11-08-21
Hi All,
Well Done Cairns! Today at 10am the Premier of Queensland announced that Cairns will be exiting from our 3 day snap lock-down; matching the restrictions of those within the South East of the State. This is exciting news for us all; and here at ARC we are now looking at what service provision will look like over the next 10 days during this time.
➢ Direct services will be able to carry on as normal, with the added requirement that team members will need to wear masks and follow all other community COVID Safe requirements
➢ ARC’s Holiday House will look to re-open ASAP. The coordinator will be in contact with the teams and Participants around the house and visits.
➢ ARC’s Programs will re-open from Thursday the 12th of August. The Programs team are reviewing the 1 person per 4m2 requirement to ensure all programs will be able to continue within this requirement. There may be some small changes to programs over this time to ensure we are keeping everyone safe.
➢ ARC’s Operational Team will be working a hybrid between in the office and from home to ensure social distancing within the office occurs. During this time we ask that you only attend the office if required so we can limit the number of visitors at this time.
All the restrictions can be viewed here: https://www.qld.gov.au/.../restrictions-impacted-areas
If any Participants of ARC require additional support during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact your relevant coordinator during office hours, or ARC on the main line on (07) 4046 3600.
If any team members of ARC require additional supplies of masks or sanitiser, please contact the relevant coordinator.
We have a number of people requesting “only vaccinated staff” at this time. The difficulty ARC has in regards to this is the vaccination has not been mandated by the Health Department. Until this time, this is not something we can mandate within the service. Currently just shy of 40% of ARC’s team have confirmed with us they have either received one, or both vaccinations.
ARC will continue to promote and encourage everyone in our community to be vaccinated and recommend if anyone has any concerns/queries about the vaccination, please speak with your doctor. All team members are required to wear masks whilst they are working, check in/check out through the Queensland Government QR codes, regularly wash hands or sanitise, confirm a temperature of < 37.50 prior to supports in a group environment and ensure they stay home and get tested if they are sick. ARC has made the commitment to reimburse the cost of the flu shot for any team member who would like to obtain it; and will work with any team members to support them in obtaining a vaccination.
However, ARC is not able to enforce team members to disclose their vaccination status; nor can we mandate this requirement within the service at this time. Should the Government change their directive regarding the Disability
Support Workforce, this may change. If you make a decision that you would only like vaccinated team members, this is something we can work with you on; however it will impact the number of available team members. Please contact your coordinator directly to discuss any specific personal concerns and how we can all work together to mitigate risks and ensure everyone is safe.
The ongoing requirement to stay home and get tested is more important than ever during this time, please ensure if you have any concerns, you isolate and seek a COVID test.
I am looking forward to when the impact of COVID starts to dissipate. Until this time, please stay safe and healthy.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
RE: COVID-19 “Coronavirus” Update
Hi All,
Well Done Cairns! Today at 10am the Premier of Queensland announced that Cairns will be exiting from our 3 day snap lock-down; matching the restrictions of those within the South East of the State. This is exciting news for us all; and here at ARC we are now looking at what service provision will look like over the next 10 days during this time.
➢ Direct services will be able to carry on as normal, with the added requirement that team members will need to wear masks and follow all other community COVID Safe requirements
➢ ARC’s Holiday House will look to re-open ASAP. The coordinator will be in contact with the teams and Participants around the house and visits.
➢ ARC’s Programs will re-open from Thursday the 12th of August. The Programs team are reviewing the 1 person per 4m2 requirement to ensure all programs will be able to continue within this requirement. There may be some small changes to programs over this time to ensure we are keeping everyone safe.
➢ ARC’s Operational Team will be working a hybrid between in the office and from home to ensure social distancing within the office occurs. During this time we ask that you only attend the office if required so we can limit the number of visitors at this time.
All the restrictions can be viewed here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/restrictions-impacted-areas
If any Participants of ARC require additional support during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact your relevant coordinator during office hours, or ARC on the main line on (07) 4046 3600.
If any team members of ARC require additional supplies of masks or sanitiser, please contact the relevant coordinator.
We have a number of people requesting “only vaccinated staff” at this time. The difficulty ARC has in regards to this is the vaccination has not been mandated by the Health Department. Until this time, this is not something we can mandate within the service. Currently just shy of 40% of ARC’s team have confirmed with us they have either received one, or both vaccinations.
ARC will continue to promote and encourage everyone in our community to be vaccinated and recommend if anyone has any concerns/queries about the vaccination, please speak with your doctor. All team members are required to wear masks whilst they are working, check in/check out through the Queensland Government QR codes, regularly wash hands or sanitise, confirm a temperature of < 37.50 prior to supports in a group environment and ensure they stay home and get tested if they are sick. ARC has made the commitment to reimburse the cost of the flu shot for any team member who would like to obtain it; and will work with any team members to support them in obtaining a vaccination.
However, ARC is not able to enforce team members to disclose their vaccination status; nor can we mandate this requirement within the service at this time. Should the Government change their directive regarding the Disability
Support Workforce, this may change. If you make a decision that you would only like vaccinated team members, this is something we can work with you on; however it will impact the number of available team members. Please contact your coordinator directly to discuss any specific personal concerns and how we can all work together to mitigate risks and ensure everyone is safe.
The ongoing requirement to stay home and get tested is more important than ever during this time, please ensure if you have any concerns, you isolate and seek a COVID test.
I am looking forward to when the impact of COVID starts to dissipate. Until this time, please stay safe and healthy.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
07-08-21
Hi All,
We have just been informed that Cairns will be heading into a snap three day lock-down from 4pm today (Sunday 4th August, 2021). Whilst this is not an ideal situation for all of us in Cairns, this is something we at ARC have been planning for.
Currently the Operational Team are working through the next three days supports to identify what would be “essential” and what services need to be closed during this time. At the onset I can advise you that:
The ARC Holiday House will be closing from 4pm today with the anticipation of opening from 4pm on Wednesday the 11th of August (unless the lock-down is extended)
ARC Programs will be closed Monday the 9th; Tuesday the 10th and Wednesday the 11th of August, with the anticipation to re-open on Thursday the 12th of August (unless the lock-down is extended).
ARC’s office will be physically closed over the next three days with the anticipation to re-open on the 12th of August. All operational team members will be working remotely during this time to ensure minimal impact to service delivery.
Supported Independent Living Supports and Daily Activity Supports are considered “essential” and are able to continue as long as they are aligning with the lockdown requirements (in home, only accessing the community for essential reasons. These can be found at: https://www.qld.gov.au/.../restrictions-impacted-areas) Team members that are working over this time are required to wear a mask at all times (unless eating or drinking).
If any participants of ARC require additional support during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact ARC’s emergency phone on 0499 111 432.
If any team members of ARC require additional supplies of masks or sanitiser, please contact the relevant coordinator.
The ongoing requirement to stay home and get tested is more important than ever during this time, please ensure if you have any concerns you isolate and seek a COVID test.
I am looking forward to when the impact of COVID starts to dissipate. Until this time, please stay safe and healthy.
Kind Regards
Benjamin Keast – CEO
30/06/2021
Hi All,
Can you believe we are half way through the year? I hope you are safe and well. Today I am writing to you to give you an ARC Update on COVID-19.
ARC is currently monitoring the evolving COVID challenges in other parts of the state. We ensure ARC is operating under the guidelines of the Chief Health Officer to work to best ensure everyone is as protected as possible. Should the Cairns Region be instructed to go into lock down; we are prepared for this.
The provision of services to people with disabilities is viewed as an essential service; as such these services are able to continue to those who continue to require support. These services are required to be provided within the social distancing requirements instructed by Queensland Health. These may include the requirement for masks to be worn and the increased need for personal protective equipment at times.
ARC has also implemented the Queensland Government contact tracing QR codes at all locations. Please ensure you utilise these should you attend any of ARC locations. This is a key way we can work together to protect all those within our community.
Vaccines are now available to all who operate within the NDIS, including participants and their families, direct support staff and operational team members. Should you require support in obtaining a vaccination, please don’t hesitate to contact ARC. Whilst vaccinations are personal choices, I would encourage all who are considering to get a vaccination to initiate this process as soon as possible.
As always, ARC will continue with our ongoing COVID Safe activities including:
The requirement to stay home if symptoms of illness are present. An additional requirement may be to undertake a COVID test – Please discuss with your doctor.
Sanitisation stations will remain a constant feature at all locations, along with the recommendation to regularly wash our hands.
Temperature checks when arriving at ARC locations; along with the requirement to sign in/out.
Social distancing requirements will impact the number of Participants/Team members within different locations.
Team members are offered for the Flu Shot to be subsidised via ARC should they wish to obtain this.
I am looking forward to when the impact of COVID starts to dissipate. Until this time, please stay safe and healthy.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
CEO@arcinc.org.au
04/01/2021
Hi All,
Happy New Year!! I hope everyone was able to celebrate the festive season in their own way.
It is a new year, however it is important to remember for the safety and wellbeing of all; COVID still continues to impact our lives and will do for many more months to come.
The Queensland Government have released the following instructions:
- Anyone who has been in Victoria on or since 21 December should get tested immediately and quarantine at home or their accommodation until they receive a negative result
- Anyone who has been in Victoria on or since 21 December will be restricted from entering vulnerable facilities, including aged care facilities, hospitals, disability accommodation and correctional facilities
I would encourage any team member of ARC; or Participant of ARC’s Services to review these two directives and act accordingly. COVID tests can be undertaken via the Cairns Fever Clinic. They can be contacted directly on (07) 4226 4781.
Please contact the ARC office on (07) 4046 3600 should you wish to discuss these directives and any potential personal impact.
As always, ARC will continue with our ongoing COVID Safe activities including:
- The requirement to stay home if symptoms of illness are present. An additional requirement may be to undertake a COVID test – Please disucss with your doctor.
- Sanitisation stations will remain a constant feature at all locations, along with the recommendation to regularly wash our hands.
- Temperature checks when arriving at ARC locations; along with the requirement to sign in/out.
- Social distancing requirements will impact the number of Participants/Team members within different locations.
- Team members are offered for the Flu Shot to be subsidised via ARC should they wish to obtain this.
I am looking forward to when the impact of COVID starts to dissipate and we are able to all celebrate in person.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
CEO@arcinc.org.au
18/11/2020
Hi All,
It has been a while since I last touched base regarding operations at ARC, so I felt now would be a good time.
COVID:
Whilst we have been very fortunate within Queensland and the states response to COVID has kept us all safe. Within ARC we continue to remind ourselves to remain hyper-vigilant regarding COVID as it will continue to pose a risk for many months to come. To support this ARC will continue to undertake the following precautions:
All staff members will continue to have the offer of the flu vaccine to be reimbursed should they wish to get this shot.
Temperature checks will remain a constant requirement at all ARC locations; as well as the requirement to sign in/out.
Whilst the Queensland Government has decreased the requirement to 1 person per 2 square metres; ARC will continue to work to promote the 4 square metre rule wherever possible.
Hand sanitiser will continue to be available at all locations and to any team members who request it.
All of ARC’s team have undertaken the Aspen Online Infection Control module; however, to further support this training ARC has also invested in team members undertaking practical face to face training in infection prevention and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
ARC continues to hold a significant supply of PPE should an outbreak occur within Cairns.
We thank everyone who has been cooperative with ARC as we continue to implement these controls.
Pricing:
The NDIS have just released the updated price guide which will come into effect from the 1st of December 2020. This update is to allow for the final Equal Remuneration Order within the Social, Community Services, Home Care and Disability Support Industry Award (i.e. the regular hour of support will be moving from $54.30/hr to $55.47/hr Note: ARC does not charge the increased TTP rates). The NDIA have confirmed all plans will be increased on a pro-rata basis from this date. As ARC’s Service Agreements states, services are provided in alignment with the NDIS Price Guide. As such, there is no need to update any Service Agreements.
Christmas:
Unfortunately due to the social distancing requirements, ARC has had to make the hard decision to cancel the 2020 Christmas Disco! This has been a highlight of our social calendar since 2008! Due to the restrictions on indoor activities and the inability to dance inside we have had to cancel this event. Keep your eyes peeled in the letterbox however as ARC will send out some festive cheer; and possibly even an online surprise!
In the New Year when restrictions allow it; ARC will hold a celebratory disco for all! We look forward to being able to see everyone in person and bump elbows!
As always heading into the end of the year, a number of ARC’s services close down or slow down. Below are the details for each of the service areas:
ARC Holiday House: 22nd December 2020- 2nd January 2021
ARC Programs: 18th December 2020 - 4th January 2021
Inclusive Education & Resource Centre: 11th December 2020 - 27th January 2021
ARC Office*: 23rd December 2020 - 4th January 2021
* Note during this time, the 07 4046 3600 message bank will be monitored outside of Public Holidays and Weekends.
All other service areas please discuss with your relevant coordinator should you have an increase or decrease of support requirements over the festive season. A large portion of the team will be on Annual Leave and there will only be a skeleton team within the operations over this time.
Annual Report:
On the 2nd of November ARC was excited to present our Annual Report at the Annual General Meeting. If you would like a hard copy of this report, please don’t hesitate to call past the office or request one be sent out. An electronic copy can be found at https://spark.adobe.com/page/6GUEQ1CtLUo87/
I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has trusted ARC as a service provider over the past year. 2020 has been a year unlike any other and I personally have appreciated all who have bunkered in and weathered the storm with us. I hope are able to have a wonderful festive season, linking in with friends and family (albeit via facetime these days) and are also able to take a break, take a breath and celebrate another year gone by.
Warm Regards
Benjamin Keast – CEO
CEO@arcinc.org.au
03/07/2020
Hi All,
Can you believe we are halfway through the year, and this has been a year like no other!
This week the Queensland Government announced they were bringing their “Roadmap to recovery” forward by one week; with an easing of restrictions commencing from Friday the 3rd of July.
Within ARC however, we have reviewed our “unfreezing” of services plan and will remain on our current trajectory. This is to ensure as the service areas increase with participants and ARC’s team commence working back across locations, we remain well placed with systems to ensure we are tracking where people are; and should the need present itself; isolate and contact trace. Therefore I am excited to be sharing with you ARC’s plan for Stage Three, commencing from the 13th of July 2020.
ARC Programs will invite all Participants to return to the services. Where programs would usually engage within the local community, this will commence again – pending the location and their ability to support the engagement. All service areas will be “open”.
ARC Holiday House will re-engage as it was prior to COVID-19. The house will be able to support up to four guests an evening, with a fifth space in emergencies. ARC will also look to increase those who may wish to stay at the Duplex for 1:1 Short Term Accommodation stays.
All Other Services within ARC will be operating as usual. ARC’s Cancellation Policy will re-engage from the 13th of July and has been updated to reflect the changes within the NDIA Price Guide. With the exception of changing the requirement to provide 5 days’ notice of cancellation; to only requiring to notify ARC by 3pm the day prior (for all services besides Programs which has updated to the “12 week program” agreement).
Pricing of services will shift in line with the NDIA Price Guide and ARC’s Service Agreement. ARC will no longer be delivering services with the 10% COVID-19 loading; and move to the 2020-2021 NDIA price limits (i.e. the regular hour of support will be moving from $58.14/hr to $54.30/hr Note: ARC does not charge the increased TTP rates). As ARC’s Service Agreements states the alignment with the NDIS Price Guide. As such, there is no need to update any Service Agreements.
ARC’s Team will no longer be working within isolated team areas. ARC holds “real time” information via our CMS which details where team members have worked, which will assist us should the requirement to support contact tracing present itself.
In the new world we are living in, some practices will remain. These include:
Should you wish to clarify anything regarding the delivery of ARC’s serivces, or the move to stage three; please don’t hesitate to speak with anyone within the Coordination of Management team of ARC.
I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to everyone for your patience during the past four months.
Kind Regards
Benjamin Keast – CEO
CEO@arcinc.org.au
24/06/2020
Hi All,
ARC has spent the first part of 2020 navigating the provision of services in response to the COVID19 requirements. This has had an impact on us all with restrictions in social distancing, isolation requirements, and the requirement to close down/slow down some services.
Thankfully, to date Queensland has been able to avoid the worst of the pandemic and we are starting to move towards what is called the “new normal”. That is, services provided with social distancing considerations engrained. Increased cleaning/sanitising and a hyper-vigilant awareness of ensuring we remain home when we show symptoms of illness.
Over this period ARC has worked hard to ensure the participants of the organisation continued to receive the services they required, keep connected with friends and family and remain safe. As we look towards July and the next phase in the “Roadmap to Recovery”, this will be the largest shift in operations to bring back as many partipcants and team members to regular service provision. Additional to this challenge, ARC has had over 40 referrals to our Bridging and Linking Program since it was announced this service would operate for an additional twelve months.
To ensure we are able to provide the best possible service through this transition period. ARC has made the difficult decision that as an organisation no new referrals will be accepted for the month of July. This will allow us to ensure a smooth transition to stage three service provision; and work to increase our capacity to provide additional services come August.
We would like to say Thank You to everyone for their understanding and cooperation over the past few months as we have navigated this global pandemic.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you would like to provide any feedback as to how ARC has operated during this time, or if you have any suggestions for considerations into the future.
Kind Regards
Benjamin Keast
CEO
ARC Disability Services Inc
01/06/2020
COVID 19 Update #8
Hi All,
Planning for COVID19 has been occurring for a number of weeks/months now. It is exciting we are starting to see the other end of our planning – the return to services. Services will never be the same again as recommendations for Social Distancing, Temperature checks, Sanitiser stations and the importance of staying home/getting tested when displaying symptoms of illness will remain. However, we are excited that other areas of ARC’s services are returning to “Business As Usual” incorporating the new requirements.
Yesterday the Queensland Government announced their plan to bring forward stage 2 of their “Roadmap to recovery”. In turn, ARC is thrilled we are able to bring forward our second stage of increased services. From the 8th of June the following increases in services will be occurring:
• ARC Programs will increase location based services to 18 participants per day. Programs offered will be an abridged version from what would usually occur, with no transport between sites or to external locations. ARC will maintain records of all who are attending to support any contact tracing if it is required. Limited ‘to and from’ Programs transport will be offered, with the vehicles getting sanitised between trips. A risk assessment is currently being undertaken regarding the Studio and the Café and ARC will contact those who would regularly attend both these locations individually.
• ARC Holiday House will increase the number of guests per night to three. Gaps will be scheduled between guests to ensure the rooms can be sanitised. Transport will be limited to allow for the van to be sanitised between trips; and arrival meetings will be held within the undercover space at the house.
Additional to these increases in services, ARC has also taken this time to review some of our practices, and ways to improve the services we offer. ARC will be updating our Service Agreements within the areas of Direct Supports and Plan Management to be open ended agreements. This will decrease the requirement to get paperwork signed as frequently; and ensure a greater continuity of services as participants’ transition NDIA plans. The terms of these agreements will also be decreased from 28 days’ notice to 14 days’ notice should anyone wish to cease services with ARC*.
Please stay safe and I look forward to sharing with you ARC’s next update.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
ceo@arcinc.org.au
* Does not include SILS Service Agreements.
14/05/2020
COVID-19 “Coronavirus” Update #7🌟
Hi All,
We are excited to bring you ARC’s Coronavirus Update number seven, as we are now looking towards the future and our ability to slowly increase service provision. Specifically within ARC’s Programs and ARC’s Holiday House. Whilst these proposed increase in service provision is aligned with the Queensland Governments “Roadmap to recover” it’s important to note however, ARC remains responsive to the recommendations of the health professionals and Government. Should an increase in COVID19 cases become prominent; ARC maybe required to scale back down services. We will continue to communicate that with everyone should that situation occur.
I have included two documents detailing ARC’s plans for both services should you wish to review in more detail; however an executive summary of both services are as follows:
ARC Programs will commence providing location based programs from Monday the 18th of May. This will be limited to nine places per location. The Programs Team will already have commenced making contact with all participants. This will increase to 18 participants per location after four weeks. Programs offered will be an abridged version from what would usually occur, with no transport between sites or to external locations.
ARC Holiday House will commence providing Short Term Accommodation from Monday the 25th of May. Initially this will be limited to only two participants per night. The aim will be to increase this to three participants after three weeks, in line with the Queensland Government Recommendations.
All other COVID Safe requirements remain across the organisation. These include:
🌟 The requirement to get a temperature check on arrival.
🌟 Social distancing is to be promoted whenever possible.
🌟 Those who are displaying symptoms of illness will be required to remain home.
🌟 All areas are cleaned regularly.
Please stay safe and I look forward to sharing with you ARC’s next update.
Kind Regards
Benjamin Keast – CEO
ARC Programs
COVID19 “Return to regular Programing” plan:
ARC has been revising our provision of services on a daily basis in response to Government recommendations and regulations. Aligning with the Queensland Government’s “Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions” ARC will work to increase service provision. ARC Programs will undertake an assessment with all Participants as to who is required to access the group programs initially. This will have a focus specifically for participants who have “essential workers” as their primary care givers at home. This will then extend out to those who are socially isolated; then open up to participants living with their families/independently in the community; and finally Participants living within Supported Independent Living environments. Participants who require special consideration to be prioritised to the access of services should make contact with ARC’s General Manager of Programs.
At all times Participants and Staff who are demonstrating any signs of illness will be required to remain at home. To support this, for ARC Programs, ARC will continue to not penalise anyone with cancellations fees until the end of July 2020. Should any Staff or Participant present at ARC Programs with any signs of illness; they will be required to return home immediately. ARC reserves the right to request a medical clearance in these instances.
All plans developed in the “unfreezing” of services are devised based on the information available at the time. Should a Community Outbreak occur, or the advice of the Queensland Government change, ARC will have to make the appropriate service changes with minimal notice. This will be communicated with all effected parties as soon as practicable.
To promote a healthy and safe environment for all, ARC will undertake the following proactive approaches:
1/05/2020
⭐
Hi All,
As we are on the eve of Queensland’s “relaxing of social distancing rules” I felt I should share with you ARC’s understanding on what this means for our services. It is important that we all remain committed to the requirements of these rules, as this is what protects all of us from contributing to the spread of the virus; and hopefully the elimination of it within our Community.
From Saturday the 2nd of May, ARC’s team can assist participants in accessing the community for essential goods/services, plus if the participant would like to access the community for recreational purposes. (Social walk, picnic, non-essential shopping etc.). This still needs to occur within 50Kms of the Participants home; and where possible, the 1.5m social distancing is still required.
For Participants living within ARC’s Supported Independent Living Services, the Queensland Government have confirmed that Participants Families are able to visit them within the SIL House, however cannot be more than 2 family members at a time; and should discuss the visit with the service prior to ensure no other housemates have visitors at the same time. The support staff rostered on do not count towards the restriction of two visitors within a household.
Some of the existing recommendations remain common practice within ARC. These include:
The Board of ARC have also approved to reimburse the cost of any of ARC’s staff members who wish to get the Flu Shot this year.
All other restrictions to services continue to apply. ARC will continue to monitor the recommendations and advice given by the Government in regards to COVID 19 and are looking forward to increasing the provision of services as further restrictions are lifted.
Please stay safe and I look forward to sharing with you ARC’s next update.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
ceo@arcinc.org.au
21/04/2020
Good Morning,
Today I am writing to you, to once again update you on ARC’s provision of services within the current COVID19 landscape we are all living in. Primarily regarding ARC’s Group Programs and Holiday House. At this time, ARC is looking to extend our period of “no onsite group programs” until the middle of May. This is up until and including Sunday the 17th of May. We will assess the recommendations of the Australian Government during the week of the 6th of May and share with you should there be any additional changes to services.
I will also take this opportunity to share with you a breakdown of all of ARC’s services and how they are currently operating;
Coordination of Supports
• The team are continuing to work 50% within the office and 50% remotely
• Meetings are being undertaken via telephone or other electronic means
• In extenuating circumstances meetings may be able to undertake be undertaken face to face; however good hygiene practices will be followed and physical distancing will be implemented
• The team will continue to work closely with all participants and stakeholders
Plan Management
• The team will be working isolated within the ARC office
• All communication will be undertaken electronically
• The team will continue to operate as usual, prioritising payments to vendors to support all business (dependant on NDIA payments)
Programs
• Physical face to face group programs are currently shut down until there is a lift within social distancing laws. ARC continues to review the advise and recommendations from the Australian and Queensland Governments regarding this and look forward to re-opening the services when this is possible.
• The Programs operational team continue to work from isolation within the ARC locations.
• Online group programs are occuring Monday – Friday for participants wishing to continue to join in with these opportunities. These are an extension of the existing group programs and are provided from within participants NDIA packages. If you wish to participant in these programs, please contact the ARC Programs team on (07) 4046 3600 or at programs@arcinc.org.au
• A closed ARC Online Facebook group has also been created for program participants who may not wish to join in the online programs, but remain connected with their peers. Please make contact with us at ARC if you would like to be included in this group.
• Any Programs participants who may wish to receive services in-home or to engage in essential services during this period, please make contact with the Programs team who will be able to assist link you with this service.Direct Services
• The Coordination team are working 50% within the office and 50% remotely
• The Coordination team are contactable electronically and can follow up with phone calls.
• Direct services which are required to continue will be discussed with each participant and their families/support networks.
• Safe hygiene practices and physical distancing considerations will continue to be required for all supports
• Supports will primarily be “in home” unless the access to community is in response to a need (i.e. assistance to attend the grocery store or a medical appointment)
• Supports are not to occur if a Participant, or someone within their household are displaying symptoms of COVID19 (fever, cough etc.)
Supported Independent Living
• The Coordination team are working 50% within the office and 50% remotely
• The Coordination team are contactable electronically and can follow up with phone calls.
• Safe hygiene practices and physical distancing considerations will continue to be required for all supports
• Supports will primarily be “in home” unless the access to community is in response to a need (i.e. assistance to attend the grocery store or a medical appointment)
• PPE kits have been provided to all SIL’s arrangements to ensure any risk of outbreak can be contained swiftly staff/participants are safe.
• The SIL rosters have been swapped around to ensure a core team of workers operate within a sole arrangement to further isolate any risk of outbreak.
• Contactless thermometers are in the process of being procured. Once they arrive, anyone who enters a SIL house will be required to have their temperature taken. Anyone who are displaying symptoms of COVID19 will not be able to enter the house. This is to ensure the health and wellbeing of all.
Holiday House and Short Term Accommodation
• The coordinator will maintain working from the office at the ARC Holiday House
• The Holiday House is currently closed for any group bookings
• The Holiday House is available for emergency 1:1 Short Term Accommodation requests
• This will remain in effect as per the Social Distancing Laws.
Inclusive Education Resource Centre
• The Service will be liaising with all local Schools regarding how they can best be supported during term two.
• The Coordinator will be working isolated within the service during term two cataloguing new equipment and will be reviewing any possible methods of outreach services.
ARC Operational
• The organisation will continue to operate in a combination of office based/home based and isolation based workers. This will continue to be monitored to ensure the service provision can continue where required; and the safety and wellbeing of all is paramount.
• Visitors to the office has now closed unless special considerations are required.
• Safe hygiene practices are followed including physical distancing.
ARC is committed to ensuring all participants are able to receive the services/supports they require during this time; within the available means. If you wish to discuss your own personal circumstance with us, please don’t hesitate to be in contact on 07 4046 3600 or at info@arcinc.org.au .
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time as we continue to evolve and navigate how to provide quality services, whilst ensuring the health and wellbeing of all is considered. We look forward to when we are able to provide our entire scope of services.
Until the next update….
Benjamin Keast – CEO
ceo@arcinc.org.au
(07) 4046 3600
31/03/2020
Hi All,
Happy Tuesday, I hope you are all keeping safe and well during these unprecedented times.
Today I am writing to you, to once again update you on the actions regarding ARC’s service provision as the landscape is ever changing.
All other service updates remain the same as detailed last week. The operational team are continuing to work on a rotation with 50% in the office and 50% from home to ensure ARC’s services are able to be maintained where required. Supports are now provided primarily within a participant’s home; with only essential community access supports as identified. Physical distancing will remain a high priority, as is promoting safe hygiene practices.
We are always looking for more ways to promote our connective-ness. Please feel free to reach out with any suggestions in this space. I believe when life is able to resume and social gathering are allowed again ARC has committed to hosting a celebratory disco!
Until the next update….
Ben
Benjamin Keast | CEO
P: 07 4046 3602 | E: Benjamin.keast@arcinc.org.au
W: www.arcinc.org.au
Postal: PO Box 942N, North Cairns, QLD, 4870
Office: 92 Little St, Manunda, 4870
COLLABORATION | COMMITMENT | CREATIVITY | DIVERSITY | EMPOWERMENT | FLEXIBILITY | RESPECT | FUN
25.03.2020
Hello to all ARC stakeholders, participants, families , staff and community members,
COVID-19 continues to change the world in which we live. Last night Australia’s Prime Minister again addressed the nation and gave further instruction regarding services which need to pause at this time; and an instruction regarding the need to increase our physical distancing. This is for us all to work in decreasing the spread of the COVID19 virus; and protecting those who are most vulnerable.
In response to this, ARC has again been required to review our service provision to ensure we are operating within the guidelines outlined by the Australian Government. To ensure ARC is achieving this the following service areas are going to be impacted in the following way:
Coordination of Supports
The team will be working 50% within the office and 50% remotely
Meetings will be undertaken via telephone or other electronic means
In extenuating circumstances the Coordination of Support may be able to undertake a face to face meeting; however good hygiene practices will be followed and physical distancing will be implemented
The team will continue to work closely with all participants and stakeholders
Plan Management
Programs
Supported Independent Living
Inclusive Education Resource Centre
ARC Operational
As always ARC is working hard to remain on top of this ever changing environment. Please don’t hesitate to be in contact if you have any questions, or wish to discuss any personal circumstances relating to your services at ARC.
We look forward to working with everyone to assist in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and are looking forward to when services can return to the regular scheduled programs.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Kind Regards
Ben Keast
CEO, ARC Disability Services Inc.
23.03.2020
Hi,
I wrote to you two weeks ago regarding COVID-19 and ARC’s preparations/recommendations regarding ensuring a safe and healthy service for all participants and staff. I am writing to you today to share ARC’s update on this serious situation;
I would like to also remind everyone that under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, you are in control of your own service provision. If you would like to make alterations to the services you are receiving to further decrease any potential risk, please don’t hesitate to contact the ARC office to discuss further. Where we are able to assist, we will.
ARC will continue to keep you up to date with any information as it comes available. This will be done via email and ARC will look to utilize our social media platforms when possible. Should you have any concerns regarding ARC’s services during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 07 4046 3600 or at CEO@arcinc.org.au.
Kind Regards
Benjamin Keast
CEO, ARC Disability Services Inc.
P: 07 4046 3600 | E: CEO@arcinc.org.au
W: www.arcinc.org.au
Postal: PO Box 942N, North Cairns, QLD, 4870
Office: 92 Little St, Manunda, 4870
COLLABORATION | COMMITMENT | CREATIVITY | DIVERSITY | EMPOWERMENT | FLEXIBILITY | RESPECT | FUN
Hi All,
Well Done Cairns! Today at 10am the Premier of Queensland announced that Cairns will be exiting from our 3 day snap lock-down; matching the restrictions of those within the South East of the State. This is exciting news for us all; and here at ARC we are now looking at what service provision will look like over the next 10 days during this time.
➢ Direct services will be able to carry on as normal, with the added requirement that team members will need to wear masks and follow all other community COVID Safe requirements
➢ ARC’s Holiday House will look to re-open ASAP. The coordinator will be in contact with the teams and Participants around the house and visits.
➢ ARC’s Programs will re-open from Thursday the 12th of August. The Programs team are reviewing the 1 person per 4m2 requirement to ensure all programs will be able to continue within this requirement. There may be some small changes to programs over this time to ensure we are keeping everyone safe.
➢ ARC’s Operational Team will be working a hybrid between in the office and from home to ensure social distancing within the office occurs. During this time we ask that you only attend the office if required so we can limit the number of visitors at this time.
All the restrictions can be viewed here: https://www.qld.gov.au/.../restrictions-impacted-areas
If any Participants of ARC require additional support during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact your relevant coordinator during office hours, or ARC on the main line on (07) 4046 3600.
If any team members of ARC require additional supplies of masks or sanitiser, please contact the relevant coordinator.
We have a number of people requesting “only vaccinated staff” at this time. The difficulty ARC has in regards to this is the vaccination has not been mandated by the Health Department. Until this time, this is not something we can mandate within the service. Currently just shy of 40% of ARC’s team have confirmed with us they have either received one, or both vaccinations.
ARC will continue to promote and encourage everyone in our community to be vaccinated and recommend if anyone has any concerns/queries about the vaccination, please speak with your doctor. All team members are required to wear masks whilst they are working, check in/check out through the Queensland Government QR codes, regularly wash hands or sanitise, confirm a temperature of < 37.50 prior to supports in a group environment and ensure they stay home and get tested if they are sick. ARC has made the commitment to reimburse the cost of the flu shot for any team member who would like to obtain it; and will work with any team members to support them in obtaining a vaccination.
However, ARC is not able to enforce team members to disclose their vaccination status; nor can we mandate this requirement within the service at this time. Should the Government change their directive regarding the Disability
Support Workforce, this may change. If you make a decision that you would only like vaccinated team members, this is something we can work with you on; however it will impact the number of available team members. Please contact your coordinator directly to discuss any specific personal concerns and how we can all work together to mitigate risks and ensure everyone is safe.
The ongoing requirement to stay home and get tested is more important than ever during this time, please ensure if you have any concerns, you isolate and seek a COVID test.
I am looking forward to when the impact of COVID starts to dissipate. Until this time, please stay safe and healthy.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
RE: COVID-19 “Coronavirus” Update
Hi All,
Well Done Cairns! Today at 10am the Premier of Queensland announced that Cairns will be exiting from our 3 day snap lock-down; matching the restrictions of those within the South East of the State. This is exciting news for us all; and here at ARC we are now looking at what service provision will look like over the next 10 days during this time.
➢ Direct services will be able to carry on as normal, with the added requirement that team members will need to wear masks and follow all other community COVID Safe requirements
➢ ARC’s Holiday House will look to re-open ASAP. The coordinator will be in contact with the teams and Participants around the house and visits.
➢ ARC’s Programs will re-open from Thursday the 12th of August. The Programs team are reviewing the 1 person per 4m2 requirement to ensure all programs will be able to continue within this requirement. There may be some small changes to programs over this time to ensure we are keeping everyone safe.
➢ ARC’s Operational Team will be working a hybrid between in the office and from home to ensure social distancing within the office occurs. During this time we ask that you only attend the office if required so we can limit the number of visitors at this time.
All the restrictions can be viewed here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/restrictions-impacted-areas
If any Participants of ARC require additional support during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact your relevant coordinator during office hours, or ARC on the main line on (07) 4046 3600.
If any team members of ARC require additional supplies of masks or sanitiser, please contact the relevant coordinator.
We have a number of people requesting “only vaccinated staff” at this time. The difficulty ARC has in regards to this is the vaccination has not been mandated by the Health Department. Until this time, this is not something we can mandate within the service. Currently just shy of 40% of ARC’s team have confirmed with us they have either received one, or both vaccinations.
ARC will continue to promote and encourage everyone in our community to be vaccinated and recommend if anyone has any concerns/queries about the vaccination, please speak with your doctor. All team members are required to wear masks whilst they are working, check in/check out through the Queensland Government QR codes, regularly wash hands or sanitise, confirm a temperature of < 37.50 prior to supports in a group environment and ensure they stay home and get tested if they are sick. ARC has made the commitment to reimburse the cost of the flu shot for any team member who would like to obtain it; and will work with any team members to support them in obtaining a vaccination.
However, ARC is not able to enforce team members to disclose their vaccination status; nor can we mandate this requirement within the service at this time. Should the Government change their directive regarding the Disability
Support Workforce, this may change. If you make a decision that you would only like vaccinated team members, this is something we can work with you on; however it will impact the number of available team members. Please contact your coordinator directly to discuss any specific personal concerns and how we can all work together to mitigate risks and ensure everyone is safe.
The ongoing requirement to stay home and get tested is more important than ever during this time, please ensure if you have any concerns, you isolate and seek a COVID test.
I am looking forward to when the impact of COVID starts to dissipate. Until this time, please stay safe and healthy.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
07-08-21
Hi All,
We have just been informed that Cairns will be heading into a snap three day lock-down from 4pm today (Sunday 4th August, 2021). Whilst this is not an ideal situation for all of us in Cairns, this is something we at ARC have been planning for.
Currently the Operational Team are working through the next three days supports to identify what would be “essential” and what services need to be closed during this time. At the onset I can advise you that:
The ARC Holiday House will be closing from 4pm today with the anticipation of opening from 4pm on Wednesday the 11th of August (unless the lock-down is extended)
ARC Programs will be closed Monday the 9th; Tuesday the 10th and Wednesday the 11th of August, with the anticipation to re-open on Thursday the 12th of August (unless the lock-down is extended).
ARC’s office will be physically closed over the next three days with the anticipation to re-open on the 12th of August. All operational team members will be working remotely during this time to ensure minimal impact to service delivery.
Supported Independent Living Supports and Daily Activity Supports are considered “essential” and are able to continue as long as they are aligning with the lockdown requirements (in home, only accessing the community for essential reasons. These can be found at: https://www.qld.gov.au/.../restrictions-impacted-areas) Team members that are working over this time are required to wear a mask at all times (unless eating or drinking).
If any participants of ARC require additional support during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact ARC’s emergency phone on 0499 111 432.
If any team members of ARC require additional supplies of masks or sanitiser, please contact the relevant coordinator.
The ongoing requirement to stay home and get tested is more important than ever during this time, please ensure if you have any concerns you isolate and seek a COVID test.
I am looking forward to when the impact of COVID starts to dissipate. Until this time, please stay safe and healthy.
Kind Regards
Benjamin Keast – CEO
30/06/2021
Hi All,
Can you believe we are half way through the year? I hope you are safe and well. Today I am writing to you to give you an ARC Update on COVID-19.
ARC is currently monitoring the evolving COVID challenges in other parts of the state. We ensure ARC is operating under the guidelines of the Chief Health Officer to work to best ensure everyone is as protected as possible. Should the Cairns Region be instructed to go into lock down; we are prepared for this.
The provision of services to people with disabilities is viewed as an essential service; as such these services are able to continue to those who continue to require support. These services are required to be provided within the social distancing requirements instructed by Queensland Health. These may include the requirement for masks to be worn and the increased need for personal protective equipment at times.
ARC has also implemented the Queensland Government contact tracing QR codes at all locations. Please ensure you utilise these should you attend any of ARC locations. This is a key way we can work together to protect all those within our community.
Vaccines are now available to all who operate within the NDIS, including participants and their families, direct support staff and operational team members. Should you require support in obtaining a vaccination, please don’t hesitate to contact ARC. Whilst vaccinations are personal choices, I would encourage all who are considering to get a vaccination to initiate this process as soon as possible.
As always, ARC will continue with our ongoing COVID Safe activities including:
The requirement to stay home if symptoms of illness are present. An additional requirement may be to undertake a COVID test – Please discuss with your doctor.
Sanitisation stations will remain a constant feature at all locations, along with the recommendation to regularly wash our hands.
Temperature checks when arriving at ARC locations; along with the requirement to sign in/out.
Social distancing requirements will impact the number of Participants/Team members within different locations.
Team members are offered for the Flu Shot to be subsidised via ARC should they wish to obtain this.
I am looking forward to when the impact of COVID starts to dissipate. Until this time, please stay safe and healthy.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
CEO@arcinc.org.au
04/01/2021
Hi All,
Happy New Year!! I hope everyone was able to celebrate the festive season in their own way.
It is a new year, however it is important to remember for the safety and wellbeing of all; COVID still continues to impact our lives and will do for many more months to come.
The Queensland Government have released the following instructions:
- Anyone who has been in Victoria on or since 21 December should get tested immediately and quarantine at home or their accommodation until they receive a negative result
- Anyone who has been in Victoria on or since 21 December will be restricted from entering vulnerable facilities, including aged care facilities, hospitals, disability accommodation and correctional facilities
I would encourage any team member of ARC; or Participant of ARC’s Services to review these two directives and act accordingly. COVID tests can be undertaken via the Cairns Fever Clinic. They can be contacted directly on (07) 4226 4781.
Please contact the ARC office on (07) 4046 3600 should you wish to discuss these directives and any potential personal impact.
As always, ARC will continue with our ongoing COVID Safe activities including:
- The requirement to stay home if symptoms of illness are present. An additional requirement may be to undertake a COVID test – Please disucss with your doctor.
- Sanitisation stations will remain a constant feature at all locations, along with the recommendation to regularly wash our hands.
- Temperature checks when arriving at ARC locations; along with the requirement to sign in/out.
- Social distancing requirements will impact the number of Participants/Team members within different locations.
- Team members are offered for the Flu Shot to be subsidised via ARC should they wish to obtain this.
I am looking forward to when the impact of COVID starts to dissipate and we are able to all celebrate in person.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
CEO@arcinc.org.au
18/11/2020
Hi All,
It has been a while since I last touched base regarding operations at ARC, so I felt now would be a good time.
COVID:
Whilst we have been very fortunate within Queensland and the states response to COVID has kept us all safe. Within ARC we continue to remind ourselves to remain hyper-vigilant regarding COVID as it will continue to pose a risk for many months to come. To support this ARC will continue to undertake the following precautions:
All staff members will continue to have the offer of the flu vaccine to be reimbursed should they wish to get this shot.
Temperature checks will remain a constant requirement at all ARC locations; as well as the requirement to sign in/out.
Whilst the Queensland Government has decreased the requirement to 1 person per 2 square metres; ARC will continue to work to promote the 4 square metre rule wherever possible.
Hand sanitiser will continue to be available at all locations and to any team members who request it.
All of ARC’s team have undertaken the Aspen Online Infection Control module; however, to further support this training ARC has also invested in team members undertaking practical face to face training in infection prevention and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
ARC continues to hold a significant supply of PPE should an outbreak occur within Cairns.
We thank everyone who has been cooperative with ARC as we continue to implement these controls.
Pricing:
The NDIS have just released the updated price guide which will come into effect from the 1st of December 2020. This update is to allow for the final Equal Remuneration Order within the Social, Community Services, Home Care and Disability Support Industry Award (i.e. the regular hour of support will be moving from $54.30/hr to $55.47/hr Note: ARC does not charge the increased TTP rates). The NDIA have confirmed all plans will be increased on a pro-rata basis from this date. As ARC’s Service Agreements states, services are provided in alignment with the NDIS Price Guide. As such, there is no need to update any Service Agreements.
Christmas:
Unfortunately due to the social distancing requirements, ARC has had to make the hard decision to cancel the 2020 Christmas Disco! This has been a highlight of our social calendar since 2008! Due to the restrictions on indoor activities and the inability to dance inside we have had to cancel this event. Keep your eyes peeled in the letterbox however as ARC will send out some festive cheer; and possibly even an online surprise!
In the New Year when restrictions allow it; ARC will hold a celebratory disco for all! We look forward to being able to see everyone in person and bump elbows!
As always heading into the end of the year, a number of ARC’s services close down or slow down. Below are the details for each of the service areas:
ARC Holiday House: 22nd December 2020- 2nd January 2021
ARC Programs: 18th December 2020 - 4th January 2021
Inclusive Education & Resource Centre: 11th December 2020 - 27th January 2021
ARC Office*: 23rd December 2020 - 4th January 2021
* Note during this time, the 07 4046 3600 message bank will be monitored outside of Public Holidays and Weekends.
All other service areas please discuss with your relevant coordinator should you have an increase or decrease of support requirements over the festive season. A large portion of the team will be on Annual Leave and there will only be a skeleton team within the operations over this time.
Annual Report:
On the 2nd of November ARC was excited to present our Annual Report at the Annual General Meeting. If you would like a hard copy of this report, please don’t hesitate to call past the office or request one be sent out. An electronic copy can be found at https://spark.adobe.com/page/6GUEQ1CtLUo87/
I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has trusted ARC as a service provider over the past year. 2020 has been a year unlike any other and I personally have appreciated all who have bunkered in and weathered the storm with us. I hope are able to have a wonderful festive season, linking in with friends and family (albeit via facetime these days) and are also able to take a break, take a breath and celebrate another year gone by.
Warm Regards
Benjamin Keast – CEO
CEO@arcinc.org.au
03/07/2020
Hi All,
Can you believe we are halfway through the year, and this has been a year like no other!
This week the Queensland Government announced they were bringing their “Roadmap to recovery” forward by one week; with an easing of restrictions commencing from Friday the 3rd of July.
Within ARC however, we have reviewed our “unfreezing” of services plan and will remain on our current trajectory. This is to ensure as the service areas increase with participants and ARC’s team commence working back across locations, we remain well placed with systems to ensure we are tracking where people are; and should the need present itself; isolate and contact trace. Therefore I am excited to be sharing with you ARC’s plan for Stage Three, commencing from the 13th of July 2020.
ARC Programs will invite all Participants to return to the services. Where programs would usually engage within the local community, this will commence again – pending the location and their ability to support the engagement. All service areas will be “open”.
ARC Holiday House will re-engage as it was prior to COVID-19. The house will be able to support up to four guests an evening, with a fifth space in emergencies. ARC will also look to increase those who may wish to stay at the Duplex for 1:1 Short Term Accommodation stays.
All Other Services within ARC will be operating as usual. ARC’s Cancellation Policy will re-engage from the 13th of July and has been updated to reflect the changes within the NDIA Price Guide. With the exception of changing the requirement to provide 5 days’ notice of cancellation; to only requiring to notify ARC by 3pm the day prior (for all services besides Programs which has updated to the “12 week program” agreement).
Pricing of services will shift in line with the NDIA Price Guide and ARC’s Service Agreement. ARC will no longer be delivering services with the 10% COVID-19 loading; and move to the 2020-2021 NDIA price limits (i.e. the regular hour of support will be moving from $58.14/hr to $54.30/hr Note: ARC does not charge the increased TTP rates). As ARC’s Service Agreements states the alignment with the NDIS Price Guide. As such, there is no need to update any Service Agreements.
ARC’s Team will no longer be working within isolated team areas. ARC holds “real time” information via our CMS which details where team members have worked, which will assist us should the requirement to support contact tracing present itself.
In the new world we are living in, some practices will remain. These include:
- The requirement to stay home if symptoms of illness are present. An additional requirement may be to undertake a COVID test – Please disucss with your doctor.
- Sanitisation stations will remain a constant feature at all locations, along with the recommendation to regularly wash our hands.
- Temperature checks when arriving at ARC locations; along with the requirement to sign in/out.
- Social distancing requirements will impact the number of Participants/Team members within different locations.
- Team members are offered for the Flu Shot to be subsidised via ARC should they wish to obtain this.
Should you wish to clarify anything regarding the delivery of ARC’s serivces, or the move to stage three; please don’t hesitate to speak with anyone within the Coordination of Management team of ARC.
I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to everyone for your patience during the past four months.
Kind Regards
Benjamin Keast – CEO
CEO@arcinc.org.au
24/06/2020
Hi All,
ARC has spent the first part of 2020 navigating the provision of services in response to the COVID19 requirements. This has had an impact on us all with restrictions in social distancing, isolation requirements, and the requirement to close down/slow down some services.
Thankfully, to date Queensland has been able to avoid the worst of the pandemic and we are starting to move towards what is called the “new normal”. That is, services provided with social distancing considerations engrained. Increased cleaning/sanitising and a hyper-vigilant awareness of ensuring we remain home when we show symptoms of illness.
Over this period ARC has worked hard to ensure the participants of the organisation continued to receive the services they required, keep connected with friends and family and remain safe. As we look towards July and the next phase in the “Roadmap to Recovery”, this will be the largest shift in operations to bring back as many partipcants and team members to regular service provision. Additional to this challenge, ARC has had over 40 referrals to our Bridging and Linking Program since it was announced this service would operate for an additional twelve months.
To ensure we are able to provide the best possible service through this transition period. ARC has made the difficult decision that as an organisation no new referrals will be accepted for the month of July. This will allow us to ensure a smooth transition to stage three service provision; and work to increase our capacity to provide additional services come August.
We would like to say Thank You to everyone for their understanding and cooperation over the past few months as we have navigated this global pandemic.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you would like to provide any feedback as to how ARC has operated during this time, or if you have any suggestions for considerations into the future.
Kind Regards
Benjamin Keast
CEO
ARC Disability Services Inc
01/06/2020
COVID 19 Update #8
Hi All,
Planning for COVID19 has been occurring for a number of weeks/months now. It is exciting we are starting to see the other end of our planning – the return to services. Services will never be the same again as recommendations for Social Distancing, Temperature checks, Sanitiser stations and the importance of staying home/getting tested when displaying symptoms of illness will remain. However, we are excited that other areas of ARC’s services are returning to “Business As Usual” incorporating the new requirements.
Yesterday the Queensland Government announced their plan to bring forward stage 2 of their “Roadmap to recovery”. In turn, ARC is thrilled we are able to bring forward our second stage of increased services. From the 8th of June the following increases in services will be occurring:
• ARC Programs will increase location based services to 18 participants per day. Programs offered will be an abridged version from what would usually occur, with no transport between sites or to external locations. ARC will maintain records of all who are attending to support any contact tracing if it is required. Limited ‘to and from’ Programs transport will be offered, with the vehicles getting sanitised between trips. A risk assessment is currently being undertaken regarding the Studio and the Café and ARC will contact those who would regularly attend both these locations individually.
• ARC Holiday House will increase the number of guests per night to three. Gaps will be scheduled between guests to ensure the rooms can be sanitised. Transport will be limited to allow for the van to be sanitised between trips; and arrival meetings will be held within the undercover space at the house.
Additional to these increases in services, ARC has also taken this time to review some of our practices, and ways to improve the services we offer. ARC will be updating our Service Agreements within the areas of Direct Supports and Plan Management to be open ended agreements. This will decrease the requirement to get paperwork signed as frequently; and ensure a greater continuity of services as participants’ transition NDIA plans. The terms of these agreements will also be decreased from 28 days’ notice to 14 days’ notice should anyone wish to cease services with ARC*.
Please stay safe and I look forward to sharing with you ARC’s next update.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
ceo@arcinc.org.au
* Does not include SILS Service Agreements.
14/05/2020
COVID-19 “Coronavirus” Update #7🌟
Hi All,
We are excited to bring you ARC’s Coronavirus Update number seven, as we are now looking towards the future and our ability to slowly increase service provision. Specifically within ARC’s Programs and ARC’s Holiday House. Whilst these proposed increase in service provision is aligned with the Queensland Governments “Roadmap to recover” it’s important to note however, ARC remains responsive to the recommendations of the health professionals and Government. Should an increase in COVID19 cases become prominent; ARC maybe required to scale back down services. We will continue to communicate that with everyone should that situation occur.
I have included two documents detailing ARC’s plans for both services should you wish to review in more detail; however an executive summary of both services are as follows:
ARC Programs will commence providing location based programs from Monday the 18th of May. This will be limited to nine places per location. The Programs Team will already have commenced making contact with all participants. This will increase to 18 participants per location after four weeks. Programs offered will be an abridged version from what would usually occur, with no transport between sites or to external locations.
ARC Holiday House will commence providing Short Term Accommodation from Monday the 25th of May. Initially this will be limited to only two participants per night. The aim will be to increase this to three participants after three weeks, in line with the Queensland Government Recommendations.
All other COVID Safe requirements remain across the organisation. These include:
🌟 The requirement to get a temperature check on arrival.
🌟 Social distancing is to be promoted whenever possible.
🌟 Those who are displaying symptoms of illness will be required to remain home.
🌟 All areas are cleaned regularly.
Please stay safe and I look forward to sharing with you ARC’s next update.
Kind Regards
Benjamin Keast – CEO
ARC Programs
COVID19 “Return to regular Programing” plan:
ARC has been revising our provision of services on a daily basis in response to Government recommendations and regulations. Aligning with the Queensland Government’s “Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions” ARC will work to increase service provision. ARC Programs will undertake an assessment with all Participants as to who is required to access the group programs initially. This will have a focus specifically for participants who have “essential workers” as their primary care givers at home. This will then extend out to those who are socially isolated; then open up to participants living with their families/independently in the community; and finally Participants living within Supported Independent Living environments. Participants who require special consideration to be prioritised to the access of services should make contact with ARC’s General Manager of Programs.
At all times Participants and Staff who are demonstrating any signs of illness will be required to remain at home. To support this, for ARC Programs, ARC will continue to not penalise anyone with cancellations fees until the end of July 2020. Should any Staff or Participant present at ARC Programs with any signs of illness; they will be required to return home immediately. ARC reserves the right to request a medical clearance in these instances.
All plans developed in the “unfreezing” of services are devised based on the information available at the time. Should a Community Outbreak occur, or the advice of the Queensland Government change, ARC will have to make the appropriate service changes with minimal notice. This will be communicated with all effected parties as soon as practicable.
To promote a healthy and safe environment for all, ARC will undertake the following proactive approaches:
- Temperature checks of all Participants and Staff before commencement of programs on a daily basis. Anyone with a temperature over 37.5 degrees will be required to return home, and recommended to seek medical advice.
- Regular cleaning of all areas throughout the day.
- Regular prompting of washing hands for all Staff and Participants.
- Hand sanitiser will be available at all locations within close proximity to entrances.
- Social distancing will be enforced within all Program Areas. (Note: some support activities require staff to support participants within close proximity i.e. – personal care. In these instances a risk assessment will be undertaken by the staff member and additional support will be provided by the Service Coordinator if required. PPE will be available to provide additional protection for both Staff and Participant)
- ARC Programs will re-open in a revised face to face option. Staff will be rostered on based on the group requirements, plus the provision for additional cleaning requirements.
- No more than 9 Participants at any of ARC’s locations – Hub, Community Hub, ARC51.
- Due to the communal nature of the ARC Studio – this location will remain “closed”.
- Programs will be offered in an “abridged” version within these locations.
- No travel between locations.
- No transport will be available to or from Programs.
- Staff will be rostered on in core locations to further support the “isolation” of teams and ensure any risk of outbreak can be contained locally.
- The ARC Café will remain closed at this time.
- ARC Programs Online will remain in its current state dependent on demand.
- ARC Programs will remain in a revised face to face option. Staff will be rostered on based on the group requirements, plus the provision for additional cleaning requirements.
- No more than 18 Participants at any of ARC’s locations – Hub, Community Hub, ARC51.
- The use of the art studio will be reviewed; however a decision will be made closer to this date dependent on a Risk Assessment. If programs are able to commence from this location, it will have no more than 4 Participants on commencement to support Social Distancing.
- The ARC Café will be reviewed – Take away options may be considered.
- Programs will be offered in an “abridged” version within these locations.
- No travel between locations.
- Transport will be reviewed and risk assessment undertaken, if an acceptable risk, transport may commence to or from Programs.
- Staff will be rostered on in core locations to further support the “isolation” of teams and ensure any risk of outbreak can be contained locally.
- ARC Programs Online will remain in its current state dependent on demand.
- ARC Programs will return to face to face. Staff will be rostered on based on the group requirements, plus the provision for additional cleaning requirements.
- All of ARC’s locations will be utilised in the delivery of services.
- Social distancing will continue to be promoted.
- Regular programs will commence in all locations
- Travel to locations will commence, including to local program areas (i.e. Pool, Gym etc.)
- Transport will be available to and from programs; however recommendations would be for participants to source independent travel options.
- ARC Café will reopen.
- Staff will be rostered on based on needs of services and staff skillsets.
- ARC Programs Online will be revised and possibly discontinued; or offered to those further than ARC’s current geographical area.
1/05/2020
⭐
Hi All,
As we are on the eve of Queensland’s “relaxing of social distancing rules” I felt I should share with you ARC’s understanding on what this means for our services. It is important that we all remain committed to the requirements of these rules, as this is what protects all of us from contributing to the spread of the virus; and hopefully the elimination of it within our Community.
From Saturday the 2nd of May, ARC’s team can assist participants in accessing the community for essential goods/services, plus if the participant would like to access the community for recreational purposes. (Social walk, picnic, non-essential shopping etc.). This still needs to occur within 50Kms of the Participants home; and where possible, the 1.5m social distancing is still required.
For Participants living within ARC’s Supported Independent Living Services, the Queensland Government have confirmed that Participants Families are able to visit them within the SIL House, however cannot be more than 2 family members at a time; and should discuss the visit with the service prior to ensure no other housemates have visitors at the same time. The support staff rostered on do not count towards the restriction of two visitors within a household.
Some of the existing recommendations remain common practice within ARC. These include:
- ⭐ The requirement to stay home and self-isolate if you are unwell
- ⭐ The requirement to wash/sanitise your hands regularly
The Board of ARC have also approved to reimburse the cost of any of ARC’s staff members who wish to get the Flu Shot this year.
All other restrictions to services continue to apply. ARC will continue to monitor the recommendations and advice given by the Government in regards to COVID 19 and are looking forward to increasing the provision of services as further restrictions are lifted.
Please stay safe and I look forward to sharing with you ARC’s next update.
Kind Regards,
Benjamin Keast – CEO
ceo@arcinc.org.au
21/04/2020
Good Morning,
Today I am writing to you, to once again update you on ARC’s provision of services within the current COVID19 landscape we are all living in. Primarily regarding ARC’s Group Programs and Holiday House. At this time, ARC is looking to extend our period of “no onsite group programs” until the middle of May. This is up until and including Sunday the 17th of May. We will assess the recommendations of the Australian Government during the week of the 6th of May and share with you should there be any additional changes to services.
I will also take this opportunity to share with you a breakdown of all of ARC’s services and how they are currently operating;
Coordination of Supports
• The team are continuing to work 50% within the office and 50% remotely
• Meetings are being undertaken via telephone or other electronic means
• In extenuating circumstances meetings may be able to undertake be undertaken face to face; however good hygiene practices will be followed and physical distancing will be implemented
• The team will continue to work closely with all participants and stakeholders
Plan Management
• The team will be working isolated within the ARC office
• All communication will be undertaken electronically
• The team will continue to operate as usual, prioritising payments to vendors to support all business (dependant on NDIA payments)
Programs
• Physical face to face group programs are currently shut down until there is a lift within social distancing laws. ARC continues to review the advise and recommendations from the Australian and Queensland Governments regarding this and look forward to re-opening the services when this is possible.
• The Programs operational team continue to work from isolation within the ARC locations.
• Online group programs are occuring Monday – Friday for participants wishing to continue to join in with these opportunities. These are an extension of the existing group programs and are provided from within participants NDIA packages. If you wish to participant in these programs, please contact the ARC Programs team on (07) 4046 3600 or at programs@arcinc.org.au
• A closed ARC Online Facebook group has also been created for program participants who may not wish to join in the online programs, but remain connected with their peers. Please make contact with us at ARC if you would like to be included in this group.
• Any Programs participants who may wish to receive services in-home or to engage in essential services during this period, please make contact with the Programs team who will be able to assist link you with this service.Direct Services
• The Coordination team are working 50% within the office and 50% remotely
• The Coordination team are contactable electronically and can follow up with phone calls.
• Direct services which are required to continue will be discussed with each participant and their families/support networks.
• Safe hygiene practices and physical distancing considerations will continue to be required for all supports
• Supports will primarily be “in home” unless the access to community is in response to a need (i.e. assistance to attend the grocery store or a medical appointment)
• Supports are not to occur if a Participant, or someone within their household are displaying symptoms of COVID19 (fever, cough etc.)
Supported Independent Living
• The Coordination team are working 50% within the office and 50% remotely
• The Coordination team are contactable electronically and can follow up with phone calls.
• Safe hygiene practices and physical distancing considerations will continue to be required for all supports
• Supports will primarily be “in home” unless the access to community is in response to a need (i.e. assistance to attend the grocery store or a medical appointment)
• PPE kits have been provided to all SIL’s arrangements to ensure any risk of outbreak can be contained swiftly staff/participants are safe.
• The SIL rosters have been swapped around to ensure a core team of workers operate within a sole arrangement to further isolate any risk of outbreak.
• Contactless thermometers are in the process of being procured. Once they arrive, anyone who enters a SIL house will be required to have their temperature taken. Anyone who are displaying symptoms of COVID19 will not be able to enter the house. This is to ensure the health and wellbeing of all.
Holiday House and Short Term Accommodation
• The coordinator will maintain working from the office at the ARC Holiday House
• The Holiday House is currently closed for any group bookings
• The Holiday House is available for emergency 1:1 Short Term Accommodation requests
• This will remain in effect as per the Social Distancing Laws.
Inclusive Education Resource Centre
• The Service will be liaising with all local Schools regarding how they can best be supported during term two.
• The Coordinator will be working isolated within the service during term two cataloguing new equipment and will be reviewing any possible methods of outreach services.
ARC Operational
• The organisation will continue to operate in a combination of office based/home based and isolation based workers. This will continue to be monitored to ensure the service provision can continue where required; and the safety and wellbeing of all is paramount.
• Visitors to the office has now closed unless special considerations are required.
• Safe hygiene practices are followed including physical distancing.
ARC is committed to ensuring all participants are able to receive the services/supports they require during this time; within the available means. If you wish to discuss your own personal circumstance with us, please don’t hesitate to be in contact on 07 4046 3600 or at info@arcinc.org.au .
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time as we continue to evolve and navigate how to provide quality services, whilst ensuring the health and wellbeing of all is considered. We look forward to when we are able to provide our entire scope of services.
Until the next update….
Benjamin Keast – CEO
ceo@arcinc.org.au
(07) 4046 3600
31/03/2020
Hi All,
Happy Tuesday, I hope you are all keeping safe and well during these unprecedented times.
Today I am writing to you, to once again update you on the actions regarding ARC’s service provision as the landscape is ever changing.
- The NDIA has implemented a temporary price increase from the 25th of March on some support items. These include:
- Assistance with Daily Life (Excluding Supported Independent Living)
- Assistance with Social and Community Participation
- Improved Health and Wellbeing (excluding personal training)
- Improved Daily Living Skills
- The NDIA have also change their cancellation policy to state organisations are able to charge 100% of the planned services when less than two weeks’ notice has not been provided. At this point ARC is maintaining our stance that there will be no penalties incurred for any cancellations at this time. Our regular policy of 90% when a cancellation is not made by 3pm the day prior will come back into effect in May; however at this time, we would prefer to encourage those who are displaying symptoms of illness; or wish to self-isolate have the ability to with no penalties ensured.
- Lastly the NDIA have added support coordination items under “core supports”. This is to ensure those who require this additional levels of supports at this time, have access to these services. If you would like additional support within this space, please contact your Coordinator within the organisation and express this to them. They will follow up accordingly to ensure you receive this service.
- As per the updated recommendations to promote greater physical distancing, ARC has had to make the hard decision to stop providing the services within the ARC Holiday House. Drew is following up with all participants this may effect. We are hoping, like with the group programs, this is only for the month of April; however we will continue to review based on the advice and recommendations of the professionals. Also we realise during this time emergencies arise, so if you have specific circumstances where you may require 1:1 Short Term Accommodation; please contact the ARC Holiday House on 07 4053 6136 and discuss this with Drew.
All other service updates remain the same as detailed last week. The operational team are continuing to work on a rotation with 50% in the office and 50% from home to ensure ARC’s services are able to be maintained where required. Supports are now provided primarily within a participant’s home; with only essential community access supports as identified. Physical distancing will remain a high priority, as is promoting safe hygiene practices.
We are always looking for more ways to promote our connective-ness. Please feel free to reach out with any suggestions in this space. I believe when life is able to resume and social gathering are allowed again ARC has committed to hosting a celebratory disco!
Until the next update….
Ben
Benjamin Keast | CEO
P: 07 4046 3602 | E: Benjamin.keast@arcinc.org.au
W: www.arcinc.org.au
Postal: PO Box 942N, North Cairns, QLD, 4870
Office: 92 Little St, Manunda, 4870
COLLABORATION | COMMITMENT | CREATIVITY | DIVERSITY | EMPOWERMENT | FLEXIBILITY | RESPECT | FUN
25.03.2020
Hello to all ARC stakeholders, participants, families , staff and community members,
COVID-19 continues to change the world in which we live. Last night Australia’s Prime Minister again addressed the nation and gave further instruction regarding services which need to pause at this time; and an instruction regarding the need to increase our physical distancing. This is for us all to work in decreasing the spread of the COVID19 virus; and protecting those who are most vulnerable.
In response to this, ARC has again been required to review our service provision to ensure we are operating within the guidelines outlined by the Australian Government. To ensure ARC is achieving this the following service areas are going to be impacted in the following way:
Coordination of Supports
The team will be working 50% within the office and 50% remotely
Meetings will be undertaken via telephone or other electronic means
In extenuating circumstances the Coordination of Support may be able to undertake a face to face meeting; however good hygiene practices will be followed and physical distancing will be implemented
The team will continue to work closely with all participants and stakeholders
Plan Management
- The team will be working 50% within the office and 50% remotely
- All communication will be undertaken electronically
- The team will continue to operate as usual, prioritising payments to vendors to support all business (dependant on NDIA payments)
Programs
- Following social distancing rules and the requirements to not have more than 10 people within specific locations, ARC is going to have to stop the programs as they currently stand. At this time this will be until the end of April; however will be reviewed based on the recommendations from the Australian Government during this time. This will occur from Monday 30 March 2020
- Should any participant who currently access Programs, require services , please discuss this with the Programs Team or your Coordinator of Supports to see what options maybe available to ensure the support needs are met.
- Programs can be contacted by email on programs@arcinc.org.au or the programs manager/coordinator via office.
- The Coordination team will be working 50% within the office and 50% remotely
- The Coordination team will be contactable electronically and can follow up with phone calls.
- Direct services which are required to continue will be discussed with each participant and their families/support networks.
- Safe hygiene practices and physical distancing considerations will continue to be required for all supports
- Supports will primarily be “in home” unless the access to community is in response to a need (i.e. assistance to attend the grocery store or a medical appointment)
Supported Independent Living
- The Coordination team will be working 50% within the office and 50% remotely
- The Coordination team will be contactable electronically and can follow up with phone calls.
- Safe hygiene practices and physical distancing considerations will continue to be required for all supports
- Supports will primarily be “in home” unless the access to community is in response to a need (i.e. assistance to attend the grocery store or a medical appointment)
- The coordinator will maintain working from their office at the ARC Holiday House
- Guest numbers have been reduced to support social distancing within the house
- Safe hygiene practices and physical distancing considerations will continue to be required for all supports in the house
- Changes will be implemented in line with recommendations from authorities
Inclusive Education Resource Centre
- The Service has been suspended until Term 2 and will be closed for access and borrowing. This will be reviewed in line with recommendations from schools.
ARC Operational
- The organisation will commence operations in a combination of 50% in the office and 50% from home. This will continue to be monitored to ensure the service provision can continue where required; and the safety and wellbeing is paramount.
- Visitors to the office has now closed unless special considerations are required.
- Safe hygiene practices are followed including physical distancing.
As always ARC is working hard to remain on top of this ever changing environment. Please don’t hesitate to be in contact if you have any questions, or wish to discuss any personal circumstances relating to your services at ARC.
We look forward to working with everyone to assist in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and are looking forward to when services can return to the regular scheduled programs.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Kind Regards
Ben Keast
CEO, ARC Disability Services Inc.
23.03.2020
Hi,
I wrote to you two weeks ago regarding COVID-19 and ARC’s preparations/recommendations regarding ensuring a safe and healthy service for all participants and staff. I am writing to you today to share ARC’s update on this serious situation;
- ARC continues to ensure we are following the recommended advice from the World Health Organisation, The Department of Health and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
- ARC has increased the staffing within locations to increase the frequency of sanitizing procedures throughout the day. This has been implemented within our office; all program areas; the Holiday House as well as any of ARC’s Supported Independent Living Arrangements.
- ARCs team will be undertaking the Department of Health “Infection Control Training – COVID 19” over the coming week to ensure all team members are up to date with best practices in infection control. (if you are interested: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-information)
- ARC’s team are in constant communication with the office and in instances where there is a potential risk of exposure (i.e. overseas travel) are undertaking self-isolation practices as per recommendations.
- All team members and service participants who displays symptoms of illness are requested to remain home until the symptoms have passed and a clearance is provided. To further promote best practice within in this area, ARC has made the decision to wave any obligations under the cancellations policy until the end of April.
- ARC has created an “infectious disease and emergency health management policy” as well as reviewing our business continuity plan to ensure essential services are able to be maintained, should the requirement to scale down to essential services only occur. If this becomes a directive, someone from ARC would be in contact to discuss what this means for each of ARC’s participants personally.
- To assist with potential impacts within the local economy, ARC is working hard to ensure where possible all creditor payments are executed within 7 days; and purchases are undertaken from local and domestic suppliers.
- ARC is supporting all participants in safe hygiene practices and implementing social distancing whilst on supports. Easy guide which assist with this have been distributed throughout the organisation.
I would like to also remind everyone that under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, you are in control of your own service provision. If you would like to make alterations to the services you are receiving to further decrease any potential risk, please don’t hesitate to contact the ARC office to discuss further. Where we are able to assist, we will.
ARC will continue to keep you up to date with any information as it comes available. This will be done via email and ARC will look to utilize our social media platforms when possible. Should you have any concerns regarding ARC’s services during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 07 4046 3600 or at CEO@arcinc.org.au.
Kind Regards
Benjamin Keast
CEO, ARC Disability Services Inc.
P: 07 4046 3600 | E: CEO@arcinc.org.au
W: www.arcinc.org.au
Postal: PO Box 942N, North Cairns, QLD, 4870
Office: 92 Little St, Manunda, 4870
COLLABORATION | COMMITMENT | CREATIVITY | DIVERSITY | EMPOWERMENT | FLEXIBILITY | RESPECT | FUN