Community Services

This program provides social welfare support for people whose needs vary according to individual circumstances. 

Community Services staff provide information, counselling, social welfare support, DeafBlind / Additional Needs support, independent living skills, aged care support and referral services to members of the Deaf Community and to people who are Hard of Hearing.

As required, Community Service workers will assist clients to access a range of external  community agencies and organizations, supporting the referral process and working collaboratively with the agency or organization.

Adults over 18 years can self-refer.  Professionals and/or agencies and organizations can refer on behalf of clients, with permission. Referrals can be made by phone, email or posted.

Eligibility for Services

An individual is eligible for service provision when:

• They require the use of an Auslan interpreter to access services within the mainstream community
• Their hearing impairment is such that it impedes their ability to communicate using the spoken language of the community
• They feel frustration, distress or difficulty in relation to their hearing loss
• Their hearing impairment has impeded their development of English and additional services/support are necessary to access written material in the community
• There is a perceived need by the individual, his/her family, carer/friend or professional

Programmes and Information

Information, Counselling and Referral Services

• Support for clients to access external agencies and organizations.
• Provide requested information to clients
• Provide explanation and clarification of information as required by the client where difficulties exist with accessing information in written form (Language and Literacy support)
• Provide counselling services
• Referral to specialist support agencies as required

DeafBlind - Deaf / Hard of Hearing people with “Additional Needs”

• Assist in the acquisition of independent living skills
• Develop programs specific to the needs of the individual client
• Support and assistance for clients to access mainstream community services
• Provide social and emotional support to isolated individuals

Independent Living Skills

• Provide individual learning programs based on identified needs
• Provide opportunities for clients to explore different accommodation options
• Skills development in decision making process
• Outreach services for those clients with underdeveloped language skills who are isolated in their own homes/community

Aged Care

• Provide social, emotional and practical support to Deaf community members residing in Aged Care Facilities or in their own home

Helpful Links

Centrelink
http://www.centrelink.gov.au
Centrelink is an Australian Government agency delivering a range of services to the community.

Australian Government Child Support Agency
http://www.csa.gov.au

Housing SA

Housing SA provides a broad range of housing services to the people of South Australia.

Welfare Rights Centre
http://www.wrcsa.org.au
Provides information, assistance and advocacy which changes and enhances the power of people reliant upon the Social Security system.

The Disability Information & Resource Centre, South Australia
http://www.dircsa.org.au


The Legal Services Commission of SA
http://www.lsc.sa.gov.au/

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is an innovative web resource that makes knowledge and information on Indigenous health easily accessible to inform practice and policy.