https://connectingfamilies.com.au/

Connecting Families, 30 Atchison Street, St Leonards, New South Wales, AU, Sydney (2026)

24/03/2026

Some homes just feel right. This one in Dapto is one of them. 🏡

Thoughtfully designed on a single level with wide hallways, step-free access, and a peaceful backyard with escarpment views, it offers comfort and ease for Supported Independent Living, Medium Term, or Short Term Accommodation.

Close to shops, medical services, and transport, it's a place where support meets belonging.

If this feels like home, we'd love to hear from you.

Click link in the comment to learn more!

20/03/2026

What Are the New NDIS Supports Lists (2026 Updates)?

The new NDIS Supports Lists are a major change to how the Scheme operates, defining exactly what participants can and cannot use their NDIS funding for. These lists follow legislative changes from October 2024 and represent a shift toward greater clarity across the Scheme.

The lists were shaped through public consultation in August 2024, with over 7,000 people providing feedback. This included significant input from the disability community, advocacy organizations, and service providers, helping shape the final version.

The NDIS supports list includes items considered reasonable and necessary for pursuing goals and living an ordinary life. However, the exclusions have attracted significant attention. Disability advocates have raised concerns about items removed from funding, including parenting supports, somatic therapy, menstrual products, homeschooling resources, and certain therapies.

The Intellectual Disability Reference Group noted in November 2024 that the changes are creating confusion for participants. Disability advocate Heidi La Paglia Reid expressed concern that the lists fail to uphold rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, particularly the right to respect for home and family.

Importantly, the NDIS has included a replacement support rule. This allows participants to request a substitution for a support not on the list in specific, approved cases, providing some flexibility for individual circumstances.

For participants and families, the new lists mean greater clarity but also potential restrictions on previously available supports. Understanding these changes is essential for navigating the evolving Scheme.

💬 Have you reviewed your NDIS plan since the new supports lists were introduced? Share your experience below.

19/03/2026

👪 Every day, a new family reaches out to us. Some are exhausted. Some are scared. Some have been searching for years, quietly wondering if the right support even exists....

And every day, we are reminded why they choose to stay. 💙

We see the person and not just the plan.
We start with getting to know you.
Get to know what makes you feel safe.
What drains you.
What lights you up.

And from there, we build support that actually fits.

We believe our Supported Independent Living, Medium Term Accommodation, Short Term Accommodation and Short Term Respite should never feel like just a house but, a home where you can thrive and eventually grow.

These are carefully matched communities where housemates genuinely connect.

Complex needs are our specialty.

-Trauma.
-Mental health.
-High medical needs.
-Challenging behaviours.

Where other providers might hesitate, we boldly step in. Our clinical team works alongside your doctors and specialists to create evidence-based plans that change as your needs change.

We also know families deserve a break. You have carried so much for so long. Our respite care gives you time to rest, knowing your loved one is safe and well supported.

We have been doing this for over 10+ years now.
10+ years of walking alongside families across Australia.
10+ years of learning, growing, and proving that no one is too complex for us.

Families choose us because we offer more than services.
We offer partnership.
We offer peace of mind.
We offer a place where you and your loved one can finally breathe.

If you are ready to experience the difference, send us a message or visit our website to learn more.

Check the link in the comment section. 👇

17/03/2026

🏡 Ingle Farm (SA) – Vacant SIL Home Now Taking Applications

Suitable for 1:1 SIL, MTA, or STA

This well-maintained, single-level home offers comfort, accessibility, and a peaceful place to call home. Featuring three generous bedrooms, a light-filled living area, and an updated kitchen with ample storage, it's designed for practical daily living. The secure, fully fenced backyard provides a quiet outdoor space to relax, while paved pathways and a covered carport add convenience and ease.

Set in a quiet, established neighbourhood close to local shops, medical centres, and transport, this home balances simplicity with connection to the community. Ideal for someone seeking stability, comfort, and the right support in a welcoming environment.

Connect with us for more information 👇
0435 958 359
info@connectingfamilies.com.au

15/03/2026

3 Ways to Build Your Child's Confidence 🌱

Every parent wants their child to feel capable, secure, and ready to take on the world. For children with disability, developmental delay, or autism, building confidence requires intentional, patient, and strengths-based approaches. Here are three evidence-backed ways to nurture your child's confidence at home and in the community.

1. Focus on Effort, Not Outcome

Children thrive when their efforts are valued, regardless of the result. Praising persistence and trying new things builds a growth mindset. Instead of "Great goal," try "I loved how you kept trying even when it was hard." This teaches children that hard work matters more than perfection. Occupational therapists recommend breaking tasks into small, achievable steps so children experience success along the way.

2. Create Predictable Routines

Structure and familiarity help children feel safe and capable. When children know what to expect, anxiety decreases and confidence grows. Use visual schedules, consistent routines, and gentle reminders like "After breakfast, we'll get ready." Predictable environments let children focus energy on learning rather than worrying about what comes next.

3. Build Social Connection Through Shared Interests

Confidence grows in the company of others. Look for activities that align with your child's interests—art, music, LEGO® building, or sports. Structured social skills groups use collaborative play to help children practice communication and teamwork. When children connect with peers who share their passions, friendships form naturally and self-esteem blossoms.

How the NDIS Can Help

Your child's NDIS plan can fund therapies that build confidence. Improved Daily Living supports cover occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, and skill development. Increased Social and Community Participation funding helps children access peer mentoring, community activities, and social groups.

At Connecting Families, we're here to walk alongside you. Confidence is built through small, consistent wins. Whether your child needs therapy, community access, or a supportive home environment, we're here to help them thrive.

Send us a message for inquiries.

12/03/2026

Your NDIS plan is more than funding for daily care, it's a pathway to greater independence, confidence, and participation in community life....

Through Capacity Building Supports, you can access funding specifically designed to help you develop the skills you need to live life on your own terms .

What Are Capacity Building Supports?

Unlike Core Supports that help with immediate daily tasks, Capacity Building funding invests in your long-term growth . It helps you build skills and strategies so you can do more for yourself over time, reducing reliance on ongoing support .

Core Supports might fund a support worker to help you cook dinner tonight. Capacity Building funds training so you can learn to cook independently .

Two Key Categories for Life Skills

1. Improved Daily Living (CB Daily Activity)

This category funds therapies and training that build practical skills for everyday life. Examples include:

-Occupational therapy to develop cooking, cleaning, money management, and public transport skills
-Psychology to build emotional regulation, resilience, and coping strategies
-Speech pathology for communication and social interaction skills
-Physiotherapy to improve mobility and physical function
-Skill development training including public transport training, decision-making, planning, and budgeting

2. Increased Social and Community Participation

This funding helps you build confidence and skills to engage with your community. Activities include:

-Skill-building workshops and personal development courses
-Peer mentoring and life coaching
-Learning new hobbies to connect with others
-Community access programs

These supports help you make and sustain connections, reducing isolation while building self-esteem. When you feel good mentally and emotionally, your overall wellbeing improves, which helps you achieve other goals too.

How to Access Life Skills Funding

-Check your plan. Look for "Capacity Building" funding, specifically "Improved Daily Living" or "Increased Social and Community Participation".
-Set clear goals. Your goals should focus on outcomes, like "I want to travel independently," not just attending services.
-Work with your planner. Bring supporting documentation to your planning meeting and be specific about what you want to achieve.
-Find the right provider. Look for therapists and trainers who specialise in the skills you want to build.

Share this post to help spread information on how your NDIS plan can help with life skills.

10/03/2026

A major new initiative is rolling out across regional Western Australia, designed to improve NDIS access for thousands of participants...

The Joint Work Program, a partnership between the Federal and WA Governments, is launching in five key areas: South-West, Gascoyne, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Goldfields-Esperance.

Why does this matter?

This program is built on a successful $7.6 million pilot in Katanning and directly responds to the 2023 NDIS Review. It focuses on:

-Tailored local solutions by working directly with communities, families, and disability organisations.
-Better support for priority cohorts, particularly First Nations participants.
-Identifying and filling service gaps in rural and remote areas.
-Helping over 11,000 NDIS participants in these regions access the services they need.

The NDIA and WA Government will collaborate to understand local challenges and co-design improvements. Preliminary work has begun, with each region undergoing an 18-month establishment and transition phase.

As NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister states, "It's vital all people with disability can access high-quality services and supports, regardless of where they live."

This is a significant step toward more equitable disability support across Australia's vast landscapes.

Share this to your connections in Western Australia. Let them be informed too!

06/03/2026

Over 3 million unpaid carers live in Australia right now. That's one in eight of us. Here's what the research reveals about your experience....

More than 60% of carers report low wellbeing, compared to just 33% of the general population. Nearly two thirds experience high psychological distress. Carers are three times more likely to feel isolated often or always.

Most carers ignore their own health until crisis hits. They prioritise everyone else first. Financial stress compounds this, with over 60% experiencing hardship.

Why does this matter for you?
Because when you're caring for someone with complex needs, psychological disability, acquired brain injury, autism, or high medical needs, the weight is even heavier. You're navigating appointments, medications, behaviours, and systems, all while holding space for your loved one's emotional wellbeing.

At Connecting Families, we support not just participants, but the families holding everything together. Our services are designed to give you back your time, rest, and peace of mind.

How we help:
-Respite care gives you a proper break while your loved one stays safe with us.
-Supported Independent Living (SIL) and accommodation provide long-term homes where participants truly belong.
- In-home support helps with daily tasks and personal care so you're not doing everything alone.
- Community access means someone else handles appointments and activities, giving you breathing space.
- Clinical oversight ensures complex needs are managed by experts, reducing your worry.

You don't have to carry this alone anymore. When you're supported, everyone thrives.

Tag a fellow carer who needs to hear this today. Let them know they're not alone.

06/03/2026

Debunking Myths About Autism: What Families Need to Know...

With nearly 1 in 40 Australians diagnosed with autism, understanding the facts has never been more critical. Let's separate evidence from fiction.

Myth #1: Vaccines Cause Autism
This myth originated from a fraudulent 1998 study that was retracted. Extensive research involving millions of children confirms no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Leading health organisations worldwide have consistently debunked this connection.

Myth #2: Autism is a Disease That Can Be Cured
Autism is not an illness. It's a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that shapes how a person experiences the world. There is no "cure" because it's not something to fix, it's a different way of being with unique strengths and challenges.

Myth #3: People With Autism Lack Empathy
Research confirms autistic individuals feel empathy, often intensely. They may express it differently or struggle with social cues, but presume capability, not lack. The challenge is typically with perspective-taking, not emotional depth.

Myth #4: Autism Only Affects Children
Autism is lifelong. Adults with autism are often overlooked, but they continue needing understanding and support. The idea that someone "grows out of" autism has no scientific basis.

Myth #5: Everyone With Autism Has an Intellectual Disability
Autism is a spectrum. While some have intellectual disabilities, most have average or above-average IQs. Abilities vary widely, and stereotyping helps no one.

What Science Actually Tells Us
Genetics account for approximately 75% of autism likelihood, with over 200 genes implicated. Environmental factors like parental age, premature birth, and maternal health conditions may interact with genetic predisposition. Understanding each person's unique profile is what matters most.

For families navigating autism, evidence-based support makes all the difference. Whether seeking early intervention, supported independent living, or simply understanding, you deserve accurate information and compassionate care.

Share this post to help spread awareness and tag someone who needs to read it.

02/03/2026

What Makes a Great Disability Support Worker?

Have you ever wondered what truly separates a good disability support worker from a great one? The answer goes far beyond qualifications, experience, or ticking tasks off a list.

A great disability support worker sees the person and not just the plan. They understand that disability support is about more than personal care, medication reminders, or household assistance. It's about building genuine human connection and walking alongside someone on their unique journey.

Here's what we look for when building our team:

✨ Showing up consistently builds the foundation of trust. A great disability support worker is someone participants and families never have to worry about.

✨ They listen without judgment and move at the participant's pace. They understand that trust takes time, especially for individuals with trauma backgrounds, psychosocial disability, or complex behavioural needs.

✨ They empower participants to make their own decisions, offering guidance without taking over. True independence grows when support workers step beside someone, not ahead of them.

✨ Whether supporting someone with acquired brain injury, autism, intellectual disability, neurological conditions, or high-intensity medical needs, great workers bring both clinical knowledge and compassionate presence.

✨ They keep participants and families informed, involved, and heard. Transparency builds partnerships that last beyond any care plan.

✨ They celebrate small victories and gently encourage new challenges, helping participants build confidence in daily living, community access, and social participation.

At Connecting Families Disability Services, we choose our team for these qualities first. Because the right disability support worker doesn't just complete tasks, but they become a trusted companion on the journey toward independence, belonging, and a life filled with possibility.

If you're looking for a support worker who truly sees you, we're here to help you find the perfect match.

Link in the comments.

27/02/2026

Watch this video to learn more about Supported Independent Living....

Ever wondered what Supported Independent Living actually means for you or someone you support? We've created a simple explainer to break it down.

Supported Independent Living, or SIL, is about having your own home with the right support alongside you. It's funding for daily personal care and assistance with household tasks, all designed to help you build skills and live more independently. Unlike group homes where routines are often rigid, SIL puts you in control. You choose your housemates, your schedule, and how much support you need.

At Connecting Families, our SIL homes are more than just accessible accommodation. They're carefully matched communities where compatibility creates genuine friendships. Our housing and clinical team designs person-centred plans tailored to individual goals, sensory needs, and daily routines. We specialise in complex care for participants with psychosocial disability, acquired brain injury, autism, and high-intensity behavioural support needs.

Whether you're exploring Short Term Accommodation (STA) or Medium Term Accomodation as a trial or seeking a permanent supported living arrangement, understanding SIL is the first step toward genuine independence.

And if you're ready to find a home where you truly belong, we're here to walk with you.

Feel free to send us a message or leave a comment to this video. 📩

25/02/2026

Why NDIS planning feels overwhelming for so many?....

The NDIS can unlock real support and independence, but many participants say the system feels confusing, overwhelming and frustrating if you don’t avoid a few common pitfalls.

1. People frequently head into planning without clear goals, documentation or examples of how daily life is impacted. When planners don’t hear your lived reality, supports can miss the mark, leaving you with funding that doesn’t truly help.

2. Plans are divided into Core, Capacity Building and Capital Supports. Confusion about what each category allows can lead to rejected claims or unspent funds that go unused by year’s end. Tracking your budget regularly can prevent this.

3. Needs change. Plans should too. Failing to follow up or request a review when circumstances shift often means funding becomes outdated or less useful. Regular plan reviews help avoid gaps in support and align services with your life.

4. Many participants underutilise support coordinators and NDIS providers. These professionals can help you interpret your plan, connect with quality service providers and manage day-to-day logistics, reducing stress and helping you make the most of your funding.

5. Confusion when coordinators or plan managers misunderstand their needs, leading to mismatches between what the plan says and the support delivered. Clear, ongoing communication with your support team can prevent misunderstandings and help you stay on track.

Avoiding these common NDIS mistakes can lead to stronger plans, better service outcomes and a smoother journey overall. Being prepared, proactive and clear about your needs helps ensure your NDIS plan works for you. If you’re unsure, talking to an experienced support coordinator or plan manager can make a big difference in navigating these challenges.

Have you experienced this too? Let us know below.

Connecting Families

24/03/2026

20/03/2026

19/03/2026

17/03/2026

15/03/2026

12/03/2026

10/03/2026

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

02/03/2026

27/02/2026

25/02/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category