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A
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
We are committed to ensuring that disability services are delivered in a culturally-respectful way that recognises, protects and continues to advance the inherent rights, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (PDF 475KB)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Word 586KB)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: brain (head) injury
Brain (head) injury information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: brain (head) injury information (PDF 480KB)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: brain (head) injury information (Word 1.3MB)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: brain (head) injury information (Plain text 27KB)
Accommodation for people with disability
A wide variety of community living arrangements are available that reflect personal needs, preferences and varying levels of ability.
Accommodation for people with disability (PDF 212KB)
Accommodation for people with disability (Word 1.2MB)
Accommodation for people with disability (Plain text 9KB)
Advocacy
Advocating is speaking up for people with disability and helping them to get the things that they want and need.
Advocacy (PDF 89KB)
Advocacy (Word 414KB)
Alertness/calming
Alertness is your child's energy level and ability to pay attention to what is happening around them.
Alertness/calming (PDF 116KB)
Alertness/calming (Word 300KB)
Animals matter: caring for your pet
Disability Services and the RSPCA in partnership to help clients be responsible pet owners.
Animals matter: caring for your pet (PDF 190KB)
Animals matter: caring for your pet (Word 1.1MB)
Arthritis management
People can be affected in all sorts of different ways but the most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints and fatigue.
Arthritis management (PDF 133KB)
Arthritis management (Word 531KB)
ASSIST: Adult Specialist Services Intervention and Support Team
ASSIST provides therapy and counselling services to people in the metropolitan area and provides advice and professional support to disability services workers in the country.
ASSIST: how can we help (PDF 65KB)
ASSIST: how can we help (Word 175KB)
Autism Spectrum Disorder: state-funded early childhood services for young children
State-funded early childhood intervention services provide support to children with disability or developmental delay, and their families, from birth to school entry.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: state-funded early childhood services for young children (PDF 68KB)
Autism Spectrum Disorder: state-funded early childhood services for young children (Word 129KB)
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B
Back injury: assistive equipment
Everyday tasks can be made easier and pain or discomfort reduced, using some suggestions.
Back injury: assistive equipment (PDF 98KB)
Back injury: assistive equipment (Word 2113KB)
Bathroom safety
Maintaining safety in the bathroom is very important because the combination of slippery floors and hard surfaces can sometimes make for a hazardous environment.
Bathroom safety (PDF 133KB)
Bathroom safety (Word 556KB)
Bed rails
Bed rails are used to reduce the risk of a person falling out of bed. They may also provide a level of security and comfort for some people. However, bed rails may also potentially create risks to the user.
Bed rails (PDF 92KB)
Bed rails (Word 426KB)
Benefits, concessions and low-cost services for people with disability
People with disability, and people caring for someone with disability, may be able to take advantage of benefits, concessions and low-cost/free services.
Benefits, concessions and low-cost services (PDF 350KB)
Benefits, concessions and low-cost services (Word 1.2MB)
Brain injury
Acquired brain injury, often referred to as ABI, describes brain injuries of all types that occur after birth.
Brain injury (PDF 78KB)
Brain injury (Word 277KB)
Buggies and strollers: a buyer's guide
When selecting a children's buggy, it is useful to consider both the needs of the child and the parents or carers. The buggy should be safe and supportive for your child and as easy as possible to handle for you.
Buggies and strollers: a buyer's guide (PDF 98KB)
Buggies and strollers: a buyer's guide (Word 185KB)
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Campbell House: Disability Services respite service
Campbell house offers 24-hour support for clients of Disability Services who are looking to take a break. The house is staffed by personal support workers who are trained to work with people with disability, and who provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Campbell House: Disability Services respite service (PDF 200KB)
Campbell House: Disability Services respite service (Plain text 5KB)
Carers
Carers are people who give ongoing care and support to someone else who has disability, is frail, aged, or who lives with chronic mental or physical illness.
Carers (PDF 94KB)
Carers (Word 354KB)
Centre for Disability Health
Clinics that have been developed specifically for people with disability in South Australia.
Centre for Disability Health (PDF 172KB)
Centre for Disability Health (Word 281KB)
Chairs: how to choose
Choosing a comfortable, supportive and functional chair requires careful consideration of a person's needs, preferences and the intended use of the chair.
Chairs: how to choose (PDF 146KB)
Chairs: how to choose (Word 822KB)
Child and Youth Services: Early Childhood Program
The Early Childhood Program in metropolitan Adelaide offers a range of support services to children from birth to school age who have significant developmental delays or conditions associated with intellectual disability.
Child and Youth Services: Early Childhood Program (PDF 78KB)
Child and Youth Services: Early Childhood Program (Word 655KB)
Child Protection Information Booklets
The child protection information booklets raise awareness about the safety and wellbeing of children with disability and highlight where parents and carers can go for advice. They include information on why children with disability are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect and practical help about what parents and carers can do to protect their child.
These companion booklets are:
- Protecting children and young people: A booklet for parents and carers (2nd edition), which provides information for parents and carers on the prevention of abuse and neglect for children living with disability.
- A guide to protecting children and young people with disability and
preventing sexual abuse, which focuses on the protection of children with disability specifically from sexual abuse.
Children and young people: country services
Disability Services provides a wide range of specialist services across South Australia for people with disability and their families including intake and assessment, community support, community access and supported accommodation services.
Children and young people: country services (PDF 79KB)
Children and young people: country services (Word 353KB)
Children of school age and young people
Disability Services provides a range of services to support school age children and young people with intellectual disability and Autism Spectrum Disorders, and their families. Support is provided until the young person transitions from school into post-school options.
Children of school age and young people (PDF 97KB)
Children of school age and young people (Word 257KB)
Complaints
The Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) welcomes your feedback, including complaints, which can help us to provide a better service for you and for others. To lodge your feedback about Government of South Australia Disability Services, or to make a formal complaint, visit the department’s feedback page. You can also call 1300 786 117 for assistance to give your feedback or make a formal complaint.
Contacts: Disability Services
Disability Services contact information.
Contacts: Disability Services (PDF 72KB)
Contacts: Disability Services (Word 238KB)
Continence: faecal incontinence
Faecal incontinence is the inability to control passing of faeces (bowel motion). Our information sheet explains causes, treatment and management, and provides resources on the topic.
Continence: faecal incontinence (PDF 126KB)
Continence: faecal incontinence (Word 267KB)
Continence: key points
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine or faeces. Our information sheet contains some useful strategies that can improve confidence and independence.
Continence: key points (PDF 106KB)
Continence: key points (Word 309KB)
Continence: managing incontinence when travelling
Having a problem such as incontinence does not mean you have to stay at home. There are many services, continence products and types of toileting equipment available to help with incontinence management.
Continence: managing incontinence when travelling (PDF 270KB)
Continence: managing incontinence when travelling (Word 340KB)
Continence products
There is a range of products available to enable people who suffer from incontinence to gain greater dignity and independence.
Continence products (PDF 96KB)
Continence products (Word 319KB)
Continence Resource Centre
The Continence Resource Centre is a statewide continence information and advisory service located at the Independent Living Centre (ILC).
Continence Resource Centre (PDF 313KB)
Continence Resource Centre (Plain text 44KB)
Continence and skin care
For people experiencing incontinence, skin care management is very important for maintaining healthy skin.
Continence and skin care (PDF 97KB)
Continence and skin care (Word 270KB)
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D
Day Option Program: Look Book
This information provides a guide to post-school day services and activities that can be enjoyed by school leavers.
Day Option Program: Look Book (PDF 181KB)
Day Option Program: Look Book (Word 245KB)
Dementia: safety in the home
Dementia is the name given to the broad range of symptoms resulting from illnesses that cause degenerative intellectual functioning.
Dementia: safety in the home (PDF 92KB)
Dementia: safety in the home (Word 315KB)
Dementia: tips for everyday living
It is not uncommon for someone with dementia to experience a decrease in their levels of personal hygiene. This decrease may be due to problems with motor functioning or increasing forgetfulness about how to wash or get changed.
Dementia: tips for everyday living (PDF 88KB)
Dementia: tips for everyday living (Word 177KB)
Disability Services
An overview of Disability Services
Disability Services (PDF 405KB)
Disability Services (Word 3.23MB)
Disability Services (Plain text 18KB)
Disability Services: important information for our clients
Information about who we are and what we do, including your rights and responsibilities, and a section on privacy and your personal information (easy read).
Disability Services: important information for our clients (PDF 145KB)
Disability Services: important information for our clients (Word 1.7MB)
Disability Services: important information for our clients (Plain text 6KB)
Dressing: aids and equipment
If dressing is difficult, it may be worth trying different dressing techniques, making adaptations to clothing or using assistive equipment to help dress and undress independently.
Dressing: aids and equipment (PDF 94KB)
Dressing: aids and equipment (Word 204KB)
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Electrical appliances: selecting
Electrical appliances are used for a range of tasks around the home. It is important to consider that some electrical appliances will be easier to use than others.
Electrical appliances: selecting (PDF 100KB)
Electrical appliances: selecting (Word 319KB)
Emergency call systems: telephone-based
Telephone-based emergency call systems allow the user to contact someone in an emergency.
Emergency call systems: telephone-based (PDF 102KB)
Emergency call systems: telephone-based (Word 371MB)
Energy conservation
This information sheet is about helping you find ways to use your own energy wisely so you still have some left to do the things that you want to do.
Energy conservation (PDF 116KB)
Energy conservation (Word 310KB)
Environmental control units
An Environment Control Unit is a purpose-designed device or system that allows a person to operate appliances within their environment.
Environmental control units (PDF 102KB)
Environmental control units (Word 210KB)
Equipment and home modifications program
A statewide equipment and home modifications program available to Disability Services clients.
Equipment Program services & access overview (PDF 122KB)Equipment Program services & access overview (Word 323KB)
Equipment ideas and tips for rural and remote communities
People living in rural and remote areas have the same needs for equipment and assistive technology as those living in urban areas.
Equipment ideas and tips for rural and remote communities (PDF 108KB)
Equipment ideas and tips for rural and remote communities (Word 222KB)
Equipment maintenance
Keeping equipment properly maintained is very important to ensure the safety of the user, as well as to get the best life out of it.
Equipment maintenance (PDF 100KB)
Equipment maintenance (Word 207KB)
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Falls prevention: safety in the home
Safer ways of performing tasks and making simple and practical adjustments to the home environment to reduce slipping and tripping hazards and improve safety
Falls prevention: safety in the home (PDF 109KB)
Falls prevention: safety in the home (Word 301KB)
Feedback
The Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) welcomes your feedback, which can help us to provide a better service for you and for others. To lodge your feedback about Government of South Australia Disability Services, visit the department’s feedback page. You can also call 1300 786 117 for assistance to give your feedback.
Foster families/carers
The Alternative Care Disability Support Program (ACDSP) is an initiative funded by the Guardianship and Alternative Care Directorate.
Foster families/carers (PDF 70KB)
Foster families/carers (Word 174KB)
Friendships and dating
Having friendships and relationships is a very natural part of life. We all have people in our lives with whom we are friends and this helps to give us a sense of belonging. Young people with disability may need some extra help to make friends and to understand about relationships.
Friendships and dating (PDF 105KB)
Friendships and dating (Word 237KB)
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G
GAP service
The GAP service is a new Mental Health Assessment Service for people between the ages of 8 and 21 years with developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioural problems.
GAP service (PDF 58KB)
GAP service (Word 169KB)
Gardening
Maintaining a beautiful garden can be a physically demanding and time consuming occupation. There are many strategies and items of equipment that can be used to make gardening tasks easier and safer.
Gardening (PDF 120KB)
Gardening (Word 384KB)
Grab rails
Grab rails are used to assist with balance and support, as an aid to assist with transfers, or in areas where a slip or fall is considered a high risk.
Grab rails (PDF 96KB)
Grab rails (Word 211KB)
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H
Hearing impairment and assistive technology
Hearing impairment (also referred to as hearing loss) is a generalised term used when a person’s hearing falls below standard hearing levels. Learn about landline and mobile telephone features, TTY options, Internet communication strategies, alarm clocks, various monitors and much more.
Hearing impairment and assistive technology (PDF 896KB)
Hearing impairment and assistive technology (Word 210KB)
Hoists
Hoists are designed to reduce the need to manually lift a person who is unable to stand independently. The different types of hoists include mobile hoists, stand-up hoists, ceiling or overhead hoists, fixed wall or floor-mounted hoists and bath hoists.
Hoists (PDF 95KB)
Hoists (Word 209KB)
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I
Independent Living Centre
Information and advice is provided about equipment and techniques to assist with everyday tasks.
Independent Living Centre (PDF 266KB)
Independent Living Centre (Plain text 42KB)
Independent Living Centre outreach calendar
The Independent Living Centre's Mobile Unit Outreach Service is a free government service for people living in rural and remote South Australia.
Independent Living Centre outreach calendar
Intellectual disability: anxiety disorders
Anxiety is part of the human condition. It helps us to manage difficult situations. It is often referred to as 'being on edge', irritable, nervous, worried, tense, distressed, upset, or apprehensive.
Intellectual disability and anxiety disorders (PDF 76KB)
Intellectual disability and anxiety disorders (Word 194KB)
Intellectual disability and behaviour: understanding and responding to your child's difficult behaviour
As children grow and develop they typically have some behaviours that their parents or carers find difficult.
Intellectual disability and behaviour (PDF 101KB)
Intellectual disability and behaviour (Word 269KB)
Intellectual disability: bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive illness) affects about one per cent of people in our community.
Intellectual disability: bipolar disorder (PDF 74KB)
Intellectual disability: bipolar disorder (Word 188KB)
Intellectual disability: childhood development
Development can be thought of as the process by which we grow and change through our experiences and interaction with the world around us.
Intellectual disability: childhood development (PDF 109KB)
Intellectual disability: childhood development (Word 221KB)
Intellectual disability: day options program
Some people with intellectual disability choose to remain at school, others leave school earlier to seek work or work training, or to pursue particular interests.
Intellectual disability: day options program (PDF 70KB)
Intelectual disability: day options program (Word 180KB)
Intellectual disability: NorthLink day options
NorthLink is a community-based Day Options Service for clients of Disability Services with intellectual disability in the northern, northeast, and western districts of Adelaide.
Intellectual disability: NorthLink day options (PDF 86KB)
Intellectual disability: NorthLink day options (Word 202KB)
Intellectual disability: depression
Major depression is not just 'the blues', feeling low or sad for a few days. All of us experience 'the blues' at some time but can usually continue to function in our everyday lives and soon recover without treatment.
Intellectual disability: depression (PDF 78KB)
Intellectual disability: depression (Word 200KB)
Intellectual disability and mental illness (dual disability)
Within the field of intellectual disability 'dual disability' is a term that refers to the co-existence of both mental illness and intellectual disability.
Intellectual disability and mental illness (dual disability) (PDF 75KB)
Intellectual disability and mental illness (dual disability) (Word 195KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting daily living skills in adolescents
During childhood children begin to learn many self-care activities such as dressing, bathing, eating a meal and using cutlery. In adolescence, teenagers build on previously learned skills and become more independent.
Intellectual disability: promoting daily living skills in adolescents (PDF 100KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting daily living skills in adolescents (Word 354KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting daily living skills in adults
Mature adults who have not previously learnt daily living skills (such as simple meal preparation or catching a bus) can, with appropriate supports, make significant steps towards independence. Age is no barrier to learning.
Intellectual disability: promoting daily living skills in adults (PDF 96KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting daily living skills in adults (Word 282KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting daily living skills in children
During the early years, self-care, play and academic skills are important parts of children’s development. Children usually learn self-care skills in the home environment before starting school.
Intellectual disability: promoting daily living skills in children (PDF 107KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting daily living skills in children (Word 220KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting personal hygiene in adolescents
Many teenagers are self-conscious about how they look and how others perceive them. Taking care of their personal hygiene promotes a sense of self-esteem and increased independence.
Intellectual disability: promoting personal hygiene in adolescents (PDF 101KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting personal hygiene in adolescents (Word 236KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting personal hygiene in adults
During early adolescence most people have learned how to carry out basic hygiene activities such as washing and shaving. During late adolescence and early adulthood there is an increased expectation for a person to be more independent in their personal hygiene habits.
Intellectual disability: promoting personal hygiene in adults (PDF 90KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting personal hygiene in adults (Word 226KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting personal hygiene in children
You can help your child understand the importance of hygiene by teaching and demonstrating good personal hygiene habits yourself.
Intellectual disability: promoting personal hygiene in children (PDF 96KB)
Intellectual disability: promoting personal hygiene in children (Word 278KB)
Intellectual disability: safety for children of school age
Bumps, bruises, scrapes and falls are all part of growing up for an active curious child and this is no different for a child with intellectual disability who has the same need to explore, climb, run and experiment.
Intellectual disability: safety for children of school age (PDF 131KB)
Intellectual disability: safety for children of school age (Word 586KB)
Intellectual disability and schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects about one per cent of the population.
Intellectual disability and schizophrenia (PDF 76KB)
Intellectual disability and schizophrenia (Word 195KB)
Intellectual disability: the facts
People with intellectual disability have significantly more difficulty than others in learning new things, understanding concepts, solving problems, concentrating and remembering. Consequently, they require extra support to learn and achieve their full potential.
Intellectual disability: the facts (PDF 67KB)
Intellectual disability: the facts (Word 1766KB)
Intensive Family Intervention Program
The Intensive Family Intervention Program provides a community and home-based service to children and young people with disability and their families, where parents have serious concerns about their capacity to continue in their caring role.
Intensive Family Intervention Program (PDF 70KB)
Intensive Family Intervention Program (Word 175KB)
Interpreting services
If you need to talk to us or need information in your language, please ask our staff. Interpreting services are free to Disability Services clients.
Interpreting services (PDF 1.2MB)
Interpreting services (Word 1.6MB)
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J
Joint protection
Joint protection involves using techniques to minimise the stress and force placed on joints, to reduce pain and prevent or protect against further joint damage or deformity.
Joint protection (PDF 116KB)
Joint protection (Word 245KB)
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K
Kitchen design: meeting everyone's needs
Designing or modifying a kitchen that is accessible for a range of users can be challenging and requires some compromise. General principles can be applied to help achieve an accessible kitchen for most of the population.
Kitchen design: meeting everyone's needs (PDF 112KB)
Kitchen design: meeting everyone's needs (Word 322KB)
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L
Leaving school and planning for the future
Leaving school is a significant time in the life of any young person. It is a time of great change, of leaving behind the familiar environment of school, beginning life as an adult and exploring new challenges and opportunities. It is important to plan in advance and have an understanding of the range of potential post school pathways and options available including further education, vocational, training, open employment, supported employment, recreation and participation in community activities.
Leaving school and planning for the future (PDF 95KB)
Leaving school and planning for the future (Word 172KB)
Library and information service: disability collection
The library and information service maintains a collection of information and resources about disability. The service is freely available to staff, clients and members of the public.
Library and information service: disability collection (PDF 104KB)
Library and information service: disability collection (Word 280KB)
Look Book
See Day Option Program: Look Book
Low-vision products
New methods of doing activities or the use of low-vision products may assist people with vision impairment to manage activities of daily living and help maintain independence.
Low-vision products (PDF 242KB)
Low-vision products (Word 300KB)
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M
Medicare: getting the most out of it
Many people with disability and who have chronic or complex care needs, can now have an annual health assessment by a general practitioner (GP) under Medicare.
Medicare: getting the most out it (PDF 74KB)
Medicare: getting the most out it (Word 185KB)
Menstrual care management: resource guide
This information sheet is a guide to readily available resources on menstrual management for young women with intellectual disability and their families, and key services that are accessible in South Australia.
Menstrual care management: resource guide (PDF 195KB)
Menstrual care management: resource guide (Word 270KB)
Moving interstate
Information about the National Interstate Portability Protocol for people considering an interstate move. Assistance is available to help with the transfer of services.
Moving interstate (PDF 65KB)
Moving interstate (Word 170KB)
Moving interstate registration form
Moving interstate registration form (Word 184KB)
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Obesity: equipment for people who are very overweight (bariatric)
There is a range of commercially available equipment specifically designed for people who are overweight.
Obesity: equipment for people who are very overweight (bariatric) (PDF 89KB)
Obesity: equipment for people who are very overweight (bariatric) (Word 208KB)
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P
Parkinson's disease: equipment to assist with daily living
Parkinson's disease is a progressive degenerative disorder of the brain affecting the coordination of movement. Symptoms include tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement and instability, which affect the ability to perform everyday activities independently.
Parkinson's disease: equipment to assist with daily living (PDF 103KB)
Parkinson's disease: equipment to assist with daily living (Word 315KB)
Personal care: looking after yourself
Personal care includes activities such as showering, bathing, grooming, dressing, managing medications and other general hygiene tasks.
Personal care: looking after yourself (PDF 98KB)
Personal care: looking after yourself (Word 241KB)
Pressure management
Some people have difficulty moving around and changing their own position. When this occurs, they may be at risk of developing a pressure ulcer.
Pressure management (PDF 94KB)
Pressure management (Word 201KB)
Publications for sale
This sheet provides information about some of Disability Services's publications.
Publications for sale (PDF 224KB)
Publications for sale (Word 1.2MB)
Publications for sale (Plain text 4KB)
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R
Reading and writing equipment
The ability to read and write is important for both children and adults as it allows the opportunity to learn and explore. There are a number of aids available that may assist people to read and write more easily.
Reading and writing equipment (PDF 95KB)
Reading and writing equipment (Word 210KB)
Relaxation
Relaxation routines are a way to reduce tension and promote a calm state. Tension and agitation are common reactions in children to tiredness, negative feelings, stress or sensory overload.
Relaxation (PDF 97KB)
Relaxation (Word 206KB)
Respite care
Respite provides families/carers with a temporary break from caring for a person with disability. Respite is also a way the person with disability can have a break from their normal routine. Respite care is considered by many families as the most important source of support in sustaining the family unit.
Respite care (PDF 185KB)
Respite care (Word 232KB)
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S
Scooters: safe use within the community
When using a scooter in the community there are important factors to consider to ensure the safety of the user and other members of the public.
Scooters: safe use within the community (PDF 98KB)
Scooters: safe use within the community (Word 270KB)
Slings
Slings are used in conjunction with hoists to support a person being lifted or transferred. Learn about features and types of slings, how to maintain them and more.
Slings (PDF 110KB)
Slings (Word 348KB)
Stroke: equipment to assist with daily living
Each person who has experienced a stroke is affected differently and the limitations he or she has as a result also varies.
Stroke: equipment to assist with daily living (PDF 81KB)
Stroke: equipment to assist with daily living (Word 200KB)
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Travelling: assistive technology
If you have disability or injury, and require assistive equipment or technology, it can be daunting to consider holidaying or travelling. However, many items are now available that fold or dismantle to fit into tight spaces, which makes travelling much easier.
Travelling: assistive technology (PDF 277KB)
Travelling: assistive technology (Word 383KB)
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V
Vehicle transfers: assistive equipment
Getting in and out of vehicles may be challenging due to reduced strength and restricted movement. Fortunately, there is a wide choice of equipment currently available to assist both drivers and passengers.
Vehicle transfers: assistive equipment (PDF 91KB)
Vehicle transfers: assistive equipment (Word 227KB)
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Walking aids: using and measuring
Walking aids can assist with balance, reduce fatigue or pain and facilitate a safe walking pattern. Various sizes and styles are available and selection should be made based on abilities, needs, environment and individual body shape.
Walking aids: using and measuring (PDF 112KB)
Walking aids: using and measuring (Word 230KB)
Wheelchair safety and etiquette
What you should or shouldn’t do when meeting someone in a wheelchair, and safe ways to manage a wheelchair in different situations.
Wheelchair safety and etiquette (PDF 103KB)
Wheelchair safety and etiquette (Word 274KB)
Wheelchairs or scooters: powered wheelchairs
There are so many different types of powered or motorised wheelchairs on the market that at times trying to select one can be confusing and overwhelming. This information sheet gives pointers on how to make the right choice for your needs.
Wheelchairs or scooters: powered wheelchairs (PDF 93KB)
Wheelchairs or scooters: powered wheelchairs (Word 214KB)
Wheelchairs or scooters: selecting a manual wheelchair
For some people, a manual wheelchair is the only way they can get about. For others, a manual wheelchair is a means by which they can enjoy time out with their family or friends without getting tired.
Wheelchairs or scooters: selecting a manual wheelchair (PDF 106KB)
Wheelchairs or scooters: selecting a manual wheelchair (Word 326KB)
Wheelchairs or scooters: selecting a scooter
Motorised scooters (also referred to as gophers) are often used by people who find it difficult to walk or propel a wheelchair over long distances.
Wheelchairs or scooters: selecting a scooter (PDF 118KB)
Wheelchairs or scooters: selecting a scooter (Word 206KB)
Wheelchairs or scooters: transportation of equipment
Many people use wheelchairs and scooters (gophers) for assistance with mobility in their local community. Sometimes it is necessary to transport these to another location.
Wheelchairs or scooters: transportation of equipment (PDF 102KB)
Wheelchairs or scooters: transportation of equipment (Word 245KB)
Wheelchairs or scooters: transporting passengers in vehicles
When using a vehicle to transport passengers with a wheelchair or scooter (gopher), it is important to ensure that both the user and their mobility device are safely and correctly secured into the vehicle.
Wheelchairs or scooters: transporting passengers in vehicles (PDF 110KB)
Wheelchairs or scooters: transporting passengers in vehicles (Word 226KB)