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Opinion/Commentary

Herald Sun accuses Facebook users of trying to rort NDIS

Image: iStock

Newscorp columnist, Andrew Koubardis wrote a list of requests Facebook users were allegedly trying to claim on tge National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The opening sentence is pure sensationalism:

From dog washes, electric toothbrushes, iPads, vinyl floorboards, personal training sessions and sex workers – nothing is off limits.

Full list of NDIS claims Australians are trying to claim, Andrew Koubardis, 22 October, 2022

No explanation on what iPads are used for? Vinyl floorboards?

The article copped some backlash:

Without knowing the specific needs of any of these people, or the severity of their disability, we really can’t judge their request.

Martin — 23 October 2022

Commenters attacked the using of Facebook as proof for dodgy requests:

This are posts [sic] from a Facebook group… they are not advice or pollicy of the NDIS. Several of those items absolutely would not be justified as a purchase in the legislation, and this article takes the advice of random people on Facebook as confirmation it would be abused. The sort of article that does nothing but make the general public hate on people with a disability, even more than they already do.

Sandy — 22 October 2022

Koubardis and commenters were slammed for misrepresenting NDIS funding and why it may be needed:

This article and many of the comments being made are shockingly inaccurate, there are so many people with significant disabilities who can barely get enough NDIS funding to cover their everyday care needs, yet people commenting here seem to think NDIS is a free bucket of cash to spend on luxury items!! An iPad is a reasonable and necessary disability expense for someone whose disability means they are unable to communicate verbally. An electronic toothbrush is a reasonable and necessary disability expense for someone whose physical disability means they struggle to manually brush their own teeth effectively. Meal deliveries are a reasonable and necessary disability expense for someone whose disability means they are unable to cook for themselves (far more effective than a support worker having to come and cook for them everyday). Just because something is a luxury for one individual doesn’t mean that it isn’t a reasonable and necessary disabilty expense for person with disability. *

Lucy — 21 Octobe4 2022

*Comment is published how it was written in the Herald Sun.

History of Newscorp attacking the NDIS… and the people on it

This isn’t the first time a Newscorp columnist has attacked the NDIS.

Andrew Bolt has been a critic of the scheme from the start. He slammed fifty lawnmowing and gardening companies for allegedly signing up to the NDIS to help famiilies with children with autism.

An unnamed business owner allegedly “secretly wondered” whether all his clients needed his assistance.

A landscaper and cleaner allegedly claimed that 2500 people in Tomakin, New South Wales were signed up to the NDIS.

In 2017: Daily Telegraph columnist, Miranda Devine was slammed for suggesting there was an “autism boom” when the NDIS was rolling out. And, like Bolt, Devine suggested the NDIS was just a pot if gold to be exploited.

I’m saying that the NDIS can’t and has never been exploited. But this constant demonisation from, arguably Australia’s largest commercial media outlet is wrong. It doesn’t do any good, especially for the people already dealing with complexities of the NDIS.

We’re talking about people’s lives. Lives that have been ignored and abused for too long.

Nobody has the right to judge the needs for someone from a marginalised group. It’s up to GPs, psychologists, occupational therapists, etc to determine a client’s disability and their needs. Not click – bait hungry journalists.

What do you think? Do you have any experience with the NDIS? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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200 followers!

I can’t believe it! This blog has 200 followers!

Thank you so much for everyone who follow me here, via email or social media. I really appreciate it.

I hope you all contine to enjoy the journey with me.

Categories
Opinion/Commentary

The issue with Kanye West is lack of accountability. Until now

American rapper, Kanye West wearing a navy blue cap with 2023 in white block numbers
Tucker Carlson gave soft interview to Ye West

Content warning: antisemitism and mention of the Holocaust

American rapper, Ye West (formerly Kanye) has caused a stir after a number of scandals.

He was seen at Paris Fashion Week with conservative commentator, Candace Owens. They both wore ‘White Lives Matter’ shirts.

Twitter deletes tweet for antisemitism

On Thursday, Twitter deleted one of West’s tweets. His tweet is condemned for antisemitism. West has hit back, claiming he can’t be antisemitic because he’s black.

Candace Owens also defended him on her show. She claimed:

[shows deleted tweet] That was the tweet and people subsequently demanded that the Tweet be taken down for antisemitism. Now, if you are an honest person you did not think this tweet was antisemitic. You did not think that he wrote this tweet because he hates or wants to genocide Jewish people. This is not represent the beginning of the Holocaust.

Candace Owens, Candace Owens Podcast,

Instagram also reacted, restricting West’s account.

In the aftermath, Fox News’ Tucker Carlson gave a relatively soft interview toward West. From the start, he strongly defended West, castong doubt of the antisemitism claims. He also defended the display of the ‘White Lives Matter’ shirt.

Tucker Carlson on Fox News defending Ye West. On the right, a picture shows West and Candice Owens wearingvshirts with 'White Lives Matter' on the back
Fox News’ Tucker Carlson defended Ye West on his show, including denying Ye’s tweet was antisemitic

Is bipolar disorder to blame?

Ok, let me say this from the outset. Mental illness is never an excuse for being abusive, bigoted, etc. Having said that, a number of commentators, including Ana Kasparian fron The Young Turks and Kyle Kulinski from Secular Talk have pointed out West’s bipolar disorder as an explanation to his recent behaviour.

However, London – based forensic psychiatrist, Sohom Das disagrees. While he acknowledged West’s bipolar diagnosis, Das said that his recent behaviour isn’t usually indicative of grandiosity in mania.

According to Verywell Mind, grandiosity (or grandiose ideation) in bipolar is an exaggerated sense of self – importance. In contrast, delusions of grandeur are delusions of superiority with no evidence to back it up.

Latest update: There’s a backlash against Ye West. According Billboard YouTube channel, LeBron James pulled an entire episode of The Shop which featured West. He cited ‘hate speech’ to defend the axing of the episode.

On Tuesday, Missouri Attorney General, Republican, Eric Schmitt caused controversy for posting a tweet supporting West after he wrote the antisemitic tweet.

America needs a @kanyewest @KidRock tour

After an uproar, Schmitt deleted the tweet from his personal account. In his defence, Schmitt said that he liked both Kid Rock and West’s music. However, he was quick to point out that he didn’t always agree with their views.

This comes less than a month before the US Midterm elections.

So, what’s up with Ye West? In my opinion, West is an attention seeker. I also think that he’s got away with so much over the years (i.e. the 2009 VMAs, pretending to kill Pete Davidson in a video, etc). I think he’s pushing the envelope, to see how far he can go.

Luckily, people are waking up. I really think he needs less ‘yes’ men and more accountability.

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Opinion/Commentary

Treatment guidelines for ADHD have been revealed

Image: iStock

Earlier this year, the ADHD Professional Association came under fire for recommending ADHD medication under six as a first resort.

This went against the Therepeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA warned against using medication as a first resort for children under six.

Well, treatment guidelines for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have come out.

ADHD treatment guidelines are implemented

According to the ABC, the first official guidelines for treating ADHD have been approved.

It’s hoped that these guidelines will help improve the lives of approximately 1 million Australians that live with the condition. It also offers a uniform treatment for those who have ADHD.

So, what are the guidelines? Was AADPA’s initial controversial proposal approved?

Guidelines

According to the guidelines, diagnosis and treatment are extensive and conplex. Both psychological and medicinal treatments are discussed.

Here are some of the recommendations:

  • Clinicians (General Practitioners or psychiatrists) conduct a “comprehensive assessment” to determine ADHD diagnosis
  • If the patient has a cardiac condition, GP must contact the patient’s cardiologist for an opinion on treatment
  • The ADHD symptoms must cause “significant impairment” before medication is prescribed
  • If close monitoring is required, clinicians are advised to offer short – acting stimulants (i.e. immediate release methylphenidate or dexamfetamine)

Medications that clinicians canQQ prescribe include:

If a certain medication isn’t working, clinicians are advised to try out other medications. If all else fails, psychological interventions are advised.

People with ADHD should have access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Trigger warning: mental illness and suicide

Another recommendation suggests that people diagnosed with ADHD should have access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Since we’re talking about severe ADHD, in theory, I agree. However, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has badly let people with mental illnesses down.

There have been a number of reports of people with mental illnesses waiting too long to have their NDIS plans (funding) to be approved.

Unfortunately, the result has been tragic. There have been reports of people taking their own lives while waiting for plans to be approved.

Again, people with psychosocial disabilities —including ADHD — should be supported. But the NDIS needs to be fixed so people with mental illnesses can be aporoved.

What else can be done? Make mental health free under Medicare

First, for non – Australians. Medicare is meant to make medical care in public doctors/ public hospitals more affordable. If you go to a GP, for example, you are bulk billed.

Australians with a Medicare card can go in a doctor’s office or public hospital and not get slugged with a multi – thousand dollar bill.

However, mental health care isn’t properly covered. Under the Better Access Scheme, only ten therapy sessions a year are given half price annually. This includes people who are diagnosed with serious mental illnesses.

I think this should change. I believe if you are diagnosed with a serious mental illness, all therapy should be government funded and completely free for patients. I know sone people won’t agree, but it’s how I feel.

Question to readers: I looked up medications I listed while writing this post. Lamotragine is an anti – seizure medication. Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic. How are these supposed to help with ADHD?