Growing Your Visual Arts Pratice and the ndis

The ndis is designed to grow the participation rates of individuals and families living with disability in the community in which they live.  This is achieved through a individualised plan where participants choose their own goals to work towards.  For some participants a goal may seem small, like learning to feed themselves independently, while others might set themselves the goal to move out of the family home.  My ndis goals are around maintaining my independence, becoming confident in self-directing my own supports, building my visual arts practice and working towards a more inclusive arts community.

`Meet The Artist'

At Aspire Gallery in Paddington

Did I mention I am one of the artists people came to meet.

This year as part of growing my art practice I  am hoping to find a gallery to house a solo art exhibition in Brisbane.  I  have had three solo exhibitions in Ipswich and have been part of Aspire Group Exhibitions for the last year.  Sometimes my work sells.  In the last exhibition I sold two pieces. 

With my ndis plan I access two types of support: these are in-home support and community access support. The ndis funds supports that are 'reasonable and necessary' to enable participants to achieve their goals.  My in-home support enables me to live independently, do my physio program and enjoy my garden.  In summer I use my garden as a salad bowl.  My support workers assist with housework, grooming, gardening, house maintenance and my exercise program. My health and well being is about not becoming dependent on others as I age. 

My community access hours are about achieving my goals to build my art practice and enhancing my lifestyle through a physio program.  This week my one on one community support has been used to grow my art practice.  I have a small stand of handmade products in Ipswich ArtTime Supplies. This week I changed over my stock. Well, I had sinus issues so my support worker did it, but I prepared the work.

In terms of the Ipswich art community artists are busy preparing for FUSED. A festival that focuses on the arts.  Music, performance, poetry, dance and visual art.  The visual art groups have two main competitions this year, "Decked Out" and "Faces" and we will be joined by the students of Arts Alive, School of Arts to present our work in the Ipswich Community Art Gallery. 

However, my art practice is about more than creating art to decorate peoples homes, offices and public buildings.  My art is about creating a 'space' where everybody belongs.  Sometimes people living with disabilities and mental illness do not feel like they belong.  It takes more effort to get out of bed in the morning to attend day programs, school or show up to the office.  Much of the Ipswich CBD is inaccessible due to the conditions of footpath, lack of access to buildings and social acceptance.  This inaccessibility has nothing to do with the quality of work we can put up on a wall.

On the 25th of August this month 'Hearing Our Voices' opens.  This exhibition allows Ipswich artists with disability to tell their stories. All art regardless of the subject matter or medium tells a story. For this exhibition the story is told through the eyes that look at the world through the barriers it has created.  Just finding accessible space to exhibit our work is challenging, then we need to deliver it to the gallery.

Next week I will be preparing a submission to take part in Metro Arts 2019 program.  I am applying for their new social engagement program.  My aim is to engage my audience in a conversation around 'difference' and becoming more socially inclusive. We want a society where everyone in the community has a voice, even when they may be physically unable to speak.  A very interesting prospect when currently I can't safely access the gallery, but 'The lift is coming'!

So, next week I hope to meet with the art director to discuss my proposal, this means getting my portfolio together and taking it down to Brisbane and getting into a gallery that has stairs.  These are the challenges artists with disabilities need to overcome. It should not be about questioning the standard of work we can produce though it is still a common assumption that we cannot compete.  My readers know otherwise. 

My Highly Commended 

in the 2018 QT Art Awards.

Two groups in the community that are misunderstood; artists and people living with disability. My ndis plan is allowing me to grow my art practice and extend my audience, however this is not the case for all artists living with disabilities, especially those working in supported art studios.  The ndis shifts the funding of supports away from traditional support providers to individual participants.  Sadly the ndis does not always recognise the what artists with disability contribute to the community and thus they are not funded as being in full time employment. The arts in Australia is not recognised for its contribution.  Thus visual art is seen as a pastime, hobby or resourceful as a means for well being, and it is all those things.  It is how I found my calling, but creating art can be so much more, through my art and my work in the art community I want to communicate a dialogue, not sit in a art group at a day centre. 

The ndia needs to recognise some people are engaged in the arts as employment. This allows them to tell stories as only they can tell them.  Education around disability awareness needs to come from those who best understand the social barriers that need to be addressed. 

But I'll leave you on a different note.  I know thanks to the ndis my art practice has grown this week and I explore new opportunities and take up new challenges in my art practice. 

A commissioned piece

ndis beginning to motor on

Hi, for those who are new to my blog, my name is Deb and my ndis goals are based around, extending my visual art practice; self- managing and self-directing my own supports; maintaining my independence and working towards an inclusive art community in Ipswich.                                                                                                         

Ndis was designed to enable people with disabilities to participate in the larger community. For me that is around art and exhibiting my work in order to sell it.  I do this through working with art galleries; belonging to Ipswich Arts Connect and Arts Access Australia; and selling my artwork on Etsy.

I am a member of Aspire Gallery

Here I am at our Printmaking Group Exhibition

Some of my direct support hours are used to help me network with other artists; attend openings of art exhibitions; work with gallery directors and owners; produce artwork to sell and photograph my work for my portfolio. 

The ndis funds supports that are 'reasonable and nescessary' to allow participants to achieve their nominated goals.  These supports can include: direct support in home and in the community; respite care; centre-based support; daily living skills; equipment, assisted technology and modifications, consumables related to your supports and disabilities; e.g. new tyres for your wheelchair; therapy to enhance your independence and assistance to manage your funding.

What this looks like for you will depend on: you age; your accommodation arrangements; how you need support; your current support network; and your ndis goals.  The ndis is about delivering an individual response to the support needs of families and individuals. 

Working in my art studio and exploring "pop-art"

Like many others I too have struggled with the start-up with ndis.  In late June I entered into my second year plan which saw me redefine my goals and add building my own team of support workers. After many years of struggling to fit the traditional support model, I have been able to step away and create my own team and choose the services I want to access.

For a scheme designed to improve community access, the ndis has a few access issues of its own.  If you are struggling to find your ndis pathways, may I recommend calling or visiting your local area office and networking with others who are also struggling to access the scheme.  As a participant I am regularly providing feedback to the ndia to improve the access process for others.  At the end of the day, the ndis is run by a group of individuals who sometimes make mistakes. Don't take this personally, but feel confident in asking for reviews when appropriate.

Many are experiencing long delays in reviews, access services and equipment. In my first plan I wanted a wheelchair to cater for my work in the community.  This was not achieved due to an overloaded system and a shortage of qualified staff to process the applications. Along with my second year plan I received a give cause for what I asked for as it was not 'reasonable and necessary'.  The nids has approved my chair, but dispute many of the access requirements, many of which relate to my seizures and safety.  My therapist has included my seizure management plan, a reminder of post seizure care and has referred them back to my ndis goals to work in the arts community. I do not know how long this review will take.

However, this week my new moter for my existing chair arrived and I am all set to attend FUSED festival running from the 7th to 9th September.  Well . . . there's a few more art pieces to create before them. I will also have an art display of my "POP ART" at Arttime's front of store during September, but I feel peaceful knowing I have the correct supports in place, including a reliable support team.  

''Roger" is actually my piece for Arts From the Margins'

Exhibition as part of the Brisbane Festival.

The ndis may still deliver on what it promised.  The key is to be clear on your own goals and how you and your family want to achieve these.  Exercise your right for your access needs to be addressed. Remember people make errors and your local area coordinator (LAC) may not be to blame or be prepared.  Those with forward planning are the most satisfied with their outcomes. 

Well I am off to zoom into festival season 2018!

Lots of colour thanks to the ndis

'I will be there . . . 

This week was full of colour. I visited one of my favourite stores 'Bunnings' with my support worker.  I purchased brightly coloured paint for my 'pop art' series, and found flowers to add colour to my garden.

My ndis funding enables me to be part of the local art community, create art, and run a small business. And every now and then . . . my artwork sells. 

Sold at Aspire Gallery this week! 

The ndis supports participants like me to achieve their goals and be part of their communities through providing support and equipment to enable them to 'live a normal life'.

Every now and then we are reminded we are something bigger than ourselves. We are part of God's plan of salvation. However as I said good-bye to Penny, she reminded us 'Without crucifixion there can be no resurrection'.  She penned these words a Easter time.  Penny coloured the life of all who knew her and I wish she could have seen how many lives she coloured and knew she, 'mattered'.

 I was able to ask my key worker to drop me at the church and meet a colleague and pick up art supplies, while I spent time with my friends celebrating Penny. What meant the most was knowing I could leave at a time that suited me and not rely on others.

Thanks to the ndis I am living a 'normal life' and celebrating life, the way God intended.

ndis on the merry-go-round

Hiding Ipswich Rocks in Browns Park.

Old fashioned 'merry-go-rounds' were banned from playgrounds for a good reason, they were dangerous and not accessible for people with disability.  Yet all levels of government applaud the introduction of the ndis time consuming endless hoops. 

This week after 3 months to get a quote and report to the ndis for a new powerchair, six months waiting for a decision, old chair could die any day, repairs quote submitted 3 months ago.  This week was spent trying to access a document about myself and why the ndia wants more information.  Well its Friday and I am still waiting for an appointment, because I need to prove I can pay a provider to write a report requested by the ndis.

In September I have a 3 day art festival, I am told my new chair could be up to six months away.  I have been told the money is there to repair my chair, but because that it is not worded on my plan I can not order the parts.  My Plan Manager will not action the repairs. My last option is to hire a chair for the event. When I attempted to do this the retailer said they doubted I could afford the Bond and refused to provide further information. 

So I am praying my old chair holds out even through 3 months ago I was told the moter had 3 to 4 months life.  Please tell me why I have not been proactive in avoiding this event.  ndis was designed to increase participation.  Navigating a simple purchase or repair is impossible. Once my current chair dies I need to either push my manual chair (I paid for not the government) or walk.  This use of energy will effectively lock me out of the community until the ndis delivers a new power chair. 

However, ask anyone who works in the disability sector, due to my disability I do not need to work, I therefore am at home to receive their service at a time they choose and they may or may not show up and I'll discover it when it occurs.  As I'll be home anyway, so what's the big deal?

So please don't ask how my week was or where my new chair is or how I managed to deliver my work to the gallery on time for the exhibition next week.

ndis we're not always a perfect fit!

One of the reason's for the roll out of the ndis is we're not always a perfect fit!  My name is Deb and I've just started working to my second plan's goals. During my first plan I tried lots of things that weren't a great fit for me or some of the services or workers I engaged. 

I am a visual artist living in the Ipswich area and my goal for my first plan was to extend my visual arts practise and I achieved that through my membership at Aspire Gallery in Paddington Brisbane.  Last year I participated in several group exhibitions and I also had a solo art exhibition at Drawing Point Gallery in Ipswich.

During my second plan I hope to have an solo exhibition outside the region I live in.  Some of the ways my direct support hours are used to assist me to achieve my goals are:- supporting me in my home art studio; visiting art galleries, delivering my art to galleries and assisting with social media to promote my artwork. This is in addition to using support hours to assist me to live independently and access the community for things like shopping, medical appointments, visiting parks and cafes.

 Because we're all individuals and enjoy doing different activities, ndis provides more choices in the way participants can be supported to participate in things like education, sport, the arts, work and volunteering.  Each participant will also require a different level of support, thus it was recognised that individual support plans needed to be developed for individual needs and the goals they aim to achieve. 

Under the ndis goals are just the things you enjoying doing or might like to try.  For some people that involves education and for others like me it means employment.  During my first plan I self-managed my own funding.  This meant I could engage anyone who had an ABN to enter in the ndis portal. This is how people are paid for the services you access under the ndis.  However as a busy artists who is active in the local community I didn't want to do everything myself so I engaged a Plan Manager to give me a hand with some aspects, like ensuring the right codes are punched into the portal.  Leaving me time to create and exhibit art. 

I am trying to continue on with engaging support the way I always have through a support provider, I hoped by moving to one support service to meet all my direct support needs, ie. personal care, in home support and accessing the community I would be able to organize my support needs around my art commitments.  As many activities I take part in are outside working hours, so traditional support services can't accommodate my choices.  Traditional services aren't a good fit for me.

My advice is it may take you a while to discover what works or what doesn't for your family.  I am now self-directing my own support team and again everyone who chooses this option will do it differently. One of my goals for my second year plan is to establish a solid base to self-direct.  

The first way I am achieving this is to engage a Senior Support Person or Team Leader. My team leader acts very much as a personal assistant organising me to get from A to B; doing errands; delivering art and doing the shopping so I can create art to market and sell.  In addition to this my team leader does most of my support coordination, recruitment, training, rosters and ensures everyone gets paid. 

I have engaged staff in several ways; recruiting through a recruitment agency; engaging in a self-directing support service, contract staff with their own ABN and through online platforms like Better Caring.  Sometimes we don't know if I and a team member with be a fit for a few weeks or even months. Every now and again I find either I grate on a worker or vice versa.  Even though I might think they are a neat person. That doesn't make anyone right or wrong. So sometimes it takes a while to find the right fit. 

Communication is a strange thing; there are times when I think I've been clear only to find somehow there has been a misunderstanding. I also need to remind myself that I am a weirdo.  I am an artists and we know artist's have big ego's and of course I am right!!! I always struggle to work with other artists in my studio so for the protection of other artists I won't hire them to support me any more. I think I am too set in my own ways in my studio and my network seems to be working well. 

So my journey of discovery continues, I am still discovering what works and what doesn't, I don't always find people I work well with. Sometimes trials don't work.  However hopefully I can learn from past mistakes and discover a team that is a good fit with a weirdo! 

Access the ndis

Hi my name is Deb and I have been participanting in the ndis in the Ipswich area for the last 12 months. Many people are finding the ndis difficult to contact, hard to access and pathways challenging.

Whether you live in Toowoomba, Ipswich, Brisbane, Gold Coast or the Sunshine Cost the ndis want you to know they are open for business and just like all government departments like Medicare and Centrelink you can just walk into the local area office and ask for assistance. 

THE NDIS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

•Access the ndis

•Australian Resident; Between 0 and 64; with a lifetime disability, and needing assistance with daily living tasks.

•Entry Point 1 contact the ndis to check eligibilty.

•You can call; email or walk into an ndis office.

•You can request access to the ndis in a way that is best for you and your family.

•You can make contact for an adult or child and organise the documentation on their behalf.

•There is a GP access form to complete. However your GP may not be the best person to complete this, it may be an OT; specialist; or psychologist.

•Once eligibility and records are recieved you will enter the ndis scheme and be given a participant ID, this is linked to your my gov. account.

•You will then move to the pathway on the right and receive a call to set up a planning meeting.

•Entry Point 2 - transition from state disability support system.

•You should recieve a phone call from the ndia requesting to access your records at Centrelink and Disability Services

•You will be asked basic questions to assess your eligibility. If you are eligible your records will be transferred to the ndis

•You will recieve a participant confirmation letter in the mail with your participants number.

•You may be asked for more medical documentation from your GP. Complete this and return it to the ndis

•You will be contacted again by the ndia to book your planning meeting. You can request a face to face meeting.

However the 1800 number or the ndis website might not be the best place for you to start. We all access information differently and we are not all able to access the internet, access apps or talk on the phone.  The ndis must by law provide you access to the service and that includes providing information and pathways access for all. Disability advocates; service providers and ndis participant community capacity advisers want you to spread the message there are a number of ways to access the ndis if you have been unsuccessful with the 1800 number.

• You can walk off the street and ask for information and forms in a printed format or request it be read to you.
• If you are with a support provider they are obligated to provide basic information and contact information.  They can also help you to contact the ndia.
• Your GP can assist to make that initial contact.
• If you are not great at the internet or on the phone ask for a face to face meeting where you can access print outs of information and any paper work needed.  
• Keep asking for your access needs to access the ndis, as currently the ndis has failed many. 

WHAT IS THE NDIS AND WHO IS IT FOR?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is the new funding system for the support needs for people with disabilities and family members. As the roll out continues across Australia people who are not enrolled in the ndis may no longer be able to access their support needs. This may include:-

• Direct and family supports
• Support provider services
• Respite services
• Equipment and medical supplies
• Mobility Allowance

The ndis provides additional supports such as:

• Home and care modifications
• Early intervention programs
• Therapy to improve daily living

The ndis is a tiered system that provides support(s) to all Australians living with disabilities.  It is a federal government body that gives Australian residents access to support services regardless of where they live and once funding is given it can not be taken away.  It is designed to give people with disabilities and their families choice and security. 

The ndis plan is an individual approach to providing support based on the goals of individuals and how they wish to achieve their goals, rather than being based on diagnoses or disability.  The ndis is about living the life you want to live. 

ndis is about planning for a bright future

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

Everyone aged between 0 and 65 who has a lifetime disability and needs assistance with daily living tasks is eligible to access some level of the scheme provided they are an Australia resident.

ENTRY POINTS

Registering with the ndia for assessment

or

Transition from state funded disability support

Entry point one:

Contact the ndis via:-

• 1800 800 110
• email
• ndis website
• Phoning area office directly
• Walking into an area office

Ask for access to the ndis to be made accessible for your disability and access needs and that may not be

by phone or internet.

Ask a family member or friend to support you to navigate the ndis pathways. 

You will need ID and proof of residency

Documentation of your or your childs disability

There is a GP form to complete, your GP may not be the best person to fill this in,  It may be a Pediatrician, Psychologist, OT or Physio.  The GP just needs to sign it off as being correct.

Entry Point two:

Transition from state government disability support

This is the way I transitioned to the ndis

If you are currently receiving support through a state scheme you should receive a phone call to check you eligibility and ask your permission to access your file and your Centrelink file.  You will then be asked some simple questions about your daily function. If you are eligible then you will receive your ndis participant number in the mail.

If this hasn't happened then you need to:-

• Tell a support provider
• Contact the ndia by phone, email or visit the area office.

Some people due to the nature of their disability may not remember phone calls or understand the process. These are the people the ndis need to contact.  If you have mental health issues or memory problems you need to request special access so you are given more support.  If you want to access the ndis ask someone to make contact for you and to support you through the ndis pathways. 

ndis teams are also on the ground at shopping centres; shows and public events. If you think you may be eligible for the scheme seek out this information.  There are no deadlines you can apply at any time.  The ndia knows it has missed many people so make contact as soon as you can.

If you enter the ndis ask someone to support you to develop your pathways and keep asking for information in a format that is accessible to you and your family.

It is never too early or too late to plan for the ndis!

ndis & Engaging Support Workers

Me with my studio support worker

ndis gives participants the choice of who they want to support they; how they want to be supported; when they want to be supported and how they will engage their workers.  Under the ndis participants are empowered to select who the want in their home to support or provide care for themselves or a family member.  Many people forget that participants are inviting them into their homes a place where others seek refuge.

When it comes to management of your ndis plan there are three basic choices.

• Ask the ndis to do this on your behalf.
• Engage a funds host of manager.
• Self-manager your plan.

My name is Deb and I self-manage my ndis plan through a plan manager so I can focus on my other ndis goals.  My main goal in my first plan was to extend my visual art practice. As an artist and freelance arts worker I already manage a small business, doing the accounts and reporting for ndis didn't appeal to me.  I honestly feel engaging staff through an establish support service provide me with protect and that's how I began my self-manage journey.

My Melting Pot solo art exhibition is one of the ways I extended my art practise, the other is becoming a member of Aspire Gallery in Paddtington, Brisbane. One change I was determined to achieve under the ndis was to build my supports around my art practise and commitments as an artist, rather than continue to be dedicated to by service providers.

I guess this is a goal I being into my second ndis plan. Currently I engage a team of five to provide my in-home and community access. I engage my team through a number of channels.  "Hire-Up" an online platform to match support workers directly to participants and "Better Caring"  is another platform worth considering.

I engage my studio support person through a private contract agreement. We have a formal written contract to refer to in the event of a dispute.  When you engage a worker through a private contract you can pay them what you chose.  This person must have an ABN to make payment through the ndis portal.  I  chose to pay my studio assistance the amount it would cost me to engage a work through a support service for a day-time rate. This workers rate is the same no matter when she works. All of her hours still cost less than using a traditional support service.

What I pay my support staff is not about making my money go further. For me what is important is 'valuing my support team'. So different team members are paid differently depending on their role.  My studio support person has just finished her visual arts degree, so engaging her on a contract allowed me to pay her more. 

When looking for support workers I thought through what I wanted in a support worker.  It was important that members of my team enjoy art and could support me to extend my art practise beyond Ipswich.  So two of my team live in Brisbane, this makes delivering artwork easier. 

In the main my support team are engage through a service that assists participants to self-direct their own supports.  The service I choose have a number of different packages; depending on how much management of your support team you want to do yourself.  As I already have a business I did not want to tackle pay roll. However their is soft-ware to help you do this. If you engage staff through a contract the you don't need to worry about tax and leave loading.

I have 'hired' a team leader who assists me to coordinated rosters, admin self-directing a team, and support team and development.  Under the team leader sit two in-home support.  These three workers are paid under the award and officially employed by the company who supports me to self-direct.  This provides my support workers with all employee rights under fair work and provides an umpire if a dispute arises. 

When engaging support workers you should consider insurance and work cover.  If your workers are injured while supporting you, you may need to cover these costs.  If you directly employ your staff you have the insurance obligations of any other employer. If you engage staff through a contract, they are responsible for taking out their own public-liability insurance.  You should talk to your support team before entering an agreement.

Their is also the option to use domestic clearing and household services.  If you are self-managing your plan you can engage any service or individual who has an ABN.  I engage a family who provided in home services, as a family they provided domestic heavy services like cleaning widows, gardening assistance, and mending.  This family was recommend to me by a friend.

Note: There is a difference between self-management and self-directing.  You can do either or both.  There are many different ways you can arrange this under the ndis.  During my first plan I have engaged workers through major support providers; online platforms and contract.  As an artists I found traditional support providers cannot offer the flexibility I need and often proved unreliable. 

Whether you engage workers through traditional services or employ or engage your own staff you never know who will work through your door.  Engaging my own staff means I can train staff my way.  I choice not to employ workers who are qualified or have training.

So where do you find these workers?

• Word of month and recommendations.  Let people know your looking for staff;
• Social media if your address is not public; do not give out your address until it is necessary.
• Support workers who have friends looking for work.
• Online platforms.
• Community notice boards.
• As I doing this pretty much on my own I engaged a recruitment service.

Recruitment

I developed my own position descriptions. I thought about the qualities I value in a support workers. I also decided if I wanted to advertise for additional skills or requirements.  I require my staff to have a drivers linance; their own car; police check or willing to apply for a Yellow Card; car safety checks and reference checks. 

Don't be fooled you can do most of these things yourself and what you ask for is one way to protect yourself. (Support Providers want you to believe you can't or its too risky.)

Once I had determined the job descriptions I contacted You Select Recuritment , management futher assisted me to develop the job descriptions and wording of the ad.  

They then placed the add on my behalf and were the point of contact for information and inquirers about the job.  Applicants only received my name if they were successful.  My identity was protected up to the point of the interview and You Select screened or applicants before passing on the information on applicants.  It was at this point I took control and determined who I would interview.  Since I have a communication barrier I asked You Select to set-up the interviews. 

I then conducted the interviews and did the references checks before handing the paperwork of successful applicants to my self-directed support provider to formally employ my staff.  However you may chose to do the recruitment process yourself.  You too can place advertisements on sites such as SEEK.

My hot tips:

1. Know what your looking for in a support worker and make that clear when you advertise.
2. Use you natural networks to spreed the word and/or assist you to write the job descriptions.
3. Be clear on any job requirements.  I was upfront my key worker needed to have flexibility; yellow cards, first-aid training, driver's linsce and own car. 
4. If you need specific hours, make the clear in the ad.
5. Ask someone to help you with the interviewing process.

Now I have a key worker I am training her to assist me to recruit, induct and train my staff.  This has may hiring second time round quicker and simpler.  Like any work place you will find you will develop your own systems, tools and templates along the way.

If in doubt try phone a friend.