Support Directory

Spinal Life Australia is a leading provider of advocacy, therapy and supports for people with spinal cord damage and related physical disabilities.

With more than 55 years of experience, the organisation works in partnership with clients to assist them to achieve their goals and live independently.

The organisation also offers a range of member services including regional networks to meet like-minded people and share information and experiences, as well as advocate for change on a local, state and national level.

At EHTS, we work with adolescents and adults who may be experiencing barriers or significant changes to their life roles and occupations as a result of injury or disability. We understand that being independent and having quality of life is paramount to our clients.

Our team of therapists are dedicated to providing services that make a real difference. With over 35 years of combined experience, we deliver therapy with exceptional knowledge and skill that enables us to provide innovative solutions, to maximise the potential of our clients.

Disability Matters has been working actively in the Tablelands community to provide help and understanding with quality disability support care since 1990. Formed in response to community need, the organisation was originally known as Tableland Respite Care Association. The name was changed in May 2016 to better communicate what the organisation is all about: Disability Matters to us.

Disability Matters offers disability support services to the Tablelands region and also an extended catchment area from Cardwell to Cape York.

Mamre's program Pave the Way has been working with families and people with a disability since 1982 to vision and plan for the future. With the advent of the NDIS we will continue to help families to vision and plan for the the future and also will be continuing our work with individuals in the area of capacity building.

Pave the Way is also state funded to inform and prepare far north Queensland potential participants about the NDIS.

ITEC Group Australia’s main goal is to support the needs of our NDIS participants and their families, from basic day to day support to full care models. We aim to ensure flexibility in allowing our participants and their families as much or as little involvement as they desire. We do this by being familiar with the local businesses and services available to people with disability and their families as well as local community organisations. From this,we can provide a holistic service linking our clients to all available resources(including free services).

Our caring and understanding staff are highly experienced in working with individuals and families from all walks of life and have qualifications across a broad range of disability service. Our focus is maintaining and increasing the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and their families. We aim to provide the best possible culturally-appropriate support and value for money for our clients. We do this by having all employees trained in cultural-awareness training and being familiar with the local businesses and services available as well as local community organisations.

Selectability is one of North Queensland’s largest not for profit organisations with a niche focus on mental health well-being and suicide prevention. We employ more than 200 staff across regional QLD including Mackay, Mt Isa, Charters Towers, Ingham, Townsville, Palm Island and Cairns.

Selectability Cairns provides services under the Mental Health Respite Carer Support Program; Mental Wellbeing Practice as well as multiple NDIS services.

As an accredited NDIS service provider; not only do we specialise in supporting participants with psycho-social disability; but we welcome ALL NDIS participants who require support and assistance with their NDIS plan.

Selectability’s team of skilled professionals are focused on helping participants achieve their goals and aspirations. Services are person-centred, allowing participants to exercise choice and control in how they receive supports, how they will build on abilities and how they will live their life.

Our services include:

• Support Co-ordination
• Individual Support
• Psychology and Counselling

We work with participants to tailor services unique to the individual and put into place a framework of support in-line with goals and aspirations.

Natalie Thompson, NDIS approved Accredited Practising Dietitian, has worked extensively in the community and in residential aged care with a non-government organisation and in private practice servicing the older adult and disabled populations and with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

I have a strong interest in client-centred non-diet approach, health coaching and motivational interviewing to assist with weight and body image concerns.

I can also help with preventing, treating and improving chronic diseases/health conditions with individualised evidenced-based medical nutrition therapy:

Such as heart disease, diabetes, bowel issues, degenerative diseases, cancer, malnutrition, aged care, egg and cow’s milk protein allergies.

A local family governed organisation that specialises in individualised support to assist people with a disability to have choice and control in their life.

Real Living Options Association Inc. works collaboratively with people with a disability and their families/support networks to provide assistant on a one to one basis on the following ways;

- To live in their own home or in the family home
- To have and/or maintain independence
- To participate in community
- To enjoy social and recreational activities

APM is the largest private DSS contracted provider of Disability Employment Services. Services are delivered nationally from more than 300 locations.

The Disability Services Officer assists students with a disability to achieve their training and education goals. The Disability Services Officer can:
* Provide information on course content * Help you identify support needs * Negotiate with teachers about your program * Provide adaptive equipment * Discuss reasonable adjustments for long and short term disabilities * Assist you to contact other service providers

Who can access Disability Services? Contact TAFE Queensland North's Disability Officer if you think your studies may be affected in some way by a disability or chronic medical condition such as:
* Hearing impairment * Vision impairment * Mobility (wheelchair user, chronic pain, amputee, back injury, severe arthritis) * Psychiatric disability Medical conditions (asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions) * Intellectual disability * Learning disability

Training Connections Australia - RTO# 31714

ARC Disability Services Inc. is a community based organisation with a long history in the Cairns and Far North, supporting children and adults who have a disability their families and support networks. Established in 1976 by a group of parents with a vision for their children, we pride ourselves on being person focused, friendly, flexible and fun!

Our Vision is that people who have a disability are empowered to reach their full potential, dreams, and aspirations, enabling them to enjoy a fulfilling life of their choosing as valued members of the community.

We work collaboratively with our service users, their support networks, and the community, to facilitate a range of options and opportunities which promote active participation for all.

Deaf Services Queensland is the prominent service provider for Deaf and hard of hearing community members across all ages in Queensland with a focus on community and empowerment.

Rights in Action is a non-profit, community based organisation that provides strong independent advocacy for people with disabilities who are in vulnerable situations.

We are completely on the side of the person with a disability and will support them where needed.

Rights in Action strongly supports people where we believe an individual has been taken advantage of or their rights have been infringed upon because of their disability.

Rights in Action provides advocacy assistance to people with disabilities who live in Cairns, Yarrabah, Mareeba and Atherton.

If you are studying with a documented disability, injury, illness, short or long-term health condition, including learning disabilities and mental health conditions, you can register with us.

AccessAbility Services is a free and confidential support service for all registered JCU students, whether studying on or off campus, who identify as having a short or long term disability, injury, ilness or health condition.

We provide information and practical advice about the support available at JCU and ensure access to appropriate adjustments and services:

Explore the ways you can work to your full potential while at university
Access assistive equipment, technology and software, adjusted exam conditions, mobility aids and other potential solutions that suit your needs
Trial assistive options and adjustments that you might not be able to access otherwise
Develop work-placement strategies to prepare you for professional life
Build on your own resilience and resourcefulness
We have strong connections with academic, professional and support staff at JCU and within the wider community.

Vuly Play has been a long time supporter of children's mental health by providing the highest quality trampolines and outdoor play equipment. The benefits of trampolining have been widely documented providing an excellent source of fun exercise.

Getting Ready for NDIS? We can help you.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will roll out in Far North Queensland in July 2018.
NDIS is a new way of providing disability support and will give people more choice and control. FlexiChoice is helping people understand and get ready for NDIS.

Because we are all unique with different circumstances and different objectives in mind, we require a personal plan which reflects our individual needs.
Its time to think about your future, your personal goals and what support you require to achieve these. What's going to work best for you?

FlexiChoice can assist you to prepare for your NDIS assessment by identifying your needs, goals and what’s going to be important for you in the future.

Call 4092 2332 to organise a chat to ensure the best outcomes for your future under NDIS.

The goal of the Arrowsmith Program is to help participants strengthen the weak cognitive capacities underlying their learning dysfunctions and to enable them to become effective, confident and self-directed learners for life.
It is a Cognitive Therapy Program that does not teach content, but changes the participant’s capacity to learn so that they can understand, absorb, retain, process and use the content. This lays the foundation for learning by strengthening critical cognitive functions necessary for meaningful participation in society. It enables those participating to experience life with strengthened cognitive function and to succeed where before they struggled and often failed.
The program is open for use within a school curriculum or as a stand alone course for those beyond those early years.

Owen Allen established Phoenix Functions in 2008 and designed the rEvolve inclusive dance facilitator training program in 2018. He has worked with people of all adult age groups and all abilities including professional dancers, the older person, people with parkinson's syndrome, pschizophrenia, and visual impariment. The revolve program is for 15 years and over and suitable for anyone with the cognitive ability to follow instructions at a 12 year old level. Participants can otherwise have any level of physical ability and disability. Carers attend where necessary.

STEPS Employment Solutions strives to make a positive impact in the lives of the people we work with by providing career pathways and engaging closely with employers who provide jobs and training.

STEPS Employment Solutions is a part of STEPS Group Australia, a for-purpose organisation that has been supporting customers and communities throughout Australia since 1989.

We are passionate about making a difference by providing individuals and communities with the opportunity to shine.

We create positive change by providing education, training, employment and community services that empower and teach people the right skills to achieve their goals and build a brighter future.

Strategic partnerships play a key role in the services we deliver and we work hard in regions across Australia to create mutually beneficial relationships with industry, local employers, government and the community. Over the years these partnerships have seen us create innovative solutions for communities and pathways to independence for thousands of our customers.

Bathroom Renovations for elderly and people with disability.

Blitzit Plan Manager is the easy, stress-free way to set up and manage your NDIS plan at absolutely no cost to you. We are the expert plan management team you can trust to be the independent link between you, your service providers and suppliers, and the NDIS.

✔ Listening is our hallmark: We take the time to understand your goals because we believe no person living with a disability should miss out on the support they deserve.

✔ NDIS plan management experts: We have experts who understand every type of funded support and category code, meaning you don’t have to spend weeks or months trying to grapple with the NDIS.

✔ No financial outlay: NDIS plan management is covered in your NDIS plan budget, which means there is no cost for you to access this service.

✔ Real-time access: Our 24/7 live online portal allows you to login and track, manage and see the balance of your budget, giving you have full control and transparency over your plan and funds. Our participants receive monthly statements and information about getting the most out of your plan.

✔ Latest news and information: Our team of trusted plan managers keep up-to-date with the latest changes to the NDIS and budget – so you’ll get the right information, updates and answers to your questions anytime you need it.

✔ Fast payments: We make payments in three to five days, so your providers are always paid in a timely fashion.

✔ Streamlined approach: Our aim is to make applying, setting up and managing your NDIS budget an easy and stress-free experience.

✔ Compliance: We’re compliant with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, meaning you’ll never find us taking any shortcuts that could jeopardise your support.

✔ Experience: More than 20 years of experience means our passionate, caring, and empathetic team will do everything they can for you to live your best possible life.

✔ Responsiveness: Communication is key, so you’ll wait no more than two days to hear from us if you have a query. There are two main ways to get in touch with one of our expert staff: email hello@blitzit.com.au or call 1300 966 119 to book an appointment with a Blitzit Plan Manager team member.

✔ You’re in control: When you use Blitzit Plan Manager, you have full choice and control over your providers. You can use NDIS registered providers, as well as unregistered providers of your choice. Changing providers with Blitzit Plan Manager is easy – just let us know and we can help.

DriveAbility offers driving assessments for people with disabilities, either new drivers wanting to explore whether they can drive or not or drivers who's licence has been suspended for medical reasons. Howards Driving school now has a modified vehicle (the only modified vehicle north of Townsville) so together we can assess clients with cognitive and now physical disabilities.

NDIS has funding codes for Driving Assessments, driving lessons and vehicle modifications.

Ausnorth are Master Builders supporting Care providers, Allied Health professionals, Participants & their families across Cairns, the Tablelands, Innisfail, Cassowary Coast & north to Mossman.
The Ausnorth team have broad knowledge and experience across the Construction industry, including on complex Home Modification projects. From site assessment, producing detailed cost estimates through to undertaking quality compliant building works, Ausnorth support the Allied Health professional & consistently deliver beautifully-completed Home Modification works that improve independence.
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) Approved Builder for more than 2 years. NDIS Provider #4050038061.
Please peruse a selection of Testimonials from real people which can be found on our website: www.ausnorth.net.au
Due Diligence:
a) Ausnorth have successfully proceeded through a Certification Audit for NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission;
b) Ausnorth recommend you conduct a free QBCC licence search. Visit www.onlineservices.qbcc.qld.gov.au/ & enter our QBCC licence 1245121.
c) Police Checked Staff & Trades - For additional peace of mind all of our FNQ Staff & Trades, including those in Innisfail, Atherton & Port Douglas have a clean, recently obtained Federal Police Check which can be produced upon request.
We look forward to offering our support.

Mobility Rentals and Sales offers a huge selection of the best quality mobility and disability aids for sale online with fast shipping available to Cairns. Their range includes hospital beds, wheelchairs, patient hoists, bathroom and toilet aids and much more. Shop online now.

For over 25 years EPIC Assist has been making a positive difference to the lives of people who are disadvantaged or marginalised. We are passionate about workplace diversity, creating disability confidence, removing barriers and assisting jobseekers and employers. EPIC Assist’s services include disability employment, training and education, business services and preparation for the NDIS.

FNQ Children's Physio provides specialised paediatric physiotherapy intervention to children in their natural environment including home, day care, school and community settings.
Joanne Backer is the Principal Physiotherapist at FNQ Children's Physio and has worked extensively in paediatrics across the continuum of care.
Joanne is commited to providing a co-ordinated approach to child development and works closely with the team around the child, liaising with multiple health professionals and specialists, day care staff, schools and carers, providing reports as needed.

Apprenticeship Support Australia is an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider contracted by the Australian Government to provide free advice and assistance to businesses and individuals about apprenticeships and traineeships.

We assist with the government registration documents, administration of incentive payments as well assisting organisations with all support needs including recruitment support and providing ongoing mentoring and pastoral care after signup.
Our business looks to provide a holistic approach to apprenticeships and traineeships needs.

RentConnect helps Queenslanders to find, secure and sustain a home to rent in the private market.
RentConnect helps people who are able to manage a tenancy but who are struggling to access the private rental market due to non-financial barriers, such as:
- limited rental history
- a lack of skills, knowledge or understanding of how the private rental market works
- a lack of documents required for private rental applications.

Specialist RentConnect officers work together with clients to identify what type of assistance they may need. RentConnect officers can:
- advise on how to find a suitable rental home
- show how the rental application process works
- help prepare a rental application

Skill360 Australia Apprenticeship Services is an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider contracted by the Australian Government to provide free advice and assistance to businesses and individuals about apprenticeships and traineeships.

As well as providing information on apprenticeships and how they work, we can help with all the legal paperwork and administration of incentive payments to employers and personal benefits to apprentices.

With a satellite location newly opened in Trinity Park, Sydney-based Integrity Car Sales and Rentals is excited to be serving disabled clients in the communities of Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. As Integrity is an NDIS Service Provider, Participants can use their NDIS Core Supports (Social and Community Participation) or Assistive Technology budgets to hire purpose-built disability vehicles for short to longer term rentals – regardless of how their Plan is managed.
Our high-quality, Toyota vehicles are factory fitted as wheelchair accessible vehicles at the time they were built. Because these features are ‘designed-in,’ we believe the ride you get in our cars is far superior to typical disability vehicles, which have after-market, bolt-on modifications . . . but we will let our clients be the judge of that.
There are many reasons why a participant might require a vehicle, but some common explanations we hear, include: limited access to disability taxis; discomfort in taxis; difficulty participating in short, spontaneous excursions; medical or physical limitations of family/carers; difficulty or inability to transfer out of chair; and the inability to attend church, social clubs, or other community programs.
To learn more about how you, or your NDIS supported client can access a disability vehicle rental, ring Integrity’s NDIS Consultant, Sean McElligott on: 0422 204 749, or send an e-mail to: sean@icsar.com.au

Fix It Counselling is a no nonsense service for people who want to fix an issue and get life sorted. It's a service where there's no judgments, no long-winded professional dialogues with fancy words, no lying on a couch, no incense or chimes, no sand play or any other warm and fuzzy stuff. At Fix It Counselling we like to cut to the chase, to call a spade a spade and to get in and sort out what's going on. We're a solutions focused, task orientated counselling service for people who are ready to fix what's going on.

National Occupational Therapy has re-designed the delivery of OT services in Australia. Providing timely, quality and exceptional in-home services, allowing more Australians to live enriched and independent lives. We have resources in over 100 locations across Australia and the scope to work with our client’s in their homes, workplaces and community locations. From your first phone call with National OT, we work in partnership to provide you with the support and expertise to maximise your recovery and independence. We have a passionate and committed team of occupational therapists, who are experienced across all disabilities to help achieve our client’s goals.

At Independence World, we actively advocate on behalf of individuals with a disability that need more care. If a person has to constantly ask their friends, family or volunteers to assist them, it can break down relationships and those that are untrained can injure themselves, ultimately costing the tax payer more. A person may only need a only a few hours extra to stay healthy and happy, we help them get it. If they need 24 hour care, we have also helped people get that. Ask us for advice regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

We are Independent, Dedicated, Efficient and Always Listening to YOU. And that makes us your IDEAL plan manager.
You have maximum flexibility with how you want to spend your NDIS budgets. You can use any provider or therapist for stated supports in your plan, even if they are not registered with the NDIS. You can even hire your own workers.

How Plan Management Works
1. You access services and your providers send us your invoices.
2. We claim from the NDIS and pay the providers on your behalf.
3. If you are required to pay for anything upfront, simply provide us with the receipts and we will reimburse you directly.
4. We send you monthly statements to help you track your plan spending.

People often ask why a Mental Health Social Worker rather than a psychologist; I think there are many salient points for both disciplines, but Mental Health Social Workers look at a person within the systems that inform their lives and that is part of what we do here at Resilience Enterprises.

I maintain a small private practice in Cairns City and recognise the importance of changing human needs and are particularly focussed on rural and remote outcomes for people in regional areas utilising Skype and phone as practice options. My generalist practice covers a range of interest areas including:
-Trauma and recovery needs
-Needs for first line responders
-Trans and gender diverse counselling support (individual and families)
-Support for families and individuals going through change
-Recovery after industrial or organisational trauma

TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Resilience enterprises focuses on training which places people first. People before power point. Training packages are designed to be flexible, human oriented and recognise that for many professionals, that training is best suited to build on existing knowledge and skill sets. We design our packages built on your needs identified through your organisation. Speciality areas in design and assessment include but are not limited to

-LGBTI work and intersectionality
-Stages of change and organisational review
-Traumatised workplaces
-Diverse lifestyle choices
-Themes in emergent generalised allied health practice.

Creating sustainable self-regulation tools for children with ASD, ADHD, tourettes, behavioural issues and so much more, through the magic of circus play, yoga and dance.

Our Focus Is You | Locally Owned and Operated | We Accept All Referral Forms | We offer a comprehensive range of services, using the latest techniques and equipment, in a professional and sensitive environment | Our Services Include - MRI, X-Ray, CT, Ultrasound, Sports Imaging, Pregnancy Imaging, Breast Imaging, Nuclear Imaging, Computed Tomography (CT) Scans, CT Facet Joint Injections, CT Nerve Root Block Injections, CT Hydro Dilatation Injections, CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA), Ultrasound (US), Interventional Procedures, Echocardiography (ECHO), Dental X-Ray, Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD), Women's Imaging

John Enriquez is a Certified Practising Speech Language Pathologist with over 20 years of clinical experience in the area of:
- Early Intervention and Children with Disabilities
- Adolescent and Adult with Disabilities
- Communication Assessments and Visual Supports
- Eating and Drinking Plans and Assessments
- Mealtime Management Plan and Monitoring
- Goal Setting and Individualized Therapy
- Parent/Educator/Carer/Staff/Keyworker Training
- Prep / School Readiness
- Literacy and Reading and Phonology
- Aged Care and Nursing Home Assessments
- Group Home and Supported Accommodation Visits

Vehicle Conversions and Driver Support. We install Ricon lifters and Unwin restraints to suitable vehicles. Working with your Allied Health service we can design and install Driving aids to assist in the safe operation of a vehicle. All conversions are carried out by a Queensland Transport approved person, qualified tradesman and
NDIS registered provider.
Servicing the Cassowary Coast region.

NDIS Support Coordination
Coordination of Supports is to assist to strengthen your ability to design and then build a network of supports that you want and need for you to live a happier life!
Connection: assist you to develop knowledge, experience and connections with the community and broader systems of support.
Support Design: works together with you to understand plan funding and its purpose. Support Coordinator will understand your confidence and skills, and helps you to identify what you want from services. Will develop and design support solutions to meet your outcomes.
Establish Supports: assist you to identify and consider support options, and link you to the broader systems of supports. Where practical creates a supports and action plan to facilitate your implementation of your own plan.
Crisis: Assistance to resolve points of crisis and developing capacity and resilience in your network.
Coach, Refine, Reflect: Coach you through challenges that come up. Helps you to prepare for NDIS Plan reviews.
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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid

This course has been culturally adapted for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and is taught by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Instructors. The course teaches first aid skills for helping Indigenous people experiencing a mental health crisis, mental health problems or the early stages of mental illness.
Signs and symptoms of mental health problems
Where and how to get help
Effective support strategies backed up by research
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Community & Social Development Activities and Services
If you can dream it- together we can do it!
Community forums
Workshop development and facilitation
Stakeholder consultations

* Creative Consulting may engage their Community Partners to assist with and support any community based activities

At Mylestones, we find employment for people with disabilities and barriers so they can grow beyond expectations, seize new opportunities and do amazing things with their lives.

We can provide the expertise, tools and advice to help our clients find, and keep, the job they love. We know that given the right opportunities, people can grow beyond expectations and reach their career goals. It’s why we refuse to compromise in chasing the best lives for our clients, and ourselves.

Here at FNQ Allied Health we are the experts in Exercise Physiology and Diabetes Education. Having been based in Cairns for nearly 10 years, the we know how to help you achieve your goals. Specialising in all things exercise, rehabilitation, support, motivation and the world of NDIS, our team can help you with whatever you wish to achieve. Our team want you to achieve your goals. If you wish to involve your family or support network with your journey bring them along and learn how to be pro-active with your exercises independently.

Servicing all of Cairns from the Southside, City, Northern Beaches and the Tablelands we can come to you! We use state-of-the-art facilities with commercial gyms and council pools as well as utilising the beautiful surrounds with Cairns' local parks and Esplanade.

We have extensive experience with helping our participants get the most out of their NDIS plan. We include all reports and advocacy standard in our services and have great success with securing home-based exercise equipment for our participants. We cater to a large number of children through the NDIS and have great success with helping them keep active, social and achieve their milestones. We have extensive experience working with Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis and thoroughly enjoy seeing our participants knock over their previous barriers.

If you have any questions about how Exercise Physiology may help you with your goals then don't hesitate to contact us on the below details. We look forward to meeting you.

We have facilities on the Southside, Cairns City, Redlynch, Smithfield and the Tablelands - give us a call today!

National Occupational Therapy has re-designed the delivery of OT services in Australia. We provide timely, quality and exceptional in-home services, allowing more Australians to live enriched and independent lives. Our expanding team covers both metro and regional locations, working with clients in their own environments to achieve their goals. From your first phone call with National OT, we work in partnership to provide you with the support and expertise to maximise your recovery and independence.

It's not what we do, its how we do it that make the services special at
Home Heart & Health Care. Adding the personalized touch to each service.
Home heart & health care provides quality home care services in the Cairns area. Whether you’re looking for Personal care, medication assistance, home and yard maintenance or are interested in our 24-hour care services we can assure you that our unique team is ready and available to support you no matter what your journey is.

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