It is embarrassing to say as a Leetonian that there are so many people in our town doing such amazing work that most of us are not even aware of. Case in point, this week Jodie Ryan (aka Jodie Skewes) and her partner Michael O’Bree visited us on Thursday night and gave us an insight into what they do for our communities under the banner of My Plan Connect. The story of My Plan Connect Pty Ltd started in 2020 when Jodie Ryan and Michael O’Bree identified a gap in the services provided in communities for people with disabilities. Having their own loved ones with NDIS plans and knowing some of the challenges, they decided that they could provide an alternative service to the traditional care method for people with disabilities in need of quality care services. They are excited to have the opportunity to assist people living with a disability to achieve their hopes and dreams and would like to help participants lead an inclusive and ordinary lifestyle. Their aim is to provide a caring, welcoming and inclusive environment for their clients to feel comfortable and free to live an “ordinary” life. “Extraordinary people looking to live ordinary lives.” Jodie Ryan was a Business Advisor for BEC Business Advice (funded by Business Connect) specialising in the NDIS. Prior to her time at the BEC Jodie ran her own successful small business delivering fire protection systems, delivered face to face training for traineeships for a private RTO and has been a consultant and mentor for an Australian apprenticeship network provider. She has also worked closely with Disability and Aged care facilities to find the best training and utilise funding and incentives. Jodie also managed a large Disability employment provider in the Riverina. Jodie has a solid understanding and is very passionate about the disability sector. The NDIS is all about Choice and Control and Jodie will do everything to ensure that this is available to all participants of the NDIS. Jodie is a strong believer that everyone is entitled to live an ordinary life and be given the opportunity to work in open and meaningful employment. Michael O’Bree was a Training Consultant with Murray Mallee Training Company with a carpentry background. He started with Murray Mallee Training Company in 2002 and was training and assessing apprentices. Michael commenced his own apprenticeship in 1980 with his father and has worked with a number of employers in the building industry in and around his home town of Swan Hill prior to commencing with Murray Mallee Training Company. Michael has a brother who has a disability and is well aware of the challenges faced by his brother in his day to day life. Michael is committed to helping and assisting people with disabilities to maximise their potential to live an ordinary and inclusive life. Some of the services provided by My Plan Connect include: - Free NDIS Consulting – explain and assist with access to the NDIS.
- Assist people living with a disability access to the community.
- Personal care within the home - daily personal care so participants genuinely feel great about the way they look and present themselves.
- Recovery coaching for mental health.
- School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) - assist school leavers with transition from school to community and work.
- Assist participants to gain independence and transition into their own home or supported living.
- Work Readiness and Employment Support for 15 years +.
- Early childhood intervention.
- After school peer support groups.
- Inclusive school holiday programs.
- Lego Therapy for all ages.
- Respite home providing short term accommodation and adventures (Valencia Place).
- Supported Holidays.
- Disability related Health supports – makes life easier by giving access to nursing support in participants own home.
- Assistance with household tasks – from changing the bedding to vacuuming the floor, whatever is required by participants.
- Employment Support – everyone should be given the opportunity to work in meaningful, open and competitive paid employment. My Plan Connect strongly believes that is should also align with the participants aspirations, talents and abilities. My Plan Connect strives to break down barriers surrounding hiring people with a disability, and build more inclusive and diverse workplaces across the Riverina.
- SUPPORT and MENTOR – support participants with all the things they love in life.
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Graeme’s Something to Smile About
Director’s Roundup 
Stupid Silly Joke 
