Useful Resources
|Useful Links
Mobility & Practical Assistance
Roadside Assistance for Wheelchairs & Scooters
RACV Emergency Wheelchair and Scooter Breakdown Service can assist if your wheelchair or scooter is immobolised through a mechanical failure, flat tyre or even flat battery. This is 24 hour service. For more information, visit the RACV website or phone 13 7228.
Technical Aid to the Disabled – TADVic
TADVIC is an organisation whose volunteer members design, construct or modify equipment for people with disabilities where no commercially available solution will meet their needs. It is funded by a DHS grant and donations, and staffed by occupational therapists, who co-ordinate metropolitan projects, and admin support staff. There is no charge for the TADVIC service, but clients are asked to reimburse the volunteer for any cost of materials and travelling expenses incurred.
TADVIC operates throughout Victoria, with over 200 volunteers throughout the state, and approximately 500 projects completed each year. The central office is based in Kew, Melbourne, but branches are also located in Ballarate, Barwon, Bendigo, Central Gippsland, East Gippsland, Peninsula, Shepparton, South Gippsland, South West and Sunraysia.
Visit www.tadvic.asn.au to learn more, or call the central office on (03) 9853 8655 or 1300 663 243 if you would like one of the above branches to assist you.
Housing Options Unlocked: A Guide to Options and Assistance.
A new booklet has been released to assist people with a disability learn about the different housing options. The booklet contains a description of each housing option, including individualised housing; community managed housing, shared supported accommodation, movable units and supported residential services. The guide also lists various housing providers, how to make a contribution, what type of assistance is available and useful contacts.
Wesley Employment Services
Wesley Employment Services assists individuals with either a disability, medical condition or any other significant barrier to employment, to find and maintain employment. If you are student with a disability and or medical condition then please contact us regarding our graduate scheme.
Contact Tina on 03 9416 8699, or visit our website at www.wesleymission.org.au
Computers and Electronic
Green PC
Green PCs are recycled personal computers that are refurbished and repackaged into usable Internet-ready computers and then made available to low-income communities, individuals and community organisations. The only qualification for an individual or family to have access to a Green PC computer is that they be holders of current Health Care Cards or are able to verify their low income status in some other way. Green PC have a “Super Store” in the Brotherhood of St Lawrence shop at 462 Geelong Rd Footscray, with a range of PCs on display, as well as 2nd hand printers and other peripheral devices. Visit Green PC online or call 1300 306 645 for more information.
Useful Books and Articles
New Book Answers “Silly Questions”
There’s No Such Thing As A Silly Question is a practical guide for families living with a child with chronic illness, disability, mental illness or a life-threatening condition. Written by a group of parents and
committed health professionals, it provides valuable insights into what other families have learnt, felt or found helpful in their experience of caring for a child with additional needs. To obtain a copy, phone Camille on (03) 9804 6222 or email secretary.interact@gmail.com . (A copy will be available from the GSNV library soon.)
Article by Leah Lonsdale: Self-Advocacy
The following article, written for Down Syndrome Association Victoria, and published in Down Voice, Winter 2007, is relevant to many who have or are affected by genetic conditions.
Advocacy is key to improving services available to people affected by genetic conditions. Politicians and the general public may not be aware or may only be partly aware of the issues faced by people affected by genetic conditions, the sorts of services they need, and what services are available. Teachers, leisure activity organizers and health professionals may also not be aware of the issues and problems.
People affected by genetic conditions (such as Down Syndrome) are often well informed about the condition in their life, and know firsthand what it means to be affected by that condition. We are also aware of the individual needs of the person with the genetic condition and how the condition impacts on daily life. This means we are well placed to advocate on issues that affect us, our child and/or the person we love who has a genetic condition.
This article is about advocacy, and how we can effectively advocate. Click here to read more...
Support From Support Groups
Cystic Fibrosis Victoria Library
Cystic Fibrosis Victoria has an extensive library including resources such as books, journals, CD ROMs, dvd’s, videos and articles on many relevant topics. Members of CFV are able to borrow from the Southbank office during business hours for free or to photocopy articles from the resource files for minimal cost. Queries about the Library and resources available can be directed to Martina on (03) 9686 1811.
Congratulations to CFV Library - successful recipients of a GSNV Special Project Grant towards the purchase of books for their library.
Lymphoedema Association of Victoria
The Lympohoedema Association of Victoria (Ph: 1300 852 850) can refer those with or affected by this condition to a support group nearest to their home town.
Cardiomyopathy Association of Australia
The CMAA holds meetings, provides educational material and a quarterly newsletter. To find out more visit the web site at www.cmaa.org.au or phone Kathy Whelan (National Secretary) on (03) 5688 1400 or email kathleencw@dcsi.net.au .
Access to Premises Campaign Kit – The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO).
The Kit addresses the issues of up to 4 million Australians who are unable to access their own communities and will provide information and tools to people with a disability that will help them speak about the lack of access to businesses and services that they face in their local communities. The Kit is available from the website: www.afdo.org.au/node/183
Resources for Carers
Parent Support Network (Eastern Region)
The Parent Support Network provides support and information to parents/carers of people with disabilities and special needs who reside in the Eastern Region of Melbourne. Expressions of interest are wanted to take part in a 12 week program in creative art called Coloured Emotions. To find out more, contact Rachael Veal on (03) 9259 4312.
Older Families Support and Planning Program
The Older Families Support and Planning Program provides access to a 24 hour emergency in-home respite, help carers to access respite and recreational services in the community and link the person they are caring for to recreational activities. The program can also assist with transport to medical appointments, and financial contribution towards a short break away from home.
People 65 years and over, or Indigenous carers 45 years and over, who live with and support a person with a life long disability such as acquired brain injury, intellectual or physical disability, degenerative neurological disorder or mental illness, and who reside in the Northern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne are eligible to access the program. Please contact Beata or Seana on 9495 2500 for more information.
My Time Groups
MY TIME groups provide local support for mums, dads, grandparents and anyone caring for a young child under school age with a disability or chronic medical condition. “My Time” program has two more sessions available in September 2007 and would like to hear from interested people. Please contact Eleni Matskarofski on 1800 889 997 for more information.
Me Time for Mum - Ongoing
The Hawthorn Community House runs a cost-free creative and leisure program for mothers who are caring for a child (or children) with a special need. For more information phone Debbie Zacks on 0401 637 449 or email dzaks@swin.edu.au .
Government Resources
12 Medicare Rebates per calendar year to visit the Psychologist!
A GP Mental Health Care Plan allows people to access up to 12 Medicare rebates per calendar year for focussed psychological strategies or psychological therapies. Your GP will need to coordinate and prepare a Mental Health Care Plan. For more information contact your GP or Medicare on 132 011 or visit www.health.gov.au
Department for Victorian Communities – Office for Disability
The Department for Victorian Communities has opened its Office for Disability. To contact the Office, phone 1300 880 043, or TTY 9208 3631 or email clare.thorn@dvc.vic.gov.au .
Guide to Victorian Government Services
This new Guide will help Victoria's culturally and linguistically diverse communities access information about government services. The Guide has been published in 11 languages other than English (Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese). It will assist people from all backgrounds in accessing vital support services such as health, education and housing, through to obtaining a boating licence, or registering a small business. FREE copies of the Guide are available by phoning Information Victoria on 1300 366 356.
Medicines, Clinics and other Medical
Get to know your Medicines Fact Sheets
Following demand at their Community Quality Use of Medicine events, the Consumers’ Health Forum of Australia joined with the National Prescribing Service to develop seven fact sheets about medicines for consumers. The facts are being used as part of the ‘Get to know you medicines’ campaign run by the National Prescribing Service which aims to improves people’s awareness, confidence, skills and knowledge about medicines, particularly those who are older and/or have chronic conditions. The campaign also includes television advertisements, a website and peer educator community education sessions.
The fact sheets can be founded at: www.chf.org.au/Docs/Downloads/Getting_to_know_your_medicines.pdf
Understanding Medical Tests
Lab Tests online is a new website developed by the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists with support from the Royal College of Pathologist of Australasia. The website aims to provide people with accurate, understandable information on pathology tests and is based on similar site in the USA and United Kingdom.
12 Medicare Rebates per calendar year to visit the Psychologist!
A GP Mental Health Care Plan allows people to access up to 12 Medicare rebates per calendar year for focussed psychological strategies or psychological therapies. Your GP will need to coordinate and prepare a Mental Health Care Plan. For more information contact your GP or Medicare on 132 011 or visit www.health.gov.au
Medicare health assessments now available for people with intellectual disability
From July 2007, people with intellectual disability will be able to have an annual comprehensive health assessment covered by Medicare under new health assessment items 718 and 719. The new health assessment provides a framework for GPs to assess the physical and psychological health of patients with intellectual disability and identify any medical treatment and preventative health care the patient needs.
A person with intellectual disability or their family, advocate or support worker can approach the person's GP to ask for the assessment – they should not wait for the GP to recommend it. Visit the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing website for more information or email resourcekits@health.gov.au to order an Intellectual Disability Resource Kit.
Home Medicines Review
A Home Medicines Review (HMR) involves a pharmacist visiting your home to check and discuss all your medicines. The visit is organised in consultation with your GP, who receives a report afterwards. Talk to your pharmacist if you want to find our more about HMRs.
Written by consumers for consumers, MedicinesTalk is a free quarterly newsletter that gives you reliable, accurate information and useful hints on managing your medicines.To Find out more about MedicinesTalk see http://www.nps.org.au/consumers/publications/medicines_talk.
Ongoing Grant Opportunities
DHS Capital Grant Scheme
This grant assists by repairing or replacing major essential gas, electrical or water appliances which are faulty and/or have failed within the last 12 months. It is available to households which hold a current Concession Card and own the property for fixed appliances. You do not need to own the property if you are applying to have a fridge or washing machine repaired. For more information phone 1800 658 521 or 9616 7600, or visit the website.
The Macquarie Foundation Grant DGR Community Services and Development Grant
The Foundation’s funding criteria is flexible and open. Applications are welcome for funding from a diverse range of community-based initiatives that are working in innovative ways to provide long term benefits. Each application is assessed on its individual merit. Traditionally, beneficiaries of the Foundation come from areas of education, arts, health, research, welfare, health care and environment.
Contact: Ms Sally Shepherd, Manager, The Macquarie Bank Foundation (02) 8232 7554 or visit the Macquary Foundation Grant Website for more information.
The Reichstein Foundation Grants ITEC (DGR Preferred)
Community Services and Development grant to work for social change in order to create an equitable distribution of wealth and power and a healthy and sustainable environment. The Reichstein Foundation's current priority is to support:
- Indigenous people
- People with a disability
- New arrived communities
Maximum funding is $20,000. Contact by email, Phone (9650 4400), or visit the website for further information.
Utility Relief Grant Scheme
The Utility Relief Grant scheme is administered and funded by the State Government. Its purpose is to provide assistance to low-income individuals and families who are unable to pay electricity, gas or water bills due to a short-term financial crisis. The grant provides for full or partial payment of an outstanding utility bill where the applicant is at risk of disconnection for non-payment. Application forms are available from electricity and gas retailers, and water authorities. For more information, visit the website or call the Concessions Unit on 1800 658 521.
Help writing Grants: Free reviews of funding submissions for community organisations
Granted is a new not-for-profit organisation that provides reviews of draft funding submissions. We assist community organisations that aim to make a positive social or environmental impact, but which have limited resources to seek funding. We provide a fresh perspective, comments on the strengths and weaknesses of submissions and suggestions for improvements. We don’t write submissions or draft content, and we only review funding submissions that are close to completion.
Granted's reviews are free, independent and confidential. If you think Granted can help your organisation, please visit the Granted website for more information.
Fun and Games
Football for People with a Special Need
The Montrose Football Club’s football for people with a special need meets at the Links Park Stadium, Montrose. There is no age limit. Starts 11am Saturdays. For more information phone David Harbinson
on 9736 1555.
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