Jo is standing inbetween her parents Anne and John. Anne, is standing to the left of Jo, with her hand on Jo's shoulder. John is standing on the right , leaning over Jo, playfully ruffling Anne's hair. Jo is smiling at the camera.

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Simmonne, with her twin sons Matthew and Richard standing each side of her, with their supports workers, all looking at the camera

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Meet Simmonne, Matthew and Richard

By Simmonne Dyson-Holland
In August 2023, I moved my twin adult sons, who are both challenged by Autism and intellectual difficulties, into their own private rental property.  They were assisted (daytime and nighttime) by myself and support workers. I had planned to pay our support workers with my sons’ Core funding, until my sons were approved for Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding.
I never thought that I would still be battling for SIL funding sixteen months later.  In December 2024, I was preparing for my second appeal meeting with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which was set for January 2025.
During this journey I had to unravel an obvious question: which ‘i’ was not dotted, and which ‘t’ was not crossed, to cause our funding applications to be constantly rejected?
It began with the event of ‘Phonegate’.  The original Occupational Therapist wrote in her reports, which were supporting evidence for my sons’ SIL funding applications, that each of them had a mobile phone and were able to use their mobile phone.
The NDIA interpreted this to mean that my sons did not need funding to support them with non-active sleepovers, as they would be able to use their phones in an emergency to call for help.  If they did not need a support worker to sleep over every night, then they did not need SIL funding.
The Occupational Therapist did not emphasise in her reports that my sons’ problem-solving abilities were impaired, and that their communication would further deteriorate in a stressful situation, potentially resulting in reactive behavioural issues. Teaching them to refer to a social story to assist them in an emergency was not a realistic option either.
Our Support Coordinator at that time either did not read or detect this problematic detail in the reports. Additionally, a Roster of Care (the hours of support needed daily and weekly, and the estimated cost) had not been submitted with the SIL applications. No Roster of Care in our supporting evidence meant no approval of SIL funding.
Prior to my second ART meeting, I was told that the NDIA lawyer would send me the ‘Statement of Issues’ they had, regarding my sons’ SIL applications, at least 48 hours before we met online.  Instead, the Statement of Issues was emailed to me 5 hours before our meeting.
Whilst I was in an online work meeting, trying to look like I was listening and contributing, in reality I was frantically working through the lawyer’s ‘issues’ and developing an evidence-based response to their arguments.
The outcome of the ART meeting was that I needed new supporting evidence which specifically responded to the lawyer’s Statement of Issues and which also clearly upheld my arguments.
Upon picking myself up from rock bottom, I organised meetings with our new Occupational Therapist, and our ongoing Behavioural Practitioner and Speech Pathologist.  I asked them to use the NDIA lawyer’s sentences and language from the Statement of Issues, to weave into their responses, to directly address and rebut the lawyer’s arguments.
The Behavioural Practitioner had to provide Incident Reports of my sons’ behaviour, from the time they had moved into their new house, to prove their need for daytime and nighttime support.  In contrast, he also had to report upon skills they had learned or were learning in their new house, to prove ‘value for money’, regarding the NDIS’s financial investment in my sons.  The Speech Pathologist had to concentrate on the limits of my sons’ communication and problem-solving skills.
I gave our new Occupational Therapist the mission of blowing up ‘Phonegate’, once and for all.
Prior to submitting all the new Allied Health reports to the ART, I read every word of every page of these documents.  Our new Support Coordinator was supposed to check them too.  I discovered several significant errors, one of which accidentally supported an argument used by the NDIA lawyer, instead of disputing it.
Needless to say, it has been my experience that until systemic issues are improved, factors other than the NDIS (i.e. the other service providers we rely upon) will fuel perfect storms in the lives of people with disabilities and carers.
Sam Paior (founder and director of The Growing Space), in her video entitled ‘Lousy therapist reports wreck ART!  Butler v NDIS Sept 2025’, provides the following tips.
In summary:
<ul>
<li>AI should not be relied upon by therapists to write reports.</li>
<li>All reports should be checked, and errors should be corrected.</li>
<li>Therapeutic recommendations should be based on the therapists’ face to face observation of the NDIS participant.</li>
<li>The requested supports need to be linked to NDIS recognised disabilities, not to other conditions.</li>
<li>Therapists need to show how each requested support meets the new definition of Reasonable and Necessary supports.</li>
<li>Therapists should not write reports as an Advocate of the participant. Instead, therapists need to provide their expert opinion, based on their therapeutic background</li>
</ul>
The day before my second ART meeting, I still hadn’t received the NDIA lawyer’s Statement of Issues, regarding our new supporting evidence.  I contacted the lawyer, and she responded that we would not need to meet.
For I had provided enough information and evidence.  The lawyer would be ruling that my sons should be given the SIL funding I had requested.
My Perfect Storm had eased.  For now.
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Accessibility is not always associated with glamour. But everyone deserves the chance to feel their best. That is the belief behind ByStorm Beauty, a new brand creating accessible beauty tools designed by and for people with disabilities.
Founder and CEO Storm Menzies is no stranger to the world of accessibility, both professionally and personally, but it was not until she broke her dominant hand that she experienced the full force of everyday inaccessibility.
“I have cerebral palsy that affects the right side of my body, but I didn’t feel like I lived with barriers. I am left-hand dominant, and I have just always adapted and made things work. But when I broke that hand I realised how inaccessible so much of the world is.”
Storm searched online for accessible makeup but found only one overseas result. Confused, she turned to a friend with a more severe form of cerebral palsy for advice. The response changed everything.
“She told me, ‘Storm, makeup is not made for people like us. No one thinks we are beautiful.’ I felt this mix of shame and guilt, because I&#8217;d never experienced that before. It sends the message to young girls with disability that you’re not worthy or beautiful enough to have makeup.”
Storm got to work. Reaching out to the disability community she began running surveys, hosting focus groups, and creating prototypes. What she learned surprised her.
“People didn’t actually want accessible makeup, they just wanted to use the same products as everyone else — but with a little more ease.”
She taught herself how to 3D model, bought a 3D printer, and began creating tools that could attach to existing makeup items. After years of testing and refining, ByStorm Beauty launched on 24 June.
<figure id="attachment_2825" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2825" style="width: 360px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2825 size-full" src="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2025/08/ByStorm4-e1754272254611.jpeg" alt="" width="360" height="360" srcset="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2025/08/ByStorm4-e1754272254611.jpeg 360w, https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2025/08/ByStorm4-e1754272254611-300x300.jpeg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2825" class="wp-caption-text">Pictured: Betty (L) and Margie (R)</figcaption></figure>
The first two tools in the range are:
<ul>
<li>Betty — a rounded grip for comfort and control</li>
<li>Margie — a flat, paddle-shaped grip for open-hand use or low dexterity</li>
</ul>
Both can be fitted to standard beauty items, making it easier to apply makeup in your own way.
“One woman with limb difference uses Margie by tucking it under her arm. I had designed it originally for people who can&#8217;t bend their fingers very well, like me, so it’s been great seeing people use the products for a range of different needs.”
Storm was also surprised by the support from the chronic illness community.
“I hadn’t realised how much fatigue and joint pain can affect people’s hands. It has been wonderful to hear that these tools help with that too.”
The feedback has been heartfelt. Parents have written in with gratitude, saying their daughters finally feel included. Others say they feel like themselves again for the first time in years.
“It has been emotional, in the best way. Especially after so many people told me this was a risk. There’s this extra pressure because you don’t want to become the case study for why it doesn’t work, why we’re not worth investing in. But the feedback from the community has been so overwhelming and supportive.”
From the beginning, Storm was clear that people with disability needed to be at the centre &#8211; not just in product testing, but in the visuals too.
The launch shoot featured her friend Holly, who uses a power wheelchair, alongside models Kaylin and Charlie, both of whom have cerebral palsy.
“For me, representation is the most important thing. It’s not just about making accessible products, it’s about showing that people with disability are beautiful. Because when you never see that, it sends a message.”
And Storm has big plans for inclusivity in the future of her brand.
“My dream is for ByStorm to be fully run by people with disability. We want to hire within the community, collaborate with disabled creatives, and make sure those voices are always in the decision-making seats because we just don&#8217;t see that.”
She also wants the beauty industry to do more.
“Accessibility is not an optional extra, it should be part of how things are designed from the start. That doesn’t mean creating a separate ‘disability range’. It means integrating inclusivity and making products that everyone can use with confidence.
I want to see the beauty industry take that next bold step: make inclusivity the standard, not the exception. Beauty should never be about fitting into a mould; it should be about celebrating who you are &#8211; unapologetically and effortlessly.”
You can find out more about ByStorm Beauty and shop the range of products on their website: <a href="https://bystormbeauty.com/">https://bystormbeauty.com/</a>
*Responses have been edited for length/clarity.
Images Supplied by ByStorm

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Story of CS

By Jane Morrell, Founder of Carer Solutions
As we celebrate Carers Week, I find myself reflecting on the journey that led me to create Carer Solutions. While some may be familiar with our story, I want to take this opportunity to delve deeper into the experiences and that have shaped who we are today.
Fifteen years ago, I was working for a disability provider, tasked with setting up information initiatives and community days for individuals living with disabilities and their families. During these events, I often engaged in informal conversations with Carers (primarily single parents and grandparents) who were often overwhelmed and burnt out.
Their stories revealed a distressing reality regarding Providers at the time. There was no choice, and many received Support Workers who didn’t meet their specific needs, who struggled to complete essential tasks, or who simply didn’t show up at all. Others, due to their geographic location, lacked access to the support they desperately required.
What struck me most was the profound sense of frustration and exhaustion these Carers expressed. They felt unheard, and some had lost trust in the disability system, choosing to forgo support entirely. I remember thinking, “How can we live in such a progressive country and allow this to happen?”. It ignited within me a strong sense of responsibility to respond.
I spent my evenings and weekends researching and developing a business plan with the objective of supporting these Carers. This initial concept, rooted in a simple payroll idea, aimed to give them the option to employ their own chosen workers.
However, when I presented my ideas to the board of my organisation, I was met with resistance and a flat “no”. I was told to “stay in my lane” and reminded of the stark reality that they were funded to “provide support and information” and had no appetite for expanding beyond that. What about really helping people that needed it though?  What about providing people with precisely what they needed? Surely, we cared that much?!
<figure id="attachment_449" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-449" style="width: 284px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-449" src="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2022/01/Jane-Jenna.jpeg" alt="Jan" width="284" height="340" srcset="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2022/01/Jane-Jenna.jpeg 857w, https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2022/01/Jane-Jenna-501x600.jpeg 501w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 284px) 100vw, 284px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449" class="wp-caption-text">On the road in my beloved Kia Rio</figcaption></figure>
The journey home that night was an emotional rollercoaster; I felt angry, disheartened, and utterly compelled by the voices of the Carers I had met. I knew I couldn’t ignore this, so the following week, I resigned.
To truly understand the challenges families faced, I spent the following two years meeting as many Carers as possible. Each conversation shaped my ideas, ensuring that the solution I aimed to create, aligned with their needs. I drove thousands of kilometres across Australia to listen, learn, and refine my approach.
The early years of building Carer Solutions were challenging. Every time I met with peers or stakeholders in the disability sector, I felt the weight of their scrutiny. Change is not always welcomed in our sector, and I often faced comments like, &#8216;You’re dreaming—this is too hard.&#8217; Perhaps I had youth on my side, as 31-year-old me remained undeterred, confident that I was on the right path.
<figure id="attachment_447" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-447" style="width: 270px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-447" src="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2022/01/Jane-2012-April-CAREX-Expo-2.jpeg" alt="Jane at CAREX Expo 2012" width="270" height="360" srcset="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2022/01/Jane-2012-April-CAREX-Expo-2.jpeg 1224w, https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2022/01/Jane-2012-April-CAREX-Expo-2-450x600.jpeg 450w, https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2022/01/Jane-2012-April-CAREX-Expo-2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2022/01/Jane-2012-April-CAREX-Expo-2-900x1200.jpeg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 270px) 100vw, 270px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-447" class="wp-caption-text">At my first expo in 2012</figcaption></figure>
Through countless reviews of ever-changing legislation and thousands of hours spent working with legal experts, we pioneered a solution that redefined compliance in the sector. By collaborating with regulatory bodies, including the ATO, WorkSafe, insurance brokers, and the NDIA, we were finally able to create a framework that truly supported Carers and their families.
Fast forward 13 years, and our Direct Employ Service has evolved into a solution for thousands of Australians. The success stories we hear daily validate the blood, sweat, and tears invested in this journey.
<figure id="attachment_1305" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1305" style="width: 282px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1305 " src="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7261.jpg" alt="The Page Family" width="282" height="188" srcset="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7261.jpg 862w, https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7261-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 282px) 100vw, 282px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1305" class="wp-caption-text">John, Anne, Jo and Wendy</figcaption></figure>
Take, for example, the beautiful Page family from Birchip &#8211; a small, remote community with a population of just 800. As a couple in their 70s, Anne and John became concerned about how their daughter would be supported. After noticing Jo’s strong connection with Wendy from the post office, they were able to ask the simple question: ‘Would you consider being Jo’s Support Worker?’
<figure id="attachment_2320" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2320" style="width: 272px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2320 " src="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2024/07/Jane-Veronica-and-Janita.png" alt="Veronica is wearing a pink top and is seated on the right in a wheelchair. Janita is seated to her left and is wearing a blue tshirt. Jane is standing up between them both." width="272" height="181" srcset="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2024/07/Jane-Veronica-and-Janita.png 1080w, https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2024/07/Jane-Veronica-and-Janita-600x400.png 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 272px) 100vw, 272px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2320" class="wp-caption-text">My trip to Millingimbi to meet Janita and Veronica</figcaption></figure>
Then there’s Veronica from Millingimbi, a remote island community of around 1,400 people, where English isn’t even a second language. Veronica’s need for culturally appropriate support was critical, but she often received FIFO (Fly in fly out) workers from overseas who didn’t understand her customs or language. This led to burnout for her sister, Janita, who juggled a full-time job while also caring for their elderly mother. Through our Direct Employ model, Veronica has now employed someone local from her clan, allowing her to receive dignified support on her own terms.
As we look to the future, the conversations I had over 15 years ago remain at the core of everything we do. To all the Carers I’ve met over the years, thank you for being part of this incredible journey &#8211; I couldn’t have done it without you, and I salute you for the selfless work you perform, every single day. It’s a privilege to support you in the work you do for others – the most important work of all.

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Jane is standing in between two First nations men. Everyon is looking and smiling at the laptop which is sitting on a wooden outdoor table.

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Jane computer

With over 50 per cent of First Nations people living in regional and remote areas, access to the right disability Support Workers is becoming increasingly challenging.
Due to the growing Support Worker shortage in these communities, the Carer Solutions team have been working hard to advocate on behalf of First Nations participants, to ensure they can access culturally appropriate support, regardless of where they live.
Last year our team travelled to Milingimbi (also known as Yurrwi) which is approximately 500km off the coast of Central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. We made the long journey to onboard NDIS participant Veronica, to our Direct Employ service.
Our unique service has enabled Veronica who is living with cerebral palsy, to directly employ Janita, a member of her Yolngu clan, as her Support Worker.
With Milingimbi having a population of around 1,400 people, where English isn’t even a first or second language, it was extremely important for Veronica to receive culturally appropriate support from someone she trusted and who understood her cultural needs.
She had previously been sent support workers from overseas who didn’t speak her language or respect her cultural values. A family member had to provide unpaid support which resulted in carer burnout. When Veronica’s family carer was unavailable, it meant that Veronica went without support altogether.
After hearing about Veronica’s situation, our Founder and CEO, Jane Morrell knew that Carer Solutions’ Direct Employ service was the solution Veronica so desperately needed.
“We were approached by The Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation when they heard about our Direct Employ model. Finally, they had an option which enabled Veronica to directly employ someone from within her own clan and receive dignified support from someone she was comfortable with,” Jane explains.
This meant that Veronica could finally receive culturally appropriate support from someone she already had a connection with. It also provided much needed relief to Veronica’s family member who had taken on the role of her unpaid carer for far too long.
<blockquote>“We are delighted that our unique service model and our extensive relationships with government and on-the-ground health providers made this happen, but it needs to happen more.”</blockquote>
Jane says giving individuals like Veronica and their families choice and control over who works with them, needs to become the “norm, not the exception”.
“I am excited to see what impact our Direct Employ service can continue to make across Australia – especially in regional and remote communities, where they urgently need access to innovative services like ours.”
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Veronica is wearing a pink top and is seated on the right in a wheelchair. Janita is seated to her left and is wearing a blue tshirt. Jane is standing up between them both.

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Jane Veronica and Janita

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Angela and Tiffany

Angela, Tiffany and Sophia are al standing in a skating rink, smiling and looking at the camera.

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Sophia Tiffany and Angela

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It’s fair to say that most of us love music festivals. Equally fair to say is that not all music festivals are accessible to those living with disability.
So, if we all love going to live gigs, then why is it still so difficult for everyone to fully experience them?
Dina Bassile is the founder of <a href="https://www.tibiaccess.com/">Tibi Access</a>, the team behind Taylor Swift’s recent Australian tour and the producer of Groove Tunes, a fully accessible and all-inclusive night of live music.
Dina uses a wheelchair and has lived experience of the gaps that exist in the Australian music industry, and that is what drove her to create Groove Tunes. Now in its third year taking, Groove Tunes is place again at the iconic Corner Hotel on May 18.
<blockquote>“Groove Tunes was created over three years ago with the intention of filling a gap in the live music scene by providing an inclusive environment where people of all abilities can come together and enjoy music without barriers.“</blockquote>
Dina explains her team recognised the lack of accessibility in many festivals and were motivated to create a space where everyone, regardless of their abilities could fully participate and enjoy the experience.
Artists with disability also feature prominently on the line-up, including soul artist and disability advocate Miss Emilia, who uses her music to tell her story of being a chronically ill and disabled woman.
When asked how she would describe her style of music, she says; “It’s like you and I are sharing a warm cuppa on a sunny Sunday afternoon, talking about life, being in the moment. My new music is an outpour from the heart, and I&#8217;m finally ready to share my story.”
Miss Emelia acknowledges that the music industry, as well as also society, has quite a long while to go before life here is truly accessible.
“Most of the time unless asked, venues and bookers will assume if you&#8217;re a musician &#8211; you&#8217;re able bodied. This is in part due to the lifestyle of performing with late nights, very sensory overloading spaces, the social interpersonal nature of the industry and with a lot of venues, due to council restrictions and the likes, not being able to be accessible.”
Miss Emelia says Tibi Access and gigs like Groove Tunes are the changemakers who are driving the industry forward into a more safe and accessible industry.
<blockquote>“Groove Tunes is very special for me since it&#8217;s a fully accessible festival, and since it&#8217;s run and featuring disabled people, I am so grateful to be a part of it and feel supported by the whole team! Not to mention the amazing line-up, and playing at the Corner which is a dream. “</blockquote>
Looking into the future, Dina says the team hope to continue expanding and evolving the festival, reaching an even wider audience and setting new standards for accessibility in the entertainment industry.
“We aim to foster a sense of community and empowerment among attendees, while also advocating for greater accessibility in all aspects of society. Ultimately, we aspire for Groove Tunes to serve as a model for inclusivity and inspire other events to prioritise accessibility.”
Tickets to Groove Tunes are on sale now, with free entry for companion cardholders. Grab them <a href="https://www.groovetunes.com.au/">here</a>.
(Images supplied)
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Community Stories

How the Page family sourced support in regional Victoria

My Perfect Storm: ‘Phonegate’, the NDIS, the ART and me

Carer Solutions on the Road – May, June & July

ByStorm: the new name in accessible beauty

From insight to action: how Carers inspired Carer Solutions

Planning an overseas holiday with your Support Worker

First Nations participant receives life-changing disability support

‘One of a kind’ service enabled Sophia to handpick Tiffany’s Support Workers

Isabella and her Support Worker Janet ‘clicked straight away’

Blade’s Support Worker was the big brother figure he needed

The inclusive music festival paving the way for a fully accessible future