Local Services Information

LOCAL SERVICES INFORMATION FOR
PARENTS AND CARERS
The following table is list of some of the local service and support networks that are available for families in your local area. If any are no longer valid please let us know. If you have information you can add, please forward it to northernriversasdnetwork@gmail.com.

Advocacy	Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia www.a4.org.auPeople with Disability Australia (PWD) 1800 422 015 Peak disability rights and advocacy organizationAbility Incorporated Advocacy Service Alstonville – Susan Aprile 66288188 Grafton – Hajar Ismail 66458136 Tweed – Angela Collins 66726119 Offers advocacy, training and support for people with a disability and their families. Can be helpful negotiating with your child’s schoolDisability Advocacy NSW Inc 1300365085 Advocates on behalf of people with a disability. Provides education programs and advise about disability rights. Information and referrals. Aged and Disability Advocacy 1800 700 600 Anti-Discrimination Board 1800 670 812 Disability Complaints Service 1800 424 007 Disability Information Service DAISI 1800 800 340 Family Advocacy NSW 1800 620 588 Provides family and systems advocacy, advice and info, resource library www.family-advocacy.com
Camps and Recreation	Tweed Valley Respite camps for children with disabilities, also camps for siblings 02 6672 0900YoungCarers’ Camps (contact Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre) 1800 052 222Vacation Care - school holiday care at different locations 07 55 233708Dept of Sport and Recreation – Camp Willing and Able, Lennox Heads – age limit applies 02 6618 0400
Counselling Services	Ballina Community Health Service 66868977 Free counselling service for parents, children, youth, grandparents, families.Interrelate Family Centre – Lismore 66214970 Family counselling and dispute resolution, relationship support program, assists parents who are caring for a child/adult child with a disability and the service provides counselling and mediation for these families.Men and Family Centre – Lismore 66226116 Offers a variety of counselling, group-based and community-based services to men and their families.Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 Counselling for individuals, couples and families. Lifeline Northern Rivers 131114 or 66219325 24 hour crisis counselling Salvo Care Line 1300 363 622 24hr Counselling Service Family Relationship Centre – Lismore 1800 050 321 or 66227003 www.familyrealtionships.gov.au. Provides information about family relationships and overcoming difficulties, advice for separating parents and dispute resolution. Parent Line 132055 Tuesday to Saturday 9.30-3.30 Centacare Ballina 66811048 Lismore 66223138 General counselling for individuals, couples and families. National Counselling for Carers program 1800 242 636 Help 4 Kids – Murwillumbah and Tweed coast only 07 5599 2137 Family Centre 07 5506 7540
Education	Biala Special School 66863395 Independent non-fee paying school providing services for studetns who are intellectually challenged or have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum DisorderAutism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) 66281009 Vern Barnett School – Alstonville Satellite Class Mullumbimbysatellite ClassCatholic Education Office (CEO), Lismore 66220422 Jenny McCormack – Learning Support Officer(LSO) 0408618027 Jenny Lawson – LSO 0437109818Dept of Education & Training (DET), Lismore 66240400 Itinerant Support teachers, early intervention, Transition to School program. Student Support Coordinators: Michelle Winter Coffs Harbour 66520514 Scott Warnes Ballina 66702324 Denise Brown Richmond Valley 66235924 Jane Matchet Tweed 66702318 Karen Mackenzie Wilson 66235924 The Association of Independent Schools (AIS) 9299 2845 www.aisnsw.edu.au Information about independent schools is available to families Early Intervention Early childhood education program for children from birth to school-age with developmental delays or disabilites. Provides assessment, therapy, educational programs, information and support for parents. Ballina 66866889 Byron Bay 66853023 Casino (Jumbana) 66622866 Grafton 66431333 Lismore (Summerland) 66216421 Tweed Heads & Murwillumbah 07 55067558 North Coast Institute of TAFE 131601 Disability Support Services Mark Jewell – Head Teacher/Disability Consultant 66204759 Support available for people with a disability seeking vocational or general education Exemption fees may be obtained
Financial Assistance	Information on funding available through Helping Children With Autism Package can be obtained from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website at: http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/services-help_child_autism.htmThe Enhanced Primary Care Program (EPC) scheme is for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who need help in any of the allied health areas including speech pathology, psychology, and occupational therapy. Talk to your GP about putting together an Enhanced Primary Care program for your child. The new Medicare items for children with ASD and PDD (see below) are in addition to those available under the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program, which currently allows for up to five allied health services per patient each calendar year. Six items are available on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) as part of the Australian Government’s $190 million Helping Children With Autism Package. These items allow allied health professionals to provide services for children aged less than 15 years for treatment with autism spectrum disorder or any other pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). There is a limit of four diagnostic/assessment services and twenty treatment services. The 4 visits for the diagnosis with a paediatrician or psychiatrist and discussion of a care plan need to be done before the child turns 13. Referrals to allied health professionals (for assessment and treatment services) are to be managed by the treating consultant physician, including the number of referrals that need to be made. There is no requirement that all referrals are made at the time the plan is completed. Once item MBS 135 or MBS 289 is triggered by the paediatrician or psychiatrist respectively, Allied Health Services including speech pathology, psychology, and occupational therapy can be accessed to a total of 20 visits in any combination. The MBS items have been developed in close consultation with allied health professional organisations and are in addition to the Mental Health Care Plan or Chronic Disease Health Care Plan. Provider registration forms can be obtained from Medicare Australia 132 150 or at www.medicareaustralia.gov.auDepartment of Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC) 1300364563 Determine eligibility for financial assistanceContinence Aids Assistance Scheme 1300 366 455 or 1800 807 487 Assists clients to meet the cost of continence aids, through a subsidy of of $470 per year In Touch 1300 134 260 Incontinence support funding for bed-wetters. Lismore & District Financial Counselling Service 66222171 Free and confidential information, advice and advocacy for those people experiencing financial difficulty. Also provide outreach services at Alstonville, Ballina, Casino, Byron Bay, Nimbin, Ocean Shores & Mullumbimby. Also offer ‘No Interest Loans Scheme’ Interest-free loans of up to $1,200 to low income earners for the purchase of essential household or medical goods and services. The most common services are medical or dental services or sometimes loans for motor vehicle repairs where the applicant is in a community without public transport. Murwillumbah Financial Counselling Services 66726237 Provide free assistance to people having problems dealing with their bills Taxi Transport Subsidy 1800 623 724 Travel by taxi for half fare. Application forms (G.P. assessment essential) available from taxi services and Community Transport Office. Centrelink 136150 www.centrelink.gov.au Centrelink payments Carer Allowance (child) is a supplementary payment for parents or carers who provide daily care and attention for children with a disability or severe medical condition at home. Disability Support Pension 132717 Government The Commonwealth government’s ‘Helping Children with Autism’ package supports young children who have a diagnosis of an ASD. All eligible children up to the age of six years have access to the early intervention funding regardless of whether or not they have commenced school. From the child’s sixth birthday until they turn seven years of age special consideration may be given, as determined by an Autism Advisor on a case-by-case basis. Through this package each family can access up to $12,000 in early intervention support across two years, with an additional $2000 for families in rural or remote areas. Medicare Rebates www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/autism-children The Helping Children with Autism package created new items in the Medicare Benefits Schedule; funding for training teachers and supporting playgroups; and provides early intervention and individual assistance packages for children and their families. Assessment and Diagnosis, Behaviour, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Arranged by GP, Paediatrician, Psychiatrist Carer Allowance (child) is a supplementary payment for parents or carers who provide daily care and attention for children with a disability or severe medical condition at home. Carer Allowance (child) may be paid on top of Carer Payment (child) or other payments, such as Age Pension. For more information about this payment go to www.centrelink.gov.au and search for carer allowance.
Government Departments	Brighter Futures Programme (accessed through DOCS) Ballina 66861999 Lismore 66234900 Programme for families with children 8 years and younger Assists with access to support services promoting healthy development in children and reduce child abuse and neglect.Centrelink Disability Inquiries 132717 Provides advice & financial support for persons with a disability preventing them from working/accessing services Ballina Social Worker 66268082 Brunswick Heads Social worker 66397082 Byron Bay Social worker 66397182 Grafton Social worker 66415360 Disability officer 66415362 Lismore Social worker 66265401 Disability officer 66265407Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health Services Youth and Family Mental Health Workers provide mental health services for adolescents 12-18 years and their families from Grafton to Tweed Heads.Mental Health Access Line 1300 369 968 CRS Australia Commonwealth Rehabilitation Centre Ballina 66268700 Grafton 66415130 Lismore 66265100 Assistance to people aged14-65 year with a disability to find and maintain employment Community Health Centres (child and family team,speech pathology,audiometry) Community health centres provide speech and occupational therapy services for young children in the region. Alstonville 66283901 Ballina 66868977 Bonalbo 66651203 Byron 66856254 Casino 66624444 Coraki 66832019 Evans Head 66824899 Goonellabah 66250111 Kyogle 66321522 Lismore 66202967 Murwillumbah 66709400 Nimbin 66891288 Tweed 07 55067540 Urbanville 66341600 Dept. Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC) www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au Provides and funds a range of services, programs and resources to support families to care for their child or young person with a disability, such as: Leisure Link program – Supports young adults 15-35 years with disabilities to become active members of our community through involvement in leisure and recreational activities $2000 Family Support Funding per child with disability Intake Line 1300 364 563 Local Support Coordinators(LSC) Casino – Mick Dunham 6660226/0427243361 Ballina – Amy Davidson 66268788/0428258646 Lismore – Jenny Kerr 66219070 / 0429328996 Maclean – Kate Lupton 66455861 / 0427917658 Murwillumbah – Anna Fisher 66726143/0427104068 Dept. Communities Services (DOCS) Ballina 66861999 Lismore 66234900 Dept. Family & Community Services 1300 653 227 Support & help for families, children, people with a disability Families NSW 67748926 Regional Disability Development Officer – DADHC Stuart.Robertson Inclusion Support Program 66267130 Lismore – Tweed A national program aimed at helping eligible child care services to accept and care for children with additional needs. National Disability Complaints Resolution & Referral Service 1800 880 052 Helps people with disabilities sort out complaints about disability and advocacy services (run by PWD) NSW Health Service Covers council areas including Richmond Valley, Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore, Hastings, Macleay Valley, Nambucca Valley, Belligen and Coffs Harbour. Services include speech pathology, occupational therapy and podiatry. Podiatry Lismore 66214200 Ballina 66869699 Grafton 66435533 Paediatric Speech Pathology Lismore – Kathy Forter 66216437 Alstonville – Susie Oram 66285593 Hanen Trained 66286400 Bangalow – Kathy Daniels 0401 538 807 Paediatric Occupational Therapy Ballina – Claudia Rueckher 66801389 Private Lismore – Bernadette Collins 66222922 Byron Bay – Rhonda Wheelan 66856303 Richmond Community Options Programs (RCOP) North Coast Are Health Service Ballina 66869829 Lismore 66202967 Maclean 66453669 Provides case management for people with disability, dementia or frail aged with complex and multiple care and support needs. Operates within Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Richmond and Kyogle Local Government Areas.
Information Services	Asperger Services Australia www.asperger.asn.auAutism Information Line 89778377Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) Information on local services, support, information and tip sheets, resources and research www.aspect.org.auCarers NSW Information regarding local services and support for carers 1800 242 636 www.carersnsw.asn.au Carers Emergency Assistance Line 1800059059 For carers in crisis and unable to continue with their caring role National website for parents raising young kids with ASD www.raisingchildren.net.au/autism Commonwealth Carelink Centre – Alstonville 1800 052 222 Commonwealth Carelink Centres are information centres for older people, people with disabilities and those who provide care and services. Centres provide free and confidential information on community aged care, disability and other support services available locally, interstate or anywhere within Australia. Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre 1800 242 636 Provides support in each state and territory to provide carers with referral services and practical written information to support them in their caring role. DAISI (Disability & Aged Info Services) 1800 800 340 Disability Information Service 1800 226 161 Provides information about various aspects of disability and referrals to services. A database of peak disability organisations and services to handle complaints. Far North Coast Centre for Autism (ASPECT) 66283660 Offers Autism Advisor program, Autism Support Officer, training, behaviour intervention, early childhood development, early intervention, educational outreach, diagnostic assessment and comprehensive resource library. Alstonville Autism Support Officer – Sandra Evans Autism Advisor(funding for children under 6) – Anita 1300 978 611 Nican Inc 1800 806 769 Information on recreation, sport, tourism and arts for people with a disability.
Local Support groups	Mullumbimby ASD Support Group Joy McGrath (Social Worker) 66841677 Gayle Moore (Autism Support Teacher) 6685 1204Lismore – Australian Defence Forces ASD Support Group Jenny Hyland 1800 037 674Lower Clarence Carers Support Group 66451968 Jo Gold Coast ASD Support Group Helen Steinhardt 07 55591747 www.autismgoldcoast.com.au Grafton – Every Child Is Magical Wendy Page 66431830 Partner Support Group Tweed Valley Debbie 66760483 Pottsville Side by Side Asperger children and young adults social group Debbie and Terry 6676 0483 Tugun Asperger Adults Support Group Mikako 07 5559 5391
Post School Options	EPIC Employment Service 66221377 Conducts a number of employment focused programs aimed at assisting those who may be disadvantaged or have a disability.New Horizons 66260000 Provide services in supported accommodation, employment and aged care.North Coast Institute of TAFE 131601Disability Support Services Mark Jewell – Head Teacher/Disability Consultant 66204759 Support available for people with a disability seeking vocational or general education. Exemption fees may be obtained. On Q Human Resources Offer programs encompassing disability employment, vocational rehabilitation, apprenticeships/traineeships and school to work transition. Ballina 66869603 Byron Bay 66855733 Casino 66626555 Lismore 66213111 Murwillumbah 66725200 Tweed Heads South 07 55233211
Respite Services	Byron Shire Respite Service 66851921Casino & District Respite Care 66626311Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre 66204000 or 1800 052 222 Provides information on respite options, helps carers access planned respite and provides a 24 hr on call service for carers who have an emergency.Far North Coast Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre 1800 059 059 Alstonville Young Carer Project School tutoring, respite, day events, camps, workshops. Far North Coast Mental Health Respite Program 1800 052 222 Flexible Respite – Ballina 66815657 Jackie Constant 66252546 In home and centre based respite. Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation 1800 655 248 Disability Camps Lismore District Family Day Care 66216437 In Home Care program provided for parents of children with a disability. TWEED AREA “Your Choice” funding 02 6672 0900 Tweed Valley Respite Children’s Services 6672 0900 Children’s Respite Cottage 6672 0900 Vacation Care and Out of School Hours Care 07 5523 3708 In-Home Family Day Care Can provide child care in your own home 6621 6437
Siblings	Siblings Australia A national organization committed to enhancing the well-being of siblings of children and adults with special needs. www.siblingsaustralia.org.auCarers NSW / Young Carers 1800 242 636 www.youngcarersnsw.asn.auCarers under 25 years of age Kids camps (9-12 yrs) Teen camps (13 – 17 yrs) E-newsletter and paper newsletter Online discussion board Sessions with local counselorYoung Carer Project / Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre 1800 059 059 School tutoring Respite Day events / camps / workshops Online forums / useful websites for siblings www.siblingsaustralia.org.au www.siblink.org.au www.sibs.org.au www.yourshout.org.au www.youngcarers.net.au Carers NSW / Young Carers 1800 242 636 www.youngcarersnsw.asn.au Carers under 25 years of age Kids camps (9-12 yrs) Teen camps (13 – 17 yrs) E-newsletter and paper newsletter Online discussion board Sessions with local counselor Kids Helpline 1800551800 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Tweed Valley Respite Sibling Social Night and Sibling Camp 6672 0900
Specialists	PAEDIATRICIANS Lismore – Dr Chris Ingall 66215399 Lismore – Dr Ian Lennon 66222844 Tweed Heads – Dr David McMaster 07 55989188PSYCHOLOGISTS Minds and Hearts 07 38449466 Brisbane www.mindsandhearts.net A clinic specialising in Asperger’s Syndrome and autism. Offers diagnostic assessment, problem solving, group therapy, intellectual and behavioural assessments, individual therapy, information sessions and workshops.Paul Johnson 66825552 Evans Head – Counselling for Aspergers Matilda Mandic 0414 592 165 Alstonville Wendy Jackson 66215399 Lismore - Child Psychologist Anne Gates 0400 005 767 Evans Head – Assessments Gary Wall 66220016 Lismore – Adolescents on the spectrum Psychology Clinic for Social & Communication Disorders 86699822 Children’s Hospital Medical Centre, Westmead Private psychology clinic specialising in ASD & intellectual disability. SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS David Barnier The Australian Voice Clinic Lismore Provides a service going out to schools to assist kids and teachers with strategies. 9696 0794 www.theaustralianvoiceclinic.com Hearing Health Robina 07 5575 9375
PRACTIONERS RECOMMENDED BY FAMILIES AS GOOD FOR ASD	GPs Dan Ewald Lennox Head Medical Centre 6687 74444 (no specialty in ASD but caring & understanding Tony Camalleri MurwillumbahDENTISTS John Butchies Lennox Head Dental (no ASD specialty but caring and understanding)OPTOMETRIST Anthony Hogan Eyecare Plus 76 Barker St Casino. NSW 02 6621655 www.eyecareplus.com.au Bulk bills for autism. Helpful for ‘vision wobbles’, dyslexia
PRACTIONERS RECOMMENDED BY FAMILIES AS GOOD FOR ASD	OTHER THERAPIES Amanda and Chris Bryce 66285464 Chiropractor – Alstonville Dr Geoff Boyce 66218245 Neurologist – Lismore Pete Smith 07 55915744 Allergist – Brisbane Tony Graham 66863360 Chinese herbalist/acupunture – Ballina EQUINE ACTIVITIES 66878580 Volunteer organisation providing equine assisted activities to people with a disability to develop and enhance abilities. Riding for the Disabled – Burringbar 0419 43 7217 Horse Sense For Humans – Teven 66286522 or 0413 337 007 Accredited provider of equine assisted growth & learning programs & equine assisted psychotherapy.Sessions are conducted with horses, an equine specialist and a psychologist (Medicare rebate applies) or occupational therapist (specialises in ASD). All activities are non-riding & no horse experience needed. Zoe Olive 0419 449 448 Horse Riding Coach/Qualified teacher Special Needs/Experience with Aspergers – Brooklet $25 lesson (1 hour) + $25 term insurance
Support Services	Ballina-Byron Family Support Centre 66864109 Provides support to families with children to develop their coping skills and their competence to provide adequate parenting and child rearing evolvement.Ballina District Community Services Assoc(BDCSA) 66860178 Provides a wide range of children’s, aged, info & referral, disability, disadvantaged & youth services across the Ballina Shire.Community Connections – Lismore 66223143 Aims to meet needs of young people in connection with families and communityCommunity Programs Incorporated 66431333 Grafton Provides respite and case management services. 99510340 The Centre provides assessment and remedial support for children living in rural and regional NSW who are experiencing severe learning disorders. The focus is on children whose main difficulty is in the area of literacy, many of whom have associated difficulties with language or behaviour. The service is available to children aged between 5 and 12 years. Assessment is provided free of charge. Families living more than 200kms from Sydney are eligible for transportation and accommodation assistance under the Isolated Patients Travel Assistance Scheme. Referrals are taken from parents, school staff and health professionals. Family Support Network – Lismore 66212489 Provides counselling, advocacy, referrals, parenting groups, koori playgroup Northcott Disability Services – Ballina 66863822 Provides support and services to people with disabilities, their families and carers. Northcott’s Autism Support Line 1800 004 957 Northcott Autism Early Intervention Service offers services to any family or individual with ASD who decides to purchase these privately or through the use of the ‘Helping Children with Autism’ package. Red Inc (Realising Every Dream), Lismore 66228399 Support young adolescents with disabilities to make transition from school to community participation and adulthood in an empowered way. Offer adult training, learning and support program. Uncle Project 66808582 Volunteer “uncles” act as role models for boys/youth who lack a significant male figure in their lives
Support for Carers	Tweed Valley Respite Carer Support Nights 6672 0900Shaping Outcomes Parent Project 07 55 067558Grandcarers’ support Initiative 6622 8002National Counselling for Carers program 1800 242 636 or 07 55 992141 Companion Card National companion card scheme is now fully operational in all States and Territories. The card enables people with a permanent life-long disability, who require a carer to access community activities and events, to do so for the price of a single ticket. To find out if you are eligible or for more information free call: 1800 893 044 or visit www.companioncard.gov.au Carers NSW Information regarding local services and support for carers 1800 242 636 www.carersnsw.asn.au Carers Emergency Assistance Line 1800059059 For carers in crisis and unable to continue with their caring role National website for parents raising young kids with ASD www.raisingchildren.net.au/autism Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre 1800 242 636 Provides support in each state and territory to provide carers with referral services and practical written information to support them in their caring role.
Websites / Other	www.depressionet.com.au www.tonyattwood.com.au www.suelarkey.com.au www.nellefrances.com www.learningplace.com.au www.auties.org www.autismhelp.info www.autism.org.au www.autismactionplan.com.au www.mytime.net.au www.starfall.com www.fedup.com.au www.kidspot.com.au www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/sed/makaton (Key word signing)Online Books www.fishpond.com.au www.bookinhand.com.auTranslating and Interpreting Service for NESB 13 14 50 or 95 69 1288Hearing or Speech Impairment TTY 133 677 and ask for 1300 22 4636  Internet Relay: connect to www.relayservice.com.au Thomas the Tank Engine emotions game www.aspect.org.au

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Thank you for the above information, it is fantastic that you put in the time and energy to do it. An information site like this has been needed on the Northcoast and you should be paid for undertaking such a job, as other places are being paid for doing little in getting the information out to those who come to their office.

Thank you again.
Karolina
By: Karolina on February 8, 2011
at 2:13 pm

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- Thanks for the feedback Karolina. Most of the credit for this list must go to Julisa. We just expanded it and got it online. Deb.
  By: northernriversasdnetwork on March 7, 2011
  at 2:21 pm
  
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Northern Rivers ASD Network

Local Services Information

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