Kia ora Tatou

We hope you are ok within your bubble. This is an update with some key questions we have been receiving and our common responses. Do get in touch by email admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz or text or phone Robyn 027 381 0782 (9am-3pm) Lidea 027 650 4257 (9am-2pm), we are here to help. Our phone 09 636 0351 is still active and will be diverted to one of our staff.

We also have a chat message service for people with disabilities their families and whanau to raise questions and receive support respond via Disability Connect’s Facebook Page.

FAQ’s

What happens if I am due for my Needs Assessment from Taikura?
Your supports that are in place will be renewed for a further 12 months.  If you have any further questions please look at Taikura Trust FAQ page here

What will happen if my carer or I are sick?
If you have Individualised Funding (IF) then contact your host to see if they have someone else to assist or if your support cover you require is challenging.  Contact your provider that you are contracted to if using this service or all other issues contact Taikura if you need any more assistance.

People being supported at home needing specialist advice – more info here
From midday Wednesday 1 April 2020, Explore will provide immediate wellbeing and behaviour support advice, support, risk assessment and safety planning to anyone eligible for disability support services through Disability NASC. People will not need a referral from the NASC to access these services, however, people will need to advise Explore who their NASC is. Disabled people, their whânau and support workers can contact Explore directly by calling 0800 000 421. From Monday 6 April 2020 these hours will be extended to 8am- 8pm.

Special schools have closed, and my children are home- my 20 year old son has an Intellectual Disability. His behaviour is unmanageable, and I am on my own. I need more supports.
Please contact your NASC (Taikura Trust in Auckland) in the first instance re more supports and request a referral to a behavioural services provider.  Please look at support via Explore here

What is Taikura Trust offering at this time
For much more information click here.

How can I use Carer Support during Covid-19? 
Ministry of Health are making an exception to allow people who are not parents and are over the age of 16 years living at same address to be a support carer during Covid19 lockdown. Disability Connect has been told that full time carers can claim for essential items required by using their allocation days this will require a receipt of payment to be attached to claim form or proof of purchase to be held for Auditing purposes in the near future. They will still be allocated in half and full day amounts. Email claim forms to csclaims@health.govt.nz.

What do I do about respite care? I have been told by my provider that my normal respites services are now closed. My child’s behaviour is stressing me out on top of everything else including lost income
At this stage some families are possibly able to be paid the hours already allocated (Personal Cares, Household Management) stage via IF but you need to contact your IF host and they will inform you. This is if your carer/s are on lockdown and isolation.  Click here for more information on IF. Family Funded Care is here .

What can be claimed as essential via Individualised Funding due Covid-19
Ministry of Health is following the Enabling Good Lives Principles.  For Individualised Funding purchasing guidelines at present check here for more information and check with your IF host to confirm what you are wishing to spend your funding on. IF is designed to be flexible and with that comes a lack of black and white answers. However you should answer these questions first though to see if you fit
• Does it makes their lives better? How?
• Is it a support that is needed because the person has a disability?
• Is it reasonable and cost effective?
• Is it subject to a limit or exclusion e.g. no alcohol/drugs, no food, no rent

I have problems with my equipment and carers and I’m an ACC client / I haven’t heard from ACC.
Contact your case manager or nearest ACC branch.

I’m elderly, disabled and without carers. I am relying on outside family members to do my cares instead. My family members have no choice in the matter are not trained in care and have no PPE 
This is being made available – please contact your IF host (list here), NASC (Taikura Trust in Auckland) more information to follow when to hand. The safety of staff is a top priority as we are working through this fast-evolving and challenging time. Click here for more info on PPE.

I can’t get my groceries – I’m a single parent with a disabled child.
There is a community organisation providing support for people in isolation. You can seek help or offer to become a volunteer from the website.  Isolation.org.nz
Here is a list of Online Shopping and Foodbank services available

I don’t have internet how can I find out what is available and what is happening with my supports?
You can contact your local NASC and Disability Information Resource Centre for information regards to your support. Federation of Disability Information Services list of open services is here.

I need transportation to hospital for a dressing as my District Nurses can’t visit. What are my options?
Click here for Driving Miss Daisy info, they are an essential service.

Nga Mihi Nui

Staff of Disability Connect