News & insights

Understanding Megalocornea-Intellectual Disability Syndrome

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissio n has released a new suite of resources titled "Restrictive Practices and Me", designed to support meaningful conversations with participants when regulated restrictive practices are included in their behaviour support plans. These resources aim to uphold participants' rights and ensure that discussions around restrictive practices are accessible, respectful, and tailored to individual needs. Developed in collaboration with people with disability, NDIS providers, authorisation bodies, and advocacy organisations, the materials reflect a commitment to person-centred practice and transparency. What’s Included? The Restrictive Practices and Me toolkit features: A tip sheet for practitioners and providers Plain English and Easy Read discussion books A case study illustrating practical application A set of icons to visually represent different types of restrictive practices These resources are editable and adaptable, allowing practitioners to tailor content to each participant’s circumstances. For example, pages not relevant to a participant’s situation can be removed, and images can be reused in other formats. Why It Matters Under Section 20 of the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018, participants must be informed when restrictive practices are proposed. These conversations must be conducted in a way that is easy to understand and respectful of the participant’s autonomy. The Commission emphasises that restrictive practices should only be used as a last resort, and must be the least restrictive option available. They must be included in a behaviour support plan and follow the appropriate authorisation processes. Regulatory Priorities for 2025–26 This initiative aligns with the NDIS Commission’s broader regulatory priorities for 2025–26, which include: Reducing and eliminating regulated restrictive practices Strengthening oversight of unregistered providers Improving management of high-risk health concerns Ensuring providers support and train skilled workers Commissioner Louise Glanville reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to human rights, stating that “practices that restrict the rights or freedom of movement of people with disability can be traumatic, dangerous and breach basic human rights." Accessing the Resources The Restrictive Practices and Me resources are available for download on the NDIS Commission website . Providers are encouraged to use, adapt, and share these tools to foster informed, respectful, and rights-based conversations with participants. Link : Talking to participants about Restrictive Practices Reference: NDIS Commision 2025-26 priorities focus: participant rights and safer services

 By Tharon Neurodivergent Consultant at helpz

School holidays often mean family road trips—and while they can be full of adventure and bonding, they can also be a challenge, especially when travelling with children who have disability-related needs. Long car rides can quickly shift from exciting to exhausting without the right supports in place.  Thankfully, with a little planning and a few sensory-friendly strategies, road trips can be both enjoyable and manageable for everyone. Why Movement and Sensory Breaks Matter Children with physical, sensory, or communication needs may experience discomfort, agitation, or sensory overload during long stretches in the car. This can lead to: Muscle tightness or fatigue Sensory seeking behaviours (e.g., rocking, vocalising, kicking) Difficulty with self-regulation Increased distraction for drivers Studies show that children can be 12 times more distracting to drivers than mobile phones, especially when they have complex needs That’s why movement and sensory breaks aren’t just helpful, they’re essential for safety and wellbeing. Road Trip-Friendly Sensory Break Ideas Here are some inclusive, easy-to-implement strategies: 1. Sensory Station on a Picnic Rug Pull over somewhere safe and set up a sensory mat or blanket. Include: Fidget toys Weighted lap pads Noise-cancelling headphones Calming chews or hand-held sensory items Even a short break to decompress can prevent overwhelm and reset the mood for the next leg of the trip. 2. Supported Stretch and Move For children with limited mobility or who use wheelchairs, gentle stretches or repositioning can relieve discomfort. Passive movement like shoulder rotations or leg stretches can reduce agitation and improve comfort. For children with more mobility, throwing a ball or frisbee, a quick game of ‘stop and go’, or some big stretches and bear crawls. 3. Nature Stops for Regulation Choose rest stops with green space. Walking barefoot on grass, listening to birds, or simply breathing fresh air can help regulate sensory systems and reduce cortisol levels. 4. Car-Friendly Sensory Kits Pack a small kit with: Textured items Scented playdough Visual timers Soft music playlists 4. Pack a “Comfort Kit” Include familiar items like: A favourite toy or blanket Snacks with preferred textures or flavours A small photo album of family or pets A calming scent (e.g., lavender sachet) These items can help regulate emotions and provide a sense of security. 5. Mindfulness on the Move Introduce simple mindfulness techniques like: Breathing with a pinwheel or bubbles “5-4-3-2-1” grounding (name 5 things you see, 4 you hear, etc.) Gentle hand squeezes or tapping for regulation These tools can help children self-regulate while on the move. Road trips don’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful planning and sensory-aware strategies, they can become memory-making adventures for the whole family. Whether you're a parent, carer, or practitioner supporting a family, these tips can help turn a potentially overwhelming experience into a positive one.

Cindy Johnson Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner at helpz

SHINE Syndrome: Understanding a Rare Genetic Condition

helpz is excited to launch a new professional development webinar designed to strengthen communication and support strategies in disability services. Titled “Active Listening & Positive Interactions in Challenging Situations,” this session is a must-attend for support workers, team leaders, and anyone working in SIL or community-based settings. 🧠 What You’ll Learn This engaging and practical webinar explores how active listening can transform interactions, especially during moments of stress or behavioural escalation. Topics include:  Understanding Active Listening Learn what active listening really means — and what it doesn’t. Elements of Positive Interactions Discover how empathy, tone, and body language shape outcomes. Safety First: Responding to Difficult Behaviours Explore strategies that prioritise safety while maintaining dignity. Practical Response Techniques Gain tools for de-escalation, redirection, and emotional regulation. Creating a Blame-Free Environment Foster trust and accountability without shame or judgement. Building Capacity Through Active Listening Support clients to express themselves and build self-awareness. Implementation and Practice Learn how to embed these skills into daily routines and team culture. 📚 Backed by Evidence The webinar includes references to current best-practice frameworks and research, ensuring participants walk away with both practical tools and a deeper understanding of why they work. 💬 Why It Matters In disability support, communication is everything. This webinar empowers staff to respond with confidence, compassion, and clarity, even in the most challenging moments. Ready to build stronger, safer, and more respectful interactions?

 By Tharon Neurodivergent Consultant at helpz