Support for People with Disability
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres are information centres for older people, people with disability and those who provide care and services. Centres provide free and confidential information on community aged care, disability and other support services available locally, interstate or anywhere within Australia.
There are a wide range of services to support independent living in the community, but finding out about them or accessing them can be time consuming, difficult and confusing. Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres provide a single point of contact for the general public, service providers, general practitioners and other health professionals for information on community, aged and disability services and carer support. The Centres can also assist with information about costs for services, assessment processes and eligibility criteria.
When you contact a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre the staff at the Centre will discuss your situation with you, and give you information about the local services available or those you may benefit from.
You can contact your nearest Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre by phoning a national telephone number 1800 052 222.
Local Coordinators
The Disability Services Commission is a government service which employs Local Coordinators (previously called Local Area Coordinators) to assist people with disability to plan, organise and access supports and services which enhance their participation in and contribution to their local community.
Local Coordinators (LCs) have local knowledge and can help people with disability plan for and achieve a good life. They also assist people to plan, organise and access supports and services as well as provide information as needed.
LCs work with family members and others involved in supporting people with disability, helping to further strengthen their caring role. In addition, LCs work to help make local communities more inclusive and welcoming. This is achieved through education, advocacy and partnerships with local community members, businesses, government and non-government organisations.
Details about how to find an LC in your area are available on the Commission’s website. Alternatively, phone 9426 9352.