March 2025 Newsletter Archive

This month has been a big one for us as a company and our Participants. We, as an organisation, weathered Cyclone Alfred, which affected many of our Participants and Staff.

But the weather didn’t hamper our functions as an organisation. We came together to help those affected by the storm and emerged from it without any major losses.

This month, we have a story about an amazing artist and a behind-the-scenes look at how we handled the storm and what we plan to do in the future.

A free Resource for you

Newsletter Challenge:

Guess these movie titles from these Emoji’s:

Movie 1: 🦁👑

Movie 2: 🧙‍♂️⚡

Movie 3: 🦸‍♂️🕷️

Movie 4: 🚢🧊

Movie 5: 🕵️‍♂️🔍

Reply with your answers—winner gets a shout out next issue!

Keely: The Artist Whose Work Speaks Volumes

Art has the power to overcome many barriers; it can communicate emotions, inspire change and create connections between people.

The Storm and Our Staff

Earlier this month, South-east Queensland and North-east New South Wales experienced a category 2 cyclone, the first to make landfall since 1974. Most might not know this, but a large amount of Inclusion Tree’s participants and staff live in this area, so this event deeply impacted us.

Tip of the month: Simple Ways to Eat More Nutritious Foods

Start Small, Build Habits

Add, Don’t Restrict – Instead of cutting out “unhealthy” foods, add more nutritious options first (e.g., veggies to pasta, fruit with dessert).
The Half-Plate Rule – Aim for half your plate to be veggies/fruit, ¼ protein, ¼ carbs.
Pre-Chopped Snacks – Keep ready-to-eat veggies/fruits in clear containers at eye level in the fridge.

Make Nutrition Easy & Fun

Smoothie Boost – Blend spinach or oats into smoothies—you won’t taste it!
“Rainbow Meals” Challenge – Try eating 3 different-coloured foods per meal (e.g., red capsicum, brown rice, green beans).
Dip It! – Pair raw veggies with hummus, yogurt, or nut butter for extra flavour.

For When Energy is Low (Quick & Nutritious Ideas)

5-Minute Meals – Canned tuna + crackers + cherry tomatoes, or peanut butter on whole-grain toast with banana.
Freezer Staples – Frozen veggies, pre-cooked grains, and canned beans save time.
Microwave Mug Meals – Scrambled eggs or oatmeal with nuts/seeds.

Gentle Reminders for Mindful Eating

Check-In Hunger Cues – Ask: Am I eating because I’m hungry, bored, or stressed?
Slow Down – Put your fork down between bites to help digestion.
Hydration First – Sometimes thirst feels like hunger—drink water before snacking.

What’s new with the NDIS

Inclusion Tree has become aware that NDIS will be sending out ‘Impairment Notices’ to participants, and using this information to make possible changes to participant’s plans. This Impairment notice will focus on the impairment(s) that makes someone eligible for the NDIS.

We have previously recommended that all Plan nominees ask NDIA for the record of Disability they have on file for each participant/s you support. It is very important that the NDIA has the correct information on file, and all of the eligible Disabilities are listed correctly.

We recommend the below steps for you obtain and review the Evidence of Disability that the NDIS has on record for your participant. This is crucial as the NDIA may reassess your loved one’s eligibility during the NDIS Participant Plan Reassessment process.

The key actions you should take are:

Visit the NDIS website Participant Information Access Page at NDIS Access Page URL to make an information access request online, via email information.access@ndis.gov.au, or by phone 1800 800 110 to request Evidence of Disability and Impairment.
- Note that Impairment Notices will not be issued until the NDIA confirms the process for Independent Assessments.

Review all evidence to ensure there is formal diagnosis/evidence of all disabilities, diagnoses, and conditions. Ensure that all clinical documents reference the SAME disabilities, diagnoses, and conditions.
Understand the descriptors for High Intensity Support Skills and ensure they are included in your Impairment Summary to advocate for high intensity pricing (if eligible). Workforce Capability Website
Complex behaviour support is also noted as a high intensity support in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Pricing Limits. Include behaviours of concern and all restrictive practices in a Behaviour Support Plan in the Impairment Summary to argue for high intensity pricing.
If you receive confirmation from the NDIA of your participant’s recorded disability, diagnosis, and condition, and it is incorrect, use the online Participant Information Access Request Form to submit evidence and request a correction here.
The NDIA is working on allowing existing Participants to amend their Impairment Notice if it changes or is incorrect, although the process has not yet been confirmed.

If you submit a Participant Access Request or Supporting Evidence Form and it is not actioned by the NDIA, you have the option to:

Submit a complaint to the NDIA via this link
Write to the CEO of the NDIA at this link
Write to the Minister for the NDIS via this link
Write to your local Federal member
Write to the State Minister for Disability

If you have any questions regarding the necessary actions, please contact your support coordinator.

Fun Fact

Sign Languages Aren’t Universal—Here’s Why!

Many assume sign language is the same worldwide, but just like spoken languages, each country has its own! American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are as different as English and French—even though both countries share spoken English. Regional dialects, slang, and grammar vary too (e.g., “birthday” is signed differently on the U.S. East vs. West Coast).

There are 300+ unique sign languages, from Auslan (Australia) to Japanese Sign Language. While International Sign (IS) helps at global events, it’s more like emoji—a simplified bridge, not a full language. Always ask which sign language someone uses, as assuming “sign language is universal” can exclude Deaf communities. Fun fact: ASL is closer to French Sign Language than BSL due to history!