Connect - Spring 2007 (Issue 13)

• Welcome to Connect
• Australia signs the UN convention for people with a disability
• Bringing the world into view
• Girl Power dispells shyness
• A new day service dawns in the Torres Strait
• Comedy crosses the disability divide
• Making merry on the dance floor
• Dare to be different Autism Awareness
• Budget boost for better disability service delivery
• The new system at a glance
• Investing in positive futures - response to the Carter Report
• New publication: See beyond the disability
• Thinking outside the chair - National Cerebral Palsy Australia Conference
• WOW - what is Cerebral Palsy League Queensland doing now?
• Shared Visions regional forums - be part of the journey
• Gunalda girl goes for gold
• The wheels are in motion
• Disability Action Week
• Wh-enLightening strikes
• Visions - Dr Garry Kidd, University of Queensland (UQ)

The new system at a glance

The new system means individually tailored services.

The new system being developed as part of the Growing Stronger initiative will be easier to access and will mean a fairer outcome for people with a disability across Queensland.

It will be based on individually tailored services and will aim to help build people's capacity to live independently in the community where possible.

How will people apply for services?

Under the new system, there will be one single application form. People will no longer have to apply for multiple programs.

How will applicants be assessed?

Trained assessors may undertake a simple assessment or a professional assessment team may work with the person with a disability - and, where appropriate, hir or her family or carer - to determine what support they need to maintain or improve their capacity.

Assessment unit staff will develop recommendations about which services - and how much of each service - the department might offer to meet a person's support needs. As part of this process, people may also be referred to mainstream, community or government services that could meet some of their needs.

An assessment will be needed for all services provided or funded by the department, making the system fairer and more sustainable for everyone.

How will DSQ match services to needs?

Applications will be assessed in order of priority based on a clear set of criteria.

Those who are prioritised to receive a service will have their needs matched against services when and where available.

When someone receives an offer, they will have a choice of whether to accept it or not. Offers of services which are not taken up will be made available to the next person in order of priority.

Once the department understands a person's need for support, an integrated support plan may be developed. This plan will detail what specific services and levels of support are required to meet a person's needs in terms of the overall goal - maintaining and improving their capacity for independence.

How will these changes affect existing clients?

Things will continue as usual for existing Disability Services Queensland clients but over time their needs will be reviewed and different service options may be offered to some people.