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:
Web:
For further information regarding eligibility please refer to the document Eligibility Policy for Specialist Disability Services funded or provided by the Disability Services Commission ( 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;
- places available
- impact on family functioning, e.g. needs, challenging behaviour
- independence, e.g., self- care, communication, activities of daily living
- family circumstances
- access to the community for child and family
- 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:
Phone:9489 8900
Referral Information required
Document / When neededDiagnostic reports / On application
Consent form / On acceptance to service
Proof of address / On application
Proof of Australian residency / On application
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
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 servicesState-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:
Website:
For further information regarding eligibility please refer to the document Eligibility Policy for Specialist Disability Services funded or provided by the Disability Services Commission ( 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 attendingTAFE 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 diagnosisa panel assessment from a paediatrician, psychologist and speech pathologist is required.
When the school age intervention service reaches capacity, childrenwill 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 providerseg. 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:
Referral Information required
Document / When neededApplication 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 egschool . / 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
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 makesinitial 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:
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 fundedSpecialist 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, Inteworketc)
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:
Web:
For further information regarding eligibility please refer to the document Eligibility Policy for Specialist Disability Services funded or provided by the Disability Services Commission ( Services, supports and eligibility > Eligibility).
Service details
Disability group
Eligible children with any disability typewho are eligible to receive specialist disability services.
Age range
Children between 9-17 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
Children with disability, particularly those with complex needs.
Referral process
Referrals can be provided by families, carers, LACs, other service providers.
Referral Information required
Document / When neededDiagnostic reports
Transition/therapy plan
Consent for release of information form
Individual goals
Therapy procedures
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.
Other relevant services
School age therapy services - fundedHydrotherapy – 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: .
Web:
For further information regarding eligibility please refer to the ‘Eligibility for Specialist Disability funded or provided by the Disability Services Commission ( 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 timee.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
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