Key takeaways
- Disability services in Australia cover employment, health, mental well-being, personal care, housing, education, transport, community participation, and assistive tech.
- Key providers of disability services in Australia include the NDIS, Disability Employment Services, and local health and community centres.
- These services aim to improve independence, quality of life, and opportunities for people with disabilities.
Are you struggling to figure out what disability services are available in Australia?
You’re not alone. Making sense of disability support can be tricky — but it’s worth it.
With the right services, you’ll be better able to live a fuller, more independent life.
Our goal in this guide is simple: to break down the top eight disability services available to you in Australia. Whether you’re looking for information for yourself or someone else, we’ve got you covered.
Below, we lay out everything you need to know about these services and the real difference they can make.
Top 8 disability services available in Australia
No matter your disability — whether physical, mental, or behavioural — there is support for you. Let’s take a look at the top eight options, all of which can help you improve your quality of life and independence.
Type 1: employment support — making work work for you
Employment is a key part of life for everyone, particularly those with disabilities.
Working can provide you with a sense of purpose, financial independence, and social connections. With the right disability support in the workplace, your opportunities for success are even greater.
Employment services can open doors, provide meaningful work, and improve your quality of life.
Services included
- Job placements — help find suitable jobs that match individual skills and interests
- Skills and employment training — offers training to develop necessary work skills so that you are job-ready
- Workplace modifications — make sure that workplaces are accessible and accommodating, from physical adjustments to providing special equipment
Key providers
- Disability Employment Services (DES) — supports job seekers with disabilities to find and maintain employment. DES also works with employers to create inclusive workplaces.
- JobAccess — provides advice and assistance on disability employment. They offer information on workplace adjustments, financial support, and more.
Type 2: physical health support — feel your best
Physical health plays a huge role in your overall well-being. It’s not just about staying fit but also about feeling good and living comfortably.
Good physical health can boost your mood, improve sleep, and increase energy levels. It’s not just about managing conditions but living your best life.
Services included
- Occupational therapy — focuses on improving your ability to perform daily activities
- Personal training — a certified professional guiding you through safe and effective exercise routines designed to meet your needs
- Physiotherapy — helps with movement and function, especially after injury or surgery
Key providers
- Local health services — provide access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and tailored fitness programs. Many communities have specialised services for people with disabilities
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) — offers funding for various physical health services, including physical therapy and fitness programs
Type 3: mental health support — enjoy peace of mind
Mental health impacts every part of your life. Maintaining good mental health can help you manage daily stress, build resilience, and enjoy your day-to-day life.
Services included
- Counselling — provides a safe space to talk about personal issues and develop coping strategies
- Support groups — offer peer support and shared experiences, helping people with disabilities feel less isolated and more understood
- Therapy sessions — include various approaches like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy to address specific mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety
Key providers
- Beyond Blue — offers resources and support for mental health issues
- headspace — focuses on young people, providing mental health services, education, and support
- NDIS — funds mental health services tailored to individual needs, helping people with disabilities get the support they need
Type 4: personal care support — feel empowered in your everyday routine
Whether it’s bathing, getting dressed, or anything in between, personal care tasks can be challenging when you’re living with a disability.
Luckily, there are various disability services in Australia designed to help you with these daily activities. With this support, you can preserve your independence and quality of life.
Services included
- Household tasks — support with cleaning, laundry, and other household chores to keep your living environment safe and comfortable
- Meal preparation — aid in planning, preparing, and sometimes even feeding so that people with disabilities have easy access to nutritious meals
- Personal hygiene — help with bathing, grooming, and other personal care tasks
Key providers
- Home care services — various private and government-funded organisations provide personal care services tailored to the specific requirements of the individual
- NDIS — offers funding for personal care services based on individual plans and needs
Type 4: accommodation support — find your home sweet home
Everyone deserves a safe, comfortable, and accessible place to call home. In the right environment, you can enjoy security, comfort, and the ability to live without barriers.
Services included
- Accessible housing — homes designed or modified to be wheelchair-friendly, with ramps, wide doorways, and other adjustments
- Government rental assistance — financial aid to help cover the cost of renting a home, making it more affordable
- Home modifications — making changes to existing homes to improve accessibility (e.g. installing grab rails, lowering countertops, or adding stair lifts)
- In-home support — housing options that include support services, such as on-site caregivers, to assist with daily activities and contribute to a safe living environment
Key providers
- Australian Government — offers various forms of funding for people with disabilities, including payments specifically for housing costs. For example, if you’re getting a Disability Support Pension, you could be entitled to Commonwealth Rent Assistance. This can lower the amount you’re paying out of pocket for living expenses
- Community housing organisations — provide affordable and accessible housing options, often with additional support services
- NDIS — offers funding for accessible housing and home modifications tailored to individual needs
Type 5: education support — learn and grow
Education leads to empowerment. It builds confidence and creates opportunities, allowing people of all ages to reach their full potential.
More than being about achieving academic success, it’s a tool for building a fulfilling life.
Services included
- Assistive technology — Tools and devices that aid learning, such as speech-to-text software, adapted keyboards, and screen readers
- Special education programs — tailored to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, these programs ensure access to a quality education
- Tutoring — one-on-one or small group sessions to reinforce learning, help with homework, and build study skills
Key providers
- Educational organisations — various non-profits and community groups offer resources, support, and advocacy for students with disabilities
- NDIS — provides funding for educational support for people with disabilities at all education levels, including school education and higher education
- Schools — many schools offer special education programs and access to assistive technology to support students with disabilities
Type 6: transport support — travel freely
The freedom to explore the world around you isn’t just a gift — it’s a necessity. And it’s made possible by having accessible transport options.
Having the confidence to use transport will allow you to access employment, healthcare, and social activities. On top of getting you from point A to point B, mobility is your key to independence.
Services included
- Accessible public transport — buses, trains, and trams equipped with ramps, priority seating, and other accessibility features to accommodate individuals with disabilities
- Modified vehicles: Personal vehicles adapted with hand controls, wheelchair lifts, and other modifications
- Travel training — programs designed to teach individuals how to use public transport safely and confidently, including route planning and navigating transport systems
Key providers
- Local transport services — many cities and towns provide accessible public transport options and support services to assist individuals with disabilities
- NDIS — offers funding for accessible transport options, vehicle modifications, and travel training programs
Type 7: social & community participation — get involved
It’s not enough to just see the world around you — it’s important to participate in your local community.
Whether it’s a hobby group, a sports team, or a community event, getting involved can open up new friendships and opportunities. It can give you a sense of purpose and make you feel like you belong.
Services included
- Community events — local events like festivals, fairs, and cultural activities offer opportunities to participate in community life and enjoy new experiences
- Recreational activities — from sports to arts and crafts, recreational activities provide fun and engaging ways to stay active and involved
- Social groups — these groups offer a chance to meet new people, share experiences, and build friendships
Key providers
- Local community centres — host social groups, recreational activities, and events that are inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities
- NDIS — funds various programs that promote social and community participation, tailored to your unique interests and needs
Type 8: assistive technology — boost your abilities
Assistive technology can work wonders in boosting your independence and capabilities. Investing in the right assistive technology can offer you greater freedom and improve your quality of life.
Technologies included
- Wheelchairs — provide mobility for individuals with limited or no ability to walk. Modern designs include manual, powered, and sports wheelchairs tailored to different needs
- Communication devices — include speech-generating devices and software that assist individuals with communication challenges, enabling them to express themselves more effectively
- Hearing aids — amplify sound for those with hearing impairments, making it easier to engage in conversations and enjoy various auditory experiences
Key providers
- NDIS — Funds a wide range of assistive technologies based on individual needs and plans. The scheme supports the purchase and maintenance of these devices.
- Specialised tech companies — numerous companies specialise in designing and manufacturing assistive technologies. They offer products tailored to specific disabilities and provide ongoing support and training.
Maximise your abilities with the NDIS Support Coordination
Navigating disability services in Australia doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right NDIS support coordination services, you will be able to make the most of the supports available to you.
If you’re seeking disability services in Melbourne, get in touch with Elves Care today to see how our team of disability support workers can help. Whether you need support in your home, school, or community, our compassionate carers are there for you 24/7.
With disability services tailored to your needs, a better and more independent life is well within reach.
A life where you can thrive, not just survive. Take the first step, and discover the difference they can make.
