National Assistance Card

03/06/2026

Supporting your young person to become more independent doesn't happen all at once. 💙

One helpful approach is scaffolding — providing the right level of support while gradually building confidence and skills over time.

This can look like:

👉 Practising small transitions before bigger ones
👉 Doing things together first
👉 Breaking tasks into manageable steps
👉 Repeating experiences until they feel safe and familiar
👉 Gradually reducing support as confidence grows

Transitions can be challenging for both young people and parents/carers. In this webinar, you'll hear practical strategies to support your young person through change while also looking after your own wellbeing.

🎥 Watch the full webinar here: https://youtu.be/faYzu-Hhm2A?si=Y6MEJGYuj739B-Y7

01/06/2026

We’re getting crafty for National Brain Injury Awareness Week! 💙🩷💚

The National Assistance Card team is joining colleagues from across the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania to make approximately 7,700 hearts - one for every person who acquires a brain injury in Tasmania each year.

We're aiming high, and we'd love your help. If you want to join us in creating a sea of hearts to raise awareness and show support for people living with brain injury, click the link in the comments to find out more and get involved.

28/05/2026

Have you used the ABI Wise App?

Created by people with brain injury, ABI Wise App is designed to support and improve the lives of people living with brain injury and stroke.

The App is available on mobile devices and includes heaps of practical information, tips, stories, resources and tools to help people live well with brain injury.

Learn more and download the App here: https://www.braininjurymatters.org/abiwise/

26/05/2026

Change is a constant part of life - but for Autistic young people, it can feel like the ground is shifting beneath their feet. Whether it's a new school, a different routine, or even something as small as new clothes, transitions of any kind can be deeply challenging.

This webinar cohosted by Amaze and the National Assistance Card draws on practical insights to help you understand what your young person is experiencing, how to help in the moment, and how to build their confidence and independence over time - while also looking after yourself.

You can watch the full webinar via this link, and feel free to share it with others if you find it helpful.

A webinar for parents and families of Autistic young people, presented by Amaze and the National Assistance Card.

26/05/2026

Today is National Sorry Day. The theme for this year's National Sorry Day is From Sorry to Action.

At the National Assistance Card, we stand together in acknowledging the past and supporting a more understanding and compassionate future. We recognise the importance of listening, respect, inclusion and making services safer and more accessible for everyone.

Acknowledging past harm is important, but acting to address it is critical. We encourage you to mark National Sorry Day on 26 May, and to ensure this day is part of an ongoing commitment to truth-telling and healing.

22/05/2026

A big thank you to Dementia Australia for organising the Brain Health Expo in Longford yesterday. It was a really informative event, and we had a great time connecting with the community. Our hearts felt full hearing stories of love, resilience, and strength.

The National Assistance Card is available to people living with dementia. It helps them communicate their support needs more easily and supports greater understanding of dementia in everyday interactions. It starts with all of us to build dementia-friendly communities.

20/05/2026

For families and carers of Autistic young people: Join a free webinar with us to better understand transitions and hear some practical strategies to help you loved ones feel safe, confident and increasingly independent over time. 💙 Registration link in comments.

19/05/2026

Getting out into the community, travelling, or using public transport can sometimes feel stressful - especially when communication, sensory overload, fatigue, anxiety, or cognitive challenges are involved.

Your National Assistance Card can help make these situations easier by quickly explaining that you may need support, extra time, or clear communication.

Ways you can use your NAC while travelling or using public transport:

🚌 Showing your card if you need priority seating or extra time to sit down safely on public transport
🚆 Using your card if you become overwhelmed, confused, or disoriented at a station or transport hub
✈️ Showing your card to airport staff if you need extra time to check in, support navigating the terminal, or have difficulty standing in long queues
🚖 Using your card with taxi or Uber drivers if communication or small talk is difficult for you
🎧 Explaining sensory overload, noise sensitivity, anxiety, or fatigue in busy transport environments
📍 Asking for help finding the right platform, stop, gate, service, or direction

You can also use your National Assistance Card together with a sunflower lanyard and share personalised information with others when needed.

The National Assistance Card is there to support communication, understanding, and accessibility in everyday situations - including when you’re on the move.

13/05/2026

Join us for an Information and Education Session on Tuesday 9 June.
🌟Topic: Digestive Health After Brain Injury
🌟Speaker: Loren Paine - Nutritionist (BFN)
🌟 RSVP: https://bit.ly/3RmVYoG

Event Details:
🌟When: Tuesday 9 June, 2026
🌟Time: 11am - 12pm
🌟Location: BIAT Offices (1-7 Liverpool Street Hobart) or online via Teams

The session will cover:
🍐An introduction to the digestive system and nervous system
🍊Potential changes after a brain injury
🍉General tips for nutrition for good digestive health
🧑‍⚕️Pathways to individualised nutrition/dietetic support