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The Disability Services Supported Accommodation Programme utilises the principles and objectives of the NT Disability Services Act (1993), the NT Disability Services Standards (1999), and the principles of "Social Role Valorization (SRV)" developed by the renowned American social scientist, Dr Wolf Wolfensberger in 1972, to provide high quality support for clients.
This Programme provides supported accommodation for persons with severe to profound intellectual and/or physical disabilities or acquired brain injuries within the urban and rural community of Darwin, Howard Springs and Katherine. Clients within the supported accommodation programme have high support needs which means staff attend to some or all of their daily requirements, such as mealtime assistance, mobility, personal hygiene and community access. Each of the 10 houses accommodates 4-6 persons.
Clients are encouraged to develop skills in their home environment as well as being active members in the community. This is achieved by participating in age appropriate activities, freedom of choice with associated responsibilities and involvement in social and physical integration within the community.
The Disability Services Supported Accommodation Programme operates under a tri-management structure. Managers are directly responsible for all operational and programme aspects of the programme - recruitment, reassignments, rosters, all staffing matters, maintenance, budgets and any issues relating to clients programmes and Individual Support Action Plans across all houses.
Each house has a Supervisor who is responsible for the day to day operational activities of the house and reports directly to Management.
Disability Support Workers are present 24 hours a day to support the client within their home environment, utilising the least restrictive alternatives. Staff work on a rotational roster of generally two staff on an early shift, two staff on a late shift and an active night staff.
Staff are not required to hold formal qualifications, however it is essential that staff recognise a persons individual rights, and dignity and evidence a sense of personal responsibility for the client. Staff must also be able to implement Person Centred Active Support (PCAS), and take on the role of a Key Worker.
Staff are able to access regular training opportunities. Areas of particular importance are covered to increase staffs understanding of their role as a support worker. Training and understanding increases the quality of life for the client.
Somerville
Community Services recognises that each client within the Supported Accommodation programme is
an individual and should receive appropriate levels of support to achieve desired goals
related to their individual needs. To ensure each client receives appropriate support, an
Individual Support Action Plan is developed. The Individual Support Action Plan covers
important aspects of that client’s life eg social skills, health and family issues.
The preparation of an ISAP is a joint enterprise with the client, their guardian/family/significant others, and is also developed using an interdisciplinary team approach. This approach combines the insights and skills of a range of people directly involved with the client, to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of client needs and the resources required to meet these needs.
At all times, parents/guardians are encouraged to participate in their child's/client's life.