FAQ’s

All of our resource kits are based on the teaching methods used in video modeling, Social Stories™ and visual cue cards. We know that many children, especially autistic children, are visual learners and we can use a variety of visual-based ways to teach and expand their skills.

Video modeling is a technique that involves watching a video which demonstrates someone doing a skill or activity. This helps children understand how to do something which is more effective than verbal or written instruction alone. Children can watch videos over and over, so they can practice at their own pace. Our videos are so effective and motivating to watch, as your child is the star, rather than them watching another person or character. This is a world first!

Social Stories™ are short stories that use simple language and images to explain what a person might experience in a particular situation, event or place. Initially, Carol Gray developed social stories in the early 1990s to help autistic learners learn about social situations, though they are now broadly used to help all children develop a range of skills. Your child is the main character in our personalized books. They can see in advance how trying a new independence skill will play out- things they might do, see and feel. This helps them feel more prepared and confident to have a go.

Visual cue cards and visual schedules are tools which provide step by step information using pictures, symbols, words or photos. At The Independence Hub we provide pictures which demonstrate each step in an activity, for children to refer to and be guided by when doing independence tasks. Initially, an adult can help their child by pointing to the next expected step, but over time, your child will be able to follow the steps by themselves. Visual instructions take the uncertainty out of a process, helping children know exactly what to do, minimizing their cognitive stress.

The ages each product will support is described in the product description. We provide an age range however this is a guide and they may be suitable for children who are slightly older or younger.

Absolutely! Visual tools have been shown to support children with disabilities and varied developmental needs. Our products have been based on teaching methods used in video modeling, social stories and visual cues which have a strong evidence base, especially for autistic learners. Some of the other diagnoses we have also seen these tools support include global developmental delay, intellectual disability, chromosomal microdeletions, cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome.

One way we learn is by watching and copying others- at the Independence Hub we do one better with the child being able to watch and copy themselves! Our products help to make situations predictable and each step clear. They are also super motivating because children love watching themselves!

At this time, custom orders are not available. Other than the options shown during the creation process for your book, video or visual sequence strips, we aren’t able to make further changes to the text or illustrations.

We are committed to creating an entire catalogue of products, so would love to hear your feedback about options you’d like to see.Contact us here.

Our experience tells us that having all three learning elements- the book, video and visual cue cards- are the most effective combination of visual tools to support learning new skills. We do not sell our products separately.

We chose bodies which had universal features, however we understand they won’t look exactly like every child. We are working on expanding and improving our range but all the options that are currently available are shown on our website. The Independence Hub is committed to inclusivity and in the future want to be able to provide a broader range of illustrations. Please contact us to share bodies you want to see.

We recommend the book and video become a part of your child’s daily life, viewing any time they would usually read or watch content.

Our products can be introduced prior to practicing a new skill or if you have been trying to teach a skill for a while. Due to their personalised nature, they will capture your child’s curiosity and help them to understand the steps in each task. We have seen our tools support children at many different stages of their learning process.

Yes! All products can be viewed electronically and do not need to be printed if this is not available to you.

No further language options are currently available however this is a feature we are looking to add in the future.

Absolutely, what an incredible gift idea! You will need an image of the recipient, that shows their face from a front on view to use when creating the resources. You can decide to have the email either sent to your inbox to forward on, or go straight to the recipient of the gift.

While we’d love to meet you all and guide you on this journey 1:1, we do not offer individual OT services at the Independence Hub. We’ve bundled up our top tips from working directly with families with the goal of empowering you with practical resources. If further support is needed we recommend connecting with your healthcare professional to find an occupational therapist in your local area.

Anyone can become the hero of their own story in just a few easy steps.

Step One: Personalise
After selecting the resource you'd like to create, you'll be prompted to enter a few details to personalise it, starting with a name. We’ll prompt you throughout the process of entering your text and photo.

Step Two: Review
During the customisation process, you will be able to see a preview of your product, with your uploaded photo. Carefully review to ensure you are happy with the result.

Step Three: Download
Add the resources to your cart and get ready to download after purchase. A link to download your products will also be emailed to you. Your child is about to become the hero of their own story.

Oh dear! To help ensure your resources are just as you’d like them, we offer a full preview of your products as you create them, allowing you to check details you’ve entered. If you’ve already received your download email, we’re unable to make any changes. For more information on returns/exchanges, contact us here.

Our first recommendation if your confirmation email (with download link and receipt) hasn’t landed in your inbox, is to check your junk mail or spam folder.

If your confirmation email hasn't arrived after checking all email folders, contact us and our team will help you track down what’s happened. We want you to have your awesome products asap!

To help us investigate please include the following information when getting in touch:

• Your first and last name;
• The date you placed the order;

No further changes can be made once payment has been made and your products have been automatically created and sent to your inbox. To help ensure your resources are just as you’d like them, we offer a preview of your products as you create them, allowing you to check details you’ve entered.

To help ensure your order is just as you’d like it, we offer a preview as you create it. At this time we do not offer refunds.

If you are self managed or plan managed, you may be able to use NDIS funding (e.g. core supports) to make a purchase from The Independence Hub. Purchases made using NDIS funding will need to be relevant to your child’s disability-specific needs, as outlined in their NDIS plan. We recommend you seek advice from your service providers, planner, support coordinator or plan manager if you are unsure. Currently we are not a registered NDIS provider.

Our products can support your child in the following areas:

• Self care skills- Increased independence in activities of daily living for home and community.

• Social inclusion and community participation- Greater independence skills enhance ability to spend time with peers, access the community and manage life transitions.

• Cognition and motor planning skills- Increased knowledge and ability to sequence through the steps involved in tasks independently.
• Self-confidence - Improved confidence in one's abilities.

Fantastic! Firstly, you will need to select and pay for your products upfront, using personal funds at the time of purchase. You can then claim back this expense at a later date, via the NDIS portal if Self Managed or via your plan manager if Plan managed.

When prompted at the check out, ensure you put the NDIS participant’s:

• Full Name and
• NDIS number

You will receive a purchase invoice/ receipt via email. Currently, we do not issue invoices to be paid at a later date.

If you have made a purchase and are Self Managed, you can submit your purchase receipt and any supporting documentation to your NDIS portal for reimbursement.

If you have made a purchase and are Plan Managed, contact your Plan Manager via phone or email. Explain that you've purchased an item that you believe is in line with your child’s NDIS plan and provide them with the details of the purchase, including the receipt.

1. Submit a Claim: Your plan manager will likely provide you with instructions on how to submit a claim for reimbursement. This might involve filling out a claim form or submitting the information online through the NDIS portal.
2. Wait for Approval: The plan manager will review your claim to ensure that the purchased item aligns with your child’s NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary.
3. Reimbursement: If your claim is approved, the plan manager will reimburse you for the approved amount. This could be done through a bank transfer or another agreed-upon method.

If you would like to request an invoice to be directed to your plan manager for payment, please contact us at hello@theindependencehub.com.au providing the following details:

- Your desired product

- Your child's name and NDIS number

- Contact email of your Plan Manager

*This process will incur an admin fee of $40aud

Whether you’re Self or Plan managed It's important to keep records of all communication, including emails and clinical justification from therapists, as well as proof of reimbursement. This will help in case of any future inquiries or audits. Remember that not all purchases will be reimbursed, and the NDIS has guidelines about what constitutes reasonable and necessary supports.