Did you know: we produce six directories on resources for disability and health related issues?
Directories
Browsing: Needs Assessment Service Co-Ordination
Chapter Two
Disability Support Services If you have a Physical, Sensory, Intellectual, and/or Neurological disability and are under 65
If you are over the age of 65 please refer to Chapter Three: Older Persons Health If your disability is due to an accident/injury please refer to Chapter Five: ACC
Why might I need a Needs Assessment?If you have a physical, sensory, intellectual, or neurological disability you may take part in a facilitated assessment so that you can access Environmental support services, eg housing modifications, adaptive equipment.
Some examples of the things to be assessed for include house modifications such as a wet fl oor shower, ramps, hand rails, hoists, or equipment, personal care, domestic assistance, and respite care.
Please note that to be eligible under the services below, your disability must continue for a minimum of 6 months and result in a reduction of independent functioning to the extent that ongoing support is required.
Where do I go to get a Needs Assessment?You can contact a Needs Assessment agency yourself. You can also be referred to an agency by your doctor, a specialist, physiotherapist, carer, or Community Support Group. The agency you contact will explain the eligibility criteria and process to you.
- Access Ability is contracted by the Ministry of Health to support individuals by assisting to identify their needs and document them (Needs Assessment), and by looking at the services available, and by arranging the appropriate help (Service Co-ordination). Anyone can contact Access Ability directly for themselves or on behalf of someone else.
Access Ability
PO Box 966, Dunedin
Ph: (03) 477 6211
access.ability.otago@xtra.co.nz - Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind – for people who meet the vision criteria for the Foundation's membership and are a NZ resident, (not necessarily have NZ residency).
Cnr Hillside Road and Law Street
PO Box 2237, South Dunedin
Ph: (03) 466 4230 Fax: (03) 455 4319 www.rnzfb.org.nz - Deaf Association of New Zealand – Otago
3rd Floor, Evan Parry House, 43 Princes Street, Dunedin
Ph/TTY: (03) 477 1033 Fax: (03) 477 1037
Email: sco1@deaf.co.nz
Needs assessment service co-ordination for all deaf people.
Once you have taken part in a Needs Assessment a Service Co-ordinator will work with you to ensure your needs are met. They do this by linking you to the services which provide the help you need. For example, your needs assessment may state that you require help with showering. Your service coordinator will provide you with pamphlets so that you can choose from the various agencies who you would like to provide your care.
Ideally the referral is made by the service co-ordinator to the agency of your choice, and that agency develops a care plan with you. This care plan will include the days and times you will receive the support services. Remember to ask how long it will take for your care plan to be put into action.
What services might be available to me?Your needs assessment will identify needs. Your service co-ordinator can help you to access and co-ordinate the appropriate support services:
| Service | Provider | Please Note |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Assistance and Personal Care | Carelink – Presbyterian Support Home Support Services Otago Healthcare NZ Dunedin Home Support Service |
To be funded for Domestic Assistance you must have a Community Services card |
| Carer Support | Can be anyone you choose and fits within current guidelines of the provider or; Home to Home - CCS |
Health Pac – Ministry of Health |
| Community Support Worker | Idea Services Community Care Trust PACT Living Options (Central Otago) CCS |
|
| Equipment/Transport | Mobility Scooters Otago Rehab Equipment Company Mosgiel Abilities Resource Centre Otago Regional Council Mobility Taxi Scheme Carers' Society Otago See Disability Information Service for more information |
These services may have their own assessments to ensure your eligibility and may not be free. |
| Budgeting Assistance and Income Support | Budget Advisory Service WINZ |
|
| Advocacy | Health and Disability Advocates People First DPA Akamarama Advocacy Ltd Best Practice Advocacy Centre Blind Citizens of NZ Personal Advocacy Trust |
|
| Support groups | See Disability Information Service | |
| Supported residential with/without staff | Hawksbury Community Living Trust Community Care Trust Idea Services Community Group Housing PACT Mount Cargill Trust |
|
| Respite Care | See Disability Information Service Mount Cargill Trust Idea Services Dunedin Community Care Trust |
|
| Employment, training, and education options | Naphtali Activity Centre Otago Polytechnic Disability Services Sara Cohen School Sherwood Centre Willing Workers |
These services may have their own assessments to ensure your eligibility |
| Recreation | Blind Sport NZ Disabled Snowsports Hills AM Outward Bound Parafed Otago Paralympics NZ Riding for the Disabled Special Olympics Sport Otago Studio 2 @ Retort Art Space Halberg Trust Therapeutic Pool Trust Options (PACT) PACT Mount Cargill Trust Connections Education and Development Trust |
|
| Rehabilitation | Community Rehabilitation Centre – ISIS Centre |
For advice and advocacy contact:
Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service
Human Rights Commission
PO Box 5998, Dunedin
Phone: 03 479 0265 or Freephone: 0800 377 766