This article was written by Kara, our new Community Engagement Manager! Hi, I'm Kara! Two months into my role as Community Engagement Manager at Like Family and it’s been such a delight getting to know all our Members, Carers, Coordinators and Partners. I look forward to continuing to build the sense of community among our multi-faceted family, and to bringing you content from my experiences along the way. I recently attended DSC’s Annual NDIS Conference, their first since the NDIS Review and its proposed changes were released. This gathering felt like a crucial opportunity to tap into emergi ..read more

Scoring tickets to Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour is no easy feat. But it's much, much harder when you need accessible tickets. Just ask Amy Evans, an Aussie wheelchair user who was told the MCG may not be able to accommodate her support worker in a VIP section. Or Sophie Bevan, a Swiftie who made over 700 phone calls just to join the disabled access ticket queue for Wembley Stadium. Or Silvia Stoyanova, who spent €300 on a front row seat only to learn that it wasn't wheelchair accessible. For Silvia Stoyanova, scoring a ticket to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour was only the start of her battle to se ..read more

We're back with another exciting instalment in our NDIS review series! Today, we're diving into the world of navigators–a new role that aims to simplify the many, confusing types of people who can currently help you access disability supports. It's all part of the exciting shift to an ecosystem of mainstream, foundational and NDIS disability supports (you can read about that here!). The introduction of navigators is excellent news for: anyone with a disability who isn't eligible for the NDIS NDIS participants who can't access a support coordinator anyone who's still confused about the differ ..read more

If you've been keeping up the NDIS review, you've probably come across the term "foundational supports". It was the first of 26 recommendations the review made into how to enhance disability supports for all Australians. But what are foundational supports? How do they differ from NDIS supports? And who will be able to access them? There's still a lot we don't know about foundational supports (the federal government hasn't fully responded to the NDIS review yet). However, National Cabinet has agreed to an initial 50-50 funding model to cover them, which is a great sign! In this blog, we'll sha ..read more

If you've been keeping up the NDIS review, you've probably come across the term "foundational supports". It was the first of 26 recommendations the review made into how to enhance disability supports for all Australians. But what are foundational supports? How do they differ from NDIS supports? And who will be able to access them? There's still a lot we don't know about foundational supports (the federal government hasn't fully responded to the NDIS review yet). However, National Cabinet has agreed to an initial 50-50 funding model to cover them, which is a great sign! In this blog, we'll sha ..read more

We’ve all been inspired to improve ourselves. Trying something new or mastering something we already are passionate about isn’t easy. Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part. The power of goal setting is that you aren’t simply saying you’d like to do something, you’re making a plan on how to achieve it. At Like Family, we work together with you, your support network and specialists to make sure your goals are achieved this year and beyond. What is goal setting? Goal setting is a great way to focus your energy and attention on achieving something to improve your life. It could be le ..read more

If you've been following the news, you'd know that the NDIS review has finally been released! This review wasn't just any run-of-the-mill examination—it had a triple whammy of objectives: putting people with disability back at the heart of the NDIS, rebuilding trust, confidence, and pride in the Scheme, and ensuring its sustainability for future generations. The 329-page document covers a whopping 26 recommendations and 139 supporting actions. If you don't have time to check out the full report, don't worry—we've summarised the main bits for you below! Investment in foundational supports Mor ..read more

Our Members have been on some incredible trips with their support workers (Social Carers): Michael and Cale flew to the Sunshine Coast together, Abdullah competed in the Powerchair Championships in Melbourne thanks to Jess, and Harry partied at Schoolies in Fiji with Maddie! If you're keen to embark on an adventure of your own but need some support, we're here to help! Our caring support workers can provide transport, accompany you to events, and provide quality companionship along the way. In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of holidaying with a support worker, including how to han ..read more

Christmas is just around the corner! That means a time of celebration, joy, a time of love and cheer. A time for all the fun Christmas festivities and making memories with our family and friends through sharing food, stories and banter. And while most of us are busy preparing for all these things, it’s easy to forget how lucky we really are. For some people, Christmas time represents none of these things. It can be a time of loneliness and grief. Why Christmas can be the loneliest time of the year In 2017, the Australian Red Cross launched its ‘Season of Belonging’ campaign after finding that ..read more

Guess what's just around the corner? It's International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)! Held on 3 December every year, this UN-backed day is all about championing the dignity, rights, and overall wellbeing of people with disability around the world. Get ready to join in and make a positive impact! Many Australian organisations are running community events to celebrate IDPwD, like sports days, trivia nights and even an all-abilities indoor skydiving session. Check out the full list on IDPwD Australia's website or view our top picks below! ? Want to attend an IDPwD event with a buddy? C ..read more