Acquired Disability Program
Novita’s Acquired Disability (AD) program assists children and young people up to the age of 18 who have acquired a disability.
An acquired disability refers to an injury or event after birth, which results in ongoing physical disability, such as a spinal cord injury.
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- Case management, therapy and psychology services.
- Assistance to use mainstream services in the young person's local community.
- Purchase of special services for the client and their family, if needed and if funds are available.
- Development of new services and programs, where needed.
Team members may include:
- Any person can refer a child with an acquired disability to Novita Children’s Services. Written medical information about the injury is required.
- Referrals should be made to the Central Intake Team - read more about the referral and registration process.
- Referrals may also come from the South Australian Women's and Children's Hospital, directly from the hospital ward. Generally such referrals occur (with appropriate consent) following an assessment that shows that post-discharge support will help the person move back into the community.
- Those that are found to be eligible for assistance will be registered with the Acquired Disability Program and will receive a letter confirming registration.
- Once registered, a visit by the Team Leader and relevant team member will be arranged at the earliest opportunity to meet with the family and to begin to discuss the supports that may be needed.
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- Advice, consultation and information to clients/families, schools, other therapists and anyone else involved in the child’s rehabilitation.
- Medical clinics involving the client/family, Rehabilitation Specialist or a Paediatrician, and their team in a range of locations. Staff from the Acquired Disability team can attend the clinic if required or requested by the family.
- Assessments to assist in decision making about interventions and rehabilitation needs.
- Therapy to meet the goals of clients and families, following an acquired disability. Therapy is provided in a block of treatment sessions, aimed at achieving the best outcome for clients.
- Targeted support services such as behavioural programs, respite and group activities.
- Counselling and support to the young person and family members.
- Community activities to assist the young person return to recreational and social activities.
- Equipment - assessment of equipment needs and provision, as required, or referral to the Novita Equipment Program.
- Aquatic therapy - goal directed and time limited sessions, based on a specific exercise program within the pool at Novita’s Regency Park Centre.
- Education - exchange information with schools and educational settings, specifically about the young person, or generally about the needs of students with acquired disabilities. The team can arrange in-school observations and suggest targeted programs.
- Support from Family Service Coordinators to attend appointments, such as with medical specialists, lawyers or Centrelink to provide guidance and support in relation to acquired disability as required. Letters of support can also be provided, if necessary.
For further information, contact:
Team Leader
Acquired Disability Program
Phone: 8243 8311
Fax: 8243 8269
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