As of 1 July, there have been some significant changes to the NDIS, including the new Price Guide and Support Catalogue, a new Assistive Technology and Consumables Code guide, new operational guidelines for Supported Independent Living, Specialist Disability Accommodation and Medium Term Accommodation, the end of the 10 per cent COVID loading and the expansion of the National Community Connector Program.

COVID- 19 restrictions have created opportunities for peer groups and families to connect and meet in different ways. Online and offline, people with like-minded interests are communicating and sharing. Support groups have been moving to video-calls. Virtual coffee catchups are in.

This year 2019-2020 we have connected with nearly five million people answering their enquiries and delivering information on how people want to receive it. 

Our staff share 373 years of disability sector experience, 85% of IDEAS board members live with a disability or have close lived experience of disability. 42% of IDEAS staff live with a disability or have close lived experience of disability.

We get it! Dive in and get a picture of our customer’s experience and meet some of the IDEAS family.

There is a new or "novel" coronavirus (now referred to as Coronavirus Disease or COVID-19) originating from Wuhan, Hubei Province in China with at least 27,939cases confirmed in Australia with 908 deaths so far. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the spread of Coronavirus disease a pandemic.

Nothing beats good old-fashioned hand washing as a way to avoid the spread of infections and diseases. With the current situation of Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is more important than ever to practice good personal hygiene. However, if soap and water aren't available then a hand sanitiser may be the next best thing. 

On Thursday, April 16th, National Cabinet (State, Territory and Federal leaders) agreed to release the Management and Operational Plan for COVID-19 for People with Disability.

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) has announced extra support with urgent complaints about telecommunications. This support is for vulnerable and at-risk residential consumers and small businesses in response to COVID-19.

The Disability Royal Commission turned it's focus to COVID19 and Emergency Planning and Response at a public hearing in August.

The impact of COVID-19 has been widespread and has changed the way many things work. While we know it has been a challenging time for some people with a disability, there have also been some positive changes that have happened.

As part of its plan to make sure the needs of people with a disability are met during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal health department has made a range of new fact sheets. There is information for families, support workers and health workers.

While we are all at home more because of COVID-19, people are beginning to make more of their purchases online. Some people are not confident when making purchases online, and some are overly confident. Making a digital transaction can be scary and you need to be careful. Here are some ways to stay safe and smart when shopping online.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and participate in society. In this article, we write about the recommended strategies for preventing the spread of disease, and then the reasons why each approach is suggested.

In learning about COVID-19 and the capability of the virus to live on surfaces for extended periods, the implications for cohorts of people with a disability such as wheelchair users require some extra care. More than a case of frequently washing your hands, you need to also clean your wheelchair and components.

Have you heard of "Zoom"? It is a video communication tool that people are using to stay connected in times of isolation. You can see, hear, and talk to a friend or family member. Read on to learn how you can stay in touch through Zoom.

Thursday, May 21, 2020, marks the ninth Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). GAAD aims to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access/inclusion and people with different disabilities.

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability (Disability Royal Commission) has released several Issue papers in recent months. 

In April, the Australian Government introduced a temporary initiative to offer free child care as a supportive measure to help families as the nation began to respond to COVID-19. This free child care assistance ends on the 13th of July. Read on to learn more.

An initiative of Housing Victoria and available to public housing tenants aged 75 years and over who live by themselves, Keeping in Touch is a free and confidential telephone service available in Victoria. A once a week phone call is made to registered tenants to check if they are okay.

This Auslan video from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services with closed captions describes the impact of masks for communication for people who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment.