Disability Support
Supporting people with a disability to improve daily living and independence through flexible services .
NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME ( NDIS )
Under the NDIS , people with a disability receive a range of funded supports where they can choose which services to purchase , providing more choice and control .
It has been a positive year with many participants choosing Merri Health and an 80 % retention rate for clients .
We worked closely with referral partners including Brotherhood of St Laurence , hospitals and kindergartens to support clients .
MERRIKIDS
For children under 7 ( including family and support systems ), MerriKids support children with a development delay or disability to learn , develop and reach their full potential .
The team of professionals including speech pathologists , occupational therapists and a physiotherapist deliver services at our sites , home , kinder and community .
ALLIED HEALTH FOR IMPROVING DAILY LIVING
The NDIS Allied Health team offers occupational therapy , speech pathology and physiotherapy to adults with a disability in their home , workplace or other community setting .
PARTNERING FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
We also provided support and supervision for an Occupational Therapist with a Bangladesh qualification to complete her 12-month registration period and become fully qualified to practice in Australia .
This year we continued our partnership with La Trobe University to support a team of students in a 10-week project placement developing a clinical resource for Occupational Therapists working with bariatric clients . This resource will be available across metropolitan Melbourne .
What did we achieve ?
140 clients supported
80 % retention rate in both children ’ s and adult teams
clinicians working collaboratively to make a positive impact in the lives of our participants through equipment prescription , home modifications , key worker and therapy supports .
contributed to the NDIS pricing submission that outlined the challenges facing our service and the NDIS structure sited
17 times in review report
50 school aged participants supported to move to alternative services following NDIS review
Merri Mates program restarted after the challenges of COVID-19 over the last period .
HEALTH SERVICES
40