Discovery Holidays - Supported Holidays

24/12/2024

Best wishes to our valued friends, customers, and staff. May you enjoy a safe and festive holiday season with our warmest regards for the New Year. 🎄🎅️🎁

14/07/2024

What an amazing history Scotland has. One of the four border abbeys, Jedburgh Abbey was founded by David I in around 1138 for Augustinian canons. Unfortunately we were not allowed to explore the ground fully due to deterioration of the mortar and a previous attempt in the 17th century to cement the abbey walls together to prevent the walls falling onto interested tourists. Due to climate change the sandstone sections are being eaten away and this beautiful attraction and reminder of past 'habits', climate change will destroy.

29/06/2024

Today the sun goes down on eleven years of building capacity, authentic travel experiences, and advocacy for people with disabilities while accessing tourism and hospitality services around the world.

Images: Our staff team

Thankyou thankyou thankyou. For your support and goodwill to Discovery Holidays - Supported Holidays . Please keep an eye out for announcements on the Social Solutions WA website Social Solutions WA | https://g.co/kgs/pp55RVc .

We will still be providing community access , respite, STA and group weekenders for wait listed customers. So contact the office for more information.....

25/06/2024

🌈🌈 Good news update from the Team!

Our weekender and community respite programs are continuing due to popular demand. Our members can still access our suite of ndis services including our weekender getaways, community respite and daily social outings. Plus ... stay tuned for a revised travel program coming up soon.

Hear all the details at our morning tea this Saturday or get in touch with the team to find out more. 😍

24/06/2024

Singapore we ❤ you

Making unforgettable memories and new friends 🤗

19/06/2024

Have fun in Singapore everyone 😊

18/06/2024

Quote: "A key recommendation from the NDIS Review in December was for all businesses involved in the scheme to undergo some form of registration, aiming to enhance the safety and quality of services provided to participants."

https://www.socialsolutionswa.com.au✔️that box....... ' When using a provider its a good idea to check their quality standards and see if they align with your values.'

Latest article of Hello Care - Concerns Mount Over Unvetted Providers Flooding NDIS Marketplace
https://hellocare.com.au/concerns-mount-over-unvetted-providers-flooding-ndis-marketplace/
An influx of unvetted businesses in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) marketplace is raising serious concerns among experts, who warn that the lack of oversight could lead to financial blowouts and potential exploitation of participants.

Services such as Dungeons & Dragons gaming nights and Lego-based therapy are among those being advertised in online communities, sparking debate over their legitimacy and effectiveness.

Popular Facebook groups are facilitating connections between NDIS participants and service providers offering everything from domestic cleaning and dog grooming to fishing camps and Lego therapy sessions.

These groups, which operate independently of the official NDIS programme, also promote 4WD weekends, luxury accommodations, ski trips, and cinema excursions. One post advertises Dungeons & Dragons sessions led by a “therapeutic host”. Requests from participants range from “hug therapy” to home painting assistance by “a couple of handymen”.

The majority of these advertised businesses are not registered with the NDIS, raising alarms about the potential risks to participants.

Fiona Macdonald, Policy Director at the Australia Institute, highlighted that while the NDIS is designed to empower individuals with disabilities to choose their own services, the current system lacks sufficient regulation.

“Without adequate oversight, many people have entered the disability sector with little understanding or ability to provide appropriate support,” she said. “I have encountered individuals in the sector who lack the skills to manage emergencies, ensure safety, or address the specific behavioural needs of their clients.”

Dungeons & Dragons sessions are priced at $65 per hour, Lego therapy at approximately $160 per session, and short-term luxury respite can cost up to $2000 per night. Depending on their NDIS packages, participants receive a certain amount of funding for community participation and recreational activities.

However, more than 80 per cent of NDIS recipients can directly engage with sole traders, thanks to the non-mandatory nature of NDIS business registration.

Critics argue that this allows anyone to obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN), create a website, and start profiting from the NDIS without proving their credentials or safety standards.

“This is a major factor contributing to the scheme’s cost blowout,” a senior sector figure, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Telegraph. “Sole traders and pop-up businesses are not subjected to the same scrutiny as registered providers.”

Sydney psychiatrist Tanveer Ahmed voiced strong criticism in the Herald Sun: “The NDIS will be remembered as one of the most irresponsible uses of taxpayer funds in Australian history. There are no safeguards. As a doctor, I must justify that my treatments are scientifically valid. For the NDIS, anyone can set up shop, tap into the funds, and offer various services.”

Currently, up to 93 per cent of the 183,000 businesses benefiting from the NDIS are unregistered.

A spokesman for NDIS Minister Bill Shorten pointed to previous comments regarding unregistered providers: “Unregistered providers operate with little to no oversight of what they offer or whether they even deliver the services they charge for.”

A key recommendation from the NDIS Review in December was for all businesses involved in the scheme to undergo some form of registration, aiming to enhance the safety and quality of services provided to participants.

10/06/2024

Join us Sat 29th June - members farewell morning tea? - https://mailchi.mp/discoveryholidays/youre-invited-to-a-special-members-only-event-discovery-holidays-201920-holiday-launch-16220996

22/05/2024

Taking in the most spectacular views and building friendships along the way! 😊

05/05/2024

What a trip! So many crocodiles.........

05/05/2024

Another successful tour to Darwin. Last night Sunday Session at the Punters Bar......the live music has really put a smile on the dial....thanks for the amazing company.....

17/03/2024

Another spectacular day in Busselton........

17/03/2024

The joy of being present. Holidays reduce the stress of life and bring about relief from worry.

Like a swing...........

16/03/2024

Wow, what an exciting adventure down South. So many opportunities to explore independant living, choice and control and new experiences. Travel inspires, travelling with others connects.

16/03/2024

Another successful visit to Eagles Heritage Raptor Centre near Margaret River. Lovely day trip down South.

16/03/2024

Jasper's 6 day breakaway is in full swing. He is sharing space with Cory, experiencing nature and living independently away from home raising self confidence.

15/03/2024

Fabulous 5 days exploring Albany and Denmark 🏞🌥

02/03/2024

Another fantastic music festival with a group of music lovers.