NDIS Archives - Page 2 of 3

Kerry’s green thumb

Avid gardener and Myhorizon participant Kerry Dodds, has been busy as a bee at our Alexandra Hills Lifestyle Centre, planting and harvesting a range of home-grown vegetables in the Sussex Street gardens.

The gardens were recently filled with good quality soil, where Kerry is now able to tend to her raddish, lettuce and bok choy, watering them daily and keeping the weeding under control.

Growing, picking and then selling these vegetables to the staff and to the Myhorizon Fruitbox initiative has given Kerry a sense of self-pride and independence, where she even purchases more seedlings for replanting.

What an empowering way for Kerry to give back to her community in her own way.

Click here to find out more about our Lifestyle services.

Jasmine & Peter honour ANZAC day from home

Being in isolation hasn’t stopped Myhorizon participants from keeping busy and productive from home. To commemorate Anzac Day, Peter and Jasmine from Loganholme both spent weeks creating poppy wreaths with the assistance of their Myhorizon Support Workers.

The red poppy wreaths have always been symbolic of ANZAC Day and remembering those who have served and sacrificed.

“Making a wreath was Peter and Jasmine’s own way of commemorating, and they both were really eager to bake Anzac biscuits as well.” Said Cheyanne, one of Peter and Jasmine’s Myhorizon Support Workers.

General Manager of Myhorizon’s Supported Independent Living Service, Janine Lillico, acknowledges how important it is for people with disability to feel connected and continue participating in activities right now.

“Many of our participants are used to socialising and getting out of the house so it’s definitely been a challenging time for many. However, it’s been wonderful to see how our staff and clients are making the most of support in the home.” Said Janine.

“Anzac Day has been a great example of how many people are still finding ways to pay their tributes from home this year, whether it be through making and displaying wreaths or showing support by standing on their driveways at dawn. We really do have an amazing community despite these challenging times” Said Janine.

Book your Speech Therapy appointment with Myhorizon

Since the introduction of the NDIS, various Allied Health services have been life changing for many participants, and in high demand both in the Redlands and great South East Qld region.

For participants based in the Redlands and looking for current vacancies with a trusted Allied Health service provider, Myhorizon offer Speech Therapy services to both children and adults, with a strong family and client centered approach, delivering a caring service that is of the highest quality and transparency.

Speech therapy can benefit both children and adults with support in areas of conversation skills, voice, speech or stuttering, reading and writing, eating and drinking, and using and understanding language.

Myhorizon resident Speech Pathologist, Caitlyn Leese is passionate about improving quality of life for her clients.
“I want to give my clients the ability to communicate by delivering programs and supports that are encouraging and fun.” Says Caitlyn.

To make an appointment with Caitlyn, contact us today.

NDIS funds speech therapy for Jemma

Many people may not know just how life changing speech therapy can be for someone with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). Regular speech therapy can improve both verbal and non‐verbal communication, as well as social interaction skills – some of the things many people may take for granted.

For 13 year old Jemma Sims from Capalaba, holding a two way conversation with someone can be a daily challenge, and an area that she has been working on regularly with Speech Pathologist Caityln Leese from Myhorizon.

“I’ve been working with Jemma since the start of 2019 helping her to ‘connect the wires’ and join together elements of her communication and language. Many people may not realise that speech therapy covers more than just speech. It also involves communication, language, swallowing, fluency and many other aspects.” Says Caitlyn.

Jemma’s mother Coral‐Lee, has also seen a positive difference in such a short time. “She has been picking things up really quickly. Caitlyn seems to be filling in the blanks for Jemma. All of a sudden, stuff is making sense.” Says Coral‐Lee.

As a Speech Pathologist, Caitlyn’s philosophy is to make therapy fun and play based to engage with her clients. Thanks to the NDIS, more people can now access these allied health therapies as part of their individualised funding packages to support their goals.

“Before NDIS I couldn’t afford any therapy services. Jemma hasn’t had speech therapy for years, so the NDIS has been a blessing.” Says Coral‐Lee.

Click here to find out more about Myhorizon’s allied health therapies available to both children and adults, or connect with us via our online Contact Form.

Paul retires after 35 years with Myhorizon

After thirty-five years with local disability services provider, Myhorizon, Paul Ballard is officially retiring, and is excited about taking time out to enjoy the things he loves.

Paul joined Myhorizon as a service user back in 1984 when it went by the name of H.A.R.D and provided an activity therapy centre in Capalaba for local residents with disability.

“I remember back in the mid 1980’s when Myhorizon grew to include more service areas like Independent Living and Social Enterprises, which opened up supported employment opportunities for me.” Says Paul.

Paul talks fondly about his accomplishments within Myhorizon’s previous ‘Wire and Wood’ enterprise, where he contributed to product design, and was also the Social club’s Treasurer for a period of time.

Paul’s career at the organisation has more recently also included working for The Bush Pantry Café, The Event Centre at Myhorizon, as well as Myhorizon’s packaging and collating service.

“I’ve learnt lots of new skills over the years at Myhorizon, but I’ve also made many great friends who I’ll miss dearly. The people I’ve worked with are like a family, but I won’t be out of touch because I’ll still see them at Rec Club and Sunday bowling and some of my friends on the weekend. I’ve even agreed to help organise the Secret Santa like I have past couple of years.” Says Paul.

Paul says he has enjoyed his work life, but he is also very excited about now catching up on his TV and video games, and going for more walks and exercising at the gym.

Current Production Supervisor at Myhorizon, Troy Morton who has worked with Paul since early 2018 and supervised his daily work, describes Paul as a capable and helpful member of the team.

“Paul would often help others when he could, and he also had some great nicknames for members of the team such as ‘Happy Helen’, ‘Cheryl from the Navy’, and ‘Super Kev’. We will all miss his unique energy, but wish him all the best in his retirement.” Says Troy.

Trivia night raising funds for disability

Myhorizon wants you to brush up on your general knowledge, show off your Trivia skills and have a fun time with your friends or family at their first ever Great Trivia Night Fundraiser at Myhorizon Event Centre, Capalaba on Saturday, 11th May.

“Whether you are a trivia expert or this is your first time at a Trivia Night, this event is sure to be a great night for all.” Says local Redlands based Trivia Master, Mike Williams, who will be hosting the event.

Mike Williams is Trivia royalty in the Redlands region, having hosted around 3000 Trivia events across his fifteen year career at various venues, before retiring in 2018. He’s back for one more night at Myhorizon’s fundraiser, promising to put your knowledge of sport, entertainment, geography, and history to the test.

All proceeds will go to providing additional supports and resources to individuals with disability through Myhorizon’s services in the community.

“Our goal with this event is to bring together members of the community and show their competitive spirit in a fun and engaging way.” Says Myhorizon CEO, Joe Gamblin.

“This is a chance to match wits with your friends and win lots of great prizes. There will also be games and raffles to participate in so be sure to bring along your gold coins.” Says Joe.

The price of admission is $150 for tables of six people, or $25 for individual tickets. Each table will receive generous share platters of mixed canapes prepared by The Bush Pantry team, and attendees can purchase Sirromet wine and premium beers directly from their cash bar.

Purchase your tickets by Wednesday 8th May via www.trybooking.com/BBKYA or call 3824 7007. Hurry tables are
selling fast!

Learning real skills for the disability sector

Stradbroke Island resident Hayley Layton is beginning her rewarding career in the disability sector, thanks to government funding preparing jobseekers with the right skills and experience for the NDIS workforce.

Myhorizon, are addressing the need for more skilled disability support workers in South East Qld by running regular Training courses for Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) at our Capalaba Event Centre.

As a current Myhorizon student, about to graduate and obtain her Cert III, Hayley is excited about starting her new career and getting to work with people from all walks of life.

“I was a little hesitant to sign up for the course because I’d never worked in the disability sector before, but because I’m passionate about people, it made me want to do it.” Said Hayley.

Hayley is a Florist by trade and also previously worked as a resort housekeeper supervisor on Stradbroke Island for many years, but after a workplace accident, she battled a period of unemployment and depression more recently.

After meeting Anne Blakeway who manages Myhorizon’s Dunwich office, Hayley was encouraged to apply for the course and hasn’t looked back.

“I told Anne what my interests and passions were and how I’d previously worked with the indigenous communities on the Island, and she helped me realise my love and passion for all people and how working in disability would be a great fit for me.

“My training course leaders have been so great and supportive, and I’ve learnt so many new and real skills. I’ve loved every minute of it and can’t wait to start working in the sector.” Said Hayley.

Myhorizon Training Manager Nikki Louange has supported dozens of students, having run the Certificate III course in Individual Support (Disability) for several years now thanks to ‘Skilling Queenslanders for Work’ (SQW) funding, granted by the Queensland State Government.

“Our course is designed for participants who have had barriers with finding employment due to a disability, illness or injury. Over the years we’ve had many individuals complete the course and find meaningful jobs in the disability sector which has been life changing and so rewarding for them.

“Quite a few graduates have even gained employment within Myhorizon’s Lifestyle service area as Disability Support Professionals” Says Nikki.

Visit our Employment & Training page for more information, or contact us via our Online Contact Form.

“Fundraising is a community effort”

The team at Myhorizon’s Early Intervention Centre were thrilled to receive a $1500 donation this week, generously gifted from Rita’s Craft Cart proceeds.

Katie Marsden (second from left) of Myhorizon’s Early Intervention Service being presented with a cheque from Bea Waugh (far left), Lyn Vinson (second from right) and Rita Morris (far right).

Recent Redlands Senior Citizen of the Year winner, Rita Morris, runs her craft cart out of Myhorizon Centre in Capalaba, and relies heavily on the craft items donated by locals, to raise funds for children with disability.

“I am very grateful for the beautiful handmade craft items I regularly receive, which are very popular with my customers. Fundraising is a community effort which I couldn’t do without the generous craft donations” Says Rita.

Rita receives a variety of quality handmade items from supporters like Lyn Vinson who has been an avid contributor to Rita’s mission for many years now, even back when Rita was selling crafts from her corner stall on Cleveland’s Bloomfield St.

Bea Waugh from Birkdale, and her daughter Vicki who was born deaf and partially blind, also create and donate a variety of painted pots and tiled homewares, all available for sale through Rita’s Cart.

Myhorizon’s Early Intervention Practice Manager, Katie Marsden is grateful for the ongoing support from the Craft Cart and its regular supporters.

“The funds we’ve received from Rita’s Cart will enable us to provide extra therapies and supports to children with disability in the Redlands community, which many families cannot always afford.” Says Katie.

To donate your craft items, or make a purchase from Rita’s Craft Cart, visit Myhorizon Centre, Runnymede Rd, Capalaba, open 8.30am till 2pm Monday to Friday.

Click here to find our more on Myhorizon’s Early Intervention services, or send us an enquiry using our Contact Form.

A bright future for Jaxson

It’s often not an easy road finding the right supports or the right support team for a child with a disability.

Meet Jaxson, a happy go lucky five year old boy who loves to jump, run and climb and is happiest amongst his peers at his local mainstream kindergarten. Jaxson was diagnosed with ASD Level 3 (autistic spectrum disorder) when he was 2 years old, and since then has also been found to have sensory processing disorder, is non-verbal, and also has ADHD.

Jaxson’s mother, Sandra, speaks candidly about the roadblocks she and her partner have experienced the last few years with many mainstream services not meeting Jaxson’s needs.

“Being in a mainstream setting is where Jaxson is most happy however he wasn’t getting the support he needed and I felt lost and didn’t know where to turn. I heard about Myhorizon’s Early Intervention Services last year and decided to give them a call. After speaking to the team there, I finally felt like I found someone who could offer some understanding and options for the first time. I ended that call with tears of hope.” Said Sandra.

Myhorizon was able to provide a range of educational resources for Sandra and her family to learn about Jaxson’s diagnosis and possible treatments and therapies available. The Early Intervention team were then able to schedule time to observe Jaxson in his kindergarten environment and give feedback as to what best supports were needed for Jaxson in that setting.

“This was a game-changer for Jaxson and us as a family. It gave us hope and a path forward and options where we were at a point where we felt like we had no options.” Said Sandra.

Myhorizon’s Early Intervention team developed a tailored program for Jaxson which included an integrative support approach. Using a combination of therapies, Sandra quickly saw improvements and progress in Jaxson’s everyday skills.

“Jaxson is completely non-verbal but it doesn’t mean he isn’t vocal. Getting an appropriate communication pathway for Jaxson has been quite difficult, however working with the Therapists at Myhorizon has allowed Jaxson to trial a communication device where he can push buttons on a special device to speak to us, which is usually very expensive and out of reach for a lot of families so we’ve been extremely lucky. It’s been a huge thing for Jaxson as a person and the people trying to communicate with him. We are also currently trying to explore a further trial with an eye-gaze component just to see if that helps him communicate any better.” Said Sandra.

Sandra and her husband Lee, have also benefited from the MyTime Respite sessions held through Myhorizon where they’ve been able to meet and talk to other parents with similar experiences. “It’s so good just to have that support, someone to talk to, someone who knows and understands about your child’s disability. We went through a stage of being very alone and finding it very difficult to self-educate over Jaxson’s diagnosis and difficulties, and getting to meet other families. Not all kids have same disabilities and not all kids have same struggles with the same disabilities, but it’s been great meeting other families and other kids and it’s been great doing it in a supportive setting.”

Sandra has recently worked through the NDIS planning process with Myhorizon’s team and is awaiting Jaxson’s new package like many other participants, so Jaxson’s supports can continue. “I initially found the whole NDIS process confusing and overwhelming but the Early Intervention team at Myhorizon helped us through it all and made sure I had all the right information ready.

“Finding the Myhorizon Early Intervention team has been one of the main positives of our journey with Jaxson. It’s been the most helpful in a therapeutic and personal level too.” Said Sandra.

When asked what Sandra’s ultimate long-term goal is for Jaxson, she wants what any parent wants for their child,

“I’d love for things to be made more accessible in the community for Jaxson and other individuals like him. I want him to experience his educational journey with his peers. That’s where he’s happiest and thrives the most. And long-term, I want him to have the opportunity to live independently and have a job one day, whatever that may be.”

Click here to find out more about Myhorizon’s Early Intervention Services.

“The NDIS doesn’t have to be scary”

Hayley Hansen is an easy going, fun loving 28-year old. Hayley loves to go shopping, take her puppy out for walks and do what most other young women enjoy doing.

Hayley Hansen, a participant of Myhorizon since 2008.

As a Myhorizon participant since 2008, Hayley is like many other participants right now, waiting for her NDIS Plan to be approved so she can continue to do the things she loves, but also have the opportunity to choose the supports she needs, when and where she needs them.

When speaking to Hayley’s mother Shan, it’s clear that Shan only wants the best for her daughter, and as a full-time working parent, Shan appreciates the one-one-one support that Myhorizon are able to provide to Hayley currently. Shan’s biggest goal is for Hayley to one day live independently.

“We are getting older as parents so it’s important that Hayley gets the supports she needs to become more independent, and one day live on her own.” Said Shan

Shan says that Hayley’s journey with the NDIS has so far been a very positive one. After having her Planning meeting date confirmed, Myhorizon were able to dedicate the time with Hayley and Shan to complete all their necessary paperwork, ensure all their required information was gathered, and best prepare them for a successful meeting.

“Joe T. from Myhorizon came out to see us and was here for about 3 hours. He filled out all the paperwork for us and prepared all the information we needed for my meeting. He was great and he even came in with us to Hayley’s Planning meeting.

“Ive been really impressed with the whole NDIS process so far. I was a little nervous walking in but the Planner we had in our meeting was lovely. She really listened to us.” said Shan.

Shan’s advice to other families who are still working through their Planning meeting preparations is to be honest and not take all the negative comments on board that they might hear.

“There’s a lot of overwhelming information out there about the NDIS, and yes you have to think of the worst day of your loved one’s life rather than the best day when you’re answering the Planner’s questions in your meeting, but they are there to help you. Having people to support you in the meeting is a really good idea too.

“The NDIS doesn’t have to be scary. I don’t know yet know what we’ll get in our Plan, but so far we’ve had a very positive experience.” said Shan.

For more information on how Myhorizon can support you through your NDIS journey, contact us today.