Therapy Connect is an evidence based online provider of a range of Allied Health assessment and support services (OT, SP, Psych, Dietitian, Physio) for “hard to reach” participants utilising telehealth. Simone Dudley, Founder, explains how Therapy Connect has become a leader in telepractice service provision in Australia.

NECAS, or Non Electronic Communication Aids Service, were launched by Scope Australia and are  personalised, high quality, non-electronic communication aids such as calendars, communication boards, alphabet boards, checklist and a wide range of other communication aids for children and adults with severe speech or language disorders. Scope provides information, free resources (webinars and handouts online), training and therapy for people with communication disabilities and their support networks.

Busy Beans provides barista training and support, to participants allowing them to move into either disability employment services or mainstream supportive employment.  The program aligns strengths of people with Autism and intellectual disabilities who often do well with repetitive tasks, but the digital app compensates for common challenges like short-term memory, multi-tasking and taking money. Matthew Ting, Founder of Busy Beans, will explain how the ability to scale up to thousands of coffee providers means participants can secure employment, and be paid at the award wage, allowing financial independence. 

Ready TechGo  provides personalised one on one technology training that empowers NDIS participants, enabling them to remain independent and connected in a digitally driven world. Lisa Du will explain the range of technology lessons Ready Tech Go provide, and how they are personalised to the individual whether they seek help with how to use Facebook, email, how to scan illustrations or photos, how to fill in forms online.  Ready Tech Go allows individuals to learn at their own pace, on their own device, and in the comfort of their own home with a patient and supportive tutor.

Tali is an online assessment and therapy training tool for children with attention difficulties who struggle to focus their mind on a task, to listen, to absorb information or to control impulsive behaviors and emotional outbursts.  Marcus Hughes will outline how this digital tool, backed with 25 years of clinical research undertaken by Monash University, is delivered via a touchscreen tablet and strengthens attention skills by using the program for 25 minutes a day for 5 weeks to deliver measurable and meaningful improvements.

myDriveschool is a simulation game that teaches people how to drive online. Delivered via a PC with a portable steering wheel, it is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practical driver training. Lisa Skaife, founder of myDriveschool, has found unexpected take up of this game with people with special needs (autism, learning difficulties, engagement issues), disability (physical/mental) & assistance for clients requiring rehabilitation and will describe how it increase competency levels and reduce anxiety for drivers in a safe & controlled environment.

genU GAMER is a digital technology that embraces the gaming sub-cultures, by encouraging and supporting individuals through the use of digital technology and tabletop gaming. By utilising popular gaming hobbies, GAMER provides platforms for young people to develop social skills and build their capacity by exploring, testing and practising a wide variety of valuable life skills. Developed by service provider genU, GAMER uses “off the shelf” games but leverages them in a purposeful way so that the natural and fun act of playing them is linked to real world advantages, coping abilities, self-identity and social integration.

And here's a look at the bio’s of our three Industry Experts panellists who will lend their expertise to critique and comments on each of our companies:

SUE PEDEN

Sue understands disabilities deeply, caring for two of her four children who were born with a rare, life-shortening, genetic disorder and personally experienced the issues faced by carers. Sue joined the board of Carer’s Australia in 2013.

Working in marketing and communications for more than 30 years, including establishing her own agency which was sold five years later, Sue’s professional focus is business and brand strategy, consumer insight and stakeholder management. Sue understand consumer behaviour and how to leverage that to achieve business objectives. Her current business, Sue Peden Communication Consulting, works with large multi-nations through to start-ups.

Sue has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was recently awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (OAM) for Significant Service to Community.

KEVIN STONE

With more than 40 years’ experience in the disability field, Kevin has worked relentlessly to improve the lives of people with disability, both as an individual advocate and systemically by influencing state and national policy. As Chair, Kevin has been at the forefront of developing national policy and representing and championing the voice of self-advocates. Kevin has also served as the CEO of the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALID) since 1989.

Kevin is the author of a number of training programs and resources and has contributed to significant person-centred reforms that have increased the independence of people with disability. These include the introduction of individualised funding, Victoria’s self-direction initiatives, and the campaign for an NDIS. Kevin has also represented people with disability and their families on state and national reference groups and ministerial advisory committees over the past 25 years.

Kevin was recognised by the Order of Australia on the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List for his significant service to the Disability Community.

DEB DEAN

Deb is a strong and visionary leader with an excellent ability to co-opt stakeholders to achieve the same vision.  Currently Deb is leading the Victorian Boosting Local Workforce team of NDIS with the objectives of reducing barriers that impact providers, to improve the operation and efficiency of the disability labour markets structure, and to accelerate learnings for providers.

Prior to her 20 years of as a project leader across project for many companies in the not-for-profit, public and private sectors, Deb trained and worked in Nursing. Like many working in the disability industry, Deb has a family member who qualifies for NDIS and brings a carer’s deeper understanding of autism and related issues.

Deb brings extensive experience in the commercial realities of NDIS and balancing those with the needs of participants.