Empowrd

21/09/2026

Survey related to the quality of support from LACs (Local Area Coordinators)

If you are an NDIS participant and you have a LAC, we would like to invite you to answer 5 simple questions, that will take you less than 5 minutes.

Disability Services Exchange is a coalition of small to medium, registered NDIS providers and {insert company name} is a member of DSX.

The Government has indicated that roles previously undertaken by Local Area Coordinators (LAC) and Support Coordinators (SC) will be rolled into one new role, called a Support Connector and Coordinator (SCC). This will start from July 2028.

We want to help the Government to understand what the best parts are of the current LAC and SC roles, that we need to carry across into the new SCC role.

We are compiling a submission to Minister Mark Butler’s Department. The Government is accepting submissions from anyone, until 2 October. If you are interested in submitting your own response, you can do so here https://consultations.health.gov.au/disability-and-carers-group/scc-reform/

Your answers to the questions below will help us to inform the Government. This is an anonymous survey – please only one response per participant. The survey closes on Sunday 27 September at 5pm.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJOKqqPoWFsSpt5dj4CJ-mVMQ_4OySGr6CaNDC5vF55lQPcw/viewform

We are attempting to identify the good and bad points of the NDIS Local Area Coordination (LAC) function, from a participant perspective. If you have a LAC, please complete this short survey. This survey is anonymous.

15/06/2026

Sharing the below information from Senator Jordan Steele-John. It's worthwhile taking the 12 minutes to watch the very powerful speech from NDIS participant Hannah Diviney:

You’ve previously been in touch with my office in relation to the NDIS, so I’m reaching out today to check in, and to share a vital update on the fight we are leading together to protect our NDIS.

After two days of our Senate Inquiry hearings, the message from our community is completely unanimous: Every single witness has shown up to say that these changes are appalling, will devastate lives, and must be blocked or withdrawn.

And yet, the Labor government is planning to kick over 245,000 disabled people and our families off the NDIS. To put that into perspective, that is roughly the entire population of Hobart. It is mind-boggling that any government thinks we would accept a whole city's worth of people being stripped of vital supports.

As witness after witness has spoken up, it’s deeply disappointing to see so much of the corporate media remain silent about this attack on our rights.

That means we have to take matters into our own hands and build pressure the government simply cannot ignore.

Watch this powerful speech from advocate, author and actress Hannah Diviney, calling on the Government to withdraw the bill at the inquiry.
https://u6095790.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.Zh8qqJe-2FvhzPn9mu2Jz9WeusW02JSXF88zFTar73KcS7qbMPpL1CTLWkKkAkZyKIZq-2FUhVb6665T6Vm9-2BlcfiA-3D-3DTEqq_Qa9FbAoWTS-2FA6-2BOZn8QjnLMGj-2BKVdxOk4VIypQZha7DveBzbiJCN8oZOEnjcLaI6diqJO4e8-2Fi6ZDPVZ-2Ba2nObtkKX7-2FdabJFhdtVPQdF7sXSKWbqfBJZEflgE5ZB2UiyUXKJ4RrJs5pkRP0ExyYBhCvf3jQFNEOmNP8KdrFfmCx-2BcMdwxIzCo1rFem0CJeNUHVYSBrQZHoQxiZlyCTH1cQhMZ-2B-2FCq5GW5sePgjG-2B6lTT9YuMrXH2ikuOdV4-2FrGW5Yhg1vhkGepzxPBgmscBsD6B5OG-2Fnde2SkHZm5suUHrFKgafLBORm-2FZ5mMM9-2FBZ06HyPs1lEJiZDhBgsQuI3UNeucWepZARU1DZR3RTt4AwcGOC-2BrH2jxmSFyHKHU2tMsrbHn-2B6uIQ5dJ6HqRD5EAKnffSp0qpugf4DgdQQH79Y1CPo-2BqgtciCUq1kk0Vhpk39n1cfhg33dJkKTHOtzlsTAMekiKcQTG77gMYuqQqskGJ3R9Jp3c05lpFvT2pnEj

What have we heard so far?

As we listen to the evidence from the inquiry, the reality of this bill gets worse the more we look into it. It grants the government the power to force us to demonstrate that we have "exhausted all other treatment options" before being considered eligible for NDIS support.

Shockingly, this could mean families are pressured to chemically restrain their children; administering heavy, debilitating medications that their own doctors do not recommend, just to qualify for basic NDIS access.

It also hands the minister sweeping powers to slash individual funding plans on a whim. If a Liberal or One Nation government wins power in the future, it will inherit these exact powers to decide what we can access in our daily lives. An especially terrifying threat to neurodivergent folks, and people with other types of ‘invisible’ disability whose support needs Pauline Hanson doesn't even think exist.

The Liberals colluded to limit this inquiry to just three days to ram this through while they think no one is looking. The government is hiding behind a political smokescreen, claiming this is about "anti-fraud" when they are actually ripping $40 billion straight out of our plans over the next four years.

Budgets are about choices. The government would rather target our lives than buy less nuclear submarines from Donald Trump.

They would rather squeeze us than close loopholes on the 1 in 3 big corporations paying zero company tax, or make multinational gas corporations pay their fair share.

The Greens will never vote for laws that leave people stranded.

We've made it clear this bill cannot pass the Senate, but we need an unstoppable movement of us to force them to back down. Please, share this news with your networks and join our campaign to protect our collective rights.
https://u6095790.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.Zh8qqJe-2FvhzPn9mu2Jz9WUYbOlNriNnGRPxVB7KoMO7CEAmYjyWuriYs6AwnQ8pNp1A0H7mDmsLaEYL9b88gdA-3D-3D-LJg_Qa9FbAoWTS-2FA6-2BOZn8QjnLMGj-2BKVdxOk4VIypQZha7DveBzbiJCN8oZOEnjcLaI6diqJO4e8-2Fi6ZDPVZ-2Ba2nObtkKX7-2FdabJFhdtVPQdF7sXSKWbqfBJZEflgE5ZB2UiyUXKJ4RrJs5pkRP0ExyYBhCvf3jQFNEOmNP8KdrFfmCx-2BcMdwxIzCo1rFem0CJeNUHVYSBrQZHoQxiZlyCTH1cQhMZ-2B-2FCq5GW5sePgjG-2B6lTT9YuMrXH2ikuOdV4-2FrGW5Yhg1vhkGepzxPBgmscBsD6B5OG-2Fnde2SkHZm5suUHobdFJRqzC2svw0Ah1oXmsfQR8uFv6Xo4kTAo3HC9Q195swDWTOES5WEARvrE7U-2F1cMyAQEuyGNrR24TIc1L9PYbe5xgaDtajzjDw7eWKQo5IZxV6egSjObQJ5RaS5tqMAbPP-2Fh7Do3QthhEoQ6G-2FxhgSA-2Fun5rKLchugTPNQ6qFckeC6lJc-2BIeP7hS1aAXtXx8IlFl99Qf78XYCrN1tGZf

In solidarity,
Jordon

Office of Senator Jordon Steele-John
Senator for Western Australia

The Labor Government is planning to cut $36 billion from the NDIS, removing support from 160,000 people while increasing defence spending on weapons and submarines. Cutting the NDIS isn't just cruel – it's bad economics. Evidence shows that every dollar invested in the NDIS returns $2.25 to the e...

20/05/2026

Empowrd has immediate capacity for both Support Coordination and Plan Management.

Contact us if you would like to arrange a free, no obligation chat.

28/03/2026

💬 Caring for someone can be rewarding but it can also be overwhelming.

If you're a carer feeling stretched, burned out, or just in need of time to rest, you don’t have to push through alone.
Carer Gateway offers free planned and emergency respite for carers, whether you're just starting out or have been caring for years.

💡 You may even be able to arrange care through someone your loved one already knows and trusts.

🧠 And if the person you care for has an NDIS plan with Support Coordination, services like Empowrd can help make sure their supports continue while you take the time you need.

📖 Read the full blog: www.empowrd.com.au/need-a-break-how-carer-gateway-emergency-respite-works

👉 You deserve support too. Learn what’s available.
📞 Call: Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737 (24/7)

20/03/2026

We’ve seen the headlines about Thriving Kids, and we understand why many parents are feeling worried.
So here’s what we know so far (as at Feb 2026), in plain English:

👶 What is Thriving Kids?
A new early supports program for children aged 8 and under, aimed at kids with low to moderate support needs.

🎯 Why is it being introduced?
To strengthen early help outside the NDIS (through community, health and education supports), and keep the NDIS focused on children with permanent and significant disability / higher support needs.

📅 When is it happening?
• Rollout starts 1 October 2026
• Full implementation by 1 January 2028

🧩 Who will it affect most?
Most likely, families with children 8 and under who are newly applying for support, as entry pathways change over time. Some details are still being worked through, so we’ll keep sharing updates as they’re confirmed.

✅ If your child is already on the NDIS and you’ve got a review coming up
If your child is on the NDIS and has Support Coordination in their plan, a Support Coordinator can help you prepare for a review (goals, what’s working, what evidence to gather, planning for the meeting).

If you don’t have Support Coordination funded, you can still speak with your LAC/NDIA contact about review prep and what evidence may be needed.

📍 Empowrd Support Coordination is local: Port Lincoln, Ceduna + across the Eyre Peninsula.

🌏 We also offer Australia-wide Plan Management: we handle payments, track your budget, and provide regular reports so you stay informed and in control, without the stress of paperwork.

👉 Learn more about Empowrd: www.empowrd.com.au
General info only (not advice).

11/03/2026

🎯 NDIS Goal Planning – Free Guide + Template

From becoming more independent at home to joining your local community or preparing for work, your NDIS plan is built around your goals.

But setting clear, achievable goals can be harder than it sounds. That’s why we’ve created:

✅ A step-by-step guide to setting NDIS goals
✅ A free downloadable template to help you plan, track, and grow

👉 Read the blog & download the template:
🔗 https://www.empowrd.com.au/how-to-set-and-achieve-your-ndis-goals-a-step-by-step-guide

💡 Whether you’re starting a new plan, preparing for a review, or just want clarity, this guide is for you.

📍 New to the NDIS?
If you’re applying for the first time or preparing for your first planning meeting, pre-planning is one of the most important steps you can take.

Based in Port Lincoln, Empowrd helps individuals and families across the Eyre Peninsula understand the NDIS, identify their goals, and prepare for planning conversations. Support is available in person, by phone, or online — depending on your location and needs.

🌐 Learn more about pre-planning support:
https://www.empowrd.com.au/ndis-pre-planning

05/03/2026

🔍 Support Connection vs. Support Coordination: What’s the Difference?

If you have funding for Support Coordination in your NDIS plan, it might include two different types of support — and knowing the difference matters.

🔹 Support Connection
Helps you understand your plan and start using it.
Think of it as short-term help to connect with providers and to build confidence in managing your supports independently.

🔸 Support Coordination
A more hands-on, ongoing level of support.
Your coordinator helps manage complex needs — like changing providers, coordinating multiple services, or preparing for plan reviews.

🧐 Not sure what you’ve been funded for?
Check your NDIS plan under:
🗂 Capacity Building Supports → Support Coordination

It may include:
✅ Support Connection
✅ Support Coordination
✅ Or both

📍 Based in Port Lincoln and connected across the Eyre Peninsula,
Empowrd provides both Support Connection and Support Coordination, helping you navigate the NDIS with clarity, confidence, and support that aligns with your goals.

📞 Call us on (08) 8683 4401
🌐 Learn more: empowrd.com.au/support-coordination

26/02/2026

Disability Parking Permits: Explained.

Who can get one, how they work, and what to watch out for (hint: it's not just for wheelchair users).

📍 Permits are issued by your state or territory, not NDIS
📖 Read the full guide: www.empowrd.com.au/disability-parking-permits-explained-what-they-are-who-can-get-one-and-how-to-use-them

17/02/2026

Big changes are coming for SIL providers under the NDIS.

From July 2026, all SIL services must be delivered by registered providers.
If you rely on Supported Independent Living, now’s the time to talk with your provider and prepare.

📖 Read our full blog: www.empowrd.com.au/mandatory-registration-for-sil-providers-what-ndis-participants-need-to-know

13/02/2026

Emergencies can happen without warning: floods, fires, outages, storms.

If you live with a disability, those disruptions can be serious: interrupted supports, inaccessible evacuation, or loss of essential equipment.

That’s why emergency planning matters and why it’s part of the NDIS.

We’ve created a practical, participant-focused guide to help you plan ahead and included a link to a powerful free tool:
the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) Workbook

📖 Read the blog and download your copy of the workbook:
🔗 www.empowrd.com.au/emergency-disaster-planning-in-the-ndis-what-participants-need-to-know-and-why-it-matters