Onemda Weekly eNews - Friday 17 February, 2023

Dear Participants, Families & Carers,

We hope you’ve had a good week! Please make sure you take the time to check this week’s updates as some information may affect you, or the person in your care.

ATAGI 2023 BOOSTER ADVICE
COVID Boosters Encouraged as Winter Approaches

COVID-19 is still around and, with Winter around the corner and levels of immunity waning in the community, ATAGI is recommending a 2023 booster vaccination, particularly for vulnerable groups, to reduce the risk of severe illness and protect our health system.

The 2023 COVID-19 booster is recommended for:

all adults aged 65 years and over
adults aged 18 to 64 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19 or disability with significant or complex health needs.
The booster is not recommended at this time for children or those under 18 without risk factors for severe COVID-19.

The recommendation is that you wait for six months after your most recent COVID-19 vaccination or confirmed COVID-19 infection, however there is no safety concern if you have the booster earlier. It doesn’t matter how many vaccination doses you’ve already had (for some, this will be number five), and COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as an influenza or other vaccine.

You can book a booster shot through your local GP or find a provider here. We are seeking further detail for those who cannot leave home or who have requirements for more specialised support.

You can read the full ATAGI 2023 booster advice here announced on 8 February.

REPLACING THE DISABILITY SERVICES ACT 1986

The federal government plans to repeal and replace the Disability Services Act (1986) (the Act) with a new Act. People with Disabilities Australia (PWA) points out that this provides a significant opportunity to shape the vision and direction for the rights of people with disability in Australia for years to come and to update the legislative framework to make sure people with disability are living as equal citizens, engaging in education, employment, social, political, spiritual and cultural pursuits alongside their peers.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) has been consulting on this, with a large number of organisations joining to make a submission to the consultation process which was endorsed by a large number of individuals and organisations from within the sector. You can read the full submission here.

HAVING A SAY IS ON NEXT WEEK!

Just a reminder to let everyone know that the VALID, Having a Say Conference is on next week from 20-21 February!

You can join in person at Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Geelong, or attend online.

For more information about this year’s event, including the program, how to register, and more please visit their website.

CAMPUS HIGHLIGHT

TEMPLESTOWE – Pathways to Independence & Employment

Templestowe Campus got off to a flying start for 2023! It’s been busy, but most of all, enjoyable for participants and staff alike!

One of Templestowe’s participants has kicked an absolutely spectacular goal that we wanted to share with our Onemda Community…

In 2019 this participant had a goal to obtain their driver’s licence. 2-3 years later, this participant’s perseverance and determination has resulted with them achieving their long-held dream – they got their driver’s licence! What an incredible effort and we want to wish them all the best on their travels!

The Certificate II Work Education group visited Box Hill Institute last week for an orientation. They looked at the campus grounds, restaurant, and cafeteria areas which they will be using throughout the year. The visit also enabled them to have their identification lanyards organised and these were then created and handed out to all participants involved.

We look forward to bringing you more updates from the Templestowe campus in the coming weeks!

We hope you enjoy the weekend. We’re always here to help if you have questions or need information. You can call us any time on 9842 1955 or use the email addresses below.