What is Early Childhood Intervention? Expand Firstchance has been providing Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) for over 40 years in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens region. ECI is the term used for specialised services and supports provided to infants and young children with a disability or developmental delay and their families. Early childhood is a time of remarkable brain development. Research tells us that future development is based on a child's learning during these early years. These early years are a foundation for how children will learn and develop later in life. Providing quality early childhood intervention early in a child's life supports children to develop the skills they need to take part in everyday activities and to be included in family and community life. These ECI supports received early in life can potentially reduce the amount of supports needed in later life. Firstchance provides a family centred approach to Early Childhood Education. We recognise that families know their child best therefore our team share their knowledge and skills with families so that they can continue to support their child when we are not around. Thus giving the child a great opportunity to practise and learn new skills. You can Early Childhood Intervention Australia about the importance of Early Childhood Intervention from our governing body Early Childhood Intervention Australia.
What does Transdisciplinary Interventions mean? A collaborative team to support your child. Expand Transdisciplinary Early Childhood Intervention Supports- Is a collaborative team approach where Firstchance Specialist Educators, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Family Worker, Psychologists and Developmental Support Workers share the responsibility in providing supports to your child and family. These services are provided through a Key Worker with additional supports as required. These services are provided in the home, community or educational setting. Supports are to assist your child to gain skills and improve their independence in functional areas of their day to day life such as: language and communication, sensory, mobility and movement, toileting, holding a pencil or knife and fork, getting dressed, emotional regulation, playing with friends, sleeping etc. Therapeutic supports are available from our highly skilled staff who all have experience in working with children with a disability or developmental concern. See Our Approach for more information. Therapy and assessment sessions can take place in your home, in your community, at your child’s educational setting, at our service and/or a combination of all of these
Speech Pathologists Expand Belinda - Team Leader & Senior Carol - Team Coordinator Katie - Team Coordinator Tamara - Team Coordinator Kara - Speech Pathologist Kristine - Speech Pathologist Melanie - Speech Pathologist Amy - Speech Pathologist Jessica - Speech Pathologist Rachel - Speech Pathologist Tina - Speech Pathologist Julia - Speech Pathologist Zoe - Speech Pathologist Alannah - Speech Pathologist
Managers Expand Darleen - Chief Executive Officer Linda - Program Manager Nicole - Manager Organisational Development
Chairperson - Jennifer Secretary Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Expand Qualifications Bachelor of Aboriginal Studies (Honours) and currently a PhD Candidate of Aboriginal Studies Bachelor Theology Diploma in Agriculture Certificate IV – Training and Assessment Certificate Child Care Why I joined Firstchance Board To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Bachelor of Aboriginal Studies (Honours) and currently a PhD Candidate of Aboriginal Studies Bachelor Theology Diploma in Agriculture Certificate IV – Training and Assessment Certificate Child Care Why I joined Firstchance Board To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Why I joined Firstchance Board To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Annual report 2015-2016 Opportunities for Firstchance to thrive in 2015/16 were impacted by another year of great change and challenge as we prepared for the full scheme roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and responded to changes in funding. Expand Welcome to our 2015-2016 Annual Report. This year has been a year of considerable change for Firstchance and our staff and families. The changes have resulted in both highs and lows, excitement and tears, and security and confusion. Throughout these changes I continue to be overwhelmed by the commitment and generosity of the team working at Firstchance and appreciate that whatever comes their way, they will rise to the challenge. Contact Firstchance is you are unable to download the 2015-2016 Annual Report and would like a hard a copy.
Impact Report 2017-2018 2017/2018 Impact Report. Expand Firstchance strives to exceed the expectations of the children and families we support, the organisations we work in partnership with, the communities we work in, the donors we are supported by, and our staff. Indeed to achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community for children and families, expectations need to be exceeded. So it was with determination and a focus on quality that we met the changes and challenges of 2017/2018 and exceeded expectations. Read our 2017/2018 Impact Report. Contact Firstchance directly if you would like to obtain a copy of our 2017/2018 Impact Report and are unable to download it. Or if you have any questions or require further information.
Vice Chairperson - Renata Having the opportunity to contribute to a not-for-profit organisation was a priority for me within this aspiration. Expand Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Teaching Secondary Graduate Diploma of Industrial and Employee Relations Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors Studied (but not completed) Masters of Employment Law Why I joined Firstchance Board I have always aspired to be on Boards, it was to me the obvious career path to follow the advancement to an executive role in my industry. Having the opportunity to contribute to a not-for-profit organisation was a priority for me within this aspiration. Having studied Psychology and Teaching, I always thought the best fit to my interests and passion would be an opportunity in Mental Health, Disability or Education – a cause that would support the community and those in need of a little more help. A colleague who I value opinions of and who was aware of my aspirations, recommended Firstchance to be an organisation that was governed & led by passionate & inspirational people, filled with team members with the same characteristics, and clients who were in need of support and additional needs to make their lives easier. After speaking to Darleen Taylor (General Manager), I knew that this was an organisation I would be proud to be able to meaningfully contribute to serving its mission. The skills I bring to the Board With over 18 years’ experience in the resources industry in a diverse portfolio of functions and projects throughout Australia and Internationally, I have had strategic and governance experience in the areas of Safety & Health, Risk & Audit, Human Resources & Capability, Information Technology and Community Relations. Having delivered future focus strategies in rapidly growing and changing environments and heavily regulated industries, I bring confidence in governance systems and risk management practices. I am adept to fostering strong cultures and leading programs to embed the desired business values, and I am passionate and an energetic advocate for strong community relations and be of service business models.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Teaching Secondary Graduate Diploma of Industrial and Employee Relations Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors Studied (but not completed) Masters of Employment Law Why I joined Firstchance Board I have always aspired to be on Boards, it was to me the obvious career path to follow the advancement to an executive role in my industry. Having the opportunity to contribute to a not-for-profit organisation was a priority for me within this aspiration. Having studied Psychology and Teaching, I always thought the best fit to my interests and passion would be an opportunity in Mental Health, Disability or Education – a cause that would support the community and those in need of a little more help. A colleague who I value opinions of and who was aware of my aspirations, recommended Firstchance to be an organisation that was governed & led by passionate & inspirational people, filled with team members with the same characteristics, and clients who were in need of support and additional needs to make their lives easier. After speaking to Darleen Taylor (General Manager), I knew that this was an organisation I would be proud to be able to meaningfully contribute to serving its mission. The skills I bring to the Board With over 18 years’ experience in the resources industry in a diverse portfolio of functions and projects throughout Australia and Internationally, I have had strategic and governance experience in the areas of Safety & Health, Risk & Audit, Human Resources & Capability, Information Technology and Community Relations. Having delivered future focus strategies in rapidly growing and changing environments and heavily regulated industries, I bring confidence in governance systems and risk management practices. I am adept to fostering strong cultures and leading programs to embed the desired business values, and I am passionate and an energetic advocate for strong community relations and be of service business models.
Annual report 2016-2017 Welcome to our 2017 Annual Report. Expand Families, community, inclusion are the genuine cornerstones of Firstchance and influence all of our decisions and actions. We believe that children with a disability and their families make our communities richer through their inclusion. Our Annual Report once again reflects the impact of a number of great changes and challenges as we transitioned the Port Stephens area into the National Disability InsuranceScheme (NDIS) and responded to opportunities as well as further changes in funding. 2017 Annual Report
Early Intervention and Inclusion Facilitators Expand Gina - Team Leader Michelle - Coordinator Sector Capacity Building (SCP) Karen - Early Intervention & Inclusion Facilitator Kathy - Early Intervention & Inclusion Facilitator Nas - Early Intervention & Inclusion Facilitator Marie - Work, Health & Safety Kerrie - Early Intervention & Inclusion Facilitator Nicci - Early Intervention & Inclusion Facilitator Kylie - Early Intervention & Inclusion Facilitator Kristy - Early Intervention & Inclusion Facilitator Rebecca - Early Intervention & Inclusion Facilitator Dannielle - Early Intervention & Inclusion Facilitator
Psychologists Expand Courtney - Clinical Neuropsychologist and Lead Psychologist Gemma - Provisional Psychologist
Occupational Therapists Expand Alicia - Team Leader & Senior Bonnie - Team Coordinator Lara - Team Coordinator Melanie - Occupational Therapist Amanda - Occupational Therapist Taylor - Occupational Therapist Rebecca - Occupational Therapist Danielle - Occupational Therapist Nadia - Occupational Therapist
Patron - Natasha Beyersdorf Not only is Natasha generous with her time and support of Firstchance. Natasha has a genuine passion for supporting families who have a child with a disability Expand Firstchance is proud to have Natasha Beyersdorf as our Patron. Firstchance really lives up to its name, giving young people with disabilities the best possible start to life. As the mother of a special needs child, I understand how vital it is for youngsters and their families to have dedicated and targeted support. It’s life changing. I’m honoured to be a patron for Firstchance and look forward to helping the organisation grow its services and profile into the future. Not only is Natasha generous with her time and support of Firstchance. Natasha has a genuine passion for supporting families who have a child with a disability. If you join us at our 2019 Fundraising Ball you may get a chance to meet Natasha in person.
NDIS: Access Request Form Expand If you think you meet the NDIS requirements you can make an Access Request two ways. You can make a Verbal Access Request (VAR) or Fill out a paper Access Request Form (ARF). You will need to provide age and residency evidence. The easiest way to do it is to give the NDIA consent to use your Centrelink record, if you are a Centrelink customer. You may also need to provide evidence about your disability and how it impacts your everyday life. The easiest way to do it is to ask your treating health professional to complete the ARF – Part F or an NDIA Supporting Evidence form. It helps if you can also supply copies of any existing reports or assessments. No matter how you make an Access Request you will need to provide the NDIA with the same information and evidence to support your application. How to do I get an Access Request form You can get an Access Request form from your Local Area Coordinator, Early Childhood Early Intervention partner (if your child is under 7), your local NDIA office or you can call 1800 800 110.
If you think you meet the NDIS requirements you can make an Access Request two ways. You can make a Verbal Access Request (VAR) or Fill out a paper Access Request Form (ARF). You will need to provide age and residency evidence. The easiest way to do it is to give the NDIA consent to use your Centrelink record, if you are a Centrelink customer. You may also need to provide evidence about your disability and how it impacts your everyday life. The easiest way to do it is to ask your treating health professional to complete the ARF – Part F or an NDIA Supporting Evidence form. It helps if you can also supply copies of any existing reports or assessments. No matter how you make an Access Request you will need to provide the NDIA with the same information and evidence to support your application. How to do I get an Access Request form You can get an Access Request form from your Local Area Coordinator, Early Childhood Early Intervention partner (if your child is under 7), your local NDIA office or you can call 1800 800 110.
How do I know if I am eligible for the NDIS? Expand To be eligible for the NDIS and receive a funding package for your child, your child must meet the following: Have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities Be under 65 years of age when first accessing the scheme Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen who holds a Protected Special Category Visa. Access does not depend on having a formal diagnosis. Use the NDIS Access Checklist tool to find out if you are eligible to receive assistance from the NDIS. Children aged under 7 years old who do not meet eligibility criteria for an NDIS Plan may still be eligible to receive some supports from the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) partners. In our area the ECEI partner is Northcott. They are located at 13 Valencia Street, Mayfield. Phone is 1800 818 286.
To be eligible for the NDIS and receive a funding package for your child, your child must meet the following: Have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities Be under 65 years of age when first accessing the scheme Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen who holds a Protected Special Category Visa. Access does not depend on having a formal diagnosis. Use the NDIS Access Checklist tool to find out if you are eligible to receive assistance from the NDIS. Children aged under 7 years old who do not meet eligibility criteria for an NDIS Plan may still be eligible to receive some supports from the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) partners. In our area the ECEI partner is Northcott. They are located at 13 Valencia Street, Mayfield. Phone is 1800 818 286.
What is the difference between NDIS and NDIA? Expand The National Disability Insurance Scheme is known as NDIS. It is basically the legislation that was passed by the government to set up the Scheme to support people with a disability. The National Disability Agency is known as NDIA. It is the government organisation which makes the NDIS happen. NDIA employs a range of staff to support people with a disability and their families to plan for their life and provides the funding to support this to happen.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is known as NDIS. It is basically the legislation that was passed by the government to set up the Scheme to support people with a disability. The National Disability Agency is known as NDIA. It is the government organisation which makes the NDIS happen. NDIA employs a range of staff to support people with a disability and their families to plan for their life and provides the funding to support this to happen.
Finance l Quality & Engagement Team Expand Louise - Finance Officer Linda - Finance Assistant Kristy - Quality & Engagement Coordinator Jackie – Quality & Engagement Receptionist Wendy - Quality & Engagement Assistant (Employees) Gen - Finance Officer Emma - Quality & Engagement Assistant (Families)
Impact Report 2018-2019 Expand 2018/2019 was the first year that Firstchance operated without block funding from the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. This heralded a significant change for us and required a new and bold strategic direction to lead us through this time of transformation. Firstchance is proud of our ability to lead through this change in operating environment and finish the reporting period with many success stories. Read our 2018/2019 Impact Report Contact Firstchance directly if you would like to obtain a copy of our 2018/2019 Impact Report and are unable to download it. Or if you have any questions or require further information.
Impact Report 2019-2020 A constant in a world of change Expand The 2019/2020 period bought exceptional challenges globally with the COVID-19 pandemic. Like other organisations, Firstchance needed to adapt and change quickly. Our ability to do this successfully was a tribute to the resilience and flexibility of both the Firstchance team and the families we support. Producing this report enabled us to reflect on on the impact we had throughout the reporting period and enables us to share with you: the stories, facts and figures that paint a picture of the values led organisation that is Firstchance and the resilient families we are privileged to work alongside Enjoy reading our 2019/2020 Impact Report
Impact Report 2020-2021 Expand The theme for the 2020-2021 Impact Report, ‘Side by Side’ reflects the approach Firstchance takes when providing supports to children and the significant adults in their lives, whether that be in their home, education setting, or extended family. It also signifies the culture of our organisation when we work collaboratively as a team to benefit families, the community, and one another. This approach provided a solid foundation for another year of change and challenge as we faced the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are excited to showcase the impact we had over the 2020-2021 year and share with you the individual stories of the families we support.