This list provides a brief introduction to the many different points of contact that may be relevant to you if you have acquired a brain injury or support someone that has. In many cases some assistance is provided by organisations listed or they are points of referral to other organisations.
This listing is not exhaustive, but it does provide you with a starting point. It is provided for information purposes only and you should investigate its appropriateness for your situation with due care. We aim to continually ADD to this listing of sources of great ABI Information. If you have suggestions of a program, resource, source of assistance or website information we should include, please email us your ideas so we can help everyone share this important and unique knowledge. Together we can help each other know what is available, how it can be accessed and how it has (or perhaps has not) worked for you.
Type of Information & Overview
| GENERAL INFORMATION RELEVANT TO ABI |
| Working with people with ABI
Outstanding website resource on ABI. Ignore the focus on training staff, this site is the perfect tool for any family member wanting to learn more about ABI. The site also talks about the family impact, noting that having a family member with a brain injury is one of the most serious challenges a family can face, and that families cope in many different ways, among other insights. Highly recommended! Amputee Support & Artificial limbs This site provides an excellent listing of services and items available, from car modifications, to concessions, to other disability support groups. SA Government website listing for disability and community support You can look over this site for general information. Note that it can be overwhelming, and whilst this site might present as if there is a lot of support available, being assessed as eligible and actually getting services can be a challenge (in the experiences of the management committee members). This Federal government organization provides financial support for those deemed eligible for Disability Support Pensions (DSP) and Carer Payments (the Carer pension) and also Carer Allowance. All the details are available on the appropriate website sections. Note that dealing with Centrelink can be a real headache but you must persist if the DSP and/or Carer payments are relevant and needed by you. – Click here for info on Carer payment – Click here for info on Disability Support Pension Department for Human Services/Concessions As someone with disability or on a government payment, you may be eligible for various concessions, such as those off your power, water, council rates and alike. Please note these are the concessions administered by the South Australian Government and there may be other concessions you are eligible for under the federal government also. South Australia Companion Card The Companion Card is a card issued to people with a permanent disability who require attendant or carer support to attend a variety of events. With ABI, it may be that you require support to, say, attend a concert, or find your way out of a movie theatre, for example. As such, the Companion Card allows a companion to enter free of charge to a place or event registered with the Companion Card Program. Management Committee members have found they can attend the movies, concerts, and most festivals and events. It means a couple can attend for the cost of one! Contact Details: Ph: 1800 667 110 National Relay Service 133 677 Email: companion.card@dcsi.sa.gov.au For information about disability services and having these funded in South Australia. You need to be a Disability Services client to access these services and should be given a case manager whilst an inpatient at the DS office closest to where you live. Ph: 1300 786 117 (9am – 5pm weekdays) Independent Living Centre Adelaide The Independent Living Centre (ILC) of South Australia is a State Government funded service which provides information and advice on equipment, technology and techniques to assist people to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence. Contact Details: Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, Closed public holidays. As in many cases those with ABI also present with mental health issues, this information may be of use for you or your family members. In case you need to plan trips with knowledge of where facilities are available. Provides many services to the people of South Australia. For example: ‘An afternoon on the town for Carers’. Level 2/ 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide Yellow Pages Disability Equipment & Services If you search online with the yellow pages, a quantity of services are listed that you are able to cut and paste to view at your own time. |
| DRIVING, PARKING & TRANSPORT AFTER ABI
Disability Parking Permit: You can apply for an Australian disability parking permit in South Australia if you are a person whose ability to use public transport is significantly impeded by a physical impairment that significantly restricts speed of movement and use of public transport.Note that a temporary Australian disability parking permit may be issued to a person whose disability is likely to last for more than six months but is not permanent.The steps involved are: Step 1: Complete the application for an Australian disability parking permit Step 2: Ask a medical practitioner to complete and sign the relevant parts of the application. Step 3: Return the application to a Service SA customer service centre with the required fee. Disabled Parking: The UPark Accessibility Pass provides 2 hours free parking up to 52 times per year at all UPark car parks. Print and submit your application form or apply online for a UPark Accessibility Pass from the Adelaide City Council. Contact Details: Drivers Licence: If you are admitted to BIRU, you may need to surrender your drivers license. You can get assistance in regaining your drivers license from BIRCH. In addition, these websites provide information on driving and driver fitness. Certificate of fitness to drive: Driving and Your Health/ Conditions |
| Disabled and Handicapped Driving Schools
Disabled and Handicapped Driving School Modified Driving Solutions Covering Adelaide metropolitan and surrounding areas from Elizabeth and surrounds in the North to Sellicks Beach in the South and Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills. The South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS) State Government subsidised taxi travel program. It is for people with permanent and severe disabilities who, because of their disabilities, cannot safely use public transport either independently or accompanied by a companion/carer. Contact Details: REHABILITATION INFORMATION RELEVANT TO ABI Information on Brain injury from Service SA Home Modifications and Equipment (hand rails and other modifications, as recommended by your occupational therapist or other ABI professional). |