++Government of South Australia: Department for Communities and Social Inclusion ++Disability Services Information Sheet ++Disability Services Disability Services is part of Community and Home Support SA, a division of the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI). This information sheet provides a brief summary of services to people with disability, and their families or carers. We assist people under the age of 65 who are born with disability or acquire a permanent disability due to a major illness or injury. (For information about services for seniors with disability, visit the South Australian Government website, www.sa.gov.au/seniors, or phone Domiciliary Care on 1300 295 673.) ++What services do we provide? We provide, or help people access, a range of specialist services such as: - early childhood services, and developmental services for children and young people - service assessment, planning, coordination and advice - support in the family home or a person’s own home - support with personal care - support for carers, including foster carers (for example advice, training, respite care, emergency support) - support and advice to manage difficult behaviour - fully supported live in accommodation services - supported day-time activities - access to equipment and aids, such as wheelchairs and ramps - therapy services, for example physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy, psychology - specialist clinics and other specialist community health support services. Note: there are waiting lists for some services, but we are often able to provide short term support to people in an emergency. ++Eligibility for services Anyone can phone us on 1300 786 117 for information or to make a referral. In addition to information services, people with disability and their families may be able to receive some brief assistance from us without completing an eligibility assessment. To receive further help from us, people with disability must be eligible to receive our services. To be eligible, they must have major difficulties managing daily activities and need the support of a specialist disability agency. People we can assist are: - children under five years of age who have significant global developmental delay - people with intellectual disability - people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism or Asperger syndrome) - children (see * note below) and adults with acquired brain injury (ABI). This includes injuries resulting from events such as a stroke or car accident - children (see * note below) and adults who have a physical or neurological condition that cannot be resolved with medical treatment. This includes conditions such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and spinal injury. Additional notes: - *In most cases Novita Children's Services provides support to children aged 0 to 18 with a physical or neurological disability or acquired brain injury. Phone Novita Children's Services on 8243 8243 for more information. - Sensory Directions helps people with sensory disability (hearing and vision disabilities) to find and use a range of supports. For assistance, phone 8203 8333. - To access any of the following services that we provide, other than information services, you must first make a referral by phoning 1300 786 117, to assess your eligibility for services. ++Regional offices Disability Services has offices located throughout South Australia. See the end of this document for the main locations and service points. Not all services are offered in all locations (for example, country areas) but outreach services are arranged through visiting specialists and clinics. Regional teams consist of service coordinators, early childhood workers, child and youth workers, Aboriginal service workers, social workers, therapists and psychologists. While services for adults are for people with all types of disability as listed above, services for children and their families are mainly for those with developmental delay, intellectual disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder. As noted earlier, in most cases Novita Children's Services provides support for children with a physical or neurological disability or acquired brain injury. Many people with disabilities only require access to information, short term assistance or occasional services. These services help people to develop and maintain independence and promote self determination. For people with high or complex needs, a service coordinator undertakes a comprehensive needs assessment and develops a support plan with the person with disability and their family. They can link people with relevant community services and help people to choose service options. Some specialist services such as early childhood services, developmental services for children and young people, therapy services, equipment services and behavioural services are also provided by regional teams. ++Specialist Service for Children and Youth - The Intensive Family Intervention Program provides assessment, advice and intervention to children, young people and their families who are facing significant developmental, behavioural and family difficulties. Referrals are made through service coordinators in Disability Services regional offices. - The Alternative Care Therapeutic Team is provided in conjunction with Families SA and provides specific intervention and support for foster families who care for a child/young person with disability and high support needs. If you are interested in foster care, visit the Families SA website for detailed information (www.fostercare.sa.gov.au ) or phone Foster Care Services on 1300 236 7837. - Adult Specialist Services Intervention and Support Team (ASSIST) ASSIST provides services that help improve the wellbeing and quality of life of adults with disability. ASSIST staff provide support to people living in their own homes and to people who live in supported accommodation. Staff can assist with advice about specialist areas such as mobility, communication, mealtime management, daily living and emotional wellbeing. This may include the provision of equipment. Teams are located in the metropolitan area but provide advice and professional support to staff in country South Australia. - Centre for Disability Health This Centre offers specialist health consultancy services. Specialists can work with local GPs (general practitioners) and other health services to increase the capability of all health services. The Centre offers specialist clinical services through its clinics including medical, dental, neurological, psychiatric, psychological, dietetics and podiatry services. The North East Clinic in Modbury is available to clients living in the community and within our accommodation services. The Centre specialises in services for people with intellectual disability and also for people with acquired brain injury, physical or neurological disability. For more information, phone 8397 8100 (fax 8397 8199). - Accommodation Services Accommodation Services offer a range of supported accommodation and lifestyle or pre vocational support through: - community based supported accommodation services - campus-based services including Strathmont Centre and Highgate Park - aged care services at Northgate and Highgate - services during the day for example NorthLink, day options and pre vocational activities - after hours services, including crisis response and provision of emergency services. For after hours emergency support, phone 8372 1414. We are committed to maintaining the safety and wellbeing of the people we support. Our focus is on quality of life, maximising independence and personal skills development. We encourage people to participate in their local communities and support the involvement of family and friends. Our services are mostly targeted to those with high or complex needs. New clients are referred through Disability Services regional offices. In addition to services provided by the South Australian Government, a wide range of non-government supported accommodation, employment, community access and day options services are available in South Australia. Your regional Disability Services office can help you access these services, or phone 1300 786 117. - Are you interested in volunteering for Disability Services? Disability Services encourages the involvement of volunteers in supporting people with disability. This support can be provided through community based volunteer groups, such as those in local government and non-government agencies, and through our own services. Volunteers make a positive difference to the lives of people with disability. They can support them to pursue individual interests and participate in leisure and recreational activities, providing transport, visiting or accompanying people on outings or when attending personal appointments. For further information, phone 8266 8539 (fax 8266 8610) for Strathmont Centre, or 8372 1400 (fax 8372 1484) for Highgate Park. - Information Services For information about disability services in South Australia, or to make a referral to a service, phone 1300 786 117, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm weekdays. Alternatively, you can email your enquiry to disabilityinfo@dcsi.sa.gov.au and we will do our best to locate the information you need. This service is available to any member of the public. Telephone listings for all Disability Services offices can be found in the White Pages, as part of the advertisement for the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion. - South Australian Government website: The South Australian Government has a comprehensive website that includes information about disability, disability services, concessions, service directories, and so on. It also includes over 100 information sheets that you can download at no charge. Disability-related information is available at www.sa.gov.au/disability. - Disability Services infoLink magazine: This magazine is published twice a year and is posted to registered clients, funded service providers and other agencies. It is also available for download from the South Australian Government website (see above), from regional offices or by phoning 1300 786 117. - DCSI Library and Information Service—Disability Collection: This collection has books and a wide range of other specialist resources (such as kits, DVDs, journals) that cover many aspects of disability. People who use the library include people with disability, parents/carers, specialists, GPs and other service providers. Resources can be forwarded to your local Disability Services office or posted out if you live in a remote location. Most services are free of charge. For more information, please phone 8266 8556 or email: disability.library@dcsi.sa.gov.au. The Library is located at Strathmont Centre, Oakden. If you intend to visit the Library, please phone first and make an appointment. - Independent Living Centre and Continence Resource Centre The Centre offers free advice to the general public on equipment and techniques to help you with everyday tasks, improve your quality of life, manage continence issues and maintain your independence. The Centre has skilled staff and a large display area at 11 Blacks Road, Gilles Plains. If you intend to visit the Centre, please phone first to make an appointment with one of the therapists on 1300 885 886 (SA and NT only) or 8266 5260. The Centre also has a mobile unit, which visits regional areas in South Australia. Therapists provide free information and advice. A yearly calendar is available from the Centre. One-off trips may be available on request. For more information, phone 1300 885 886 (SA and NT only) or 8266 5260, or email ilcsa@dcsi.sa.gov.au. ++Disability, Ageing and Carers (DAC) Disability Ageing and Carers (DAC) is another branch of Community and Home Support SA. DAC leads strategic policy development, planning and resource allocation across the whole disability sector. One of DAC's highest priorities is to create an integrated community care and support system that’s easier to access. In South Australia, approximately 60 per cent of services for people with disability are provided by community organisations with funding through DAC. These agencies provide a range of services for people with disability, including supported accommodation, community access and in-home support services. In addition, DAC collects and analyses data from across the disability sector and coordinates reporting on disability services in South Australia. If you are a service provider seeking help, visit www.sa.gov.au/disability and look at the sections called “Information for service providers” or phone 8415 4250. Another important part of DAC’s role is the provision of policy advice, cultural consultancy and the coordination of planning to ensure that the services provided and funded meet the needs of Aboriginal people with disability. DAC has a major role to promote the inclusion and equal treatment of people with disability. DAC leads the South Australian Government’s Promoting Independence strategy for people with disability. - Consumer consultation We value strong links and partnerships with our clients. This helps us to better understand the needs, priorities and preferences of service users. DAC receives valuable advice and direction as a result of consultation that occurs through the Minister’s Disability Advisory Council. Advice is also received through a range of other consultative processes. For further information about consumer consultation, contact DAC on 8415 4250. ++Exceptional Needs Unit The Exceptional Needs Unit may be able to assist people with exceptionally high and complex needs. The Unit helps people who may be in contact with multiple agencies, have fallen through gaps in the service system or are homeless. This includes people with mental health conditions or chronic health problems, disability, or a combination of these. Those assisted are usually unable to live independently or safely in the community or may be experiencing significant behavioural problems. Services include: - Comprehensive needs assessment and advice - Management Assessment Panel (MAP) - Supported Residential Facilities (SRF) Assessment Team - Homelessness Support Program - Transition funding for clients with exceptional needs - Help to access other services. Referral to these services is usually through the client’s current support agency or worker. For inquiries or further information phone 8448 4610 (fax 8448 4601) or email exceptional.needs@dcsi.sa.gov.au. ++Companion Card The Companion Card is available to people with permanent disability who require ongoing attendant care support. When a Companion Card is presented at participating venues and activities, the cardholder will not be required to pay an admission fee for their companion who is providing attendant care. The card also allows free travel for a companion on public transport when they are with the cardholder who has a valid metro ticket. In South Australia the Companion Card is free and is valid for five years. The Companion Card program is an initiative of the South Australian Government, jointly managed by the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion, and the South Australian National Disability Services. For more information on the Companion Card phone 1800 667 110, visit www.sa.companioncard.asn.au or email companion.card@dcsi.sa.gov.au. If you are deaf, have a hearing impairment or have complex communication needs, phone: - The National Speech Relay Service: 133 677 - The Speech-to-Speech Relay Service: 1300 555 727 ++Main locations and service points - Disability Information Service For assistance with inquiries and information about disability services in South Australia, or to make a referral: Telephone: 1300 786 117 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm weekdays) Email: disabilityinfo@dcsi.sa.gov.au. Website: www.sa.gov.au/disability - Disability Services Administration DCSI Library & Information Service - Disability Collection Telephone: 8266 8556 Email: disability.library@dcsi.sa.gov.au - Independent Living Centre and Continence Resource Centre Telephone: 1300 885 886 (SA & NT only) or 8266 5260 Email: ilcsa@dcsi.sa.gov.au - Centre for Disability Health Telephone: 8397 8100 - Disability, Ageing and Carers (DAC) Telephone: 8415 4250 - Inclusion Unit Telephone: 8207 0508 - Exceptional Needs Unit Telephone: 8448 4610 ++Regional offices telephone numbers Angaston: 8521 4700 Berri: 8582 2400 Ceduna: 8625 2129 Christies Beach: 8384 7299 Clare: 8842 3744 Daw Park: 8277 8566 Gawler: 8521 4700 Gilles Plains (21 Blacks Rd): 8366 7333 Gilles Plains (31 Blacks Rd):8366 7300 Kadina: 8821 0200 Kangaroo Island: 8553 2270 or 0428 817 406 Mount Barker: 7424 7888 Mount Gambier: 8735 1800 Murray Bridge: 8532 4503 Port Augusta: 8641 1600 Port Lincoln: 8688 3564 Port Pirie: 8638 4981 Regency Park: 8348 6000 Salisbury (46 Commercial Rd): 8282 5500 Salisbury (57 Park Tce): 8182 1560 Victor Harbor: 8552 0600 Whyalla: 8648 8686 ++Residential facilities telephone numbers Campbell House: 8294 1771 Highgate Park: 8272 1988 Northgate Aged Care Service: 8266 8000 Strathmont Centre: 8266 8511 Trinity Court: 8261 6777 Copies of this publication are available from the Disability Information Service Telephone: 1300 786 117 Email: disabilityinfo@dcsi.sa.gov.au Website: www.sa.gov.au/disability Version: March 2012 Licensed under Creative Commons http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ Attribute to: The Department for Communities and Social Inclusion, Government of South Australia