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The Department of Human Services supports children and adults with a disability, and their families and carers. A variety of supports and services may be available, based on the needs of each person.
As a member of the community, a person with a disability can access a range of general services, including those services targeting community health, early childhood and education, sport and recreation, employment, and maternal and child health. People can contact their local government or community health service to explore these options.
The Department of Human Services also funds a range of specialist disability support services that are available to people with a disability and their families and carers. This support helps the person with a disability to actively participate in the community and reach their full potential.
Who can access disability support services
People with a disability, their family or carers can request disability support.
You can request disability support if:
- You have an intellectual, physical, sensory or neurological disability or an acquired brain injury
- Your disability impacts on your mobility, communication, self-care or self-management
- Your support request meets specific requirements related to the service you are seeking.
Deciding which disability support services you need
The Department of Human Services uses a self-directed approach to disability support services. This means you and your family or carer will be supported to plan what you need to meet your goals and to decide how the support will be managed.
Where to get help
- Your regional Department of Human Services office
- Department of Human Services – Disability services Tel. 1800 783 783 or TTY 1800 008 149
- If you would like an interpreter, you can call the Department of Human Service’s Translating and Interpreting Service Tel. 131 450 and be connected to your local Disability Intake and Response Service
- If you are deaf, have a hearing impairment or complex communication needs, you can contact:
- - Disability Intake and Response Service TTY 1800 008 149
- National Relay Service Tel. 133 677
- Speak-and-Listen Relay Service Tel. 1300 555 727 - Local councils and shires
- Maternal and child health services
- Early childhood and education services
- Disability service providers
- Community health centres
- Neighbourhood houses
- Yooralla Independent Living Centres
You might also be interested in:
- Disabilities - children and everyday activities.
- Disability - schooling choices.
- Disability - support for families.
- Disability - support services.
- Disability - volunteer support.
- Independent living - aids and equipment.
- Intellectual disability.
- Pap tests and women with disabilities.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
(Logo links to further information)
Department of Human Services
Last reviewed: October 2012
Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.
The Department of Human Services supports children and adults with a disability, and their families and carers. A variety of supports and services may be available, based on the needs of each person.
Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.
For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Copyight © 1999/2013 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
