Access to services for people with cerebral palsy in the Hunter and Central Coast regions of NSW.
This kit is designed to help support adults with cerebral palsy to take control of their lives and plan a path for their future. It was developed by The Spastic Centre in collaboration with a group of adults with a cerebral palsy, who offered their own life experiences and local knowledge to make this kit a rich source of information for people living with a disability in the Hunter and Central Coast.
We gratefully acknowledge The Wests Group Australia through the Commmunity Development and Support Expenditure scheme for their generous support of this project.
The factsheets are listed below. You can download the full kit or just the factsheets that apply to you.
Download the kit in full 35.5 MB]
Introduction
Cover [PDF - 1.2 MB]
Good news (foreword) [PDF - 1.2 MB]
Overview and contents [PDF - 625 KB]
All About You
Person-centred planning
Learn why planning your support needs to be driven by you and organised by you. How to do it and what to think about. (PDF - 1.3 MB]
Rights and responsibilities
Your rights and and responsibilites under the law - including privacy, the different disability standards and occupational health and safety issues. [PDF - 2.3 MB]
Your Home
Moving out
What are the options when you want to move out of home? There's more thank you think. [PDF - 1.8 MB]
Funded supported accommodation
Services which can support you to either remain in your existing home or live in a particular accommodation style. [PDF - 622 KB]
Funded independent living support
A bit of extra help in the home makes all the difference. From attendant care, home care, Meals on Wheels, home maintenance, neighbour and respite, the choice is yours. [PDF - 1.7 MB]
Good Health
Your health
Take charge of your health and wellbeing! This factsheet has helpful tips about health workers, keeping a medical history, choosing a health service and even making a complaint. [PDF - 3.2 MB]
Benefits, costs and insurance
Health care can be expensive but there are programs and benefits available to help with the cost. [PDF - 1.2 MB]
General practitioners (GPs)
Your GP is a crucial part of your health care 'circle of support' and there are a number of qualities you could look for when choosing a GP. [PDF - 663 KB]
Counselling
Everyone has ups and downs in their life. Counselling can support you through the tough times. [PDF - 622 KB]
Dental
Good teeth = good health. Find out about the programs and practitioners who can keep your oral health in tip top shape. [PDF - 708 KB]
Eyes
Vision impairment can creep up on you. There are a specialists and information services that can assist. [PDF - 665 KB]
Hearing
Do you have difficulty hearing, or do others comment that you don't seem to hear as well as you used to? There is an Australian service that can help and other ways to help you communicate on the phone. [PDF - 884 KB]
Hospitals
Hospital staff want to offer you the best possible service. Find out how you can help them to help you during your stay in hospital. [PDF - 636 KB]
Mental health
If emotional and behavioural problems are signficantly disrupting your life, it's important that you seek professional assistance early. There are many services out there - both face-to-face and online. [PDF - 1.2 MB]
Sexual health
Every adult has a right to intimate expression and good sexual health. [PDF - 635 KB]
Therapy, assessment and advice
It's likely you have needed therapy and equipment at different times of your life. Therapy services for adults with cerebral palsy aren't always easy to find but this factsheet will steer you in the right direction. [PDF - 1.2 MB]
Getting older
For some people with cerebral palsy, the ageing process may begin early as over-stressed muscles and joints wear out more quickly. Learn the signs of ageing that are uque to people with cerebral palsy and the community support available. [PDF - 683 KB]
Support
Finding a job
There are many employment options avalable to you - from supported employment to jobs in competitive labour market - and a range of services that can help you prepare for and find a job. [PDF - 1.2 MB]
Money matters
Whatever your circumstances, it's wise to be aware of sources of financial support and managing your money. [PDF - 643 KB]
Legal matters
You may never need legal help but it is out there if you ever need it. [PDF - 1.2 MB]
Advocacy
Advocay is standing by someone and speaking out about their rights. If you need some support to do this then an Advocacy Service may be able to help. This factsheet lists all these services in the Hunter and Central Coast. [PDF - 1.2 MB]
Independence
Out and about
There are many opportunities if you'd like to get out and about and many organisations that can support you to do so. Have fun! [PDF - 3.6 MB]
Holidays
Going away for a break or to visit friends takes planning. Use this helpful checklist when booking your accommodation. [PDF - 636 KB]
Lifelong learning
From community education centres to TAFE and universities, there are people in every tertiary institution who can organise the supports and facilities you need. [PDF - 1.3 MB]
Technology
Find out about the types of equipment and technology that are available and how to access them. [PDF - 1.2 MB]
Feeling safe
There are many things you can do to make your life feel safer - when you're alone at home by yourself or out and about. [PDF - 1.2 MB]
Transport
'Get up to speed' on the availability of community transport, public transport and taxis to make sure you can get to where you want to go. [PDF - 1.7 MB]
Seeing through others' eyes
There are many people living with cerebral palsy who have shared their lives through stories and poems. Here are just a few... [PDF - 1.2 MB]
The Building Futures... Making Connections Working Party members, friends and supporters at a planning meeting in April 2010. Back row: Linda, Angela, Sue, Jenny, Jasmine and Sarah. Front row: Aletia , Ryan , Caytlin and Wendy. Photographer: Jessica Irwin.
The Spastic Centre
The Stuart Centre,
61 Parklea Avenue, Croudace Bay, NSW 2280
T: 02 4979 4333 E: 02 4946 9852