Respite Now

05/11/2025

🌿 Rethinking ADHD Support: Putting People Before Profit

Experts are calling for change in how ADHD care is delivered — raising concerns about the growing influence of profit-driven models that can overlook what truly matters: people.

Behind every diagnosis is a person with hopes, challenges, and potential. Access to care should never come at the cost of compassion. True support is person-centred, ethical, and grounded in understanding — built on trust, not transactions. 🌿

Every individual deserves care that listens, uplifts, and empowers them to thrive. Because at the heart of good care is putting people first. ✨

Resource : https://disabilityupdate.net/adhd-experts-call-to-reform-profit-driven-private-model/

31/10/2025

🧡 Boo! But Make It Inclusive — A Halloween Message from Respite Now 👻

Halloween is here — a time for creativity, laughter, and a little spooky fun! Respite Now think that the best kind of celebration is where everyone feels welcome, safe and included.

Let’s make this Halloween more accessible for people of all abilities, sensory needs, and comfort levels. Here are a few simple ways we can all make a difference:
🧡 Be sensory-aware. Avoid overly loud sounds, flashing lights, or jump scares. Create “quiet corners” or calm zones for those who may feel overwhelmed.
🧡 Offer inclusive treats. Try non-food items like stickers, bubbles, or small toys — great for children and adults with allergies or dietary restrictions.
🧡 Keep pathways open. Ensure your decorations and displays don’t block ramps or sidewalks. Accessibility is festive too!
🧡 Be patient and kind. Not everyone communicates the same way. Some participants may take a little more time or express excitement differently — and that’s perfectly okay.
🧡 Celebrate everyone’s way of joining in. Whether someone wears a costume, waves from the car, or simply enjoys the atmosphere, participation looks different for everyone.
Together, we can turn Halloween into more than just a night of treats — but a moment of connection, understanding, and joy for all. 🎃
Let’s celebrate inclusion this spooky season — because we’ve found that every day can be a fun day as long as everyone is included. 💜

29/10/2025

A Historic Moment for Disability Arts in Australia 🎨

Australia has reached an incredible milestone — the launch of the first-ever National Disability Arts Archive! 🌟

This groundbreaking initiative celebrates the creativity, passion, and cultural impact of artists with disability, preserving their stories, artworks, and achievements for generations to come. It’s more than just an archive — it’s a living record of inclusion, representation, and artistic excellence across the nation.

At Respite Now, we’re proud to celebrate this powerful step toward recognising the voices and talents that continue to shape Australia’s diverse arts landscape. 💜

📚 Read more:
🔗 Mirage News – Historic First: New Disability Arts Archive : https://www.miragenews.com/website-chronicles-five-decades-of-disability-1551222/
🔗 Limelight Arts – Australia Launches First National Disability Arts Archive : https://limelight-arts.com.au/news/australia-launches-first-national-disability-arts-archive/

24/10/2025

📰 Update: Short Term Accommodation is now called Short Term Respite (effective 20 October 2025)

NDIS updated how we describe short term accommodation — it’s now called Short Term Respite. 💜

This change better reflects the purpose of the support: to give participants time away from their usual care arrangements while their primary informal supports take a well-deserved break. This helps carers continue in their vital roles.

After speaking with participants, families, and carers, most agreed that short term respite better represents the value of informal supports and the importance of sustaining these relationships. The focus is now on the support provided — not just the accommodation.

We understand that some have mixed feelings about the term “respite,” but it’s widely recognised and clearly describes the support being offered.

The updated guideline explains:
✅ Who can use short term respite
✅ What it includes
✅ How it should be used
✅ How decisions are made

Find out more about short term respite here:
🔗 https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10967-short-term-accommodation-now-called-short-term-respite

22/10/2025

💬 Respite Now Cares: Be Prepared This Summer 🌞

Australia’s summer can bring unpredictable challenges — from bushfires and floods to heatwaves and storms. At Respite Now, safety always comes first.

We’re reminding all providers, participants, and families to stay prepared and informed. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has shared an important Emergency Management Provider Alert to help ensure the safety of everyone we support.

This resource includes guidance on:
✅ Personal emergency management plans
✅ Organisational emergency plans
✅ Business continuity during and after an emergency

Together, we can stay safe, stay ready, and continue providing the care and support our community deserves.

🔗 Download the alert here: https://bit.ly/4eslYGR

🚨 Over the summer period, Australia faces a range of challenges including bushfires, cyclones, floods, extreme heat and severe storms.

Our Emergency Management Provider Alert helps NDIS providers understand the importance of good emergency management to ensure the safety of participants and staff, and the continuity of critical supports during and after an emergency.

Download this Provider Alert for information and resources on developing personal emergency management plans, organisational emergency plans and business continuity, so you're ready when an emergency hits: https://bit.ly/4eslYGR.

16/10/2025

Inclusive Transport Innovation

A new QUT study led by Professor Alexander Paz has revealed what people with disabilities want most in autonomous vehicles (AVs) — and it’s all about accessibility, comfort, and safety.

🔹 Key findings:
• Preference for medium-sized AVs with side entry for easy boarding
• Need for spacious interiors, non-retractable wheelchair restraints, and multi-sensory communication systems
• Importance of privacy, safety, and user-friendly design

Researchers say these features could revolutionize mobility for people with disabilities, improving access to work, healthcare, and social life — but only if universal design principles guide development from the start.

This study, supported by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, highlights the next step toward inclusive, accessible transport for everyone. 🌏♿



Resource: https://disabilityupdate.net/study-identifies-autonomous-transport-design-priorities-for-people-with-disabilities/

14/10/2025

We’re excited to share the very first edition of our quarterly community newsletter, The RITCHLY Connection. It’s designed to bring the Respite Now community closer together and celebrate the people who make it special: our clients, our staff and the many others who support them and their families.

Read more 👇👇👇
https://mailchi.mp/respitenow.com.au/the-ritchly-connection-respite-nows-quarterly-newsletter

06/10/2025

At Respite Now, we believe that strength isn’t just about pushing through — it’s also about knowing when to pause. 🌿
A thought for today: You don’t have to be strong all the time. Rest is also a form of strength. 💛

Take this as your reminder to slow down, breathe, and give yourself the care you deserve. Your well-being matters, always. 🌻

01/10/2025

🌿💙 Mental Health Month Begins! 💫🌱

October marks the start of Mental Health Month and we’re focusing on how the right NDIS supports can make a positive difference in everyday wellbeing. 🌞✨

For many of our clients, supports like connecting with a support worker, attending therapy, or building daily routines or joining in on community excursions aren’t just services — they’re steps toward confidence, connection and better mental health. 💚

Seeing the growth, resilience, and joy in our clients is what makes each day meaningful. 🌟 Together, we create safe spaces where people feel supported, valued and ready to take on more of life’s challenges.

👉 Don’t just get through the day — let us help you thrive with the right supports. Join Respite Now and discover how your NDIS plan can be turned into meaningful, uplifting experiences.

👉 For more on Mental Health Month, visit https://www.mentalhealthaustralia.org.au/get-involved/2025-world-mental-health-day/

25/09/2025

🌿🦘 Healesville Sanctuary Adventure! 🦜🌳

Clients and staff had a wonderful day at Healesville Sanctuary last Thursday - enjoying fresh air, native wildlife and plenty of laughter along the way. 💚✨

Providing support is what Respite Now does, but seeing the joy and sense of togetherness turns our days into amazing experiences, building memories and sharing connection. 🌞🐨

With the improved weather, getting outdoors really creates good vibes and memorable experiences. 💫

🌟 Don’t just watch from the sidelines — come along on our next outdoor activity! There’s always a place for you at Respite Now.

👉 Join us and be part of the fun, connection and adventure! Get in touch and let us know how your community access can be tuned into wonderful, shared experiences. Get out and see our great city and meet others. This is where friendships can start.

Whilst many people complain about our government, the NDIS, reduced funding etc. we see on a daily basis how the NDIS’ support is helping people living with a disability to participate in their community, engage with others and experience all that Melbourne has to offer.

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Thanks to our clients who took a risk and came out the other end smiling and to the Respite Now staff who ensured the journey was a happy one and that each client went home wanting more. A great result team. Special thanks to the photographers: Deanna, Claire, Eva S