remaining 32 recommendations are being considered further, this includes consideration of responses by the Australian Government and ongoing Inquiries. Where recommendations are under further consideration and not subject to an existing timeline, the WA Government will provide an updated position as part of mid-2025 reporting.

Response to the Disability Royal Commission will bring about meaningful and lasting change to make WA a safer, more inclusive and accessible place for people with disability. Many matters raised through the Disability Royal Commission are complex and sensitive. The WA Government will undertake a considered approach in implementing the reforms and will engage with people with disability, their families and carers, and the broader community.

Recognition to all who campaigned for the establishment of the Disability Royal Commission, supported its work and provided input. The Disability Royal Commission recommendations provide an important path forward to create safer and more empowering environments for people with disability to ensure they live a life free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

**Please note this is not connected to The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale - information only

Wanslea recently held an information session on Early Childhood Settings Using Visual Supports. Here are some useful links

• Early Childhood Intervention Australia's Inclusion is Everyone's Business Toolkit: (tip sheets on visual aids, social stories, visual schedules among others)
  • Tip sheets - Early Childhood Intervention Australia Victoria/Tasmania (eciavic.org.au)
• Free core communication boards:
  • Project Core
  • AssistiveWare
  • TobiiDynavox
• Positive Partnership and Two Way Street videos:
  • AAC at kindergarten on Vimeo
• Other apps and software to explore (including free trials)
  • Picto4me - AAC Communication Boards for Google Drive
  • Boardmaker - The power to achieve (goboardmaker.com)
  • AAC Symbols and shared resources - ARASAAC
  • LessonPix--Custom Learning Materials: Picture Cards, Classroom Visuals and Games
  • Chat Editor resources | Liberator Australia

For information on Wanslea's upcoming workshops visit http://tiny.cc/rshdzz

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) would like to invite young people who are supported by the NDIS, and their families and carers to attend a webinar about developing skills and paving a pathway to employment post school life.

We will discuss the NDIS-funded supports and assistance available to help young people

build skills to prepare for their transition. The webinar will cover:

• NDIS supports available to help achieve your education and employment goals.

• Preparing for your planning meeting and the resources available.

• Finding a suitable provider.

• Case studies and scenarios.

Who should attend: Students with a disability on NDIS in Years 9-12, families, carers and

education professionals.

Location: Online

This is a National event, we have listed the start and finish times in your local time zone.

Session Date Time Register

Session 1

20 Aug 2024 10am – 11am (AEST)

8am – 9am (WA)

9:30am -10am (SA/NT)

Register here

Session 2

21 Aug 2024 1pm – 2pm (AEST)

11am – 12pm (WA)

12:30pm – 1:30pm (SA/NT)

Register here

Session 3

22 Aug 2024 6pm - 7pm (AEST)

4pm – 5pm (WA)

5:30pm – 6:30pm (SA/NT)

Register here

Further sessions will be made available, please visit our events page: Latest events | NDIS

Additional information: If you have any accessibility requirements please let us know when you

register. Please note: A minimum of five business days' notice is required to book Auslan

interpreters and live captioning services.

Wanslea are facilitating an online workshop about using visual supports in early childhood environments

Wednesday 31 July 2024

Time: 10:00am until 11am

The session will be delivered by Wanslea's Community Engagement Facilitator and one of their Speech Pathologists and is an opportunity for Wanslea to introduce a new resource that is available to community about how to use visual supports to foster inclusion in early childhood environments.

The session will showcase the resource and cover the below:

What are Visual Supports

• Different types of Visual Supports
• Who benefits from Visual Supports
• Why use Visual Supports in early childhood settings
• How to use Visual Supports
• Examples of ways to incorporate Visual Supports into early childhood settings
• Resources for getting started

The session is suitable for staff coordinating and delivering early childhood playgroups, early childhood library activities, school holiday activities, local governments, or any organisation delivering other groups, activities, or programs to young children and families.

To register for the session, please scan the QR code on the attached flyer, or register via this link.

Blind Sports WA and Kelmscott Football Club wish to introduce a blind AFL program at the City of Armadale Arena.

You don't have to be Blind or Living with a Disability to participate or be part of the Program.

“Blind AFL” is an inclusive form of AFL that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including people living with disabilities.

Partnering with local All Abilities Football Club, Kelmscott Football Club, the program delivers opportunity for people who find difficulty in playing the traditional grass outdoor sport. Parents, support and family are encouraged to join participants with inclusive sporting aids to play all together.

The program is run out of City of Armadale’s Arena on Saturday afternoons across 8 sessions. Junior and Senior AFL Aspiring Participants are welcome to join. The Sessions involve specialist coaching from our Blind AFL Coaches, skill building and training followed by a game of Blind AFL.

Partnering with the Kelmscott Football Club All Abilities Program we provide support and encourage opportunity for participants to join in with the club's community and club activities, like all other members.

We are seeking Participants, Volunteers, and Program Partners

SESSIONS:

22nd Launch - Try Session 0

6th July Session 1

20 July Session 2

3 August Session 3

10th August Session 4

24th August Session 5 Match Play

31st August Session 6 Match Play

7th September Session 7 Match Play

21st September Session 8 Final & Award Presentation

More Information:

Contact Ben Rowe 0407 446 576 Contact Robert Turner 0409 922 923

www.blindsportswa.com.au

Workshop Series

Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed and face unique challenges in managing their complex lives. Our group offers women-focused support, education, and understanding. Our three-part psychoeducation group, "ADHD & Women," designed specifically for adult women with a personal interest in ADHD. All sessions offer a supportive environment to enhance understanding, education, and peer support. ADHD diagnosis not required to attend. Gain valuable insights and build connections with other like-minded women on a similar journey.

Target Members: Women with an interest in ADHD, no diagnosis required to attend.

Purpose: Understanding and managing ADHD as a woman

Dates: June 11^th - 25^th

Time: 9.30am - 11.30am

Location: Women's Health & Wellbeing Services. Suite 7, Level 1 Gosnells Community Lotteries House, 2232c Albany Highway Gosnells

Cost: $75 concession /$120 non concession

Themes:

• Week 1: ADHD-Managing feelings and thriving
• Week 2: Individual differences
• Week 3: Helpful tools and new research (a look at reliable SM, productivity stacks, groups apps, etc)

What to expect:

• Peer support and idea-sharing
• Evidence-based ADHD psychoeducation
• Increased self-awareness

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Serena discovered a few years ago that she has lived with ADHD for over half a century.

She was halfway through a Master of Counselling at the time and her research focus became centred on ADHD, particularly in girls and women.

As is common with people who have ADHD, Serena is creative (global thinker), open (oversharer), and across the latest research on ADHD/women (hyperfocuses like a boss).

She specialises in women’s emotional wellbeing and has more ‘lived experience’ than is necessary.

Please join us at WHWS for a six-week group therapy program designed for women.
This supportive and empowering group experience is tailored to help you navigate life’s challenges with more resilience and self-awareness.
Whether you’re dealing with stress, life transitions, or emotional upheaval, you can count on a supportive environment to explore and grow.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Each week, we focus on various aspects of emotional health, from understanding your emotions and managing stress to building self-esteem and improving interpersonal relationships.

Week 1: Understanding ADHD in Women Know your ADHD, especially how symptoms present uniquely. Discuss common misconceptions, the problem of late/misdiagnosis, and the impact of hormonal changes on ADHD symptoms.
Week 2: Self-Awareness and Self-Compassion Explore the emotional and psychological impacts of living with ADHD. Exercises in self-compassion to help manage feelings of frustration, guilt, or inadequacy that usually accompany ADHD.
Week 3: Organisation and Finding Time Address practical challenges like organisation and time management. Introduce tools and strategies specifically tailored for ADHD, such as time-blocking, prioritisation techniques, and clutter control.
Week 4: Strengthening your Strengths Focus and Reducing Distractions: Techniques may include mindfulness practices, making your environment more friendly, and implementing workarounds.
Week 5: Building Resilient Relationships Examine the impact and offer strategies for communication that foster understanding and patience. Role-play scenarios to practice new skills in real-time.
Week 6: Embracing Change and Planning for the Future Encourage forward thinking and goal setting that align with personal values and aspirations. Discuss how to implement long-term changes that build your network and support growth.

Connect with other women who share similar experiences in a confidential and supportive setting, empowering each other to move forward with confidence. Attendance is required at all sessions, and this is a small, closed group.

CLICK TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS

WHEN & WHERE
Date: Thursday 1st of August – Thursday 4th of September (6 Sessions)
Time: 5.45 pm – 7.45 pm ( inc. 15 min break)
Where: Women’s Health & Wellbeing Services. Suite 7, Level 1 Gosnells Community Lotteries House, 2232c Albany Highway Gosnells

BENEFITS FOR ATTENDEES

• Gain a deeper understanding of ADHD and you
• Develop interpersonal and practical skills and strategies
• Cultivate self-compassion
• Improve communication (with yourself and others)
• Connect with your tribe
• Explore your amazing mind
• Set realistic goals aligned to your values
• Access guidance share wisdom
• Build a personal toolkit for coping

YOUR FACILTATOR Serena is a counsellor who has a special interest in women with ADHD. She has a Master of Counselling from the University of Notre Dame and personal ADHD experience (herself and family). Serena prioritises authentic connection, always going that little bit deeper, and compassionate understanding of the ups, downs, and drama of being a neurodivergent woman.

WHO IS THIS FOR? This event is open to women interested in understanding ADHD. Let’s come together to celebrate the strength and resilience of women with ADHD, empowering each other to thrive in all aspects of life.

Please contact us on 94902258 if you have any questions.

Click to book ; ADHD in Women Workshop Series (whws.org.au)

Empowered Connections powered by Valued Lives

Byford Peer Group - Monday 3 June 2024

The peer group is a friendly space that brings together individuals with disability and their families. Connect, share stories and resources and empower each other to thrive and raise our voices to build a brighter future.

Come along and join us on the First Monday of each month - 6pm - 8pm

Venue: Dome Cafe, 829 South Western Highway

Byford

Contact Minky on 0428 137 044

Jillian on 0417 987 638

Email jillian.sliskovic@valuedlives.org.au