Services provided by other organisations
In addition to the services provided by the DSSSA, there are a number of other organisations in South Australia who provide services to individuals with disabilities and their families. The extent to which you access these services will be very much dependent upon your own (and/or your family’s) circumstances and the needs of the individual with Down syndrome.
The information provided on this page is intended as a guide only and it should be noted that the DSSSA has no control over the services and/or information provided by these organisations.
Staff at the Society (e.g. the Family Support Worker, the Early Intervention Team, Education consultants etc) may be able to provide some guidance about these organisations including eligibility criteria.
Organisations and/or services will be added and/or deleted as needed. Links to other sites of interest can be found on our links (note make this a link) page
Disability SA
Disability SA is a large organisation offering a range of services and programs. Access to and eligibility for some programs can be complex and contacting the relevant regional office to discuss specific criteria is recommended. Disability SA is funded through the Department for Families and Communities (DFC).
Early Childhood Services – Therapy Services
Children with Down syndrome are eligible to receive therapy services from the Early Childhood Services arm of Disability Service SA (formerly known as the Intellectual Disability Services Council (IDSC)) up until they start school (or the age of 6). The Early Intervention Co-ordinator, on the family’s behalf, will generally make referrals to this service.
Therapy services include access to a Physiotherapist, Speech Pathologist and an
Occupational Therapist with appointment sessions conducted in either the home, childcare or kindergarten environment. The family will also have access to the services of a Family Support Worker and a Psychologist.
Click here for more information about the Early Childhood Service.
Beyond Early Childhood Services
Disability SA provides early childhood services to any child with a significant developmental delay up until the age of six. Beyond the age of six, access to further services offered by Disability SA requires confirmation that the child has an intellectual disability. (Children younger than six are not classified as having an intellectual disability.) If assessed as eligible, future information and services will be coordinated through the relevant regional office. For more information about the areas of service please click on the links provided.
The Range of IDSC Services Regional Services
Day Options Accommodation Services
Specialist Intervention and Support Service
Department of Education and Children’s Services (DECS)
Early Learning Program – First Start
First Start is a home-based program that aims to assist parents to help their children to develop language and early literacy skills, within the context of general development. The program is aimed at families with children under the age of 4 who have limited access to resources but are willing to support their children’s language and literacy. The Early Intervention Co-ordinator, on the family’s behalf, will generally make referrals to this service where appropriate. Click on the link for more information: Early Learning Program.
Special Education Resource Unit (SERU)
SERU provides a range of learning and teaching materials and specialised services, which support children and students with disabilities and learning difficulties. Education professionals, parents and caregivers are able to borrow resources and equipment.
SERU is located in the campus of Fulham Primary School and families of children with Down syndrome will receive information about this services and a registration form through Society’s Early Intervention team. For more information refer to the SERU website.
The Briars
The Briars Special Early Learning Centre is located at Felixstow and is a specialist preschool setting designed for children who have significant delays and/or disabilities. Generally speaking children with Down syndrome and other predominantly intellectual disabilities need to present with more complex needs and/or other complicating medical conditions that impact significantly on their development to be considered. There are a limited number of placements available at the Briars with eligibility being determined by a panel. For more information refer to the Briars website.
Transport Assistance
In instances where your child has been granted a place in a specialist education facility (e.g. The Briars, a special class at a DECS school, a special school (DECS)) and that facility is not in your local area, you may be eligible for transport assistance. Speak to the Principal or your Disability Services officer about your eligibility. (Refer to this page on the DECS website Parents and Community - Transport or see the Transport Assistance page with the SERU website).
Centrelink
Families of children with Down syndrome are eligible to receive Carer Allowance from Centrelink. In addition to the monetary allowance the individual with Down syndrome will receive a Health Care card, which qualifies them to receive prescriptions at a reduced rate. This allowance is not subject to an income or assets test and a claim form is part of the New Parent kit provided by the DSSSA. Contacting Centrelink as soon as possible after your child’s diagnosis and submitting your application form promptly is important as there are strict rules governing how far payments can be back dated. Refer to the following links for more information:
Carer Allowance (child under 16) Carer Allowance (adult 16 years or over)
Other payments you and/or your child may be eligible for are dependent upon your individual family circumstances. For more information refer to the following pages of the Centrelink website:
Are you a parent or guardian?
Are you someone who is ill, injured or has a disability?
Contact Us - Telephone Us
Financial benefits information is also available through the Family Assistance Office who are responsible for paying Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Benefit etc. See Family Assistance Office.
Child and Youth Health
Child and Youth Health provide a range of services and programs that promote the health, well-being and development of children, young people and families across South Australia. For more information see About CYH.
Novita Children’s Services
Novita provides a range of services and programs for children aged 0 – 18 years with a primarily physical disability. Generally speaking children with Down syndrome and other predominantly intellectual disabilities are not eligible to register with Novita. In some cases however, children with Down syndrome present with more complex needs and/or other complicating medical conditions that impact significantly on their physical development. As a result the child may be eligible for Novita services (services previously provided through Disability SA will cease). Refer to the Novita website for more specific information.
Inclusive Directions
Inclusive Directions was created as a result of merging 3 separate programs: Inclusion SA, Diversity Direction and Early Links. It is funded through the DFC.
The new organisation is an Inclusion Support Agency that provides support to assist childcare services to include children with additional needs. Support is also available for school aged children to access Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) and Vacation Care. Click on the link for more information about Inclusive Directions
Foundation21 (f21)
This is a relatively young not for profit organisation with a focus on providing funding for speech therapy. f21 endeavours to raise funds through donations as well as specific fundraising events such as Buddy Walk. Money raised is made available to families by way of in kind grants with priority given to applications for speech therapy. For more information about f21 and the grant application process visit the website.
Office of the Public Advocate (OPA)
For more information refer to the SA OPA website
Family Advocacy Inc.
Family Advocacy Inc. provides information, education and support to parents of children with a disability. It advocates with, or on behalf of, parents to gain access to services and lobbies for new and improved services. To contact an advocate in your area refer to the website Family Advocacy Inc.
Multicultural Advocacy and Liaison Services of South Australia Inc. (MALSSA)
MALSSA is the SA state member of the National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) network and the peak body in SA for people from a non-English speaking background with a disability, their families and carers. MALSSA provides individual and systemic advocacy services to its clients. MALSSA aims to remove barriers to access and equity, and ensures that services are culturally and linguistically relevant.
Contact details for MALSSA:
MALSSA Inc – Disability Advocacy
237 North Tce, Adelaide 5000
Ph (08) 8227 2066 (Head Office)
Ph (08) 8582 2422 (Riverland Advocacy Service)
Fax (08) 8226 1493
Email malssaadmin@malssa.org.au
For more information about NEDA refer to their website NEDA.
Carers SA
Carers SA is the peak state body representing all carers. It is involved in information sharing, lobbying for improved support services and raising community awareness of carer issues. For more information go to the website Carers Association of SA.
Carer Respite and Support Centre Inc
Carer Support and Respite Centre Inc. is a not for profit organisation that provides information, support and respite to all Carers who reside in the south and east metropolitan region of Adelaide. Refer to Carer Support & Respite Centre Inc. for more information.
Anglicare SA
Anglicare SA is the main welfare arm of the Anglican Church in South Australia. It provides a comprehensive range of services including alternative care systems, supported accommodation, respite care, recreation programs and emergency accommodation. For more information go to the website for Anglicare SA.
Minda Inc
Minda is a large organisation providing services to more than 1000 clients with an intellectual disability. Minda provides services in a number of areas including:
- supported accommodation
- open and supported employment
- respite
- in-house supports
- individual and family support
Refer to Minda's website for more information.
Bedford Industries
Bedford Industries is a large organisation providing a range of services to people with a disability including assistance and support with employment, recreational and day activities, vocational training, life skills and community housing. For more information visit the website of Bedford Industries.
Barkuma Incorporated
Barkuma Incorporated provides services to people with an intellectual or other disability. Made up of several divisions, Barkuma provides an opportunity for people with an intellectual and/or other disability to develop skills and experience in the areas of employment, accommodation and independent living. For more information refer to Barkuma's website.
Orana
Orana Incorporated provides a range of training and support services to people with intellectual disabilities and their families throughout SA. Refer to the Orana website for more information about accommodation and respite services and their business and manufacturing operations.
Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) Inc
Based in Strathalbyn, CLASS assists in developing individualised programs in the areas of independent living skills, day options, community access and recreation to enable greater participation in the community. Refer to the CLASS Inc website for more information.
Interwork Ltd
Interwork is a specialist agency, which assists people with disabilities (and others who are disadvantaged) in finding and keeping a job in open employment. Interwork operates throughout SA and more information can be found on their website.
Career Systems
Career Systems is an employment, community services and training organisation seeking to help people with disabilities (and disadvantage) obtain and maintain open employment. For more information visit the Career Systems website.
Disability Information and Resource Centre (DIRC)
Located in Gillies St in the City, DIRC is considered by many to be the place to go when you need to access information and/or resources pertaining to any disability. Visit the DIRC website and see for yourself.
Community Accommodation and Respite Agency (CARA)
As the name suggests, CARA provides accommodation and respite services to children and adults with severe and/or multiple disabilities, and their families. Click on the links for more information:
CARA - Welcome Accommodation services
Respite services Families For Families
Interchange Inc
The respite care options provided by Interchange are designed to support children with an intellectual disability and their families. Interchange provides this service through 3 programs: - Host program, Teen companion program and Great Break program. Refer to the Interchange Inc. website for more information.
