To access Disability Client Services you must be assessed as having a disability as defined by the Disability Act 2006 (Act). This is called a Target Group Assessment and generally only needs to occur once.
Disability Client Services
Central Highlands Area RegionService information for people with a disability, their families and carers
Who is able to access Disability Client Services?
To access Disability Client Services you must be assessed as having a disability as defined by the Disability Act 2006 (Act). This is called a Target Group Assessment and generally only needs to occur once.
The Act describes the target group for disability services by providing the following definitions of disability:
A person who has an intellectual disability or a developmental delay for children under the age of six, which impacts on general intellectual functioning and has deficits in personal skills such as self care and communication. This must be evident before the age of 18 years.
A sensory, physical or neurological impairment or acquired brain injury or any combination thereof, which
is, or is likely to be, permanent and
causes a substantially reduced capacity in at least one of the areas of self-care, self-management, mobility or communication, and
requires significant ongoing or long term episodic support, and
is not related to ageing.
Priority of access
Priority indicators are used to ensure that a person’s access to service determined in relation to others seeking support with similar circumstances.
Services provided by Disability Client Services
There is no cost associated with the use of these services.
Our service is voluntary and you can choose to withdraw from the service at any time by contacting your current worker or Access and Response on 1800 783 783.
However, there may be times when people are required to work with Disability Client Services because of court requirements.
Access and Response
This is usually the first point of contact for a person with a disability or their representative. Workers can provide information, advice and referral to both disability specific supports and non disability supports.
Assistance with Planning
This provides people with a disability the opportunity to explore and formalise their broad life goals. Assistance with planning may be either limited or extensive and is usually offered prior to a person accessing disability support services. A person can request assistance with planning at any time.
Case Management
Case Managers provide episodes of support to people with a disability who have complex needs. Case Managers work with the person, their family and support network to identify goals, plan for the future and link into appropriate services.
Facilitation
Where a person with a disability has been allocated an Individual Support Package (ISP), they may ask Disability Client Services to be the facilitator. The facilitator can assist people to plan their supports and funding, the emphasis is on Increasing citizenship, community involvement and the use of informal and formal support.
Behaviour Support Service
Provide a range of services to people with a disability who display behaviours of concern. This may include severely aggressive, self-injurious, anti-social or withdrawn behaviours.
The Behaviour Support Service works with the client, their families, carers and support agencies. Services include undertaking assessments, developing and reviewing interventions, and providing training, support and consultation.
Futures for Young Adults
Pathway Planners provide information, advice, and support for people aged 18 to 21 years with a disability, as they make the transition from school.
Pathway planners will emphasise a focus on community participation, employment and further education where appropriate and assist with disability specific supports if required. The role of Pathway Planner is not case management.
If Futures for Young Adults support is required this is available for up to three years or until the person turns 21.
Moving Forward
This program assists people with a disability living in Disability Services Shared Supported Accommodation to consider, explore and work toward more independent living options or more flexible support models.
Disability Client Services can also assist with access to:
Disability Services Outreach
The Outreach Team assists individuals to develop and maintain an independent and meaningful lifestyle through developmental skills training, so that the person with a disability is able to gain confidence in their own abilities and live independently within their local community.
Outreach staff may provide skills training in general housekeeping, cooking, budgeting, travel training, social development, personal hygiene, problem solving, and community access.
Disability Respite Services
There is a range of community respite options available to provide the caregiver with a break. For information about these options, contact Access & Response of 1800 783 783.
Disability Respite Services provide respite for eligible people aged six years and over.
There are costs associated with this service.
Shared Supported Accommodation
Shared Supported Accommodation provide shared supported accommodation within the community. Accommodation is usually offered in shared housing with up to five other people with disabilities.
Residential support provided includes assistance with activities of daily living, skill development and community participation.
There are costs associated with this service.
Website: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/disability