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| Staff directory | A-Z index | Site map |
Caring for a Person with a Disability
Printable version (Word 120KB) Introduction IntroductionWelcome to the Monash University Carer’s Kit – Caring for a Person with a Disability online resource to assist and support you in balancing your work and life responsibilities when you are caring for someone with a disability. Balancing your caring responsibilities with your work commitments requires careful planning. This kit, while not a complete guide, provides a range of information and resources designed to assist you. It includes sections on how Monash policies might support you to balance your responsibilities, how to access external services, as well as information on transport, financial, social and support groups for both you and the person you are caring for. Monash does not formally endorse the organisations mentioned in this kit. Family friendly workplace/Monash support for carersMonash is committed to being an employer of choice for all staff. There are a number of policies and provisions aimed to support staff and students who are carers. The following links are for information and services provided by Monash. Monash Human Resources assists staff and supervisors with information on Monash’s workplace policies to assist staff in planning how they will balance both work and carer responsibilities.
The Monash University Enterprise Bargaining Agreements provide details on leave entitlements and other relevant information, For further information and/or clarification, contact a HR Advisor on 9902 0400 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Mon – Fri (except University holidays). The Monash University Counselling Service provides professional and confidential psychological counselling services to all Monash students and staff. Care and service provision for people with a disabilityThere are a range of support services available to assist you in caring for a loved one with a disability and to provide information on supporting the person in your care. Contact a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 for all information concerning services and support that may be available to you. The programs available include: There is a range of support services available, such as: Nursing care The Disability Services, Department of Human Services (DHS) website has contact details for metropolitan and regional Disability Intake and Response Service branches which can help assess and plan for services required by people with disabilities, their families and carers services. The Young People In Nursing Homes National Alliance promotes the rights of young Australians with a disability requiring high and complex support living in residential aged care facilities (or at risk of placement there)to have choice about where they live and how they are supported. Information about other support availableFinancial support may be available through Centrelink. The payments you or your loved one with a disability may be entitled to include:
These Australian Government Publications provide information for carers:
Victorian State Concessions are designed to improve the affordability of key services to pension card holders and low income households. Areas covered by state concessions include energy, water and sewerage, municipal rates and transport. There is further information about services and programs for people with disabilities on entering or re-entering the workforce at Centrelink. The National Welfare Rights Network (NWRN) provides free and independent information, advice and representation about Social Security law and its administration. They are independent of Centrelink and all government departments. Information and support for carersThe following websites provide information and sources of support for carers.
Accessibility and transportThe Victorian Department of Transport has several publications relating to accessible public transport in Victoria. Holders of the following concession cards may receive discounts on public transport: The Companion Card Program promotes the right of people with a disability, who require a companion, to fair ticketing at Victorian events, venues, and public transport by reducing the fares and admission prices for their companion. The Multi Purpose Taxi Program helps Victorians with severe and permanent disabilities use taxis at an affordable rate. Contact Vic Roads on 131 171 for information on: Please note that Disabled Parking Permits are only available through your local council. LegalThe Office of the Public Advocate provides information on powers of attorney and guardianship. Victorian Disability Services Commissioner provides assistance to resolve a complaint with a disability service or service provider. Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Disability Rights provides information on the legal rights of people with a disability. People With Disability Incorporated is a national peak disability rights and advocacy organisation. Health information and community supportListed below are a range of websites and contacts that may be useful. Your medical practitioner may also be able to provide additional advice.
Information and services for people with a disability from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities Inc (ADEC) provides services, support and advocacy for people with a disability and their carers from CALD backgrounds. The Victorian Department of Human Services has a website on Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (CALD) which provides links to other resources. Migrant Resource Centres (MRC) exist in many cities and towns throughout Australia. Use a search engine or directory to find your nearest MRC. The Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria provides information on ethnic welfare agencies and multicultural groups. The Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils Australia (FECCA) website provides advocacy, develops policy and promote issues on behalf of our constituency to government and the broader community. Information and services for gay, lesbian, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people with a disability and their carers
The ALSO Foundation works to enhance the lives of Victoria's diverse gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities. The Victorian AIDS Council provides support and information for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, partners and carers. Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria includes articles and information on the issues facing ageing GLBTI people. The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard provide telephone counselling, information and referral. Information and services for Indigenous people with a disability and their carersThe Victorian Department of Human Services Access for Aboriginal People with a Disability provides information and links to programs and resources. Victorian Aboriginal Health Services provides a range of services including a health clinic, outreach, referrals, and mental health services. They are located at: 186 Nicholson Street Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association provides information on community services. 171 Smith Street The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) represents the collective of all Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations around Victoria – contact details for these organisations are listed on the website. FeedbackIf you wish to add further information to this resource please provide feedback to edc@monash.edu. |
