Disability Support Guide FNQ Nav 2024

How to read the directory tables

In the directory section starting on page 17 of this guide you’ll find six sections covering In Home & Community Support, Therapists & Specialists, Accommodation, Advisors, Equipment & Technology and Mental Health.

The tables list a number of providers, including both registered and unregistered NDIS providers servicing the Far North Queensland region or the whole State, in alphabetical order.

The lists detail whether these providers are registered to deliver Core, Capital or Capacity support and indicate some of the specific services that each of the providers deliver.

The tables show if the provider can come to your house or school to deliver services or work from a set location, such as a medical practice. They also indicate what age groups providers can deliver services to.

A bold listing indicates the provider has paid to have their services listed in this Guide. If a service provider has an advertisement in this Guide, then the page number of the advert is listed in red under ‘Advertisement Page’.

For a complete overview of providers and services registered in each State and Territory visit DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au/topics/ndis-providers

Welcome

Welcome

Welcome to this special edition of the Disability Support Guide Navigator dedicated to supports provided in Far North Queensland.

We know how challenging it can be to find the right provider for your needs and understand this can be even more difficult in regional or remote areas of Australia.

There may be less providers to choose from or it’s hard to find a local provider who can support you in your own community.

That’s why DPS, the company behind the print and online Disability Support Guide resources, created this special A5 Navigator for Far North Queensland (FNQ).

This handy mini guide will touch on some of the key steps to accessing disability support services and includes a directory of providers delivering a range of disability support products and services near you.

Just like the set up of the larger publication, we have broken down the directory listings into a number of different sections, such as In Home & Community Support, Therapists & Specialists, Accommodation, Advisors, Equipment & Technology and Mental Health. Each section includes a dedicated list of different service providers delivering products and services specifically in Far North Queensland.

You can use this navigator edition in conjunction with our website DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au to find out more about each provider listed in the guide. The associated ‘DSG Web ID’ links directly to the relevant profile online and the services they offer.

To find out more about our range of home, aged care, retirement and disability resources, or to request a copy of the regular Disability Support Guide Eastern Australia, covering ACT, New South Wales, all of Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria, visit the website or contact us on 1300 186 688 or by emailing info@dps.com.au.

DPS Publishing Pty Ltd

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1300 186 688

● PO Box 1026, Pasadena SA 5042 info@dps.com.au

● AgedCareGuide.com.au

● ABN 53 090 793 730

Advertising Distribution Proudly produced sales@dps.com.au distribution@dps.com.au and printed

1300 186 688

Disability Support Guide

Far North Queensland 2024

Navigator Edition

Printed January 2024

Deputy Editior

David McManus

david.mcmanus@dps.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

Michelle Beech

1300 186 688

The factual material contained in this publication has been obtained from information supplied by government departments, industry and organisations, by personal interview and by telephone and correspondence. At the time of going to press the publisher believed that all information submitted for publication was accurate and complete. However, the publisher can take no responsibility for inaccuracies or incomplete information that may have been supplied to them in the course of their enquiries detailed above. The facts published indicate the result of those enquiries and no warranty as to their accuracy can be given. The information in this publication is general in nature and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. Readers should consider whether the information is appropriate to their needs and seek professional advice tailored to their personal circumstances. Images within this publication may have been altered from their original format.

© Copyright. No part of this publication can be used or reproduced in any format without express permission in writing from The Publisher. ® Aged Care Guide is a registered trademark.

Steps to accessing disability supports

If you’re living with a disability you may be able to access supports through Government funded services. There are lots of different support options available that can help make life easier but it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve broken the process of accessing support down into simple steps that will help you get from A to B in your support journey.

Research

Learn about how to access the NDIS and get an overview of the different support options that are available to help you live your best life.

Preparation

Get an understanding of what you need to consider and prepare ahead of getting access to disability support services.

Planning meeting

Your LAC or ECEI will work with you to set long and short term goals and determine what supports are needed to help you meet those goals.

Finding providers

Find providers to deliver a range of products and services meeting your needs and requirements.

Managing services

Read about managing your supports, for example when your needs change, your supports no longer suit you or you would like to change providers.

Research

Disability support in Australia is mostly available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). If you’re living with a disability you may be able to access supports through Government funded services.

The first step in your research should be to check if you are eligible for the NDIS and to then apply to join the Scheme.

To be eligible you need to be:

⃝ Under the age of 65

⃝ An Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa

⃝ Diagnosed with a disability that affects your ability to perform everyday activities, or be a child up to the age of six with developmental delay requiring early intervention supports

To check if you are eligible and to apply you can contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au. You may need to provide proof of your diagnosis or other documents to show your need for supports as part of your application.

Once you have applied you can start looking into what kinds of disability support are out there, and get an idea of what you might benefit from.

The objectives of the NDIS are to help you develop greater independence, assist you to get more involved in the community, support you in developing new skills and/or getting a job and find ways to improve your overall wellbeing.

But above all, the NDIS is based on each person receiving an individual plan that funds the supports to match their goals and what they want to achieve in life.

This means the types of supports available to you cover all areas of life and are tailored to exactly what you need to achieve your goals.

Options can include equipment, assistive technology and home modifications, supports to access the community, such as transport or funding for centre based activities, assistance with daily living, like help with showering and meal preparation, or supports for building your skills, such as therapies or programs.

While working out what supports you’ll receive funding for through your plan, the NDIS will look at whether they are considered ‘reasonable and necessary’.

This means they must be related to your disability and not be a daily living costsuch as the cost of groceries or rent, be good value for the amount they cost and be likely to be effective and beneficial to you.

Any informal supports given to you by family, carers, networks and the community will also be considered.

The NDIS also won’t fund supports provided through other funding streams – like learning supports provided for children with disability in schools, that are funded by education departments.

If you are not eligible for the NDIS you may be able to access some funding from State and Territory Governments. For example, you might be able to have some assistive technology funded or access mental health support through the Queensland Government’s programs.

Preparation

Once you have been approved as a Participant of the NDIS you can start preparing for a planning meeting.

A Local Area Coordinator, NDIA planner or Early Childhood Early Intervention Coordinator will contact you after you are approved for funding to set up this meeting.

Together you will put a plan together which includes your short and long term goals, work out how you can reach those goals and what supports you need. This plan is then sent to the NDIA for approval and allocation of funding for any supports or equipment.

To make sure you’re well prepared for your planning meeting it is important you collect a range of supporting documents and information. These could include:

⃝ Specialist reports of therapy assessments

⃝ Letters from your doctor

⃝ Personal documents about you or your family

⃝ Day program rosters

⃝ Information from your employer or volunteer organisation

⃝ Activity schedules or a behaviour support plan

Although it’s not a requirement that you bring quotes for any assistive technology or equipment you want in your plan, quotes can assist the planner you are working with to have a better idea of the level of funding you need.

As well as preparing documents, it can be helpful if you think about and write down anything that will assist with planning your supports. This includes:

⃝ Any formal supports you are currently receiving, such as therapy, as well as any informal supports from family members or friends

⃝ The regular activities you do, such as sport, volunteering or participating in community groups

⃝ Where you live, who you live with and whether you are happy with those arrangements

⃝ Your short and long term goals

⃝ Any barriers you currently face to achieving your goals

⃝ Details of what ‘good’ days and ‘bad’ days mean to you, to highlight your daily challenges so you can receive necessary supports

⃝ A statement from your carer detailing your needs such as personal care, domestic tasks, social participation, eating or drinking, as well as where further support is needed and the impact of your caring role, such as financial, employment, physical and mental health implications

⃝ Any questions you have

It’s also worth getting an understanding of the different ways your funding can be managed - look after it yourself, use a plan manager or have the NDIA look after this and what your preferred option would be. You can discuss this in more detail during your planning meeting.

Planning meeting

Planning meeting

The NDIS planning meeting will be used to set long and short term goals and will be used by the NDIA to decide how much funding you receive and what types of supports you can access to help you achieve your goals.

The meeting may be held in your planner’s office or you can ask them to come to your home. In some cases, for example if you live in a rural area, you may be able to have the meeting over the phone.

A plan meeting can take a few hours and the planner you are meeting with will ask lots of questions to get a picture of you, your circumstances and your goals.

Every time you have a planning or review meeting it is important to remember to take your time and not rush, to make sure everything that you want is discussed so that your plan can include the best possible supports.

Your first NDIS plan can focus on the supports you need right now, to give you time to work out what your longer term goals might be.

During the meeting you will also talk about how you will be able to measure the progress you make towards your goals and how you will tell if your plan is working when all your supports are in place.

You can have a support person present during the meeting, who can provide emotional support or fill in any gaps in information if required. You can also appoint a plan nominee to make decisions about your plan and supports on your behalf if you need them to, for example if you have regular trips to hospital and need someone to arrange your home supports ready for when you are discharged.

Some tips to help you get the most out of your planning meeting include:

⃝ Write down the contact information of your planner in case you have questions after the meeting

⃝ Take notes during your meeting to help you remember what was talked about

⃝ Go through all the information and documentation you brought into the meeting with your planner

⃝ If you need language or cultural support, including Auslan interpretation, make sure you ask the planner about it

⃝ Make sure the planner answers all your questions and that you have time to understand how it all works

⃝ Ask the planner to read back what they have noted down about your goals to make sure you are both on the same page

⃝ Make a decision about what type of plan management you want to use - agency managed, plan managed, self managed or a combination - but remember you can change this at any time

⃝ Confirm a date when your plan will be reviewed. Typically, a plan will last for 12 months, but this might be sooner if you need it to be

During a plan review meeting you will work through your existing plan to look at how you’ve progressed towards your goals and whether you have any new goals. You will also look at the supports you receive to see what is working, what needs to change and what new or different supports you might need to work towards your new goals.

The plan review is also a chance to ask for funding for assistive technology or equipment you might need over the next year.

Finding providers

There are many disability support providers out there offering a range of different services and opportunities.

Choosing which provider to trust with providing support is an important personal decision - one that you want to think carefully about and shouldn’t rush. You might want to start by writing down what you are looking for in a provider and what is important to you.

Some questions that you might like to think about include:

⃝ Do you want most of your supports to be through the same provider or are you comfortable with managing services from multiple providers?

⃝ Do you want the same support worker to visit each time?

⃝ Are you willing to see therapists and specialists at clinics or do you want them to be able to deliver the service in your home, or another location?

⃝ How soon do you need the service provider to start your supports?

⃝ Do you need the provider to be flexible and able to change the times and places support is provided to meet your schedule?

⃝ For supports where you need to go to a location in the community, such as day programs, would you like the provider to offer you transport?

Once you have an idea of what you are looking for you can use this Navigator Guide or the DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au directory to find providers in your area that meet your requirements.

When considering a potential provider take your time to do some research:

⃝ Look at the provider’s website, social media pages and online reviews - if you know anyone who currently receives services from the provider or has in the past, ask about their experiences of the provider

⃝ Check out their credentials such as quality certifications and industry awards

⃝ Do they have any past or present sanctions from the NDIS Commission?

⃝ Have a look at the types of services they provide and whether these will meet exactly what you need

⃝ If you are a First Nations person, from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background or identify as LGBTQIA+, ask the provider whether they have any experience or qualifications in providing services that are inclusive of you

With NDIS funding it is also important to know how the management of your plan affects the types of providers you can use. For any parts of your plan that are agency managed you can only claim for services from a registered NDIS provider. If your plan, or part of your plan, is plan managed or self managed you can use those funds for both registered and non-registered NDIS providers.

When you have decided on a provider you need to discuss fees and costs with them, as well as exactly what supports they will provide and when.

The document that sets out all of these details is called a service agreement and you will need a different agreement with every service provider you have.

Managing services

Managing Services

You may find that after using your supports for a while you need to change your services, goals or NDIS plan.

This could be because:

⃝ You are moving to another area that your provider doesn’t service

⃝ Your needs or circumstances have changed and you need more or different support

⃝ Your provider is no longer delivering the services you need

⃝ You are unhappy with your provider or you feel uncomfortable or unsafe with their services

⃝ You have achieved a goal and would like something new to work towards

The process of making changes to your current services depends on the type of support you are receiving and the reason you want to change it.

Not all changes to your plan will mean you need a full review and you can talk to an NDIS representative, Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood Early Intervention partner about whether you need to ask for a plan review or not.

If the reason you want to change providers is that you are not completely happy with them, the first step should be to talk with your current provider.

While you don’t have to give a reason why you want to end the service, it can be helpful if you feel comfortable giving the provider your reasons. Providers sometimes need feedback to make sure their services are doing the best they can, so talking constructively with your provider gives them a chance to understand.

The next step is to look over the service agreement you have with your current provider to check what the process is that you agreed to follow. This could include how much notice you need to give your provider about stopping your services and whether you need to pay cancellation costs.

Once you have given your provider a chance to respond to your concerns, consider whether they will fix the issue or not.

If not, end your service agreement by following the steps in the service agreement document and ask your provider to end their service booking on the NDIS portal. In some cases you might have to contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to cancel a service booking, so ask the provider if this is the case for you.

Your support coordinator or plan manager, if you have one, also needs to know what you’re planning and when you are ending the arrangement with your provider. They might also be able to help you with the process and answer questions you have.

If you want to make changes to your goals or your NDIS plan it’s a good idea to speak with your NDIS representative first to understand the correct process.

Keep in mind that you will have a regular plan review meeting, so if you need to change your goals this can likely wait until your scheduled review.

You can also request an unscheduled plan review at any time, which might be needed if your circumstances change, your plan no longer meets your needs, or you would like to change how your plan is managed.

This is called a participant-requested review and can be requested through a change of circumstances form, found on the NDIS website or at an NDIS office.

NDIS Planning Meeting Checklist

It’s never too early to start planning! To help you make the most of your planning meeting we have put together a checklist of useful information before and during the meeting and what to look out for when you receive your plan.

Before your planning meeting

Familiarise yourself with the NDIS:

Go to pages 15-16 of this Guide for our handy list of definitions and often used terms

Information about the NDIS, your eligibility, developing your first plan and what to expect at your planning meeting can be found on our website:

DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au/information

Take the time to write down your:

Personal details

Current informal supports from family and friends

Current formal supports

Activities (regular and occasional) and how you get to and from them

Living arrangements

Short and long-term goals

How you would like to manage your funding – read more about the different options at DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au/information/article/managing-your-plan

Gather your supporting documents, such as assessment reports, medical results or day options. Make sure you keep copies of these documents. These documents may include:

Information, reports and assessments of your disability

Detailing ‘good’ days and ‘bad’ days, to ensure you highlight your daily challenges and receive the necessary supports you need

NDIS Planning Workbook – available online at ndis.gov.au. The questions in this planning workbook can help you collect the information used to determine your needs and goals

Carers statement – Take some time to write a detailed list of your caring responsibilities such as personal care, domestic tasks, social participation, eating or drinking, as well as where further support is needed and the impact of your caring role, such as financial, employment, physical and mental health implications

Evidence of age and residency such as a copy of your passport or birth certificate

Bank account details to be used for your NDIS funds

NDIS Planning Meeting Checklist

Prepare a list of questions to ask during your meeting, such as:

When can I expect to receive my NDIS plan?

How can I get in contact with you after our meeting if I remember something else?

Who will help me understand my plan and answer any further questions I have?

Who can help me organise my supports and put my plan into action?

Can you repeat my answers back to me?

Am I able to review my plan before it is finalised?

During your planning meeting

Think of who you’d like to bring with you to your planning meeting.

It could be your carer, a parent, a friend or your partner

Write down your planner’s name and contact details

Take notes so you can refer to what has been discussed later on

Go through the information you collected and prepared

A sk about language or cultural support

Present any quotes for items/services you are requesting

Present specialist reports showing therapies or supports recommended

Advise which plan management option you wish to use

Remember to tell your planner why you need certain supports

Confirm when your next plan review will be held

Make sure all your questions are answered

Appoint a plan nominee if you wish. This is someone who can make decisions about your plan and supports on your behalf, if necessary

Remember to take your time and don’t be rushed. This meeting is to determine the supports you need so you want to make sure you get it right.

When you receive your plan

Check it to make sure you understand what is included in your plan

Await contact by an NDIS representative to discuss putting your plan into action

Notify your service providers and organise a time to sign Service Agreements

Link your myGov account to your NDIS participant portal, following the instructions sent by the NDIA. The NDIS participant portal allows you to view your plan and manage your services with your providers

A s you begin to receive support through your plan, think about how these supports are working for you and what else you may need to achieve your long-term goals before your plan review in 12 months time.

Partners of the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports more than half a million people living right across Australia. To be able to deliver the NDIS in a way that works at a local community level, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) partners with community based organisations.

The local community organisations work with people with disability to help them with their support journey and are called NDIS partners. The partners of the NDIS include Local Area Coordinators (LAC) and Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) providers.

These organisations know what supports and services are available in your community and can explain how the NDIS system works. Over 70 percent of NDIS participants are supported through LACs or ECEI partners.

Local Area Coordinator partners

LACs assist the NDIA in working with you as a participant to set goals as well as prepare and implement your plan.

LACs have three key roles:

⃝ Linking you to the NDIS

⃝ Providing you with information and support in the community

⃝ Working with your local community to make sure it’s both welcoming and inclusive for people with disability

Once your request to be part of the NDIS has been approved, you will be notified and a LAC representative will contact you to arrange a planning meeting. The LAC will work with you to put your plan together and will send it to the NDIA for approval.

Early Childhood Early Intervention partners

The Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) program supports children under the age of seven who have a disability or developmental delay.

These organisations have a sound knowledge of the early childhood approach and work with other Government departments, such as the Education Department, to make sure children are getting the best developmental supports.

ECEIs work with your whole family to help your child to reach their full potential.

NDIA managed areas

In most cases, people entering the NDIS will communicate with their LAC about their plan. However, some regional and remote areas are not serviced by a LAC partner. Similarly, ECEI partners don’t tend to be located in remote or very remote areas.

If you don’t have a LAC or ECEI partner in your area, the NDIA will work with you directly to connect you to supports in your area.

You can find a list of the different NDIS partners in Far North Queensland on the following pages.

Partners of the NDIS in Queensland

Service Area Council

ECEI partner

Brisbane Brisbane benevolent society

1300 003 234 benevolent.ecei@ndis.gov.au

Partners of the NDIS

Bundaberg Bundaberg

BUSHkids

07 4111 1655 bundabergecei@bushkids.org.au

Cairns Cairns Tablelands Mission Australia 1800 860 555 eceicairns@ndis.gov.au

Cassowary Coast Yarrabah

Gold Coast Gold Coast UnitingCare

1800 864 846 unitingcare.earlychildhood@ndis.gov.au

Ipswich Ipswich Scenic Rim each

Lockyer Valley Somerset

Redland

1300 003 224 info@each.com.au

Logan Logan benevolent society 1300 003 234 benevolent.ecei@ndis.gov.au

Mackay Issac

Mackay

UnitingCare

1800 543 354 unitingcare.earlychildhood@ndis.gov.au

Maryborough Cherbourg North Burnett BUSHkids

Fraser CoastSouth Burnett

07 4183 8920 kingaroyecei@bushkids.org.au herveybayecei@bushkids.org.au

Moreton Bay CabooltureStrathpine benevolent society

Moreton Bay

1300 003 234 benevolent.ecei@ndis.gov.au

Rockhampton Banana Livingstone BUSHkids

Central Highlands Rockhampton

Gladstone

07 4913 1090 emeraldecei@bushkids.org.au

07 4904 5335 gladstoneecei@bushkids.org.au 07 4994 2120 rockhamptonecei@bushkids.org.au

Sunshine Coast Gympie Maroochydore BUSHkids

Noosa Sunshine Coast

07 5406 0708 caloundraecei@bushkids.org.au gympieecei@bushkids.org.au maroochydoreecei@bushkids.org.au

Toowoomba Southern Downs UnitingCare

Toowoomba

Burdekin

1800 543 354 unitingcare.earlychildhood@ndis.gov.au

Townsville Townsville Charter Towers UnitingCare 1800 543 354 unitingcare.earlychildhood@ndis.gov.au

All other areas not supported by a NDIS partner

NDIS

1800 800 110

LAC partner

Carers QLD Australia

1300 999 636 brisbanesouthlac@carersqld.com.au brisbanenorthlac@carersqld.com.au

IWC

1300 492 492 info@iwc.org.au

Mission Australia 1800 860 555 lac.cairns@ndis.gov.au

Carers QLD Australia

1300 999 636 goldcoastlac@carersqld.com.au

Carers QLD Australia

1300 999 636 ipswichlac@carersqld.com.au

Carers QLD Australia

1300 999 636 beenleighlac@carersqld.com.au capalabalac@caresqld.com.au

feros care

1300 986 970 feroslac@ndis.gov.au

APM

1300 276 522 lac@apm.net.au

Carers QLD Australia

1300 999 636 moretonbaylac@carersqld.com.au

Carers QLD Australia

1300 999 636 gladstonelac@carersqld.com.au rockhamptonlac@carersqld.com.au

Carers QLD Australia

1300 999 636 gympielac@carersqld.com.au sunshinecoastlac@carersqld.com.au

Carers QLD Australia

1300 999 636 toowoombaLAC@carersqld.com.au

feros care

1300 986 970 feroslac@ndis.gov.au

NDIS 1800 800 110

Queensland useful phone numbers and websites

Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia  (ADA Australia)

1800 818 338 adaaustralia.com.au

Autism QLD

Carers QLD

Deaf Connect

07 3273 0000 autismqld.com.au

07 3900 8100 carersqld.com.au

07 3892 8500 deafconnect.org.au

Department of Seniors, Disability Services

and Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander  Partnerships

13 74 68 dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au

Down Syndrome QLD

Guide Dogs QLD

Mackay Advocacy

07 3356 6655 downsyndrome.org.au/qld

07 3500 9001 qld.guidedogs.com.au

07 4957 8710 mackayadvocacy.com.au

Mater Intellectual  Disability & Autism Service 07 3163 2412 mater.org.au/midas

Multiple Sclerosis QLD

Multiple Sclerosis QLD

Neuro Assist Line

1800 413 717 msqld.org.au

1800 177 591 msqld.org.au

Muscular Dystrophy QLD

National Disability Services QLD

1800 676 364 mdqld.org.au

07 3828 9400 nds.org.au

Office of the Public Advocate QLD

07 3738 9513 justice.qld.gov.au/public-advocate

Office of the Public Guardian

1300 653 187 publicguardian.qld.gov.au

Public Trustee of Queensland

QLD Companion Card

1300 360 044 pt.qld.gov.au

13 74 68 qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/ subsidies-concessions-passes/companion-card

Queensland

Advocacy Incorporated

Queenslanders with  Disability Network

Queensland Women’s  Health Network

Synapse (Brain Injury Association  of Queensland)

07 3844 4200 qai.org.au

1300 363 783 qdn.org.au

07 4789 0665 qwhn.asn.au

1800 673 074 synapse.org.au

Definitions and often used terms

When going through all the information provided to you, you may come across some words you have not heard before or you are unsure of what they mean. We’ve put together a list of ‘definitions and often used terms’ where we explain the meaning of these words.

Access requirements – Criteria that need to be met for someone to become a participant in the NDIS.

Accessible – A place that is able to be reached, entered or used by every individual, including those with disability, for example by elevator, ramp or chair lift.

Advocacy – A person or organisation that acts as your voice and supports your rights. Advocates campaign and speak up for social change, inclusion, equal rights and opportunity.

Agency managed – One of the management options available where the budget in your plan is looked after by the NDIA. Also see ‘Plan managed’ and ‘Self managed’. Assistive technology – A product, device or piece of equipment that helps maintain, increase or improve your skills and functional abilities.

Capacity building support – Funding for therapies and services that will help you build your skills and independence. Also see ‘Capital support’ and ‘Core support’.

Capital support – Funding for aids and equipment to allow you to live independently or help your carer to support you. This can also include funding for specialist accommodation. Also see ‘Capacity building support’ and ‘Core support’.

Carer – Someone who looks after a person with disability. This can be a family member or a paid helper.

Carers statement – A document describing the care provided by an informal carer to a loved one to ensure the person with disability receives appropriate support in their NDIS plan.

Core support – Funding for supports that will help you go about your daily life. Also see ‘Capacity building support’ and ‘Capital support’.

Developmental delay – When a child develops at a slower rate than other children of the same age and doesn’t reach milestones at the expected times.

Diagnosis – The identification of a disease, disorder, condition or disability following assessments, tests and discussion about symptoms.

Disability – A physical, mental, cognitive or developmental condition that limits a person’s ability to engage or take part in everyday activities or interactions. The condition is permanent or likely to be permanent.

Eligibility – Whether a person is able to receive support through the NDIS.

Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) – Supports available under NDIS for children under the age of seven years to help reduce the effects of a disability, improve their skills and limit the need for assistance in later life.

Formal support – When you pay someone to help you with activities like going to the shops, helping you shower or preparing a meal. You may find these people through an agency or your service provider sends these people to help you.

Funding – Supports paid for under the NDIS. These supports are documented in your plan and must meet your goals and needs.

Government funded – Money or funds for supports made available by the State/Territory or Federal Government.

Informal support – Help you’re receiving from family, friends and social networks with activities like cooking meals, going shopping or driving you to appointments. You don’t pay these people to help you.

Definitions and often used terms

Intervention support – A combination of the different supports available to help maintain or improve your independence and participation within your community. Local Area Coordinators (LAC) – Local community organisations that have partnered with the NDIA to help participants access and manage the NDIS. Read more on page 11.

Modifications – Changes made to an environment, product or equipment to make it easier to use or access, to help increase your independence.

National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) – The independent Government agency that looks after the funding and coordination of the NDIS.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Government run program that helps support people living with disability or early intervention needs, to meet their individual needs, reach personal goals, participate in the community and increase their independence.

Participant – Someone who has been approved to receive supports through the NDIS.

Participant statement – a document describing the goals and aspirations you want to achieve with the help of the NDIS.

Plan – A document detailing the individual needs and goals of a participant and the types of supports that will be funded under the NDIS to help meet those goals.

Plan implementation – Organising the supports and funding within your NDIS plan so it works for you.

Plan managed – One of the management options available where a plan manager handles your NDIS plan and will look after the payment of services and products. Also see ‘Agency managed’ and ‘Self managed’.

Plan manager – A professional who can help you get the most out of your NDIS funding by handling the paperwork and payments associated with your supports.

Plan review – Meeting with your LAC or NDIA representative to review your plan, measure your progress against your goals and discuss what supports are or aren’t working as well as explore and set new goals for your next plan.

Planning meeting – Meeting with a LAC or NDIA representative to discuss your needs and goals that will form the basis of a plan of supports.

Provider – A person or organisation that delivers services to people living with disability. Also see ‘Registered provider’.

Registered provider – A person or organisation that has registered with the NDIS and meets certain criteria to provide a product or service to participants of the NDIS. Also see ‘Provider’.

Respite – A break from your usual living or caring environment. This could be at a day centre, within the community, at someone else’s home or in home support.

Scheme – Another word for program. Used as a shortened term to refer to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Self managed – One of the management options available where you organise supports and payments to providers yourself. Also see ‘Agency managed’ and ‘Plan managed’.

Service agreement – A contract between you and your provider detailing the types of services and supports that will be delivered.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) – Funding towards the cost of purpose built or specialist designed housing. Available under the ‘Capital supports group’ to some high support needs NDIS participants.

Unregistered provider – A person or organisation that has chosen not to register with the NDIS and does not need to adhere to NDIA guidelines and pricing. Also see ‘Provider’.

Home & Community Support

Locally

SUPPORTS:

Personal Care

Community Access and social participation

Capacity building

Build independent living skills

Personal Hygiene

Dressing

Cooking + Nutrition

Recreational Activities

NDIS Household Tasks

HUB ACTIVITIES:

Paper Craft

Music

Sewing Projects

Tech and navigating modern living workshops

Registered NDIS Provider

Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching including Specialist Support Coordination

We offer a tailored caring approach like no other. We listen, we care, we understand. We support your choice and control always.

Our Support Coordinators are here to offer one-on-one help for NDIS participants to establish and achieve goals now, and into the future.

Let’s work together to make great things happen.

If you have any questions about what we do and how we can help implement your NDIS plan, please feel free to get in touch. We’re happy to talk about the ways that we can link you with your local community and empower you to maximise the supports that are available within your plan.

We manage all support coordination needs. We offer specialist support coordination for higher needs to reduce complexities and barriers. All specialist services are delivered by appropriately qualified and experienced coordinators.

We look forward to sharing your journey with you.

07 4081 4640

(Option 3 for Support Coordination)

At ILSA, we approach support provision as a partnership that enables you to take control of the ordinary and achieve the extraordinary. We provide support to NDIS participants, My Aged Care recipients, and individuals under private or other insurance arrangements. You can count on us to listen to your needs and provide stable, experienced support teams in a friendly and professional manner.

We offer:

• In home supports such as personal care, domestic duties, meal preparation, light gardening, and medication supervision

• Community access supports such as social and recreational outings, appointment attendance, and shopping assistance.

When you engage with us, you engage Supports, for life!

enquiries: 07 4041 6507

email: office@ilsa.org.au

www.ilsa.org.au

Therapists & Specialists

Looking for NDIS registered allied health services in Cairns?

Conveniently located under one roof, Ramsay Health Plus and Ramsay Psychology are NDIS registered providers of therapy supports in the Cairns area.

This contemporary new local clinic is equipped with state-of-the art equipment (including an overhead track hoist) and a highly qualified and experienced team to match.

Services available include:

• Dietetics

• Exercise Physiology

• Occupational Therapy

• Physiotherapy

• Psychology

• Social Work

• Speech Pathology

• Therapy Assistant

Appointments can be delivered onsite, in the community or via telehealth. Group-based or therapy assistant-led appointments can also be arranged.

Call now to make an enquiry or book an appointment.

Ramsay Health Plus / Ramsay Psychology

Tenancy 2, 220-226 McLeod Street, Cairns QLD 4870

Phone: 07 3516 8400

Email: cairns@ramsayhealthplus.com.au

Accommodation

Living a life of possibilities

Plan Management

Expertise You have access to experts in all things NDIS and financial management. Choice Plan management gives you more choice of NDIS and non-NDIS registered service providers.

Fast payments We offer a 7–14 day turn around on provider payments giving more clarity on the financial status of your NDIS plan.

Support Coordination

Understand your plan We help you unpack your NDIS plan and ensure you understand the services and opportunities it provides. Build your abilities Your support coordinator wants to see you thrive and live a life of possibilities and will support you to learn new skills at home and in the community.

Identify and access services We take a proactive approach to accessing allied health and other services from near and far to ensure you receive the best care possible. Assist with NDIS interactions We understand it can be hard to liaise with the NDIA so with our extensive knowledge in NDIS processes, we are here to assist you with those interactions. Proactive approach We take a proactive approach to resolving issues before they become a problem.

Direct Support

Disability matters provides a variety of direct support activities, including In home, Community Access, Supported Independent Living, and Short Term Accommodation.

• Disability Matters has a variety of group activity programs, including Mens Group, Ladies Group, Cooking, Craft and Sound Play – a musical experience.

• We provide person centered individual supports to meet the needs of the person, whether that be in home daily activities or out an about in the community. Chat with one of our designated supports facilitators to discuss your support needs today.

Short Term Accommodation

Disability Matters provides short term accommodation for adults and young people where they can develop their goals and enjoy the tropical Tablelands environment.

• At our Cook Street house in Atherton, we provide 24 hr support for people with all types of disability for any length of time. Meals and use of accessible transport are included

• Visitors have access to our activity centre where they can participate in craft, music technology, cooking and other fun activities

• Our experienced, professional and caring staff enjoy taking visitors on excursions into the community and to local attractions

Supported independent living for you

Disability Matters manages supported independent living (SIL) houses where housemates are provided with 24/7 support. This is their home!

If you are interested in SIL in the future, but not quite ready yet, we can place you on a ‘waiting list’ for when a vacancy becomes available in one of our existing houses.

Email:

Live Life Your Way with Endeavour Foundation

Just like Russ, you too can follow your passion and dreams in life with support when you need it.

Endeavour Foundation is a registered NDIS provider supporting people with disability to live, learn, work and flourish.

Call us on 1800 112 112, visit us at endeavour.com.au or scan this code to find out more.

Advisors

We provide person centred support on an individual basis and in group settings for people with disabilities and/or mental illness to have opportunities that increase their connection and sense of belonging within their community.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE Direct Supports

Plan Management

Support Coordination

FUNDRAISING

There are many ways you can support us to make a real difference to the lives of people with a disability and/or mental illness, now and into the future.

The Grove Activities Centre

9am - 2pm M-F

11 Grove St, Atherton QLD 4883

Office: 07 4091 7066

A/H EMERGENCY: 0497 475 320 admin@tclink.org.au

www.tclink.org.au

THE GROVE Activities Centre

Open 9am – 2pm each weekday

cleancarecairns.org.au 11A

Finding the RIGHT Job for You.

Looking for work?

♥ Job Preparation

♥ Resume assistance

♥ Interview practice

♥ Job search skills

♥ On the job training support

♥ Marketing

♥ On the Job Support

♥ Work Assist

If you are already employed and your health condition, injury or disability is impacting your ability to do your job Worklink can support you to feel confident at work.

Lyn

0437 793 908

11A Sheridan Street, Cairns QLD 4870 lyn.haltiner@cleancarecairns.org.au

♥ Free personalised recruitment

♥ Education & Training

♥ Wage Subsidies

♥ Post Placement Support

♥ Work Assist

Worklink are able to support anypreexisting employees with an injury, illness or health condition so they can feel in control and confident at work, and you keep your valued employee.

ThriveFNQCairns

Worklink Group is a community business that provides support to people with a lived experience of mental unwellness & disabilities. Founded in 1995 Worklink Group now covers the entire Cairns region. Worklink offers employment opportunity, training and support service through Worklink Employment. Thrive provides access to the NDIS through a dedicated team of support partners and plan managers and Thrive in Work assists employers create safe places.

Disability Support Guide FNQ Navigator 2024 50

Equipment & Technology

Mental Health