Australian Disability Service Awards reveal best of the NDIS providers and carers
The best NDIS providers and carers have been revealed, with a support worker looking after four people with varying disabilities snagging a top award. See the full list of finalists.
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The best NDIS providers and carers in Australia have been revealed, with a former chaplain named best support worker after changing the life of a young autistic man.
The best accommodation providers, support co-ordinators, plan managers, service providers and CEOs have also been named at the Australian Disability Service Awards.
Dylan Hensch, a team leader at a home which houses four men with disabilities, won the award for best support worker.
His clients all have different conditions including schizophrenia, an acquired brain injury and two with autism, including Luca Di Cesare, aged 24.
“When I started working with Luca he was struggling through high school, he was suspicious of society,” Mr Hensch said.
“We worked on simple activities at first, such as practising conversations and slowly exposing Luca to new environments where he could feel safe and comfortable.”
Mr Hensch helped Luca through his studies, write his resume, practice interview skills and navigate his way through the Disability Employment Services (DES) job interviews.
“Getting this job is a milestone that marked a significant turning point in his life,” Mr Hensch said.
“It’s given Luca financial independence but it’s also given him a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.
“Luca, once resistant to authority, now proudly wears a security guard uniform and holds a position of authority himself.
“When someone reaches a goal they never thought possible, that’s what makes my job truly fulfilling.”
Jo Brand, a manager with NDIS provider Real Community Services, nominated Mr Hensch, from the Gold Coast, for the Most Outstanding Support Worker category.
Here are the full results:
Most Outstanding Support Worker
Winner: Dylan Hensch, from Real Community Services, Queensland.
Finalists Jessi Balding, Allara Support Services, NSW; Amanda Lewis, Alya, Queensland; Rochelle Pedrana, Maxlife Care, NSW; Parminder Singh, North Foundation, Victoria.
Most Outstanding Support Coordinator
Winner: Ajay Santhosh, from CarersNT, NT.
Finalists Paul Bartlett, from Communication eXtra, SA; Jacqui Parks, CareChoice, Victoria; Billie Mirceski, Including You, Victoria; and Julie Whitehead, MyKind Autism Services, Victoria.
Most Outstanding Plan Management
Winner: Leap in!, Queensland.
Finalists: HiCom Care Plan Management in Victoria; Leap in! Queensland, Myintegra, Victoria; and Plan Partners, Victoria.
Most Outstanding CEO/Director
Winner: Esha Oberoi, Leora Healthcare, NSW.
Finalists: Rachel Carey, Allara Support Services, NSW; Kerry Bolton, Caring Lotus, Victoria; Sam Boag, I Can Jump Puddles, SA; Gabriella Ptasznik, GRP Speech Pathology, Victoria.
Most Outstanding Allied Health Organisation
Winner: Community Therapy, NSW.
Finalists: GRP Speech Pathology, Victoria; Hunter Primary Care, NSW; National 360, Victoria; Occupational Therapy Group, Victoria.
Best Workplace Inclusion Program
Winner: BCOGNITIVE, SA.
Finalists: Abilities Unlimited Australia, ACT; Down Syndrome NSW, NSW; Rehmat Sandhu Foundation, Victoria; Tender Loving Care, NSW.
Best Regional, Rural or Remote Program/Service
Winner: Virtual Reality Therapy Australia, WA.
Finalists: i’ara Specialist Support Coordination, Queensland; Lifely (Interchange Loddon Mallee Region Ltd) Victoria; Virtual Reality Therapy Australia, WA; Why Day Services, SA.
Best New Business
Winner: Co-Hive, NSW.
Finalists: Adaptable Support Services, Queensland; Skye’s the Limit, SA; Summit Abilities, NSW; Wheelie Essential, NSW.
Best Employment Program
Winner: Employment Connections, Down Syndrome NSW.
Finalists: Hotel Etico, NSW; Ventia, NSW; Wallara Australia, Victoria; Wheelnutz Garage, Queensland.
Best Early Intervention Program
Winner: National 360, Victoria.
Finalists: Abilities Unlimited Australia, ACT; Little Learners Program, Autism Partnership, Victoria, Queensland and NSW; Down Syndrome NSW, NSW; Therapy Pro, Queensland.
Best Community Program
Winner: The Carer’s Lounge, SACARE Oncall Group, SA.
Finalists: APM Communities & ACE Camera Club, WA; Lightmare Studios, Victoria; North West Sydney Football, NSW; The Cram Foundation & Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, NSW.
Best Assistive Technology Product
Winner: Pavely, SA.
Finalists: Lusio Rehab, NSW; Theratrak, NSW; Virtetic, Victoria; Virtual Reality Therapy Australia, SA.
Best Accommodation Provider
Winner: Purple Support NT.
Finalists: Apollo SDA, Queensland: Dynamic Support Services, NSW; Real Community Services, Queensland; Sana Living SDA, WA.
Source: One Community
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