STEPS Community Services have been providing disability services on the Sunshine Coast for more than 30 years.
Their specialist, holistic approach to disability and mental health support and advocacy, has made them a leader in the sector, supporting and empowering individuals and their families.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was rolled out on the Sunshine Coast earlier this year, the new funding model is changing the landscape for people living with disability across the nation.
The NDIS provides all Australians under the age of 65 who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an enriched life.
STEPS Chief Executive Officer Kerry Staines says the NDIS is a revolutionary new scheme for Australians with a disability, their families and carers.
“STEPS are helping people to navigate through the web of information,” Ms Staines said.
“We’re working closely with our customers and families, showing them the tools and supports available to help them confidently achieve a life of greater independence based around individual needs and choices,” Kerry said.
Since the initial roll out, some changes have been occurring recently with the NDIS, with some improvements aimed at decreasing waiting times and increasing flexibility for participants.
The NDIS states, when fully rolled out, the scheme will service 460,000 Australians living with a disability.
The NDIS can provide all people with disability with information and connections to services in their communities such as medical, recreational clubs, support groups, libraries and courses, as well as information about what support is available to them.
STEPS have an expert and friendly team of Support Coordinators based in the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions, they have very sound knowledge when it comes to the NDIS and the services required to support the region.
STEPS Community Services Manager Josh Hansen believes their reputation speaks for itself, particularly when it comes to mental health support.
“We have been providing supports in the region for almost 30 years, we’re known for providing high quality services in both disability and mental health as well as developing partnerships in the community,” Mr Hansen said.
“We listen to our customers and we’re actively developing and implementing programs to service the current gaps in our region, in particular our recreational activity groups.
“We’re really focussed on social and recreational groups for adults, and teens with living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, disability and mental health.
“Our activity groups and camps are well known throughout the region, and we know that socialisation through these groups is not only fun, but great for learning and developing independent skills, it’s also about having a break away from routine and respite.
“We’re committed to providing a quality service to our community,” he said.
STEPS Community Services also provide expert advice and support with Supported Independent Living (SIL), and Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA), Specialist NDIS Support Coordination, One-on-one or Group Support, assistance in Behaviour Management Planning and ASD Specialist Support – through STEPS Autism Treehouse.
From advice and planning to service provision, or even just a chat, STEPS are there every step of the way to ensure participants get the most out of their NDIS package and get on with living their best life.
STEPS tailor support to suit each client’s needs, with support programs built on dignity and respect.
For more information about STEPS and NDIS support, contact 1300 766 962.
