Service Provider Profiles - Early Childhood Intervention

Disability Professional Services Targeted Services

Autism Association of Western Australia

Positive Behaviour Service Disability Services Commission funded positive behaviour service (targeted program) for individuals who are eligible to receive specialist disability services.

Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm

215 Stubbs Terrace (entrance via Selby Street) Shenton Park Phone: 9489 8900 Email: [email protected] Web: www.autism.org.au

For further information regarding eligibility please refer to the document Eligibility Policy for Specialist Disability Services funded or provided by the Disability Services Commission (www.disability.wa.gov.au > Services, supports and eligibility > Eligibility).

Service details

Disability group The Autism Association provide positive behaviour services to children and young adults with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Age range People aged who are between 6 and 25 years old.

Geographical coverage and bases The Autism Association of WA is based in Shenton Park and provides services to eligible individuals living in the Perth metropolitan area.

Access to services To access specialist disability services, a person must meet eligibility criteria AND the provider's service access criteria.

Access criteria  Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder  Live permanently in the metropolitan area  Is an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia or has a New Zealand visa subclass 444  Prioritisation based on level of need including: o Places available o Impact on family functioning, for example challenging behaviour o Independence, for example self-care, communication, activities of daily living o Family circumstances o Access to the community for the individual with Autism and their family o Supports accessed

Referral process  direct referral from the person with Autism, their family and/or carers  local Area Coordinators  other disability service organisations  other Comprehensive Disability Professional Service providers  other community service organisations

Referral form can be accessed by contacting one of the Family and Clinical Services team on 9489 8900.

Referral Information required

Document When needed Diagnostic reports / Confirmation of  diagnosis noted on referral form by diagnosis referring staff member.  documentation at commencement of service. Permanent address – recorded on client  noted on referral form by referring form staff member.  recorded in our database at commencement of service. Other Consent form– consent to obtain /  as required for collaboration release information across services; across services and teams. consent to share information across Autism Association departments. Existing intervention plan if applicable.  at first meeting with Case Management Consultant. Service model

Professional services team profile Each person registered with our Positive Behaviour Service is assigned to a case management consultant. Our case management consultants have backgrounds from psychology, occupational therapy and social work.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Central to the service model is the development of a thorough understanding of the presenting needs and the impact on the person with autism and the family. Presenting needs are identified in collaboration with the person, family, carers and other support services. They will be supported to prioritise these needs, identify their own objectives and goals. In partnership with the person, family and/or carer and other support services, the Individual Plan will be developed to address some or all of the following:  functional analysis of a presenting  need, where relevant.  identification of skill development strategies in a variety of life domains including communication, social interaction, self care, productivity and leisure to maximise independence and personal autonomy.  identify post school goals and aspirations, current abilities and supports.  assess opportunities for community participation, work and enjoyment of life.  identify opportunities for enhanced quality of life for the person and their family. Achieving self-direction is valued as a fundamental goal for people with autism and their families. They will be supported to identify their own objectives, prioritise their own goals and plan for lasting change. This will be done by providing information, resources and on- site coaching in settings of the person’s choosing. The person with autism and their families are encouraged to play an essential part in choosing the type of professional involvement and intervention approach that recognises and addresses their unique and specific needs and desires.

To encourage lasting, positive behaviour change and improve quality of life of the person with autism and their family by increasing the capacity of the person, their environment and support systems.

Individual needs assessment The assessment of individual needs will include the use of functional assessment, interviews with the person’s family and carers, other support services, observations, and the administration of formal and informal assessments.

The difficulties experienced by people with autism increase their vulnerability to developing behaviours that challenge. Challenging behaviour almost always means something and understanding the behaviour helps us to make effective adaptions to the environment around the individual, which contribute to the behaviour. Using a positive behaviour support approach there is a strong focus on quality of life gains as an intervention and outcome. Therefore reduction in challenging behaviour becomes a side effect of the intervention.

Also using a family systems approach there will be an assessment of the individual’s family culture, the family values, the realities of home life, the emotional resources of the family and the impact of interventions on relationships already under stress. There will also be a mapping of the existing formal and informal support systems for the person and their family and, if appropriate, an exploration of how these can be extended to further build the capacity of the person and the family.

Programs and Services offered The service model is community-based and is designed to encourage lasting, positive behaviour change and improve quality of life of the person with Autism and their family by increasing the capacity of the person, their environment and support systems.

Depending on the needs of the individual and their family, services may be delivered through an intensive program or a targeted program. An intensive program involves an in depth assessment and intervention for challenging behaviour. This includes a behavioural assessment and the development, implementation and monitoring of a positive behavioural support plan, which encompasses the proactive and reactive strategies required to meet the needs of the person with autism and their family. This level of input involves continued collection and collation of data and information, which allows feedback and review.

A targeted program is designed to be more episodic, time or task limited in nature. Supports may include the assessment of the presenting need; the development of an intervention plan; and may include the provision of information and training.

Both of these programs involve advice and consultation regarding systems and processes that will assist the person with autism, their family, carers and support networks.

The emphasis of our practice is on promoting independence, participation and inclusion by building on the individual’s strengths, developing and strengthening support networks, and supporting them in situations where behavioural, communication and social difficulties may result in community exclusion or otherwise reduce quality of life.

The service is provided in a range of environments including the person’s home, school, work or other community settings. Case managers are sensitive to the personal and cultural context of the person with autism and their family, and to understand and work within their preferred interactional style.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes Each Individual Plan outlines the person responsible for the implementation of strategies and the timeframes for review. Individual Plans are reviewed with the person and their family/carer every 6 months and progress towards their goals is recorded. Informal reviews also occur throughout the implementation phase to enable adjustments to the plan to be made where necessary.

During the intervention stage and post intervention, measures are completed and outcomes are discussed and reviewed with the person with autism and the family, carer and other support services. Some of the measures used are designed to help improve the effectiveness of the plans by assessing how well the person with autism, their family and carers think the plans work in practice. Positive monitoring checks are also employed to assess whether the key points of the plan are being used in practice.

Where goals have been met and outcomes achieved, they are recorded in the person’s individual plan, summarising the involvement, achievement and any identified maintenance strategies. Where needs remain, additional goals may be set and further supports agreed. Any barriers to the achievement of goals are identified, and strategies are put in place to address these.

Observations and feedback from the people involved in the person’s individual plan will also be used to evaluate the achievement of outcomes. As part of the Autism Association’s outcomes measurement framework, a simple questionnaire will be administered to the person and/or their family/carer to evaluate their satisfaction with the process of providing intervention, as well as their satisfaction with the results achieved from the intervention.

Other relevant services School age therapy services - funded Statewide consultancy services for individuals with Autism, their families, disability organisations and other community services to build awareness, educate and build skills. Post school options – funded and fee paying Disability employment service – funded Community living – funded and fee paying Family support services, including in-home and out-of-home respite – funded and fee paying

Ability Centre - Country Resource Program The Country Resource Program (CRP) is a Disability Services Commission funded specialist service supporting people with cerebral palsy and like conditions, as well as their families and therapists, living in rural WA.

Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

106 Bradford Street Coolbinia Phone: 9443 0211 Contact person: Dawn Brodie Email: [email protected] Website: www.abilitycentre.com.au

Service details

Disability group People with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or like conditions. This includes for example, people with diagnoses such as acquired brain injury (ABI), syndromes affecting movement, spina bifida and cerebro-vascular accidents (stroke). The team also have expertise in working with service users with dual or multiple diagnoses, such as cerebral palsy, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and autism.

Age Range 0-65 years Geographical coverage and bases The Country Resource Program team is located at Ability Centre in Coolbinia (Perth) and provides services for people living in rural and remote WA.

Access to services To access Country Resource Program services and Ability Centre specialist services a person must meet the program’s service access criteria.

Access criteria People diagnosed /pending diagnosis with cerebral palsy or like conditions, living in rural WA who are also either; an Australian citizen, or the holder of a permanent visa, or a holder of a special category visa subclass 444 (for new Zealand citizens) and permanently reside in Western Australia.

Referral process Families or individuals may self-refer or be referred by their doctor, local area co-ordinator (LAC) or allied health professional. Please contact the Senior Client Services Officer on 9443 0550 for an application form or complete an application form which can be downloaded from Ability Centre’s website.

Document When needed Country Resource Program Beginning of referral process application form Diagnostic reports confirming Beginning of referral process diagnosis of cerebral palsy or like condition Evidence of citizenship Beginning of referral process

Consent to share information Initiated on application and completed at the initial family meeting Consent for therapy Completed at the initial family meeting

Photographic, film, video consent Completed on the occasion that filming is taken Service model

Country Resource Program team profile Multidisciplinary team includes: manager, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologist and social worker.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Individual planning is based on the principles of family centred practice and self-directed service provision. The Country Resource Program assist in addressing a goal(s) that has been identified by the individual, or a family member supporting the individual, that require specialist therapist support.

The Country Resource Program (CRP) is a consultative service and responds to requests from people of all ages, families and their therapists. The CRP team was established to enhance, but not duplicate or replace the local therapy services. The Ability Centre CRP team aims to assist the decision making of families/individuals and rural therapists and help them develop their own capacity. The team welcomes enquiries and feedback from families and rural therapists at any time during the working week.

Individual needs assessment A collaborative partnership approach between families/individuals, rural therapists and Country Resource Program team members is used to identify the individual or family’s goals and priorities. Once a new referral is accepted, a family meeting is carried out with the family/individual to identify the outcomes they are hoping to achieve. CRP team members then complete an initial assessment based on the individual’s needs and compile a report including strategies and recommendations to achieve the family/individual’s goals. This report is forwarded to rural therapists with the individual’s permission.

Programs and services offered The family or individual are usually required to visit Ability Centre for initial assessment and equipment (trials, prescription, manufacture and repairs). Appointments are organised when possible to coincide with Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) or adult medical /seating (PATS funded) appointments. Country Resource Program team members may accompany families to specialist medical appointments in Perth (external to Ability Centre) on request. When essential, initial assessments can be made through video-conference or Skype®.

Some appointments may be held in the local area when the CRP team are carrying out regional visits. Follow up appointments and liaison occurs with individuals, families and rural therapists by phone, Facetime, email, videoconference (VC), Skype®, teleconference or mail. Rural therapists are most welcome to attend or link in via Skype®/VC/teleconference to appointments at Ability Centre with the family/individual’s consent. Close liaison with regional therapists is essential as they are the primary therapists and responsible for ongoing therapy management.

The Country Resource Program also offers access to the following services:  consultative advice, advocacy, specialist assessments and equipment recommendations or prescription.  provision of information about cerebral palsy and like conditions.  educational services: provision of workshops via VC or during regional visits, verbal and written information, training videos, demonstration of therapy techniques and CentreConnect PD.  during regional visits: o workshops for therapists, families, carers, childcare and teaching staff. o community Expos to raise awareness of services that support the individual with disability in, for example, hospital/schools/local community.  specialist clinics: can be accessed at Ability Centre in Coolbinia, or via CentreConnect (video conference clinics in which, a senior therapist and Clinical Specialist from Ability Centre support the family/individual and the local therapist / stakeholder through assessment, treatment planning and implementation, relating to a specific request).  The Country Resource Program works closely with CP Tech targeted services to assist people to gain greater independence through the prescription or fabrication of equipment and technology solutions. The multi-disciplinary teams work together in the specialist areas of: o seating and postural support, o manual and powered mobility devices, o alternative seating; o assistive technology for communication, o assistive technology for environmental access, o equipment for activities of daily living, o home modifications, o night time positioning and sleeping solutions

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes The goals identified by families or individuals are reviewed by phone or email follow up on completion of the short term targeted CRP service. Service users are encouraged to fill out feedback forms after completion of eg CentreConnect regional visit service support. CRP team members ensure that families or individuals in the Country Resource Program are contacted every 12 months to offer review and further support. Individuals requiring additional support are contacted more frequently.

Other relevant services: Specialist clinics e.g. walker clinic (Stepping Out Clinic), lower Commission funded limb clinic, upper limb clinic, meal time management clinic, gait analysis clinic, orthotics clinic, spinal clinic. Access to targeted services – CP Tech: assistive technology, Commission funded posture and seating, and equipment provision, sleep solutions. Health Promotions: dental clinic for children who are unable to go to a community dentist, spinal clinic. CentreConnect videoconference Telehealth clinics Commission funded

Medical appointment support e.g. pre-operative at Princess Commission funded Margaret Hospital (PMH). Hydrotherapy training – when related to the individual’s goals. Commission funded

Teachers Workshops for teachers and educational assistants are Commission funded held during three regional visits. Newsletter Commission funded

Respite services (at Ability Centre in Perth) Commission funded

Liaison with local area coordinators and My Way co-ordinators Commission funded (Kalgoorlie) Liaison with local/regional stakeholders eg. pre-school staff, Commission funded Aboriginal Medical Services, Earbus, WA Country Health Services. Liaison and information for Alternatives to Employment services Commission funded during transition from school Liaison with disability employment service providers during Commission funded transition from school (eg. Edge Employment, Intework) Services through ‘Consultancy Services’ at Ability Centre. These Fee according to include: service Better Start services DSS funded Fee for service, including services for compensable service users Fee paying

Post Intervention Therapy Services (PITS) PMH funded

Medicare Services Medicare funded

Helping Children with Autism services DSS funded Ability Centre - Health Promotion Program The Health Promotion Program (HPP) is a Disability Services Commission Targeted funded program for individuals with any disability type who are eligible to receive specialist disability services, including unique services for individuals with cerebral palsy and like disorders.

Contact details

106 Bradford Street Coolbinia Phone: 9443 0211 Email: [email protected] Website: www.abilitycentre.com.au

Service details

Disability group Adults with any disability type who are eligible to receive specialist disability services, including unique services for individuals with cerebral palsy and like disorders.

Age range The allied health and medical services are accessible by service users of all ages accessing all of Ability Centre’s programs (early intervention 0-6 years; school age 6-18 years and adult services 18+years) in the Perth metropolitan region and are also made available at Ability Centre for regional and remote service users who are unable to access these services locally. To be eligible for Commission funded services the person must be under the age of 65 years when the disability manifests.

Geographical coverage and bases Ability Centre has facilities in:  Coolbinia  Currambine  Canningvale (opening in August/September 2015)  Rockingham (satellite hub)  Midland (satellite hub)

Access to services To access specialist disability services, a person must meet eligibility criteria and the provider's service access criteria.

Access criteria Individuals who eligible to access specialist disability services funded by the Commission.

Referral process Individuals can self-refer, or legal guardians can complete the Adult Disability Professional Services referral form. Referral form can be found at www.abilitycentre.com.au

Document When needed Consent forms Sent with welcome pack

Service model

Professional services team profile The services provided by the Health Promotion Program include: dental, podiatry, dietetics, upper limb, lower limb, orthotics, spinal, neurology and general practitioner (GP) and community nursing services for service users in our accommodation service who have complex health needs.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes The health and wellbeing program supports individuals in accessing a range of resources that promote independence, community inclusion and wellbeing. To achieve goals, optimum health must be maintained. Empowerment, self-determination and participation are the service context within which all support is provided. The allied health and medical services support service users to access a range of services in an appropriate setting with staff that have specialist knowledge of the complex care requirements of individuals. The services also provide feedback, support and education to universal health services to build their capacity to better assist people with disability in the future.

The Health Promotion Program also provides community nursing services for service users in Ability Centre’s community services division who have complex health needs. The community registered nurses identify potential health risks that may impact on an individual’s well-being, independence and participation in daily life skills and activities. They assist individuals with complex disability to maintain and improve their health and wellbeing by providing advice, supported access to universal services, hospital liaison and the training and education of support staff which is delivered utilising a contemporary health promotion model of best practice. They provide education and training that is tailored to individual’s needs, to assist with maximising positive health outcomes, and minimising risk.

For those service users who have chronic health conditions (e.g. require ongoing hospital or health clinic visits, and/or medications that require ongoing monitoring and management) the community registered nurses establish individualised programs for regular review and monitoring, and assist with education advice and liaison with service users’ families

Individual needs assessment A collaborative partnership approach between Individuals/families/carers and therapists are utilised to identify the individual’s goals and priorities. The service user/family/carer has a strong voice relating to different type of needs, goals, and strategies and supports to address the needs and achieve their goals. Individuals/families/carers choose the strategies and supports they require in conjunction with professional advice from the specialist therapists, consultants and community nurses. Programs and services offered Individuals are supported through:  person centred planning for life goals  clinical assessment of service user’s needs  coordination of services  individual intervention:  education and training:  information:  consultancy:

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes Service users’ goals and achievements are reviewed through collaborative discussion and evaluation with the service user/family/carer at goal completion or at one year intervals. Service users are provided with a copy of their individual goal plan at the goal planning stage and the goal evaluation stage. The individual goal plan provides a record of goals, goal strategies and goal evaluation.

Other relevant services Commission funded programs including Alternatives to Employment/Post School Options, Intensive Family Support, Respite Services, Accommodation Support and Community Living Hydrotherapy –funded

Statewide consultancy services for eligible adults outside the metro region

Referrals to specialist services, eg sleep clinic, walker clinic (Stepping Out clinic), lower limb clinic, upper limb clinic, meal time clinic, gait analysis clinic, orthotics clinic, spinal clinic Referrals to Targeted Services – CP Tech: assistive technology and equipment; Health promotion: dental, orthotics, podiatry , neurology Consultancy Services – private fee paying

Disability Services Commission - Accommodation Behaviour Support Program

Contact details

Business Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Myaree: 71-73 Norma Road Phone: 9329 2401 Email: [email protected] Website: www.disability.wa.gov.au

For further information regarding eligibility please refer to the document Eligibility Policy for Specialist Disability Services funded or provided by the Disability Services Commission (www.disability.wa.gov.au > Services, supports and eligibility > Eligibility). Service details

Disability group Adults with an intellectual disability who are eligible to receive specialist disability services. They live in Disability Commission supported community living settings within the Perth metropolitan area and referral issues are specific to challenging behaviour.

Age range 18 years +

Geographical coverage and bases Perth metropolitan area.

Access to services To access specialist disability services, a person must meet the Commission’s eligibility criteria and the provider's service access criteria.

Access criteria The accommodation behaviour support program is available to adults with an intellectual disability who are registered with the Commission and are eligible to receive specialist disability services. Individuals must live in Disability Commission supported community living settings within the Perth metropolitan area.

Referral process Individuals can be referred by their local area supervisor/families and carers. The preferred referral process is a phone call to the team leader to ensure the person is eligible for the service, that the service is able to provide the appropriate intervention for the person and there is team capacity. This is followed up with a written referral.

Referral form can be obtained from the team leader. Referral Information required

Document When needed Current behaviour support plan at point of referral

Consent at point of referral Service model

Professional services team profile The team is led by a program manager and team leader. Members include psychologists, behaviour support officers, occupational therapists and speech pathologists.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes The team helps to create a shared understanding of the individual’s needs, how these are linked to behaviour and how best to address these needs.

Programs and services offered  collaborative development of goals with carers aimed at supporting an increased quality of life for the individual and a behaviour change.  explore with support people all the potential factors influencing the presence of behaviour.  completion of specific assessments ie (dementia, mental health)  assist with the development and implementation of positive behaviour support strategies, assisting carers to develop a plan that focuses on meeting the needs of the individual and how to manage behaviour in a supportive way.

Other relevant services: Adult Therapy Program: This program provides therapy services to adults with disabilities who live in supported community living. Services are available only through referral. Local area supervisors/carers and families agencies and can make a referral for these services.

Disability Services Commission - Behaviour Support Program

Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm

146-160 Colin St, West Perth, 6005 Phone: 9426 9200 Joondalup Office: 93013800 Myaree Office: 9329 2300 Website: www.disability.wa.gov.au

Program details Disability group All disability types are potentially able to access Behaviour Support Program provided referral issues are specific to challenging behaviour.

Age range 6 years of age and above Geographical coverage and bases Behaviour Support Program provides service to the Perth Metropolitan area.

Access criteria To be eligible for disability services a person must meet all of the following:  have a permanent disability which is attributable to either an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory or physical impairment, or a combination of these impairments  need significant and ongoing help every day with either self-care, communication, mobility, making decisions, interacting with others  be legally entitled to permanently reside in Australia  permanently reside in Western Australia

Referral process All enquiries regarding behaviour support options are received by the initial response team. Referrals can be made by individuals, family members, local area coordinators and other agencies and professionals. A consultation with an initial response team member is required before a referral to the Behaviour Support Program is accepted.

Referral Information required This is obtained through consultation with the initial response team.

Document When needed Other Consent form Consent needs to be obtained for all referrals and the box on the referral form checked. Service model

Professional services team profile Teams consist of behaviour support clinicians from various professional backgrounds including speech pathology, occupational therapy, social work, psychology and clinical psychology.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Work within a person centred/family centred, positive behaviour support approach. Individuals and families/carers receive a flexible service that addresses their individual needs and choice and is delivered in a manner which is responsive to individual and cultural needs.

Individual needs assessment A needs assessment is completed within the initial response team. Through this assessment process the referral needs are clarified and appropriate responses and supports (within BSP and external) are identified.

Programs and services offered Services are provided within the home, community or at Commission offices. We work in supportive partnerships with providers and the disability sector to facilitate high quality and responsive services.

The Behaviour Support Program structure is as follows: Behaviour Support Team (Brief Response): This team addresses the needs of people with disability and their families experiencing challenging behaviour who may not have received a behaviour service before, where there is a clear focus for a brief intervention can be identified and/or who have had intervention before and may need a “refresher” of their skills or support plan.

Behaviour Support Team (Family Systemic Response): The team focus is on supporting families to make positive change where they have not been able to with previous interventions and/or where the family system or challenging behaviour of concern is considered to be particularly complex.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes Includes the use of: - service outcome measures - goal setting with regular review - feedback from individuals or parents is asked for at least once every 12 months

Disability Services Commission - Country Resource and Consultancy Team

Contact details

15 Hill View Terrace East Vic Park 6101 Phone: 94668322 Email: [email protected] Web: www.disability.wa.gov.au

Service details

Disability group The Country Resource and Consultancy Team (CRCT) provides consultancy, training and ongoing professional development for occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech pathologists who work with children and adults with a disability (i.e. any disability) who live in country WA. People with disability who are receiving services from country therapists do not need to be registered with the Disability Services Commission for CRCT support to be provided.

Age range Any age

Geographical coverage and bases CRCT is able to provide support in regional, rural and remote areas with the exception of the South West which is serviced by the Regional Therapy Team.

CRCT is based in East Victoria Park but regularly travels to country regions.

Access to services People with disability who are receiving services from country therapists do not need to be registered with the Disability Services Commission for CRCT support to be provided.

Access criteria A country therapist, working for WA Country Health Service or privately, can request CRCT support, training or professional development in any area of disability at any time. Country therapists may also request assistance with specific people for whom they are providing services for.

In the case of a specific person, the person/ family/ carer and country therapist must identify that the person has a disability as defined by the Disability Services Act 1993 i.e. the person has a disability which is attributable to an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments which are permanent or likely to be permanent; may or may not be of a chronic or episodic nature; and which result in a substantially reduced capacity of the person for communication, social interaction, learning or mobility; and a need for continuing support services Please note: although the Act also includes people with psychiatric disability, CRCT does not support country therapists with people whose difficulty is solely psychiatric in nature as mental health services are better placed to assist in these instances.

Referral process Country therapists can self-refer for CRCT support i.e. CRCT support is provided upon request from a country therapist. To access CRCT please contact a CRCT team member (contact list is available on the WA Country Health Service Website) or the CRCT team leader on 9466 8322.

Service model

Professional services team profile  occupational therapists  physiotherapists  speech pathologists

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes As CRCT provides a consultancy service for country therapists working with people with disability, we are not regularly involved in individual planning and self-directed outcomes.

Individual needs assessment As CRCT provides a consultancy service for country therapists working with people with disability, we do not undertake needs assessments for individuals.

Programs and services offered CRCT is able to support country therapists with general and specialised information provision, resource development and provision, group training and/or individual professional development, clinical skill development, community capacity building, and assistance with contacts and networking with other organisations and government departments. Communication strategies include email, phone, videoconferencing and desktop videoconferencing. Country therapists are also able to request on-site support from CRCT once a quarter.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes The CRCT service is regularly evaluated and reviewed via post training evaluation forms, post-trip on-line surveys and an annual questionnaire. The surveys and questionnaires are completed by country therapists and achievements are reported to Statewide Consultancy Services management, the Director General and the Commission’s board.

Disability Services Commission - Early Years Country Team Disability Services Commission Early Years Country Team is for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families/carers.

Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm 15 Hill View Terrace, East Victoria Park WA 6101 Phone: (08) 9466 8329 Email: [email protected] Website: www.disability.wa.gov.au

Service details

Disability group Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Age range 0 – 6 years

Geographical coverage and bases Country Western Australia, including rural and remote regions.

Access to services To access specialist disability services, a child must meet the Commission’s eligibility criteria and the provider's service access criteria.

Access criteria Eligibility for the Early Years Country Team is determined by the eligibility branch of the Disability Services Commission.

Referral process Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are referred via the eligibility branch of the Commission by parents/carers, local area coordinator, paediatrician, Department of Health or other allied health professionals.

Referral Information required Document When needed Parent/s’ consent At point of referral

Service model

Professional services team profile The team is comprised of a program manager, team leader and psychologists. Where appropriate, a local therapy assistant may be engaged to support the program implementation.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Commission psychologists work with the child’s family and the local community to identify and design strategies to help the child learn and develop. The psychologists also support families to develop and foster relationships with local services and to achieve their goals and build the life they want for their family. Individual needs assessments Assessment of the child and family’s strengths, interests and development occurs in the family home and community where the child and family live (e.g. day-care, school).

Programs and services offered The Early Years Country psychologists work with other service providers, including local allied health therapists, focussing on designing a comprehensive, individualised, home- based program for each child. Families are directly involved in implementing the program, along with other relevant local people who can offer support on a regular basis. If a therapy assistant is engaged, their role is to work directly with the child on the identified program goals. The team supports families and their network by developing strategies that assist families to:  understand autism  learn how to promote learning and development in their child  gain skills that support effective parent-child interactions  address and cope with challenging behaviour  identifying family strengths and accessing relevant supports

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes Individual family plans are reviewed and the goals evaluated at an agreed time, at least annually. Parents are asked for program feedback at least once every 12 months.

Independent Living Centre of WA (ILC) Assistive technology service Disability Services Commission funded assistive technology service. This service is available for individuals with any disability type of all ages. The Independent Living Centre WA (ILC) provides information and advice, assessment, training, funding and hire services that enable Western Australians of all ages and abilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Contact details Business hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm

Main office The Niche, Suite A, 11 Aberdare Rd, Nedlands Phone: 9381 0600 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ilc.com.au

Other bases ILC Cockburn Suite 6B, 11 Wentworth Parade, Success

Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre Unit 13, 386 Wanneroo Road, Westminster

Noah’s Ark Toy Library Service 5a Bookham St, Morley Phone: 9328 1598 Website: www.natl.org.au For further information regarding eligibility please refer to the document Eligibility Policy for Specialist Disability Services funded or provided by the Disability Services Commission (www.disability.wa.gov.au > Services, supports and eligibility > Eligibility).

Service details

Disability group Eligible individuals with any disability type.

Age range All ages. To be eligible for Commission funded services the person must be under the age of 65 years when the disability manifests.

Geographical coverage and bases The assistive technology service is a state wide program. Health professionals conduct regular country trips to provide information and advice to country residents and other organisations. The ILC has a display floor of assistive technologies in Nedlands and a Smart Home set up in Success where our health professionals can provide free information and advice. Services are also offered to the state via a telephone enquiry line, Skype and email.

Access to services To access specialist disability services, a person must meet eligibility criteria and the provider's service access criteria.

Access criteria The assistive technology service is available to anyone who has a disability or impairment, their carers, and service providers. When country residents are visiting the metropolitan area, extra effort is made to accommodate appointments where possible.

Referral process People are able to self-refer and are encouraged to include relevant stakeholders in their interaction with the service. Referrals are also accepted by the individual’s service provider. Email or telephone referrals are welcome. Appointments for metropolitan and country services are made by phoning 1300 885 886 or emailing [email protected]. Drop by times are available on a regular basis, see http://ilc.com.au/whatson/ for more information. There is some capacity to attend to walk-in visitors outside of these times however these contacts may be shorter and the appropriate equipment may not be on site. Alternatively, information can be provided via telephone and/or email contact. Schedules for regional assistive technology service visits are arranged through service providers. A formal referral process exists to ensure staff travel to regional areas with the appropriate equipment.

Service model

Professional services team profile The assistive technology service is staffed by qualified speech pathologists and occupational therapists that are highly skilled in providing information and advice to individuals needing support. Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Through the provision of quality information the service aims to add value to the approaches of other service providers be they family centred, or person centred. The assistive technology service considers the application of assistive technology as part of a framework that considers the person, the activity, the environment and the technology with the goal of enhancing participation, independence and safety.

Individual needs assessment Health professionals will conduct informal assessment of individuals to tailor the information provided.

Programs and services offered The ILC provides information and advice, assessment, funding and hire services that enable individuals to live more independent and fulfilling lives. Service access modes include face to face appointments, a smart house display, a telephone and Skype enquiry service, open days, video conferencing, workshops and training, community visits and outreaches, attendance at events and collaborative project work in the sector. The ILC undertakes research, systemic advocacy and grant funded projects.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes The service undertakes regular processes to obtain consumer feedback. Recent research has also evaluated consumer satisfaction for people using the service. Outcomes are reported to funding bodies as required and quarterly to the Board of the ILC. The service is evaluated by the Disability Services Commission under the quality management framework and by Home and Community Care against the community care common standards.

Other relevant services

WA NDIS My Way and National Disability Insurance Agency NDIS services Statewide consultancy services for Assistive Technology Information Workshops and Training Commonwealth Carelink and Carer Respite HACC Regional Assessment Service Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment Service Disability Equipment Grants and Equipment for Living Grants Noah’s Ark Toy Library Private Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology services

To discuss ILC’s service and how these can help you, contact us on 1300 885 886, at [email protected] or visit our website www.ilc.com.au .

Rocky Bay Posture Tech Specialised Equipment Consultancy Disability Services Commission funded service which provides specialist support to therapists in the management of posture, function and mobility for individuals through consultation and provision of equipment and technology.

Contact details

13 Baling St, Cockburn Central, 6164 Phone: 6399 4191 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rockybay.org.au

For further information regarding eligibility please refer to the ‘Eligibility for Specialist Disability funded or provided by the Disability Services Commission (www.disability.wa.gov.au > Services, supports and eligibility > Eligibility).

Service details

Disability group All disability types eligible for specialist disability services.

Age range All ages

Geographical coverage and bases State-wide

Access to services Must meet eligibility criteria for Community Aids and Equipment Program (CAEP) in order to access Specialist Equipment Consultancy funded through disability services, however, there are no eligibility criteria for fee for service clients

Access criteria  consultancy/supported assessments for those eligible for CAEP require the involvement of a primary therapist through the individuals DPS provider.  all equipment manufactured or modified through Posture Tech must be funded either by CAEP or private/other means.

Referral process All individuals can be referred to Posture Tech for services. For those who are CAEP eligible, referrals must be undertaken by their DPS provider. Private, fee-for-service clients can refer to Posture Tech directly.

Referral form can be found at www.rockybay.org.au .

Document When needed Relevant Therapy Assessments where At the initial appointment applicable Client’s desired outcomes and identified At referral goals. Service model

Professional Services team profile We have a team with specialist skills and training in the provision of assistive technology including postural management and the application of environmental controls. The team includes therapists, an engineer and a number of rehab technicians. Individual planning and self-directed outcomes  self determination  consultancy  teamwork

Programs and services offered  consultation, which can be face to face, over the phone or via the internet. Face to face consultations may take place at Rocky Bay or within the community by negotiation.  assessments with recommendations/Reviews  scripting for equipment purchases  customisation and fabrication of postural management  training in the use of equipment

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes As appropriate depending on the initial request. secca (Sexuality Education Counselling and Consultancy Agency) Disability Services Commission funded targeted service which provides sexuality education counselling and consultancy for individuals with a disability, their families and carers.

Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm Administration available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.00am to 4.00pm

2 Delhi Street West Perth, 6005 Phone: 9420 7226 Fax: 9420-7229 Email: [email protected] Web: www.secca.org.au

Service details

Disability group Individuals with disabilities, their families, carers, and anyone else dealing with the issues of sexuality, relationships and sexual health who are eligible to receive specialist disability services.

Age range Across the life span.

Geographical coverage and bases Entire state of Western Australia

Access criteria To access secca services individuals must be eligible to receive specialist disability services. A referral for services form must be completed. secca has a four to six month waitlist.

Referral process Referrals can be made by individuals, family members or other service providers. A medical referral is not required.

Referral form can be found at secca.org.au > Forms > Counselling referral form. Referral information required

Document When needed Other Consent form prior to services commencing

secca privacy/Confidentiality policy prior to services commencing

Cancellation of appointment policy prior to services commencing Other comments Any supporting documents are useful but not essential.

Service model

Professional services team profile Psychotherapists who have extensive experience working with sexuality and disability.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Psychotherapy and educational sessions are conducted on a one-to-one basis and are tailored to meet the individual’s needs.

Individual needs assessment Ongoing through the psychotherapeutic relationship.

Programs and services offered Individual psychotherapy/educational services on a one-to-one basis. Some telephone counselling is provided depending on the issue. Direction to appropriate resources contained in secca’s library. secca currently has a four to six month waitlist. Whilst on the waitlist, appropriate resource information and alternative service provider information within the not for profit and private sector is given.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes Ongoing through the psychotherapeutic relationship.

Other relevant services Group education sessions for service providers/teachers/parents metro (fee paying)

Group education sessions for service providers/teachers/parents rural and regional Western Australia (fee paying) Consultancy services as required.

Senses Australia – Deafblind Services Disability Services Commission funded consultancy service for individuals who are deafblind and are eligible to receive specialist disability services.

Contact details

Business Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm

11 Kitchener Avenue, Burswood, WA, 6100 Phone: 9473 5458 or 9473 5479 Email: [email protected] Web: www.senses.org.au

Service details

Disability group Children and adults who are deafblind which is impacting on their ability to participate in everyday activities are eligible to receive support from the deafblind services team. People are also eligible if they have some degree of both hearing and vision loss and they require specialist support and advice from one of our deafblind consultants to support their participation and independence in day to day activities. Senses Australia has an established support group for people with Usher Syndrome.

Age range This service is available across the age range for people whose disability was diagnosed prior to age 65. We provide services to a number of children and adults.

Geographical coverage and bases Services are delivered within the community across Western Australia. Some visits take place to rural and remote areas although support can take the form of e-mail/skype and teleconference support and advice.

Access criteria People should meet the Commission eligibility criteria, be residents in Australia and be able to provide proof of this at referral. Should the service have no capacity at the time of referral the person will be placed on a waitlist for services. Should this be the case you will be informed accordingly. Referral process Please find the referral form on our website www.senses.org.au or alternatively contact Matthew Wittorff, Manager Deafblind Services on 9473 5451 or [email protected] to arrange to have it mailed or faxed to you. Once the form is completed, please include any documentation which supports the person’s diagnosis and return by post, e-mail, or fax. The referral will be processed and the individual will be informed accordingly.

Referrals can be accepted from any source including self, parents/carers, local area coordinators, My Way coordinators and health professionals.

Referral form can be found on the Senses Australia website.

Referral information required

Document When needed Diagnostic reports at referral please, audiology and ophthalmology reports are helpful Transition/therapy plan at referral or when services begin

Proof of residency, Birth certificate or at referral please copy of passport/visa page Service model

Professional services team profile The team is made up of deafblind consultants who are highly skilled in the unique services and specific needs when supporting people who are deafblind to achieve their life goals. Services are self-directed and can be provided to support and advise individuals and/or those who provide support to them. Services and supports can be via skype, teleconferencing, home visits, and/or training which can be tailored to the specific needs of a group of people.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Senses Australia adopts a person/family centred practice where therapists work with individuals and families/carers to support the goals they have identified. We acknowledge that individuals and families often know what they want. The consultants are there to provide information and support to work collaboratively with individuals and their families/carers within the range of environments that the individual/family wishes to have this support.

Senses Australia encourages individuals/families to be self-directed, to ensure that we are working on goals that are most important for them to achieve. Discussions take place with them to develop a family directed plan which contains these goals together with how they will be measured including time frames.

Individual needs assessment Assessment information is gathered from reports and information provided at referral. Observations also provide valuable sources of information to contribute to assessment. The consultants conduct dynamic formal and informal assessments within the environment of the person’s home and community settings to obtain information regarding the person’s strengths and needs. When working across the state some of this information may be gathered in other ways or through the country health services or local area coordinator if possible.

Programs and services offered  Our deafblind services can be direct within the community in which an individual lives.  It can also be via e-mail, phone, skype, our deafblind information website and teleconference to the individual/family/carers or other agencies who provide local supports to the individuals, such as aboriginal liaison officers, local area coordinators (LAC), Western Australia Country Health Services (WACHS).  Individuals who are waitlisted are able to access advice and support via phone or email.  Training to groups of people and service providers to increase knowledge and skills in supporting individuals who are deafblind. Standard and tailored training available.  Information is shared with individuals/families/carers about relevant training, workshops, groups and community events they may wish to be involved with.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes Service outcomes will be evaluated within a timeframe decided on by the individual and consultant, as services are generally highly focused. At times the service is provided through other therapy services and it may be the therapist determining if the outcome has been achieved. Outcomes will be reported on the individual’s plan, where appropriate and goals will have been met, or will be ongoing. For all training delivered, feedback is sought to inform service improvements.

Other relevant services School age therapy services (funded through the Commission for those eligible)

Early childhood services (funded through the Commission for those eligible)

Adult therapy services (funded through the Commission for those eligible)

Better Start initiative (through FaHCSIA)

Usher support group (funded through Senses Australia)

Respite and holiday respite services ( funded through the Commission for those eligible) Post school options ( funded through the Commission for those eligible)

Accommodation support ( funded through the Commission for those eligible)

Intensive family support ( funded through the Commission for those eligible) Home and Community Care (HACC)

Deafblind Services for older people (alternative funding)

The Family Planning Association of WA People 1st Programme Disability Services Commission funded targeted program for individuals and their families who are eligible to receive specialist disability services. People 1st Programme specialise in working with individuals with an intellectual disability requiring support in respectful relationships, protective education and sexuality education and counselling.

Contact details

Business Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm

Main office: 70 Roe Street Northbridge Phone: 9227 6414 Email: [email protected] Regional bases: 1 Pratt Road Eaton Phone: 9227 6414 Email: [email protected]

Suite 3, Geographe Recreation Centre Busselton Phone: 9227 6414 Email: [email protected]

Lotteries House, North Road Albany Phone: 9227 6414 Email: [email protected]

Service details

Disability group People 1st Programme is provided to individuals with an intellectual disability.

Age range Individuals aged 5 to 65 years.

Geographical coverage and bases People 1st Programme is a state-wide service, and offices are based in Perth, Bunbury, Busselton and Albany.

Access criteria Services are prioritised for individuals with an intellectual disability.

Referral process Referrals into the People 1st Programme can be made by individuals, family members or carers, local area coordinators, and other services providers.

Referral form can be found at http://www.people1stprogramme.com.au

Document When needed Consent form Must be supplied with referral form Service model

Professional services team profile The team consists of manager, team leader/senior educator, sexuality educators and counsellors.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Aims and objectives of sessions are discussed with the individual at the initial appointment, further detail on the topics covered can be found on the referral form.

Individual needs assessment Sexuality assessments may be carried out if required pre and post education.

Programs and services offered Programs offered include:  one to one sexuality education and/or counselling  parent support  professional development, including capacity building workshops for teachers, disability support workers and parents  school groups

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes The following tools may be used to evaluate the program:  person with disability satisfaction questionnaire  parent satisfaction questionnaire  service provider satisfaction questionnaire Therapy Focus PEBBLES – Children’s continence management service Disability Services Commission funded continence management service for children with disabilities.

Contact details

PO Box 20, Bentley, WA 6102 Phone: 1300 865 401 Email: [email protected] Web: www.therapyfocus.org.au

Service details

Disability group Children aged 0 -16 years who are eligible to receive specialist disability services and have toilet training or continence issues, including day wetting, constipation or faecal incontinence (soiling) are eligible for this service.

Conditions not eligible for this service are bed wetting (where this is the only continence issue) and incontinence due to psychiatric conditions.

Age range 0 – 16 years Geographical coverage and bases  state-wide  bases are located in the Perth metropolitan area including Maddington, Mandurah and Mirrabooka  metropolitan services are offered in clinics, home, school and child care facilities as appropriate to the individual child  regular visits to regional areas  state-wide telephone support is available

Access criteria The child must be eligible for either Disability Professional Services or the Incontinence Pad Scheme (IPS). When a ‘place’ becomes available, services will be offered to children and families based on: a) their assessed priority and b) the date they were registered on the waitlist. Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 30 The priority categories are as follows:

Critical (2 weeks) High (5 months) Standard (7 months) Medical red flags requiring Clients 16yrs+ All else immediate attention or Early intervention clients further assessment (see transitioning: below)  starting daycare  starting kindy  starting school Clients on waiting list >6mths Clients with a history of:  Impaction > 6 months  Diarrhoea > 6 months  Constipation > 6mths Recent washout Under DCP Referral process Referrals may be accepted from any source providing consent from the parent or legal guardian is attached. For example we will accept referrals from:  parents  paediatricians and other medical professionals  allied health professionals  teachers  child development centres  local Area or My Way coordinators

Referral form can be downloaded at www.therapyfocus.org.au

Referral Information required Document When needed Diagnostic reports With referral form Transition/therapy plan With referral form

Other DPS Consent form – if the child is not a Therapy With referral form Focus or TCA client. Consent is sought to share the DPS referral information with Therapy Focus Medical specialist report or GP letter With referral form

Optional – evidence of health and behaviour With referral form

Service model

Professional services team profile  registered nurses  physiotherapists  occupational therapist  continence nurse advisor and educator  clinical program manager Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 31 Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Therapy Focus is guided by a set of five principles to ensure we deliver high quality therapy services:  family centred practice  working together  learning everywhere  working trans disciplinary  increase participation

Specific continence focussed individual planning and self-directed outcomes may include:  assistance and guidance to achieve individual goals e.g. achieving continence or toilet training  advice and education regarding common issues e.g. constipation  behaviour modification recommendations  toilet environment and practice recommendations  prescription of continence products, product samples, product trials, information on accessing subsidy programs  prescription of aids, equipment and environmental modifications (home, school, child care, respite - as appropriate and in liaison with relevant authorities).

Individual needs assessment The continence team will work together with the child, family and other stakeholders as appropriate to identify opportunities for the child’s independence in toileting and the development of continence. Following assessment, an individual plan will be developed in collaboration with the family, outlining goals, intervention strategies, roles and responsibilities of key partners and timeframes.

Programs and services offered  information and advice on bladder and bowel health issues  assessment and management of continence issues  education and training for health care professionals, education staff and support workers  communication with stakeholders via email, telephone, Skype, web, etc.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes An independent evaluator has been contracted by the Commission to evaluate the program. Evaluation processes will include measures of client and family satisfaction with the service.

Other relevant services Early childhood, school age and adult intervention services funded by Disability Services Commission Better Start and Helping Children with Autism federally funded services available through The Complete Advantage Speech pathology, occupational therapy and physiotherapy services on a fee for service basis, available through The Complete Advantage

Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 32 Autism diagnostic assessment on a fee for service basis, available through The Complete Advantage MyTime Armadale group available through The Complete Advantage at no cost

Telethon Speech & Hearing (TSH) - Better Hearing TSH (BH- TSH) Disability Services Commission funded targeted service that provides information, advice and supports for adults with hearing impairment or deafness.

Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm

36 Dodd Street, Wembley, 6014 Phone: 08 9387 9888 / 08 9387 9816 / 08 9387 9802 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] Web: http://betterhearingtsh.org.au

Service details Disability group Primary: Adults with a hearing impairment or deafness seeking advice, advocacy and support.

Secondary: Families / friends of people with hearing impairments or deafness, stakeholders including government agencies, health providers, community partners etc.

Age range 17+ years (post-secondary education)

Geographical coverage and bases Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 33 Services based out of the TSH Wembley campus for in-person services and talks to community groups and classes at locations pertinent to the recipient group. Other information and advisory services are available State wide via electronic communication methods (website resources, advice/information provided over phone/email, brochures etc).

Access to services To access services, a person must have a hearing loss or deafness, or be a family member or support person/friend, of a person with a hearing loss or deafness seeking support for that person.

Access criteria Information and advisory services are available to any person who believes they have a hearing difficulty or distressing tinnitus. As such, some services are provided pre-diagnosis as people seek information about where to go for medical, specialist or diagnostic services.

Post diagnosis, BH-TSH provides a number of services to adults who have been diagnosed with a hearing impairment or tinnitus, including classes and information sessions, advice on accessing specialist services, hearing rehabilitation and audiology services, peer and professional support services and advice on living with their conditions. Currently BH-TSH does not waitlist people seeking advice or services for their hearing health and therefore has no prioritisation procedures in place. Referral process Referrals to BH-TSH can be either self-initiated or via a professional after formal diagnosis of hearing loss and/or tinnitus. Self-initiated referrals: any individual who is having difficulties with hearing and/or their ear health or their family is able to access BH-TSH information and advisory services. These services range from advice on diagnosis and medical intervention pathways, to social supports on living with hearing impairments. Professionally driven referrals: people diagnosed with a hearing impairment or tinnitus can be referred to BH-TSH via a number of professional networks, including both private and public audiologists, ear nose and throat specialists, Australian Hearing and GPs. Aside from informational and advisory services, the program can provide rehabilitation and audiological services. Although not a referral-based process, BH-TSH has a third client stream via the alumni of people who attended one of TSH early intervention or support programs in childhood.

Document When needed Diagnostic reports rehabilitation services and some classes will require an audiogram (TSH can provide if no previous audiogram results are available) Transition/therapy plan those enrolled in formal rehabilitation program will complete an annual service plan in consultation with a specialist in adult aural rehabilitation Other: service provision register details to be recorded at first contact with BH- TSH – will capture information requests and services being accessed

Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 34 Service model

Professional services team profile BH-TSH manager – a highly skilled professional experienced in adult hearing rehabilitation, will oversee a range of services and liaise with a range of professional and support people. Audiologists: TSH employed Audiologists will provide both clinical (diagnostic, hearing mapping etc.) and informational (e.g.: maintaining hearing aids, understanding hearing loss) support. Professionals with life skills experience: depending on the needs of the BH-TSH cohort, TSH will engage a range of external professionals to provide classes on education and employment, parenting skills and support, interacting in the hearing world, speech reading and social skills development (for example). Peer-driven supports: a number of workshops and informational programs will be driven by volunteers who themselves are living with hearing/ear health challenges (the topics of which are determined by the needs of the current cohort). Individual planning and self-directed outcomes BH-TSH operates under the mantra of providing highly individualised services to meet the needs of its client base through effective advocacy, quality information, direct service provision and strong two-way connections with other relevant service organisations. These four arms of the delivery model ensures BH-TSH clients are able to work with program staff to ‘build a service’ to meet their particular goals and aspirations. The strong network of external service providers ensures BH-TSH can facilitate access to services on behalf of its clients without itself duplicating services readily available. Anyone assessing BH-TSH services will be given a range of information and support options from which they can select the particular direction they wish to receive services for their hearing impairment or ear health concern. Individual needs assessment Formal individual needs assessments (service plans) will only be undertaken on clients who are accessing the rehabilitation program for their hearing loss/ear health. The client will sit down with BH-TSH’s adult hearing rehabilitation specialist to discuss the degree of their impairment, what they hope to achieve and available service options. A service plan will then be developed to help the client achieve their goals and may include  suggested classes and workshops  clinical assessment and monitoring of their hearing health  recommended peer-support initiatives  allied and specialist health support (largely connecting with external providers)  accessing key information

Other clients accessing BH-TSH (i.e. seeking information or attending classes) will receive advice particular to their circumstances, but will not undergo formal service planning. This is because many people seeking information are a one-time contact of BH-TSH, with service delivery ceasing once they have received the requested information. Additionally, others may have decided they wish to access a class on a particular topic (for example employment readiness), but have no wish to be involved in a wider rehabilitative program.

Programs and services offered BH-TSH forms the adult services branch of TSH’s whole-of-life approach to service delivery and is a natural extension to the childhood based services currently offered by TSH’s other specialist programs. This provides a continuity of support for the TSH alumni who attended TSH in childhood and are transitioning into adulthood. The wider client base for the program is any adult who is deaf, hard of hearing, suffers from poor ear health or Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 35 has tinnitus who wishes to access the information, classes, rehabilitative and support services offered by BH-TSH.

Programs in the following areas are provided: -  helping young people during the period of transition from school to work – this includes developing life skills for independent living, finding and holding employment, managing their hearing impairment in the workplace, social and peer supports and mentoring.  providing help to parents who have a hearing impairment – this includes advice and support for parenting with a hearing impairment, interpreter help for school assemblies and teacher meetings.  offering appropriately formatted life learning opportunities and skills development - particularly in the areas of English and literacy skills, health and wellbeing, understanding finance, computer literacy etc.  advocacy to address discrimination and public sector inadequacies.  advice on accessing suitable employment, dealing with Government departments and large service providers (ie banks, telecommunications companies etc).  up to date information on advances in hearing assistive devices, strategies to help live with a hearing impairment and new funding or programs available to them.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes BH-TSH has a number of measures that are used to assess and report on the outcomes being achieved by the program, including  service delivery register: BH-TSH maintains a service delivery register, which will be used for the dual purpose of meeting Disability Services Commission reporting requirements via the Disability Professional Services Register and providing a tool for which BH-TSH can monitor client numbers, as well as determining/responding to trends in information and service requests.  annual survey: TSH undertakes an annual survey of all clients, including BH-TSH clients. The survey is designed to capture information about program strengths and weaknesses from the client perspective, and is used to inform program changes to better meet the needs of clients.  individual service plans: clients enrolled in the formal rehabilitation program undergo regular service planning and progress assessments relevant to their individual service plan and desired outcomes. This could include improved skills in areas such as speech, greater independence and hearing-device management

Other relevant services BH-TSH provides Lip Reading and Five Steps to Better Hearing classes, library and listening device trials.

VisAbility Disability Services Commission fund targeted services for individuals with a disability, their families and carers. VisAbility specialises in providing services for individuals who are vision impaired.

Contact details

61 Kitchener Avenue, Victoria Park, 6100 Phone: 9311 8202 Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 36 Email: [email protected] Web: www.visability.com.au

Service details

Disability group Individuals with vision impairment who meet the Commission’s criteria for Disability Professional Services. Individuals must not be in a Commission funded place, and must reside outside of metropolitan Perth.

Age range 0 - 65 years.

Geographical coverage and bases VisAbility has offices in Victoria Park, Bunbury, Albany and Geraldton. An outreach program is provided to the Kimberley, Goldfields and other areas of regional WA dependent on referrals and capacity.

Access criteria Eligibility criteria includes adults and children with a vision impairment/blindness as the primary disability type who require a short term or targeted allied health intervention.

Referral process Initial referrals are made either by the individual, family, schools, medical specialists, GPs, or their previous service coordinator in children and youth services. If the individual meets the eligibility criteria the referral is then made to the Gateway, which is the primary service contact point at VisAbility to allocate a service coordinator. If not eligible or they are added to the wait list they are provided with information, and/or allocated to other VisAbility services that are not funded by the Commission. Referral form can be found at www.visability.com.au or 1800 847 466 (1800 VISION)

Document When needed Diagnostic reports as available

Transition/therapy plan as available

Other Consent form as required Other comments Additional documents can be discussed with family or referring professional.

Service model Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 37 Professional services team profile Targeted Services are provided by a range of Allied Health Professionals including occupational therapists, social workers, orientation and mobility instructors and assistive technology specialists. In addition, children, young people and their families will access support from a range of allied health professionals including occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, psychology and social work.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Our services are outcome focused, structured to promote mobility and independence and provide solutions and supports to help a person reach their own goals and remain an active participant in their community. Our commitment is to provide a person-centred service and offer quality of life outcomes that help people with disability live a more fulfilled life. Therapists are able to provide support and training and recommend and prescribe aids and equipment to aid accessibility at home, work or study. Therapists provide valuable information not only for the individual, but the family and other people involved in the person's care or support.

Individual needs assessment The therapist and the individual work together to determine needs. This process may also include other stakeholders as identified and requested by the individual. The planning explores the individual’s strengths and routines across environments (home and in the community). Areas for support are identified and together a plan based on individual needs is formed.

Programs and services offered Programs and services are consumer centred and can be delivered in home or centre- based, via email, phone and video-conference. Programs and services include allied health therapies, advice and support, social support programs, assistive technologies and general information.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes The therapist ensures that ongoing reviews and evaluations are undertaken in conjunction with each individual throughout their service delivery so that goals remain relevant and flexible. Goals and the achievement of outcomes are included in the individual’s case notes and reports. Other relevant services VisAbility has one of the largest collections of online books in the world and also a range of library resources for children including tactile books, story boxes and audio books. Families are also able to access VisAbility’s Better Start program, where they can purchase additional therapy and resources. School age intervention services

Early childhood intervention services

Better Start

Accessible library services for all ages

Guide dog porogram

Community activity centre

Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 38 Retail supply of low vision aids

Employment support and advice

Assistive technology

Sport and recreation services

Community education and training

West Australian Deaf Society Statewide Consultancy Service Disability Services Commission funded targeted program for individuals and their families who are eligible to receive specialist disability services. Statewide consultancy services provide the support needed for a person to live in a non- institutional setting and offers services from regional resource and support teams who aim to assist service users (e.g. Auslan interpreting services) to access mainstream services and/or support mainstream funded organisations.

Contact details

46/5 Aberdeen Street East Perth Phone: 9441 2677 Web: www.wadeaf.org.au

Service details

Disability group WA Deaf Society provides services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Age range Individuals from 0 – 65 years of age.

Geographical coverage and bases State-wide

Access to services  The service is available to any individual who is deaf or hard of hearing who meets the Commission’s eligibility criteria.  The Society can be accessed by skype, email and TTY for Deaf. All community services staff are fluent Auslan users.

Referral process Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 39  Any deaf person, family member or associated professional can make a referral to the WA Deaf Society.  Referrals can be made to the organisation through direct presentation at the Society or through phone or email contact. A referral form will be raised by WA Deaf staff.  Upon presenting to the society a community services staff member will organise to meet with the participant face to face. An assessment form will be raised by WA Deaf staff.  The service will assess and prioritise each individuals request for service at the initial interview. The assessment considers risk identifiers such as age, refugee and indigenous status, as well as regional and remote accessibility.  There is no waitlist.

Referral form Not required - please contact the Society directly.

Document When needed Diagnostic reports not required

Transition/therapy plan not required

Other Consent form when working with children under 16 Other comments: There is no mandatory documentation required at referral.

Service model Professional Services team profile  Deaf community workers  Auslan interpreters

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes  Following the initial assessment of needs a participant centred plan is developed. This plan maps existing supports, services and the participant’s strengths.  The planning process includes negotiating buy-in where appropriate from comprehensive services and / or community based supports to facilitate the achievement of the participant’s outcomes.  The plan identifies the respective roles and contributions of each of the parties.  The individual plan is a living document which is reviewed and updated on a regular basis with the participant to ensure the plan remains responsive to the individual’s needs. The participant plan will also measure and map needs against the DPS outcomes of independence and participation.

Individual needs assessment  On presentation the service applies an assessment matrix that establishes a priority rating for each individual and the estimated investment in time required.  The assessment considers risk identifiers such as age, language access, refugee and indigenous status, as well as regional and remote locations.

Programs and services offered

Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 40 The Society establishes collaborative links with generic providers, supporting the client and provider(s) through the provision of accessible information and (where appropriate) fast reliable linkages to Auslan and/or deaf interpreters, and other professional specialists experienced in working with deaf clients.

Disability Professional Services July 2015 Early Intervention Services page 41