The Bridge Inc

27/04/2026

A change of location doesn’t have to mean a change in support. 🧡

After moving with her family to Kyabram, Deb’s lifestyle shifted significantly and our Support Coordination team continued to support her remotely to stay connected with the services and supports that help her work towards her goals.

Through a blend of individual and group-based supports, Deb has been building skills and confidence across education, health and recreation goals.

One of Deb’s recent goals was learning to sew and with hard work and persistence, she’s proudly finished making the skirt she’s wearing in the photo. 🧵✨

These are the moments that remind us why person-led goals matter and how powerful the right support can be.

24/04/2026

🔵 NDIS Reset Announcement This Week - What You Need to Know

The Australian Government has announced a major “reset” of the NDIS to strengthen the Scheme and ensure it continues to support people with permanent and significant disability.

The reforms focuses on:
✔️ Stopping fraud
✔️ Slowing fast‑growing costs
✔️ Making eligibility clearer
✔️ Improving service quality

What we’re advising participants and families:
👉 Stay informed about changes to Social & Community Participation funding from October 2026
👉 Be aware that new functional assessments start January 2028
👉 Check that your providers are registered, with new rules rolling out from July 2027

Our role:
At The Bridge Inc, we’ve been a fully registered NDIS provider since 2016. Our staff are qualified, we follow strong safety and quality systems, and we’re audited regularly. We encourage everyone to make sure their providers are registered to ensure safe, high‑quality supports.

What’s next:
The NDIS is being reshaped to make it stronger and more sustainable. We’ll continue to watch the changes closely and support participants and families through every step.

For more information, please click on this easy read guide from the NDIS:
https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0NTQ10

21/04/2026

What is the difference between SDA and SIL? 💬

If you or someone you know is navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you might come across the terms Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL). While both are for supporting people with disability, they serve different purposes in your plan.

🏠 Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) = specially designed homes for people with support needs. SDA funding covers the house itself.

🤝 Supported Independent Living (SIL) = support to live independently in your home (help with daily tasks, personal care, and developing skills). SIL funding covers the support, not the house.

🔹You can have SIL funding without SDA (use SIL in a regular home)
🔹SDA funding is for those who need special housing, assessed by NDIS
🔹Check your NDIS plan or ask your Support Coordinator for details

Can The Bridge help me understand my options? 💬
Absolutely! We offer both SIL services and SDA properties. Our team can help you understand your NDIS funding, explore suitable housing options, and support you through the next steps.

To learn more about our SIL and SDA at The Bridge, visit the link below:
https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Ng9q0

16/04/2026

15/04/2026

In-Home & Community Support 🤝

💬 What is Your Supports?
Our Your Supports program is a core part of our Connects Community Services, offering personalised one-to-one support both at home and out in the community. Whether you’re looking for help at home, getting out and about, or joining group activities, we tailor support to suit your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

💬 How does it work?
We work alongside you to co-design a plan that reflects what matters most. By understanding your preferences and daily life, we deliver consistent, high-quality support that enhances your independence and wellbeing.

Support can include:
🔸Personal care
🔸Meal preparation
🔸Medication assistance
🔸Cleaning & gardening support
🔸Transport & attending appointments
🔸Community participation
🔸Work experience
🔸Overnight & 24-hour support
🔸Therapy support + more

We can also help connect you with group activities and social opportunities through our broader Community Services. It’s all about supporting you to live life your way. ✨

For more information, get in touch below:
✉️ yoursupports@thebridgeinc.org.au

07/04/2026

Easter Celebrations at The Bridge Works 🌸🐣

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter break!

Our team at The Bridge Works enjoyed taking some time to celebrate together, and we’d love to share a few special moments with you.

It was a great opportunity to connect, have some fun, and enjoy the spirit of the season.

01/04/2026

World Autism Understanding Day 🧠🌈

Today is World Autism Understanding Day, a time to learn, reflect, and take meaningful action together. At The Bridge, we believe that understanding starts with each of us.

Here are a few ways you can support the autistic community:
🔹Take the time to learn about autism from a variety of autistic voices and lived experiences
🔹Promote accessibility and inclusion in your workplace, school, and community spaces
🔹Be patient and flexible, everyone communicates and experiences the world differently
🔹Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions when you hear them
🔹Support autistic-led events, businesses, and advocacy groups

Together, let’s build a more inclusive and understanding community. 👏

For more information on how you can get involved, visit: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Kpmm0

01/04/2026

At The Bridge, we believe in the power of community, inclusion, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.

On Friday 27 March, members of our team proudly attended the City of Casey Community Awards, where we were honoured to be named a finalist in the Equity and Inclusion category, and even more humbled to receive the award. 🙏

This recognition reflects the heart of what we do every day through our Open Employment Services, particularly the Casey CALD and Youth Project. It represents the individuals and communities we walk alongside, and the meaningful impact we strive to create together.

We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated team, whose passion, care, and commitment make this work possible. This achievement belongs to all of you.

Thank you to the City of Casey for this honour and for championing a more inclusive and connected community. 💙

25/03/2026

It's Purple Day and time to Purple Up! 💜

Today is a global moment of unity for epilepsy awareness, reminding us that this movement is worldwide, urgent and growing.

Did you know?
🔹1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their life
🔹Around 266,000 people in Australia are living with epilepsy

This year is about amplifying voices, dismantling stigma, educating our communities, building understanding and turning awareness into action.

You can choose how to Purple Up! 💪
💜 Decorate your space in purple
💜 Host a purple-themed event
💜 Make a donation to https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0HDRD0

Or, if you would like to add something sweet to your Purple Day . . . 🍰
Epilepsy Action Australia has shared a simple Purple Up cupcake recipe so you can bake for a cause:
https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0HG7d0

When we show up, team up and Purple Up, we make epilepsy visible and help create a world where everyone living with epilepsy feels seen, supported and understood.

25/03/2026

Only 1 day to go until the South East Melbourne Disability Expo, and we couldn’t be more excited to connect with you. 🎉

Our Your Job Now crew has been busy creating fun sensory slimes, and we’ll be giving them away across the event.

As a Gold Sponsor, The Bridge is proud to support this important community event, and we’d love for you to come and say hello. 👋

Visit us at Booth G3 to pick up a sensory slime, snap a photo in our mirror booth and chat with our friendly team about how we can support your goals.

Event details:
🔹Friday 27 & Saturday 28 March 2026
🔹9:00am – 3:00pm (both days)
🔹Cranbourne Racing Centre
🔹Theme: My Future, My Choice

Visit the link below to register:
https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0JhP90