There are many types of disabilities, which can affect people of all ages and they aren't always obvious to others. Some people may experience a disability for only a small part of their life.
Other disabilities are life-long. Disabilities can affect different people in different ways. For up-to-date information, take a look at Disability Online (new window).
Services and support for people who have a disability
Most young people are pretty interested in:
- Becoming more independent
- Spending lots of time with friends and peers
- Developing relationships with others
- Having fun
- Exploring their abilities and interests
Doing the things you need and want to do isn't always straightforward.
Not all places, information or activities are that easy to access. If you have a disability, you'll want to get the information and access to services that may make it easier to do the things you need and really want to do.
There are all kinds of government and community services around to help you, and your family or carer, to access services and info. Some of these are listed below:
- InfoXchange's Service Seeker (new window) tool allows you to search for disability service providers in your region
- The Victorian Department of Human Services (DHS) (new window) provides disability services including aids and equipment, support, information and advocacy
- Disability Online (new window) has heaps of info about disability services and topics, health info, events and news
- Find out about a range of government payment, work and support programs at Centrelink (new window)
- VICNET Disability (new window) lists links to a whole range of programs, services and organisations in Victoria.
Transport and access
Most towns and cities in Australia are pretty well set-up so that you can go where you want regardless of how you get around.
But if you want to double-check then have a look at Access Melbourne (new window) for getting around Melbourne or Accessibility (new window) for places around Australia.
Study
As you probably know, there are heaps of helpful programs and organisations that can make it easier for you to study.
If you're about to leave school, you can check out the Futures For Young Adults (FFYA) program (new window).
If you are studying, or planning to study, at TAFE or university, it's worth getting in touch with the Disability Liaison Units at your chosen university and knowing about the Australasian Network of Students With Disabilities (ANSWD) (new window).
You'll also find lots of links to do with education and training at Disability Online (new window).
Your rights are important
There are laws and organisations that protect people's rights, and prevent discrimination no matter who you are.
Two places that support the rights of Victorians who have disabilities are:
- The Office of The Public Advocate (new window)
- The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission (new window)
Links for people with a disability
InfoXchange Service Seeker
Allows you to search for disability service providers in your region.
Disability Online
This is an excellent place to find all types of information - a service directory, disability topics, health topics, calendar of events, latest news and lots of useful links. Disability Online provides information for people with disabilities, their families and their carers.
Department of Human Services - Disability Services
See this website for information on disability services offered by the Department of Human Services including aids and equipment, support and information and advocacy. Their website also includes links to many useful places and programs.
Arts Access
Interested in art and culture? See what Arts Access is all about.
Sport & Recreation Victoria - Access for All Abilities
Want to get more fit and active? Find out about the Access for All Abilities program on the Victorian government's sport site.
VICNET - Disability
Visit this site for listings of events, services, programs, products and more that are relevant to people with a disability, including Victorian, Australian and international links.
Community.gov.au - People With Disabilities
Find out about community information and services related to disabilities, such as aids and equipment, brain injury disabilities, carers resources, children with disabilities, employment, hearing disabilities, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mobility disabilities, online forums, payments and concessions, psychiatric disabilities, recreation, and vision disabilities.
