Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updated guidance for disability accommodation providers in Queensland

The Queensland Government has issued public health directions that affect all disability accommodation providers in Queensland. Key points Visiting restrictions are now in place for shared disability accommodation services and aged care facilities in the Logan City local government area (LGA). People who live or work in the Logan City LGA are not permitted to visit a disability accommodation service or aged care facility anywhere in Queensland. All NDIS providers in Queensland should monitor local information on a regular basis for changes to local restrictions. Directions and updated guidance for residential disability settings There are visitor restrictions and PPE requirements in place for residential disability settings in the Logan City LGA. These directions restrict visitors from entering these services and requires the use of face masks for those permitted access to these services (excluding residents). There are also restriction in place for people who live or work in the Logan City LGA. They are not permitted to visit a disability accommodation service or aged care facility anywhere in Queensland. We encourage you to read the full details on the Queensland Government website. As these restrictions will impact your visitor management policy, you should clearly communicate this temporary change with the NDIS participants you support and their support networks using their preferred form of communication. You should explore alternative ways for people with disability to connect with their support network, such as phone or video calls. Monitor local information All NDIS providers should monitor local information on the Queensland Government website on a regular basis for changes to local restrictions. NDIS Commission COVID-19 information 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.
Wise Parenting: Indoor Generation – Ways to Make it Healthier

We can’t deny it. Younger generations are spending more time indoors than outdoors. They seem to spend a lot of time playing computer games, watching movies, and updating social media on their phones. But, are we really blaming it on the pandemic alone? The coronavirus pandemic plays a big part in the world’s changes. And it doesn’t choose as to what generations or era you are. But let’s face it. Technology arises way back even before the lockdown was globally implemented. There are already a growing number of people who spend the vast majority of their time indoors. Spending so much time inside isn’t great for physical health. No outdoor activity or even a relaxing walk in the park was done. Poor ventilation at home can also lead to dampness or mold and can trigger asthmatic symptoms and other health issues. The air inside our homes or public buildings can be more polluted than outside. Let’s read more and relax! Setting aside travel goals for now. We’ll tell you ways to make a healthier indoor generation. One step at a time Let your child go to the backyard for a walk or play before the sun goes up or down and feel the refreshing breeze. Walking releases natural painkilling endorphins to the body – one of the emotional benefits of exercise. Bookworm Buddy Introduce indoor activities such as reading books that can improve memory, knowledge, and spark your child’s imagination and stimulate curiosity. This helps develop your child’s brain. Al Fresco a la Mood Yes, you read it right. Change your usual family lunch or dinner. If you usually eat at the dining table then switch it to outside dining at least a few times a week to give yourself a break and enjoy a respite from being indoors. Make eating al fresco a fun part of family life and everyone will look forward to time spent outside and twists everyone’s mood. Music and Color Coloring is therapeutic for kids and adults! Print some coloring pages and put on some music to the background. This will brighten everything up and encourage your child to hold on to those paint and brushes. Not-so-bore Board Game Encourage your kids to put away their devices and play board games. During isolation like this, it’s an excellent time to play board games to pass the time and bond with your children. Create fun rules to make your sessions more exciting. Gardening for all seasons Spend time together planting and beautify your garden. Gardening can also be fun. It can be on a simple container anything you can find useful at home. You can teach your child to plant vegetables and herbs too! What will save us is not technology or science. What will save us is the ethical transformation of our society. Creating an out-of-the-box environment during the current situation will make you closer to your family. Let’s break out of the cage and introduce a healthier era for the indoor generation.
Desperation: 3 Things You Need to Know

How do you Define a Desperate Person? Desperate meaning: The Urban Dictionary defines the word “desperate” as: “Someone who wants something so badly they will go to extreme lengths to get it.” Full Definition of desperation (From Merriam Webster) a strong feeling of sadness, fear, and loss of hope 1: loss of hope and surrender to despair 2: a state of hopelessness leading to rashness Almost everyone has felt fear, hopelessness, and/or loss in their life. When someone you love is diagnosed with a fatal disease and there’s nothing you can do to change it. When you get fired and can’t keep up with your bills. When you’re bullied at school or work, and you can’t stop it. Some people are so overwhelmed by their situation and the emotion that comes with it … they do something rash and/or stupid. Commit Suicide Commit Murder Commit theft Get drunk or use drugs Life events define who we are as people and spiritual beings. Not everyone self destructs when life appears almost too overwhelming to bear. If you can breathe and take a moment to exist, you can move on. Take solace in the fact that nothing in life ever stays the same. Who knows what the next moment will bring? How does a Desperate person Behave? You make yourself too available You make disproportionately large personal sacrifices You beg, plead, suck up You act like a “yes man”, always supporting and agreeing with everything said You act like a groupie, follower, bunny chaser. You always do what someone says You are willing to embarrass, disrespect, hurt yourself for another’s gain. You refuse to let someone or something go when it is futile You are blinded to clear social cues that you are not welcome But how do we overcome Desperation? Basically to overcome desperation you need self-respect. You always need to look after your own needs as much as you do others. It might look like a generic suggestion but there is no other solution other than holding on to faith when one tends to become desperate. There is no replacement for prayer, meditation & faith during a difficult moment. This alone will move you out of desperation and it is important because, the moment, one is desperate, even God cannot help, as desperation is equivalent to moving away from the protective hands of the Divine. When we are feeling helpless, we would always wonder where our tomorrow would come from but a tiny divine intervention can change everything. You need to believe it because only when you believe with all your heart, the magic would unfold in your life. Providence comes in some form when one needs it the most. It may come in the form of an unknown person. It can be someone crossing the park while having a conversation with somebody else over the phone. It can be a professional therapist who can guide you and walk with you through the process, or it can be a friend. As a child of God, you don’t need to plead with anyone for anything. You just need to wish for what you seek in the right state of mind & take the right action. And wait for the magic to unfold. But, as I stated, desperation is anti-opportunity & so, keep the faith on. You might get your opportunity in this week itself” Check out Teressa Everton’s Who Am I: Have you ever reached the Point of Desperation? Learn more about: Coping With Desperation If you or someone you know are showing signs of desperation. What to do and with whom to reach out. Read the details below of how to join this event.