Disability Support Guide FNQ Navigator #3 by DPS Publishing

Welcome

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

We know how challenging it can be to find the right provider for your needs and understand this can be even more difficult in regional or remote areas of Australia. There may be fewer providers to choose from or difficulty finding a local provider who can support you in your own community.

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

This handy handbook will guide you through the key steps to access disability support services and help you find the right provider for your needs.

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

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

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

Disability Support Guide

Far North Queensland

Navigator - 3rd Edition

Printed April 2025

Managing Editor David McManus david.mcmanus@dps.com.au

General Manager Brad Keighran

DPS Publishing Pty Ltd ● 1300 186 688 ● U2, L2, 187-193 Rundle St, Adelaide SA 5000 info@dps.com.au ● AgedCareGuide.com.au ● ABN 53 090 793 730

Advertising Distribution Proudly produced sales@dps.com.au distribution@dps.com.au and printed 1300 186 688 1300 186 688 in Australia

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

Research

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

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

To be eligible, you need to be:

∙ under the age of 65;

∙ an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa;

∙ diagnosed with a disability that affects your ability to perform everyday activities; or

∙ a child younger than nine (or six with developmental delay) requiring early intervention supports.

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

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

The purpose of the NDIS is to help you develop a greater sense of independence and develop new skills so that you can support yourself and your community.

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

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

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

This means they must be related to your disability and aren’t a daily living cost — such as the cost of groceries or rent. They must be cost-effective and benefit you.

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

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

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

Preparation

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

A local area coordinator, NDIA planner or early childhood early intervention coordinator will contact you after you are approved for funding to set up this meeting.

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

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

These could include:

∙ specialist reports of therapy assessments;

∙ letters from your doctor;

∙ your myGov login details;

∙ day program rosters;

∙ information from your employer or volunteer organisation; and

∙ activity schedules or a behaviour support plan.

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

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

This includes:

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

∙ the regular activities you do, such as sport, volunteering or participating in community groups;

∙ where you live, who you live with and whether you are happy with those arrangements;

∙ your short- and long-term goals;

∙ any barriers you currently face to achieve your goals;

∙ details about what a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ day might look like for you;

∙ a statement from your carer detailing your needs; and

∙ any questions you have.

It’s also worth getting an understanding of the different ways your funding can be managed. Would you like to look after it yourself, use a plan manager or have the NDIA take charge? You can discuss this in more detail during your planning meeting.

Planning meeting

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

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

A planning meeting can take a few hours and the planner you are meeting with will ask lots of questions to get a picture of you, your circumstances and your goals. Whenever you have a planning or review meeting, it is important to remember to take your time and not rush, to make sure everything that you want is discussed so that your plan can include the best possible supports.

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

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

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

The following tips can help you to get the most out of your planning meeting.

∙ You should write down the contact information of your planner in case you have questions after the meeting.

∙ You could take notes during your meeting to help you remember what was covered.

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

∙ If you need language or cultural support, including an Auslan interpreter, make sure you ask the planner about it.

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

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

∙ Make a decision about what type of plan management you want to use, whether that be agency managed, plan managed, self managed or a combination. Keep in mind that you can change this at any time.

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

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

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

Planning meeting

Finding providers

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

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

You may want to consider the following series of questions before settling on a provider.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

∙ Check out their credentials, such as quality certifications and industry awards.

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

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

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

With NDIS funding, it is also important to know how the management of your plan affects the types of providers you can use. For any parts of your plan that are agency managed, you can only claim for services from a registered NDIS provider.

If your plan is fully or partially plan-managed or self-managed, you can use the funds for both registered and non-registered NDIS providers.

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

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

Managing services

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

This could be because:

∙ you are moving to another area that your provider doesn’t service;

∙ your needs or circumstances have changed and you need more or different support;

∙ your provider is no longer delivering the services you need;

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

∙ you have achieved a goal and would like something new to work towards.

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

Not all changes to your plan will mean you need a full review and you can talk to an NDIS representative, local area coordinator or early childhood early intervention partner about whether you need to ask for a plan review or not.

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you want to make changes to your goals or your NDIS plan, it’s a good idea to speak with your NDIS representative first to understand the correct process. Keep in mind that you will have a regular plan review meeting, so if you need to change your goals, this can likely wait until your scheduled review.

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

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

Managing services

NDIS planning meeting checklist

It’s never too early to start planning! To help you make the most of your planning meeting, we have put together a checklist of useful information to review for your meeting.

Before your planning meeting

Familiarise yourself with the NDIS

Go to pages 16 – 17 of this guide for our handy list of definitions and often used terms.

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

Take the time to write down your: personal details; current informal supports from family and friends; current formal supports; activities (regular and occasional) and how you get to and from them; living arrangements; short- and long-term goals; preferred way to manage your funding. Visit DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au/information/article/managing-your-plan to learn more about your options.

You can prepare for your planning meeting by gathering the following supporting documents, such as assessment reports and medical results: information, reports and assessments of your disability; The NDIS Planning Workbook — available online at ndis.gov.au ; a carer’s statement, listing what your carer does for you and where more support is needed; evidence of your age and residency, such as a copy of your passport or birth certificate; and the bank account details to be used for your NDIS funds.

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

When can I expect to receive my NDIS plan?

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

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

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

Can you repeat my answers back to me?

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

During your planning meeting

Think of who you’d like to bring with you to your planning meeting. It could be your carer, a parent, a friend or your partner

Write down your planner’s name and contact details

Take notes so you can refer to what has been discussed later on Go through the information you collected and prepared

Ask about language or cultural support

Present any quotes for items/services you are requesting

Present specialist reports showing therapies or supports recommended

Advise which plan management option you wish to use

Remember to tell your planner why you need certain supports

Confirm when your next plan review will be held

Make sure all of your questions are answered

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

When you receive your plan

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

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

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

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

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

Partners of the NDIS

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

The local community organisations working alongside people with disability throughout their support journey are called ‘NDIS partners.’ Partners of the NDIS include local area coordinators (LACs) and early childhood early intervention (ECEI) providers.

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

Local area coordinators

LACs assist the NDIA by working with you, as a participant, to set goals and get your plan underway.

LACs have three key roles:

∙ they link you to the NDIS;

∙ they provide you with information and support in the community; and

∙ they work with your local community to make sure it is welcoming and inclusive.

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

Early childhood early intervention partners

The early childhood approach supports children under the age of nine who have a disability or under six with developmental delay. These organisations have a sound knowledge of the early childhood approach and work with other government departments, such as the education department, to make sure children are getting the best developmental supports.

Early childhood partners work with your whole family to help your child reach their full potential.

NDIA‑managed areas

In most cases, people entering the NDIS will communicate with their LAC about their plan. However, some regional and remote areas are not serviced by a LAC partner.

Similarly, ECEI partners don’t tend to be located in remote or very remote areas. If you don’t have a LAC or ECEI partner in your area, the NDIA will work with you directly to connect you to supports in your area.

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

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

Bundaberg Bundaberg

Cairns Cairns Tablelands

Cassowary CoastYarrabah

Gold Coast Gold Coast

BUSHkids 07 4111 1655 bushkids@ndis.gov.au

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

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

Ipswich Ipswich Scenic Rim each 1300 003 224 info@each.com.au

Lockyer Valley Somerset

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

Redland

Mackay Issac

Carers QLD Australia 1300 999 636

brisbanesouthlac@ carersqld.com.au brisbanenorthlac@ carersqld.com.au

IWC 1300 492 492 info@iwc.org.au

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

Carers QLD Australia 1300 999 636 goldcoastlac@carersqld.com.au

Carers QLD Australia 1300 999 636 ipswichlac@carersqld.com.au

Carers QLD Australia 1300 999 636 beenleighlac@carersqld.com.au capalabalac@caresqld.com.au

feros care 1300 986 970 feroslac@ndis.gov.au Mackay

Fraser Coast South Burnett

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

Maryborough Cherbourg North Burnett BUSHkids 07 4183 8920 bushkids@ndis.gov.au

Moreton Bay Caboolture Strathpine benevolent society 1300 003 234 benevolent.ecei@ndis.gov.au

Moreton Bay

Rockhampton Banana Livingstone

Central Highlands Rockhampton

Gladstone

BUSHkids

Emerald – 07 4982 0905 bushkids@ndis.gov.au

Gladstone – 07 4904 533

Rockhampton – 07 4994 2120

Sunshine Coast Gympie Maroochydore BUSHkids

Noosa Sunshine Coast

Caloundra – 07 5208 9074 bushkids@ndis.gov.au

Gympie – 07 5209 6020

Maroochydore – 07 5406 0708

APM 1800 276 522 apmnet@ndis.gov.au

Carers QLD Australia 1300 999 636 moretonbaylac@ carersqld.com.au

Carers QLD Australia 1300 999 636 gladstonelac@carersqld.com.au rockhamptonlac@ carersqld.com.au

Carers QLD Australia 1300 999 636

gympielac@carersqld.com.au sunshinecoastlac@ carersqld.com.au

Toowoomba Southern Downs

Toowoomba

UnitingCare 1800 543 354

unitingcare.earlychildhood@ ndis.gov.au

Townsville Townsville Charter Towers UnitingCare 1800 543 354

Burdekin

unitingcare.earlychildhood@ ndis.gov.au

All other areas not supported by a NDIS partner NDIS

Carers QLD Australia 1300 999 636

toowoombaLAC@ carersqld.com.au

feros care 1300 986 970 feroslac@ndis.gov.au

1800 800 110 NDIS 1800 800 110

Queensland useful phone numbers and websites

Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA Australia)

07 3637 6000 or freecall 1800 818 338 adaaustralia.com.au

Autism QLD 07 3273 0000 autismqld.com.au

Carers QLD

1300 747 636 carersqld.com.au

Deaf Services QLD 07 3892 8500 deafconnect.org.au

Down Syndrome QLD 07 3356 6655 downsyndrome.org.au/qld

Guide Dogs QLD

Mackay Advocacy

07 3500 9001 qld.guidedogs.com.au

07 4957 8710 mackayadvocacy.com.au

Mater Intellectual Disability & Autism Service 07 3163 8111 mater.org.au/midas

Multiple Sclerosis QLD

Muscular Dystrophy QLD

1800 177 591 msqld.org.au

1800 676 364 mdqld.org.au

National Disability Services QLD 07 3828 9400 nds.org.au

Office of the Public Advocate QLD 07 3738 9513 justice.qld.gov.au/public-advocate

Office of the Public Guardian 1300 653 187 publicguardian.qld.gov.au

Public Trustee of Queensland 1300 360 044 pt.qld.gov.au

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

Queensland Advocacy 07 3844 4200 qai.org.au

Queenslanders with Disability Network

Synapse (Brain Injury Association of Queensland)

1300 363 783 qdn.org.au

1800 673 074 synapse.org.au

disability services putting you first

National phone numbers and websites

Australian Disability Enterprises 1300 043 517 buyability.org.au

Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) 1800 219 969 afdo.org.au

Autism Connect - Amaze 1300 308 699 amaze.org.au

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au

Blind Citizens Australia 1800 033 660 bca.org.au

Brain Injury Australia 1800 272 461 braininjuryaustralia.org.au

Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 carergateway.gov.au

Carer Gateway Counselling Service 1800 242 636 carergateway.gov.au

Carers Australia 02 6122 9900 carersaustralia.com.au

Cerebral Palsy Alliance 1300 888 378 cerebralpalsy.org.au

Deafness Forum of Australia 02 6262 7808 deafnessforum.org.au

Department of Health 02 6289 1555 health.gov.au

Department of Social Services 1300 653 227 dss.gov.au

Disability Employment Services (DES) 1800 464 800 jobaccess.gov.au

Disability Gateway 1800 643 787 disabilitygateway.gov.au

Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) 02 6282 5755 fecca.org.au

First People's Disability Network 02 9267 4195 fpdn.org.au

Headspace 1800 650 890 headspace.org.au

Inclusion Australia 1300 312 343 inclusionaustralia.org.au

JobAccess 1800 464 800 jobaccess.gov.au

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia 02 7209 6301 lgbtiqhealth.org.au

Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au

MyGov 13 23 07 my.gov.au

National Continence Helpline 1800 330 066 continence.org.au

National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 dementia.org.au/helpline

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) 1800 800 110 ndis.gov.au

National Disability Services 02 6283 3200 nds.org.au

National Equipment Database (NED) 1300 885 886 askned.com.au

National Ethnic Disability Alliance 0402 610 399 neda.org.au

National Relay Service Voice Relay number - 1300 555 727 accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs

TTY number - 13 36 77 SMS relay number - 0423 677 767

NDIS Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) 1800 228 333 art.gov.au

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission 1800 035 544 ndiscommission.gov.au

People with Disability Australia 1800 422 015 pwd.org.au

QLife 1800 184 527 qlife.org.au

Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 relationships.org.au

SANE Australia 1800 187 263 sane.org

Services Australia - Centrelink Disability, Sickness & Carers Line 13 27 17 servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/centrelink

Services Australia - Medicare 13 20 11 servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/medicare

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia 1800 819 775 scia.org.au

Stroke Foundation 1800 787 653 strokefoundation.org.au

Translating and Interpreting Service 13 14 50 tisnational.gov.au

Wellways

1300 111 400 wellways.org

Definitions

Definitions and often used terms

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

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

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

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

Agency managed – One of the management options available where the budget in your plan is looked after by the NDIA.

Assistive technology – A product, device or piece of equipment that helps maintain, increase or improve your skills and functional abilities.

Capacity-building support – Funding for therapies and services that will help you build your skills and independence.

Capital support – Funding for aids and equipment to live independently or help your carer support you. This can also include funding for specialist accommodation.

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

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

Core support – Funding for supports that will help you go about your daily life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intervention support – A combination of the different supports available to help maintain or improve your independence and participation within your community.

Local area coordinator (LAC) – A local community organisation that has partnered with the NDIA to help participants access and manage the NDIS. Read more on page 10.

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

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

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – A government-run program that helps support people living with disability or early intervention needs. It is designed to help participants reach personal goals and live independently.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Provider – A person or organisation that delivers services to people living with disability.

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

Respite – A break from your usual living or caring environment, whether at home or within the community.

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

Self managed – One of the management options available where you organise supports and payments to providers.

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

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) – Funding towards the cost of purposebuilt or specialist-designed housing. This is available under the ‘Capital supports’ group to some high-support-needs NDIS participants.

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

Definitions and often used terms

How to read the tables

How to read the directory tables

In the directory section, starting on page 24 of this guide, you’ll find six sections covering In-home & Community Support, Therapists & Specialists, Accommodation, Advisors, Equipment & Technology and Mental Health.

The tables list a number of providers, including both registered and unregistered NDIS providers servicing Queensland, in alphabetical order.

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

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

A featured listing indicates the provider has paid to have their services listed in this guide.

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

Following changes to the NDIS regulations, please contact your local area coordinator, early childhood partner, NDIS partner or support coordinator to learn more about available supports.

REGIONS MAP

Queensland

This map provides you with a geographic reference to the service regions in Queensland. To help you find providers that offer services near you, we have sorted the directory tables into a number of regions. You can use the map below to work out which region covers the area you live in.

Providers that have indicated they look after all of Queensland or those that did not specify a region with DPS are listed under ‘Providers servicing all of QLD.’ If a provider services one or multiple regions, but not all, they will be listed in each applicable region.

In-home & Community Support

See page 22 for How to

At Lifestyle Connections, we understand that each person’s journey is distinct, and their needs are as individual as they are. This understanding is at the heart of everything we do, guiding our tailored services to enrich lives, foster independence, and encourage participation in a wide range of recreational and leisure activities. Our commitment to you is unwavering.

We offer the following services.

Support Coordination — We are an accredited NDIS provider dedicated to empowering our Service Users with the essential information and support tailored to your unique needs. Our Support Coordinators are here to connect you with the necessary allied health professionals, arrange for support workers, and guide you in strengthening your decision-making abilities.

Plan Management — Lifestyle Connections streamlines your NDIS Plan management by handling all financial aspects, from validating invoices and processing payments promptly to budgeting and tracking spending. Our Plan Managers are your go-to for any fund-related queries, ensuring compliance with NDIS guidelines and facilitating smooth communication with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission or NDIA when necessary.

Core Support — Our support workers provide personalised assistance to individuals with disabilities, helping them live independently and reach their goals with tailored support. They assist with daily tasks, personal care, and community engagement. Crucially, they implement NDIS plan strategies, including skill development and therapy support, facilitating access to services that boost well-being.

In-home & Community Support

See

In-home & Community Support

See page 22 for How to

Therapists & Specialists

See page 22 for How to

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

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

Services available include:

• Dietetics

• Exercise Physiology

• Occupational Therapy

• Physiotherapy

• Psychology

• Social Work

• Speech Pathology

• Therapy Assistant

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

Call now to make an enquiry or book an appointment.

Ramsay Health Plus / Ramsay Psychology

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

Phone: 07 3516 8400

Email: cairns@ramsayhealthplus.com.au

Therapists & Specialists

See page 22 for How to

Therapists & Specialists

See page 22 for How to

Therapists & Specialists

See page 22 for How to

Therapists & Specialists

See page 22 for How to

Therapists & Specialists

See page 22 for How to

Therapists & Specialists

See page 22 for How to

Therapists & Specialists

See page 22 for How to

WesleyCare Jindalee wmq.org.au/disability-ndissupport-services/specialistdisability-accommodation/ wesleycare-jindalee

WesleyCare Wynnum Apartments wmq.org.au/disability-ndissupport-services/specialistdisability-accommodation/ wesleycare-wynnum

Our unique distribution network and sector specific approach to driving activity ensures that your brand reaches not only individuals living with disabilities but also their families, caregivers, support workers, healthcare professionals, and service providers.

• Approximately 21.4% of reported having a disability

• Targeted approach.

• The Guide reaches key audiences times of critical decision

• Increased dwell time - 9:30 read time (digital book

• Key element in a Support Tool Kit.

Accommodation

See page 22 for How to

Accommodation

See page 22 for How to

Accommodation

See page 22 for How to

Accommodation

See page 22 for How

Wesley

- Specialist disability accommodation (SDA)

wmq.org.au/disability-ndis-support-services/ specialist-disability-accommodation

WesleyCare Jindalee

wmq.org.au/disability-ndis-supportservices/specialist-disabilityaccommodation/wesleycare-jindalee

WesleyCare Wynnum Apartments wmq.org.au/disability-ndis-supportservices/specialist-disabilityaccommodation/wesleycare-wynnum

Advisors

See page 22 for How to read

Advisors

See page 22 for How to

FUNDRAISING

Advisors

See page 22 for How to read

Advisors

See page 22 for How to read

Advisors

See page 22 for How to read

Advisors

See page 22 for How to read

Equipment & Technology

See page 22 for How to

Equipment & Technology

See page 22 for How to

Equipment & Technology

See page 22 for How to

Equipment & Technology

See page 22 for How to

Equipment & Technology

See page 22 for How to

Mental Health

See page 22 for How to read

Mental Health

See page 22 for How

Mental Health

See page 22 for How to read

Mental Health

Talking Disability

Talking Disability shares all the latest disability support news and industry developments, straight to subscribers’ emails, through our weekly newsletters and social media channels.

Disability Support Guide FNQ Navigator #3

Welcome

Research

Preparation

Preparation

Planning meeting

Planning meeting

Finding providers

Finding providers

Managing services

Managing services

NDIS planning meeting checklist

Before your planning meeting

During your planning meeting

When you receive your plan

Partners of the NDIS

Local area coordinators

Early childhood early intervention partners

NDIA‑managed areas

Queensland useful phone numbers and websites

disability services putting you first

National phone numbers and websites

Definitions

Definitions and often used terms

Definitions and often used terms

Popular topics

SCAN THE CODES TO LEARN MORE

Accessible travel

Accommodation

Autism

Down syndrome

Early intervention

Education

Employment

Popular topics

Equipment & technology

Finance

Health & well‑being

Mental health options

Plan management

Sport & recreation

Support coordination

What’s changed?

How to read the tables

How to read the directory tables

REGIONS MAP

Queensland

In-home & Community Support

In-home & Community Support

In-home & Community Support

In-home & Community Support

In-home & Community Support

In-home & Community Support

Therapists & Specialists

Therapists & Specialists

Therapists & Specialists

Therapists & Specialists

Therapists & Specialists

Therapists & Specialists

Therapists & Specialists

Therapists & Specialists

Therapists & Specialists

Accommodation

Accommodation

Accommodation

Accommodation

Accommodation

Advisors

Advisors

FUNDRAISING

Advisors

Advisors

Advisors

Advisors

Equipment & Technology

Equipment & Technology

Equipment & Technology

Equipment & Technology

Equipment & Technology

Equipment & Technology