Latest news with #CYDA
Sydney Morning Herald
13-07-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘No adequate safeguards': NDIS participants under state guardianship for too long, public advocate warns
There are also calls for the NDIA to overhaul the way it conducts eligibility reassessments, particularly for families who have children with severe autism. Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) recently surveyed more than 200 young people and their caregivers given the current debate around participants exiting the scheme without long-awaited foundational supports in place. Foundational supports – which were meant to be rolled out this month but won't be in place until at least December – involve providing children who need it the extra support in settings such as daycare programs instead of needing a full NDIS plan. CYDA found that almost all respondents believed the NDIS reassessment process was unfair or unreasonable, while more than half said it left them feeling worried and afraid. Some respondents even reported feeling suicidal. The majority of respondents who had received an eligibility reassessment letter either were or had a child with autism, leading to concerns that certain cohorts were bearing the brunt of the government's bid to drive down costs. Loading Perth woman Mandaii Burgess, who has a seven-year-old with level-three autism, said her son's therapy supports were recently cut quite significantly. 'He has had a regression in communication and daily living skills,' Burgess said. 'There are times when I can't get him to talk to me at all. He needs 24/7 supervision. I can't let him out of my sight at all.' The mother of two is challenging the assessment but says the process has cost her sleep. 'My mental health has been significantly impacted.' CYDA chief executive Skye Kakoschke-Moore said the reassessment processes needed a complete redesign. 'So often when we talk about the NDIS, we refer to it in terms of numbers, stats and dollar amounts. But underneath all those numbers are real families and real children,' Kakoschke-Moore said. An NDIA spokesperson said the agency was determined to strengthen the scheme – including for those on guardianship orders and undergoing eligibility reassessments – through feedback and co-design with people with lived experience. 'While guardianship orders are legislated and implemented through the state and territory governments, the NDIA maintains that guardianship orders (or the reappointment of a guardian) should only occur as a last resort, where there is no less restrictive alternative to protect and promote the human rights of an adult with disability.' A federal government spokesperson said the timeline for providing evidence as part of NDIS eligibility reassessments had already been extended from 29 to 90 days. 'We want the NDIS to be the best it can be,' they said. 'We are focused on ensuring the NDIS delivers better, consistent and fair decisions, operates transparently and protects the safety and upholds the rights of participants.'
The Age
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Age
‘No adequate safeguards': NDIS participants under state guardianship for too long, public advocate warns
There are also calls for the NDIA to overhaul the way it conducts eligibility reassessments, particularly for families who have children with severe autism. Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) recently surveyed more than 200 young people and their caregivers given the current debate around participants exiting the scheme without long-awaited foundational supports in place. Foundational supports – which were meant to be rolled out this month but won't be in place until at least December – involve providing children who need it the extra support in settings such as daycare programs instead of needing a full NDIS plan. CYDA found that almost all respondents believed the NDIS reassessment process was unfair or unreasonable, while more than half said it left them feeling worried and afraid. Some respondents even reported feeling suicidal. The majority of respondents who had received an eligibility reassessment letter either were or had a child with autism, leading to concerns that certain cohorts were bearing the brunt of the government's bid to drive down costs. Loading Perth woman Mandaii Burgess, who has a seven-year-old with level-three autism, said her son's therapy supports were recently cut quite significantly. 'He has had a regression in communication and daily living skills,' Burgess said. 'There are times when I can't get him to talk to me at all. He needs 24/7 supervision. I can't let him out of my sight at all.' The mother of two is challenging the assessment but says the process has cost her sleep. 'My mental health has been significantly impacted.' CYDA chief executive Skye Kakoschke-Moore said the reassessment processes needed a complete redesign. 'So often when we talk about the NDIS, we refer to it in terms of numbers, stats and dollar amounts. But underneath all those numbers are real families and real children,' Kakoschke-Moore said. An NDIA spokesperson said the agency was determined to strengthen the scheme – including for those on guardianship orders and undergoing eligibility reassessments – through feedback and co-design with people with lived experience. 'While guardianship orders are legislated and implemented through the state and territory governments, the NDIA maintains that guardianship orders (or the reappointment of a guardian) should only occur as a last resort, where there is no less restrictive alternative to protect and promote the human rights of an adult with disability.' A federal government spokesperson said the timeline for providing evidence as part of NDIS eligibility reassessments had already been extended from 29 to 90 days. 'We want the NDIS to be the best it can be,' they said. 'We are focused on ensuring the NDIS delivers better, consistent and fair decisions, operates transparently and protects the safety and upholds the rights of participants.'
Indian Express
06-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Maharashtra forest dept partners with Microsoft, Pune NGO for eco-restoration of Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary
Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Tushan Chavan recently announced that the Maharashtra forest department recently partnered with Microsoft and the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), Pune, to address socio-ecological challenges in the Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary. Located 70 km from Pune, Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, hosting a wide variety of plant and animal species. Funded by Microsoft, the initiative will be executed on the ground by CYDA in close coordination with the forest department. Work will commence from July, officials said. Tamhini is particularly visited during the monsoon season for its picturesque landscape and popular attractions within the reserve forest area, including Andharban forest, Plus Valley, and Devkund. Situated at the crest of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary features several trails for hiking, birding, and walking. The valley resembles a plus sign when viewed from above and is a major draw for visitors who like to trek. However, at times, due to inadequate signboards, some lose their way, officials said. When contacted, Pravin Jadhav, Executive Director, CYDA, said they had completed a needs-based assessment survey and proposed a wide array of interventions at the sanctuary. 'It is a moderately long trek, and the survey also noted that there were no benches. There was also a need to install protective gates and solar lights,' Prasad Zaware, Community Engagement Officer, Microsoft, also observed. Facilities for both wildlife and tourists will be set up, which include drinking water blocks. 'Sanitation blocks will also be constructed apart from managing plastic waste by installing dustbins and bottle crushers,' Jadhav said. 'This collaboration marks a meaningful step towards participatory conservation and the integration of nature-based solutions to combat climate and biodiversity challenges,' Chavan said. Srichandana Nagoji, Community Affairs Lead (India and Kuala Lumpur), Microsoft, added that their partnership not only targets ecological restoration but also builds awareness and engagement with local stakeholders and visitors. 'Microsoft is committed to supporting projects that address global challenges like climate change and biodiversity conservation through localised, community-driven efforts,' Nagoji said, adding that the project aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
