Not everyone is familiar with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This was an important government-funded initiative created and passed through legislation in 2013 to provide support and assistance to people with disabilities right across Australia.
One of the keys to the NDIS is early intervention, which aims to provide support and assistance to children with disabilities in their early years.
A critical component of the scheme is the NDIS early childhood intervention. Providing children with the resources and support they need to reach their full potential is vital.
The NDIS can provide funding for a wide range of early childhood intervention services; this includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.
The goal of these initiatives is to provide children with the skills and support they need to develop their cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Children with disabilities can learn to develop their motor skills, discover how to communicate effectively and learn how to interact with others.
The NDIS design
The design of the early childhood intervention program of the NDIS includes flexibility and responsiveness to the individual needs of each child. As a result of this design, both the type and level of support provided can vary to suit the specific needs of every child.
One special focus of the program design was to ensure that there was a focus on being family centred. The creators of the scheme realised that the best way to ensure that this group of children received the best possible support was to work closely with parents and caregivers.
Early intervention can have a significant impact on the long-term outcomes for children with disabilities. Studies show that children who receive early intervention are more likely to achieve their developmental milestones, enjoy success at school, and have better outcomes socially and emotionally.
This initiative can also help to reduce the need for more intensive support and services in the future.
Access to the NDIS
One of the most integral parts of the NDIS early childhood program is its availability. Children under the age of six who have a disability or developmental delay can access this program.
Eligibility for the program depends on the child in question and that they must have a permanent or significant disability that has an impact on their ability to participate in everyday activities. Families can access the program regardless of their income.
A special component of the program is that there are no out-of-pocket expenses for any eligible family.
Anyone who has a child with a disability or developmental delay should know how important it is to explore the NDIS early childhood intervention program to discover the positive impact it can have on your family. To learn more about it, you can look online for ‘NDIS childcare.’ Always remember that having a full time nanny might not be enough if your child has special needs. It is important to look for ways that can help to create a better future for them.
There is an underlying courage and formidable leadership that has gone into the creation of the program.
Another program with these qualities is the Dare to Lead one.
How to find courage and leadership
Dare to Lead was a best-selling book published in 2018. It then became a program developed by its research professor and author, Dr Brené Brown. She spent years studying vulnerability, courage, and the intricacies of leadership.
The program is specially designed to help leaders by teaching them the skills and practices necessary to lead with courage, vulnerability, and empathy.
The difference with this program is that it is facilitated by fully trained Dare to Lead facilitators who are able to guide participants through each facet of the program.
To become a Dare to Lead facilitator, that person must have been trained in the Dare to Lead program and demonstrated a clear ability to effectively facilitate the program.
The wealth of experience of facilitators comes from the fact that they can come from a variety of backgrounds and professions. This includes everything from leadership development, coaching, and organisational development.
Facilitators must undergo an intensive training program, such as learning the principles and practices of the Dare to Lead program. They must also develop the skills of facilitation that are a must if they are going to be able to guide participants through the program.
Running the program
One of the first and most important steps in the Dare to Lead program is that the facilitator creates a safe and supportive environment for participants to engage in the program.
Facilitators guide participants through a series of highly interactive and experiential learning activities, discussions, and reflections designed to develop their leadership skills. Individual coaching and support throughout the program are available to participants.
The Dare to Lead program consists of a workshop series that build upon each other and cover a range of topics, including:
• The role of vulnerability in leadership
• The importance of empathy and connection
• Building trust and accountability
• Developing resilience and courage in the face of challenges
• The power of purpose and values in leadership
These Dare to Lead workshops are typically delivered in person, but online options are also available.
In-person workshops typically range from 1 to 3 days, depending on the specific program and the needs of those taking part. Virtual workshops are usually delivered over a number of weeks. Participation is made via a combination of live sessions, online modules, as well as individual coaching.
How the Dare to Lead can benefit you
One of the key benefits of the Dare to Lead program is that it is grounded in careful research and draws on the latest insights from the fields of psychology, leadership development, and organisational behaviour.
The program is highly adaptable to different contexts and settings. Whether you are a CEO or executive, a non-profit leader, or a community organiser, the Dare to Lead program can be tailored to meet specific needs and goals. Facilitators work closely with participants to develop a customised program that meets their needs.
Leaders aren’t born; they learn the tools and skills to lead. This can be taught more effectively when it equips someone with how to lead with vulnerability, empathy, and courage.
The result of this specially designed program is that participants can create teams who are more effective and inclusive. Stronger colleague connections and relationships with stakeholders mean this type of leader can achieve their goals with greater impact and success.
Empathy and courage are a cornerstone of both the Dare to Lead and the NDIS programs.