When NDIA declined funding for a specialised bike recommended by Sharee’s physio at Therapy WA, it looked like the end of the road.

Instead, it became a story of community action. 💛

Terry and Marg from the Fremantle Lions Club stepped in to donate the bike, giving Sharee, who lives with MND, the opportunity to maintain her mobility, independence, and fitness safely.

A huge thank you to all involved: a great example of community coming together. 🚴‍♀️

After more than 20 years in their previous home, Nixon, a young man in his twenties living with autism and an intellectual disability. and his dad Charles faced an uncertain future when their property was being sold to developers.

With the support of Dan, they found stability and a new beginning through the Community Disability Housing Program (CDHP), run by the Department of Communities. After exploring several housing options, they discovered the perfect home: spacious, accessible, and close to Nixon’s work and community supports.

Now, Nixon and Charles are happily settled into their new neighbourhood, enjoying the comfort and security of a place they can truly call home. 🌻

Lloyd (name changed for privacy reasons), 18, has recently been released from incarceration and is now settling into Plan and Grow SIL with support from Josh, his Specialist Support Coordinator.

Lloyd is a young man who has faced incredibly challenging circumstances in his life, but with the guidance of his dedicated support team, he’s making steady progress: reconnecting with his community, building positive routines, and gaining confidence in everyday life. 🌿

With the right support and opportunities, every step forward is a win for Lloyd. 💪

After more than 12 months in hospital and five months of planning and coordination, Taylor (name changed for privacy reasons) is finally moving into her Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) home in the last week of October. 🌻

This move marks an incredible milestone in Taylor’s journey toward independence and stability. A huge thank you to April, her Specialist Support Coordinator, whose dedication and persistence made this transition possible. 💛

On October 20th, the Circle SC team attended the Disability and Family & Domestic Violence Workshop hosted by the Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence.

Up to 90% of women with an intellectual disability will experience abuse during their lifetime — with almost all cases perpetrated by someone they know (Hughes et al., 2011). This confronting reality highlights why conversations and training like this are so important.

The session shed light on the intersection between disability and family and domestic violence, and the vital role of professionals in recognising risks, responding safely, and advocating for participants’ wellbeing.

We’re grateful for opportunities like this to continue learning and strengthening how we support those experiencing domestic violence in the community. 💜

The NDIS has updated how it describes STA and it’s now called Short Term Respite. The purpose of the name change being to better reflect the purpose of this support: giving participants and their carers a short break from their usual care arrangements.

This change recognises the importance of informal supports, such as family members and friends, and aims to make the support easier to understand and use. The updated guideline outlines who can access short term respite, what it includes, and how decisions are made, ensuring participants and providers can use funding appropriately.

From 21 October 2025, the Home and Living Supporting Evidence form will no longer be used. This change aims to make plan change requests easier and more efficient for participants, families, and providers.

The form was optional and not consistently used, and participants and their team were already supply the necessary information through existing forms. By removing it, the NDIA is reducing:

There’s no change to how requests are assessed or to participant outcomes.

📞 For more information, contact the NDIS National Contact Centre on 1300 311 675.

If circumstances have changed, participants can continue to submit plan change requests using:

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding but it can also be emotionally draining. The Carer Gateway Counselling Service offers free phone counselling for unpaid carers across Australia, providing a safe and confidential space to talk through challenges, seek guidance, and access emotional support.

Counsellors are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (nationally), and the service can be reached by calling 1800 422 737 (select Option 2). Support is available in multiple languages through the Translating and Interpreting Service, and counsellors have completed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid training, ensuring culturally respectful care.

We encourage you to share this service with carers in your network who may benefit.

📞 Request a callback or learn more at www.carergateway.gov.au.