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Disability Professional Services School Age Intervention

Autism Association of Western Australia Disability Services Commission funded school age intervention program for children and their families who are eligible to receive specialist disability services. The Autism Association of Western Australia specialise in providing services for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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 services to children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Age range Children aged 6 – 18 years who have commenced year one schooling (or the age at which they commence full time placement at an Education Support School) until the age at which they exit school. 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 the Commission’s eligibility criteria and the provider's service access criteria. Access criteria

Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder

Live permanently in the metropolitan area

Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia or NZ visa sub-class 444

Prioritisation based on level of need including; o places available o impact on family functioning, e.g. needs, challenging behaviour o independence, e.g., self- care, communication, activities of daily living

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.autism.org.au/

http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/

Disability Professional Services July 2015 School Age Intervention Services

o family circumstances o access to the community for child and family o supports accessed

Referral process Referrals to the Autism Association of WA’s school age intervention program can be made by family members or carers, or local area coordinators supporting families/carers. Referral form can be accessed by Email: [email protected] Phone: 9489 8900 Referral Information required

Service model Professional services team profile The intervention program is based on a trans-disciplinary approach to service delivery. The clinical team consists of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and psychologists who engage in intensive training and collaboration to deliver a comprehensive, autism specific intervention program. A case manager is assigned from this clinical team to the child/adolescent and becomes the key contact for the family. Individual planning and self-directed outcomes The case manager works with the family to understand their child’s unique needs, strengths and parent priorities. Tailored support, recommendations and training is implemented to cater for each individual family’s needs while developing capacity and resilience to advocate for their child or adolescent. Individual needs assessment A variety of individualised assessments are completed; parent/carer interview, observations across settings, autism specific checklists, clinical assessments in the areas of speech pathology, occupational therapy and functional analysis. Programs and services offered Collaborative, family centred support to children and adolescents with ASD and their families/carers, teachers and community members.

regular parent and teacher trainings on a range of topics

school visits and consultation

home & Community visits

school Individual Education Plan Meetings

parent & Teacher Support groups

the provision of individualised resources

collaboration and working in partnership with teachers and schools

Document When needed

Diagnostic reports On application

Consent form On acceptance to service

Proof of address On application

Proof of Australian residency On application



Waitlist services Include;

provision of information to provide relevant community information

provision of information to access supports

parent Training

parent support groups

Other relevant services

School age therapy services

State-wide consultancy services

DSS Helping Children with Autism Package

Ability Centre Disability Services Commission funded school aged intervention service for children with any disability type who are eligible to receive specialist disability services, including unique services for children with cerebral palsy and like disorders.

Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm 106 Bradford Street Coolbinia Phone: 9443 0211 Email: [email protected] Website: www.abilitycentre.com.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 School aged children with any disability type who are eligible to receive specialist disability services, including unique services for children with cerebral palsy and like disorders. Age range Children aged 6 – 18 years who have commenced year one schooling. Teenagers attending TAFE and school are eligible for DPS services if they attend school 5per cent or more in time. Geographical coverage and bases

Children residing in the Perth Metropolitan area are eligible for services (service area boundaries are in place). For those living just outside the service area boundary, a modified service may be available. 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

To be eligible for the school age intervention service, an application form needs to be completed and signed. The Ability Centre referral process requires that a child:

is eligible for Disability Services Commission funded services (Ability Centre is able to assess for eligibility as part of the application process)

is not accessing another comprehensive Commission funded provider

is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia

has a diagnosis/pending diagnosis as reported by a doctor or a paediatrician. For children with an autism diagnosis a panel assessment from a paediatrician, psychologist and speech pathologist is required.

When the school age intervention service reaches capacity, children will be waitlisted for services, with needs prioritised as places become available. Children on the waitlist may be eligible for School Age Waitlist Management (SAWLM) Services. Referral process Families may self-refer or be referred by their doctor, paediatrician, autism panel evaluators, local area co-ordinator or other therapy providers eg. child development services and private practitioners.

The referral will go to an “intake coordinator” who will send out an application to the family. Upon return/receipt of the application form, the intake coordinator and a community liaison person (senior therapist) will support the family to access appropriate services. Referral form can be found at: www.abilitycentre.com.au

Referral Information required

http://www.abilitycentre.com.au/


Service model Professional services team profile Multidisciplinary team includes: manager, team leader, community liaison person, key contact therapist, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, clinical psychologist, community inclusion workers, client liaison officer and other administrative support. Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Ability Centre therapists work with families and children to learn ‘Your Story’ and to assist in the development of ‘Your Family Plan’. Known as ‘Your Way’, this model is based on the principles of family centred practice and self-directed service provision. A key contact therapist makes initial contact and a family meeting is carried out to discuss priorities for their child and what they would like to achieve. These outcomes and priorities are then documented in a written plan. The key contact also discusses strategies and timelines to determine who will support the family to achieve the overall outcomes. As families progress through the service they will become more independent in setting their own goals. The key contact therapist is the family’s’ main source of contact for supporting, implementing and coordinating the plan. The Your Family Plan is able to be updated and reviewed on a ongoing basis. There is a need for a new plan to be developed on an annual basis. Individual needs assessment Key contact therapists complete a routine based interview with new families that assists in the development of the Your Family Plan. Specific assessments are completed by specified therapists on an “as-needed” basis to provide base-line information or to determine priorities for therapy.

Programs and services offered Therapists communicate with families face-to-face during visits and via email, Skype and telephone. Video and Teleconferencing facilities are also accessible. Information is also available to families via the website: www.abilitycentre.com.au


Application Form beginning of referral process

Diagnostic reports beginning of referral process

Evidence of citizenship beginning of referral process

Transition/therapy plan/reports from previous service provider

after referral form has been completed

Consent to share information with community organisations eg school .

sent with Welcome Pack

Consent for Ability Centre staff to visit the service user’s school

sent with Welcome Pack

Photographic, film, video consent sent with Welcome Pack

Transition/therapy plan/reports from previous service provider

after referral form has been completed

http://www.abilitycentre.com.au/


The School Age intervention services provides services including direct therapy services (individual and group), equipment prescription and social work services, with access to many specialist services or clinics including Meal Time Management service, Spinal Clinic, Gait Analysis Clinic and referral to CP Tech (Equipment and Assistive Technology).

Services are diverse and include e.g. evidence based practice individual and group therapy programs, ’peer packages’ to support the child’s inclusion and whole class education.

Therapists support children within their local community settings and provide a consultative service to staff within those settings, for example liaison occurs with staff in settings such as schools, scouts, local swimming pools, respite, TAFE, universities, open or supported employment, alternatives to employment programs etc.

Liaison also occurs with the following organisations: Disability Services Commission, PMH, SSEND, the Catholic Education Office, AISWA, Child Australia etc.

Families with children on the waitlist may be eligible for School Age Waitlist Management (SAWLM) services which are offered in all community settings. Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes Child/family goals that have been set at the initial planning meeting are reviewed at intervals deemed appropriate by the parent/key contact therapist. There is a requirement to review and develop a new plan on an annual basis. As part of this review process families are asked to rate the achievement of the goals set in the previous plan. Other relevant services

School Age Waitlist Management (SAWLM) Services - Commission funded

Specialist clinics e.g. walker fclinic (Stepping Out clinic), lower limb clinic, upper limb clinic, meal time management clinic, gait analysis clinic, orthotics clinic, spinal clinic.

Commission funded

Access to Targeted Services – CP Tech: Assistive Technology, 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.

Commission funded

Medical appointment support e.g. pre-operative at PMH Commission funded

Hydrotherapy

Teachers workshops for teachers and educational assistants are held once a year.

’Peer Packages’ to support the child’s inclusion and class education.

Commission funded

Groups that may include. X-ert gym, typing, handwriting, Cool Wheels bike group, social skills and augmentative and alternative communication development

Respite Services (from The Centre for Cerebral Palsy and other providers)

Commission funded

Liaison with local area coordinators

Liaison and information for Alternatives to Employment service providers during transition from school


Liaison and information during the Commission’s post school options application process for service users in their final years of school

Liaison with disability employment service providers during transition from school (eg Create, Edge Employment, Intework etc)

Liaison with Commission funded adult service providers during transition from school and school aged services

Children/families may be able to access additional services through the following programs at Ability Centre (eligibility criteria may apply)

Better Start initiative – additional therapy and resources funded by the Department of Social Services

Helping Children with Autism - additional therapy and resources funded by the Department of Social Services

Fee for Service – including services for compensable service users

Post intervention therapy services – Princess Margaret Hospital funding

Parent focus group – parent support group

Nulsen Disability Services Disability Services Commission funded school age program for children with any disability type and their families who are eligible to receive specialist disability services.

Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm 28 Burton Street Cannington, 6107 Phone: 6253 4700 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nulsen.com.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 children with any disability type who are eligible to receive specialist disability

services.

Age range

Children between 9-17 years.


http://www.nulsen.com.au/



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 Children with disability, particularly those with complex needs. Referral process Referrals can be provided by families, carers, LACs, other service providers. Referral Information required

Service model Professional services team profile The Nulsen health services team includes speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and nurses. Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Nulsen adopts a person-centred or family and child-centred approach dependent upon the age group. All individuals have a personal program tailored to discover their interests, skills and goals to promote independence and participation in their community. Individual needs assessment Individual assessment is carried out by the physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech pathologist using specific assessment protocols. This information is then combined with the identified priorities of the family to design a specific intervention plan for the child and family that is goal based and responsive to the child’s and family’s needs. Programs and services offered Services are provided in a team approach, with the person and their family at the centre of this team. All decisions related to therapy services are made in conjunction with the person and their family, as well as relevant educators and/or other service providers. Therapy goals are directly linked to the family’s specific goals for the child. Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes Formal reviews are completed annually to assess outcomes and determine new goals. Ongoing reviews of individual outcomes are completed to adjust programs to suit each individual’s needs. Reporting is provided both on a needs basis, and through annual Individual Service Planning reports.


Diagnostic reports

Transition/therapy plan

Consent for release of information form

Individual goals

Therapy procedures



School age therapy services - funded

Hydrotherapy – may attract a fee

Alternatives to Employment – varies according to an individual’s funding

Post School Options - varies according to an individual’s funding

Accommodation support - varies according to an individual’s funding

Person Centred Planning - varies according to an individual’s funding

Targeted services eg assistive technology - varies according to an individual’s funding

Rocky Bay Disability Services Commission funded school age intervention program for children or young adults with ANY disability, who are eligible for specialist disability services. This program also includes an expertise focus for people with muscular dystrophy. Rocky Bay also offers state-wide consultancy for people with neuromuscular conditions (whole of WA) and their families.

Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm Manager Therapy Professional Services 13 Baling Street, Cockburn, 6164 Office Phone: 6399 4111 Direct Phone: 6399 4120 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 Children with any disability type. Expertise focus for children with muscular dystrophy. Age range Children 6 - 18 years, or until they leave school (or are there less than half time e.g. attending TAFE) Geographical coverage and bases Rocky Bay covers the following regions:

- Perth metropolitan Area - Statewide for consultancy re muscular dystrophy and like conditions

Rocky Bay has bases at Mosman Park, Cockburn Central, Mandurah and Midland


http://www.rockybay.org.au/



Access to services To access specialist disability services, a person must meet eligibility criteria and the provider's service access criteria. Access criteria We offer comprehensive service for school aged children. We also offer statewide consultancy (for neuromuscular conditions) and fee for service (e.g. Better Start, private and NDIS) Referral process Referrals can be directly from the family. Where referrals are sent in by others (such as specialist, GP or Education Department) we need to have parental written consent. All referrals to the school age program are subject to program eligibility and access criteria. There are currently in place intake processes and waitlist management strategies which allow us to provide services flexibly to those people in most need. Parents/carers are contacted by client liaison officers (CLO) to confirm eligibility, gather information, discuss what supports they are seeking and determine need and priority. Priority to access services is given to those who have complex needs (complex physical needs, dysphagia, and/or complex communication needs), and then to individuals/families/carers who have reduced capacity to self-direct or self-advocate Referral form can be found at www.rockybay.org.au/services/therapyprofessional services. Referral Information required

Service model Professional services team profile Social work, psychologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist client liaison officer, Individual planning and self-directed outcomes Rocky Bay acknowledges that all individuals: regardless of their support needs, gender, race, ethnicity, religion or nationality, have the right to opportunities which will enable them to enhance, fulfil and demonstrate a valued role in their community. Rocky Bay is committed to supporting people with disability to develop and maintain skills to participate in the same recreational, work, social and learning opportunities that are valued and accessed by the community.

We are a community based service and use a family centred approach within a life needs model to maximise independence and community participation. Rocky Bay is unique, offering services across the life span


Diagnostic reports

Transition/therapy plan

Consent form


We have initial discussions with families to clarify each party’s expectations and we partner with the family to work towards achieving outcomes for the child and family. Services may take place at home, in the school and community or centre based depending on what is needed. Some equipment-related services, assessments and programs may only be delivered at Rocky Bay sites.

Individual needs assessment Rocky Bay uses a strengths based, holistic, goal orientated approach to planning and “assessment”. We acknowledge that people’s goals and needs can do change across a lifespan. Because of this we use a variety of methods to determine a person’s goals and needs. These include:

Initial planning meetings focusing on dreams and aspirations. We may use ecomaps to identify people’s formal and informal support networks. These meetings vary in location and length as directed by the person.

With consent: gathering medical and other information that will inform the impact of the person’s health and disability on their life.

Clinical specific standard and informal assessments as required (eg dysphagia assessment, sensory profiling)

Reviewing and documenting changes to provide longitudinal information about a person’s development and needs (eg monitoring lung function and physical capacity of people with duchenne muscular dystrophy)

Opportunities for planned and unplanned review of goals and needs as required (e.g.: attendance at school Individual Education Plan’s)

Programs and services offered Clients and families/carers are given an outline of service features with explanation to ensure they have realistic expectations. During this discussion if there are any anomalies these can be discussed and resolved ensuring services are delivered in an efficient and smooth manner. Pathways of service have been developed for individuals. Strategies within pathways may include:

Individualised planning and service agreements as required

Responsive individualised intervention based on service agreements.

Dynamic response (short term, goal specific intervention)

Team around the child/family with a nominated key contact to provide a point of contact and a coordination role for Rocky Bay services (eg. therapy, respite services)

Transition planning and support for recognised life stages (eg starting school) or life events (eg changes in family circumstances)

Parent/client information sessions – these are developed in response to needs and demand and can include topics such as Autism, transitional points, behaviour management strategies. Sessions are delivered in a variety of forums including fathers’ forums, and in a number of locations.

Information provision through Rocky Bay website, targeted and generic fact sheets, newsletters and emailing/sending relevant community and disability specific information.


Groups offered can be generic (informal play sessions for networking and informal assessment/information sharing), and/or targeted to a specific objective (eg basic bike riding skills).

Phone/email contact – families/carers are encouraged to inform Rocky Bay of any changes in needs which may impact on the priority given to the child’s referral. Staff also keep in contact to monitor needs of the family/carer and child.

Managing expectations and negotiations at the beginning of the partnership.

Training of staff to ensure they utilise self-directed techniques to empower families/carers to be independent. This includes listening, planning and use of local community resources.

Further developing community links by educating community groups as required

Rocky Bay maintains regular contact with key networks that support school age children with disability e.g. local area coordinators; sport and recreation networks; parent support networks and school personnel, ethnic disability advocacy centre (EDAC), translation services and People With Disabilities (PWD) to promote and ensure positive working relationships. These networks can assist with the development of mechanisms to support the participation of children with disability in community activities. Rocky Bay currently offer services to families from Aboriginal and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse CaLD) backgrounds through a range of comprehensive models and services. These include (but limited to):

Translating and interpreting services

Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre (EDAC) to support effective communication with clients and family members.

Member of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse network group

Culturally and language diverse staff who assist with a variety of language and cultural translations

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes Rocky Bay uses the following strategies to assess service outcomes and quality:

Individual Service Plans – these are reviewed at least annually and provide a forum for the person to identify what has worked and what didn’t. It also provides a formal opportunity for people to provide feedback on the service. Goals are reviewed and outcomes identified and documented.

We maintain client records which store completed assessments, video, photos, programs, funding applications etc. This can be used in a variety of ways to: monitor a person’s development (improvements in participation and independence) or deterioration (eg. people with Muscular dystrophy).

We have procedures to track timeliness of equipment provision. This is used to identify blocks in the process for which we can adjust our procedure or advocate where external issues impact on the process (eg. accessibility of parts from overseas)

Client Surveys – these are offered annually. They can remain anonymous if desired and provide feedback on the service and identify opportunities for improvements.

Actively seeking feedback at every opportunity (eg. during group sessions, during intervention sessions) and also members of the management team audit stakeholders on a minimum quarterly basis (e.g. randomised phone survey).

Self-assessment and the Quality Management Framework Audits – these provide a formal structure, as well as an independent evaluation of the service.

Staff Surveys and supervision – staff are encouraged to provide feedback on the success or need for change to the service. Supervision provides the opportunity for staff to discuss concerns both generic and specific to a client.


Business Improvement Manager has been employed whose job purpose is to facilitate and advocate continuous improvement across the organisation

Information technology (IT) system – Rocky Bay is currently reviewing its IT system and planning for upgrades to include built in auditing points to enable service delivery to be monitored easily while providing direct feedback and reminders to staff, ensuring services are delivered in a timely manner

Commitment and procedures for recording and responding to all feedback – people are encouraged to email or phone through feedback to managers in the forms of ‘Wows’ and ‘Woes’. These are recorded and acted upon in accordance with our procedures.

Social media – Rocky Bay has a facebook page which assist in monitoring services


Early Childhood Intervention Services

Adult Intervention Services

Hydrotherapy

State-wide consultancy services for neuromuscular conditions

Better Start

Posture Tech

Community Refurbished Equipment

Independence and Leisure (Post school options, school holiday programmes, shared management)

Home and Community (Family Support, Guest Houses, Home Support)

Training and Employment

Fitness and community skills development programs

Senses Australia Disability Services Commission funded school age intervention program for children with any disability type and their families who 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 5459 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Web: www.senses.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).




http://www.senses.org.au/



Children who are eligible for School Aged Services should meet the Disability Services Commission eligibility criteria. Children are eligible to receive school aged services from nine years old. We provide services to children with a range of disabilities including physical, sensory and motor difficulties and intellectual disabilities. Any diagnostic reports by paediatricians, psychologists and other specialists can be helpful when determining eligibility.

Age Range 9 years – 17 years old (or when leaving school)

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 Children must be deemed eligible for Disability Professional Services. Children are prioritised based on relative need including safety and risk (e.g. dysphagia), equipment, family needs/support. Each referral is considered based on the relative needs of the child. Referral process Please find the referral form on our website www.senses.org.au or alternatively contact Rebecca Lamhut (Children’s Services Coordinator) on 9473 5459 to arrange to have it mailed or faxed to you. Once the form is completed, please include any documentation which supports the child’s diagnosis and return by post, e-mail, or fax. The referral will be processed and the family will be informed accordingly. Referrals can be accepted from any source including parents, paediatrician’s, local area coordinators, school psychologists, teachers and other allied health professionals. Referral form can be found on the Senses Australia website. Referral information required

Service model Professional Services team profile The service offers Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, Psychology and Social Work. Our therapy staff have a broad range of skills and we have team members who are trained in Bobath, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding,


Diagnostic reports at referral

Transition/therapy plan if available, when offered place

Other Consent form at referral

Proof of Australian residency at referral

Additional reports (therapy reports, medical history)

at referral or when offered place

http://www.senses.org.au/

http://www.senses.org.au/docs/our-services---school-age/school-age-therapy-referral-form.pdf?sfvrsn=2


Hanen® It Takes Two to Talk, and therapists with a special interest in PROMPT therapy and the DIR Floortime® approach.

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes

Senses Australia adopts a family centred practice where therapists work with families to support the goals they have identified for their child, as well as goals children have also identified for themselves. We identify families as the experts of their children and support family empowerment. Therapists are there to provide information and support to work collaboratively with families and their children within the range of environments that a family wishes to have this support. Senses Australia encourages families to be self-directed, to ensure that we are working on goals that are most important for families to achieve. Discussions take place with families to develop an Individual Plan which contains these goals together with how they will be measured including time frames.

Individual needs assessment Assessment information is gathered from previous sources and reports provided at the referral process. Parent report and observations also provide valuable sources of information to contribute to assessment. Therapists conduct dynamic formal and informal assessments within the environment of the child’s home and community settings to obtain information regarding the child’s strengths and needs.

Programs and services offered

Therapy support is provided based on the goals determined by the family in the individual plan.

Individual therapy sessions can be based at home and locations within the community, as well as day care and school.

Groups are run during the school holidays including InterAct (social skills group), Tech Kids (a group for children and parents to support the use of an AAC device) and Language Boosters (a group building on the language skills of children to support interaction and social skills)

Sibling workshops occur intermittently throughout the year.

Children who are waitlisted for services may be eligible to attend the groups.

Families who are waitlisted are able to access advice and support via phone or email.

Information is shared with families about relevant training, workshops, groups and community events they may wish to be involved with.

The newsletter ‘In Touch’ provides families with information regarding recent and upcoming events.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes Therapy outcomes are evaluated within a timeframe decided on by the family and the individual where appropriate and are reviewed at least every 12 months. Outcomes are discussed with the family and individual and any others who the family would like to involve and then these are reported on the individual’s plan. The individual can choose to work ongoing on some goals should they chose to; or to change goals as their interests and needs change. Other relevant services

Early childhood services ( through funding from the Commission, My Way or NDIS)

Adult therapy services ( through funding from the Commission, My Way or NDIS)

Deafblind services (funded for children receiving school aged services)


Better Start

Helping Children with Autism

Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding – (fee paying)

PITS for Botox® Therapy - (arranged through Princess Margaret Hospital)

Fee for Service (fee paying)

Respite (funded for children receiving therapy services)

Individual funding (from the Commission)

Sibling workshops – run intermittently through the year for siblings of children with a disability.

Groups (InterAct, Tech Kids & Language Boosters) (funded for children receiving school aged therapy services)

Therapy Focus Disability Services Commission funded school age intervention program for children or young adults with any disability type who are eligible for specialist disability services.

Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm 5/1140 Albany Highway, Bentley, 6102 Office Phone: 9478 9500 Email: [email protected] Web: www.therapyfocus.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 Children with any disability type who are eligible to receive specialist disability services. Age range Children aged between 6 – 18 years, or until they leave school (or are there less than half time e.g. attending TAFE). Geographical coverage and bases We are able to work with and travel to children and families who attend schools in the Perth Metropolitan and Peel-Waroona region. Therapy Focus currently has twelve office bases located at:

Armadale

Bassendean

Bentley

Carson Street School

Durham Road School

Ellenbrook


http://www.therapyfocus.org.au/



Gladys Newton School

Goollelal Primary School

Joondalup

Maddington

Mandurah

Mirrabooka Services are offered in the home, school, local community sports and recreation centres as appropriate to the individual child and family. We may offer clinic based appointments on occasion. 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 1. Permanent Australian resident or citizen 2. Living within the Perth metropolitan or Peel-Waroona region 3. With a disability 4. And experiencing issues with day-to-day activities, as a result of the disability

The child does not need to be registered with or have an eligibility letter from the Disability Services Commission to be eligible for services. 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. The priority categories are as follows:

Priority Category

4 Urgent and critical need Life threatening or existing injury to client / carer

3 High need Significant injury risk to client / carer or deterioration in health status.

2 Moderate need Issues identified, functional impact identified, quality of life impacted.

1 Low need Issues identified, however minimal functional impact (not reported to be impacting on quality of life).

0 Inappropriate referral

Referral process Referrals may be accepted from any source, providing consent from the parent or legal guardian is attached. For example: we will consider referrals from:

parents paediatricians child development centres teachers local area or My Way coordinators


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

Service model Professional services team profile

speech Pathology

occupational Therapy

physiotherapy

psychology

social work

family connect worker

Individual planning and self-directed outcomes We are guided by a set of five principles to ensure we deliver high quality therapy services:

1. Family-Centred Practice Family is central to children's therapy. Families bring knowledge and expertise to help us identify their child's needs and develop goals and strategies for everyday life. We see family as our respected partner not a service user; and our role as supporting families to achieve their goals.

2. Working Together We work with families, teachers, therapists, medical practitioners and other organisations for a synergy of ideas, resources and therapy services.

3. Learning Everywhere Therapy is most effective when it is conducted in a child's natural environment. We use every opportunity in families' and children's' routines and environment to develop skills.

4. Working Transdisciplinary Our therapy team consists of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Social Workers and Psychologists. We work as a team sharing strategies to meet the needs of our clients.

5. Increase Participation Our therapy practice builds on a child's individual skills to increase participation in everyday activities.

Individual needs assessment Our therapy team will work together with the child, family and other stakeholders as appropriate to identify opportunities for child independence and participation. Assessment of the child’s skills, and the support offered by their environment and the people around them, occurs in order to identify strengths and areas for development through the therapy


Diagnostic reports With referral form

Evidence of the child’s Australian permanent residency (such as Australian birth certificate, passport or visa)

With referral form

Evidence of permanently residing in Western Australia (such as a phone bill, electricity bill, car registration)

With referral form

Optional – evidence of health and behaviour With referral form

Options – evidence of help and supervision With referral form

http://www.therapyfocus.org.au/


service. A Therapy Service Plan is developed in collaboration with the family, outlining therapy goals, intervention strategies, roles and responsibilities of key partners and timeframes. Programs and Services offered

speech pathology

occupational therapy

physiotherapy

Behaviour support team (psychology and social work) – work with the child/young person, the family, and other key people within the child’s current and new environments, to work through any difficulties they may experience in times of transition.

Family connect team – work alongside therapists and other likeminded agencies to provide direct support, information, advocacy and referral to a range of community activities.

Waitlist management strategy – Therapy Focus has collaborated with Disability Services Commission and other service providers to develop a waitlist management strategy, where ten hours of funding per child is used by each organisation to provide access to resources and activities that will benefit the child and/or family whilst waiting for services.

Our focus is on the service program rather than discipline e.g. behaviour support, Assistive Augmentative Communication (AAC), daily living and independence skills, disability education and advice, etc.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes The therapy team collaborates with key stakeholders including the child, family, and education environments where appropriate, to review progress against the identified goals in the therapy service plan. The therapy team will meet with the family regularly to discuss progress and outcomes achieved, and provide a therapy service summary which documents the outcomes achieved. Other relevant services

Early childhood and Adult intervention services funded by Disability Services Commission

State-wide continence program 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

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

VisAbility Disability Services Commission funded school age intervention program for children and their families who are eligible to receive specialist disability services.

Contact details


Business Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm 61 Kitchener Avenue, Victoria Park, 6100 Phone: 1800 VISION Email: [email protected] Web: www.visability.com.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 Children with any disability type who are eligible to receive specialist disability services, specialising in vision impairment. Age range Children aged 9 – 18 years. Geographical coverage and bases VisAbility provides services to eligible individuals living in the Perth metropolitan area. VisAbility also provide a state-wide consultancy service 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 Priority is given to children with a diagnosed vision impairment.

Referral process Referrals to VisAbility can be made by family members or carers, allied health and medical professionals or local area coordinators. Families’ can self refer with direct phone call.

Referral Information required

Other comments Additional documents can be discussed with family or referring professional.

Service model Professional services team profile A teamwork approach is used to ensure that children and families receive a holistic and integrated service. The team includes service coordinators (key contact), physiotherapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers and early childhood intervention assistants. In addition, VisAbility has orthoptists and orientation & mobility instructors with specialist training in vision impairment.


Diagnostic reports At initial referral


http://www.visability.com.au/



Individual planning and self-directed outcomes

Initially the Service Coordinator and team spend time getting to know and understand the child, their strengths, interests and skills and areas for development. This ensures that the team able to contribute with parents in the planning for services for their child. At this stage a meeting is held with the family, Service Coordinator and may include other team members or significant people in their child’s life. Individual needs assessment The service coordinator (key contact) is the initial contact for families. The family’s service coordinator is carefully selected to match the child and family’s priorities. Service coordinators have skills in childhood development, disability and providing practical emotional support. The individual family service planning meeting is where the Service Coordinator and family explore the child and family’s routines, the family identifies strengths and areas of concern and together a plan is formed. Additional team members are available to support the family in identifying priorities. The plan includes functional goals that focus on the child’s learning, development and participation and independence in the home and community. Programs and services offered

Individual services include therapy to build functional skills such, communication, moving safely and independently at home, school and in the community.

Services can be provided face to face in the home or community or via video-conferencing

Skill-based groups

Provision of information and strategies

Equipment and technology prescription and training

Consultation with schools and other community organisations.

Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes The service coordinator ensures that ongoing reviews and evaluations are undertaken in conjunction with each family throughout their service delivery so that they remain relevant and flexible. Goals and the achievement of outcomes are included in the individual’s case notes and reports. Other relevant services

Children with vision impairment may be eligible to access the VisAbility’s school holiday program. VisAbility also has a range of library resources for children including tactile and audio books.

Better Start

School age intervention services

State-wide consultancy services for individuals who are vision impaired

Fee for service options

Post intervention treatment sessions

WizeTherapy Disability Services Commission funded early intervention program for children with any disability type and their families who are eligible to receive specialist disability services.


Contact details

Business hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm Lots 4-6, First Floor, Booragoon Commercial Centre, 175 Davy Street, Booragoon, 6154 Phone: 9317 7932 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wizetherapy.com.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).


Children and adolescents who are enrolled full time in school, including those who are in home schooling.

Age Range

Children between 9-17 years. Geographical coverage and bases

Perth Metropolitan Area with a focus south of the river, including the local government areas of Melville, Cockburn, Kwinana, Rockingham and Mandurah. WizeTherapy operates from its main base in Booragoon with a satellite base in Lesmurdie. 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 Priority to access to services is primarily determined by the ability of WizeTherapy to meet the needs of the child with disability and their family along with age and geographical location. Referral process Referrals to the school age specialist disability services can be made by local area co-ordinators, the family, paediatricians, schools and other key stakeholders associated with the child and family. Referrals are made by contacting WizeTherapy on the main office number, emailing WizeTherapy at the enquiries email, via the WizeTherapy website, or completing and returning the WizeTherapy request for services document (document available upon request, but is being shared within LAC’s and schools). The clinical services manager and service coordinator collect this information to inform decisions about offers for services and contact families are required. Referral Information required All required information to support a referral is included within the request for service document. Should further supporting information be required to assist with service


http://www.wizetherapy.com.au/



planning and decision making the clinical service manager or disability services co-ordinator of the early intervention service will contact the family to discuss the child’s and family’s needs, and obtain the required information. In some circumstances additional reports from health professionals, such as a paediatrician, may be required to clarify the functional need of the child and family.

Service model Professional services team profile The team at WizeTherapy consists of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists. If required, psychology services are contracted by the organisation for a definitive period. All services are supported by senior therapist team comprising of experienced physiotherapist, speech pathologist, and occupational therapists. Services are coordinated by disability services coordinator. Individual planning and self-directed outcomes WizeTherapy’s primary model of service delivery is family centred practice. Therapists work in a collaborative partnership with families to maximise functional outcomes for the child. Families determine the priority goals for their child at family meetings held regularly to review and set new goals for the child and family. Individual needs assessment Individual assessment is carried out by the physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech pathologist using specific assessment protocols. This information is then combined with the identified priorities of the family to design a specific intervention plan for the child and family that is goal based and responsive to the child’s and family’s needs. Programs and services offered Programs and services offered by WizeTherapy as part of the early intervention program are inclusive of:

interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary therapy intervention services provided in the central therapy rooms, at home, at school, at child care and other community settings.

information provision on a range of issues provided in both verbal and written form. Information is provided on an individual basis to families and also to a group of parents through specific information events.

small group programs targeting specific functional goals common to 3-4 children and allowing for parent networking and establishment of support structures.

liaison with key community stakeholders via a range of communication strategies including face to face meetings, telephone and email contact.


Diagnostic reports Required at time of referral.

Transition/therapy plan May be obtained if family transferring from another therapy service provider and made available at offer of place.

Other Consent form Required at time of referral. This is a requirement before any service provision can occur.


Review, evaluation and reporting on achievement of outcomes WizeTherapy uses a number of methods to review, evaluate and report on achieving of outcomes. These include:

regular family meetings where goals are formally reviewed using the outcome measure goal attainment scaling (GAS).

process indicators such as number of family meetings over a six month period; number of goals set over a six month period; number of goals achieved over six month period; number of episodes of engagement with community stakeholders.

regular review of function in core areas of day to day functioning using both clinical observation and standardised assessment tools.

annual evaluation by families of effectiveness of delivering services using family centred practice model using the instrument, the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC).


Early childhood therapy services – funded by the Commission

Helping Children with Autism – federally funded via the Department Social Services

Better Start – federally funded via the Department Social Services

Family funded therapy supports.

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