SA Services - Sensory Directions

Sensory Options provide a case management service for people with a sensory disability with complex needs or difficult issues. Sensory Options assists people by providing:

• Complex case management
• Information and referral
• Needs assessments
• Support plans
• Problem solving
• Advocacy
• Community education and development

Sensory Options works with people to understand their needs, and assists them to achieve their goals, and be as independent as possible. This may include:

• Assisting the person to access services and supports
• Linking into community activities or groups
• Plan their supports or access information and choices

Eligibility:

Sensory Options works with people who are Deaf, hearing impaired, blind, vision impaired or deafblind, who have complex needs or difficult issues because of their disability.

People with complex needs may have a sensory disability and a second disability, behavioural issues, health issues, other significant issues, or difficulties finding or negotiating services or support generally.

Making Referrals:

Anyone can make a referral to Sensory Options, including the person with a sensory disability. Referrals are always welcome and can be made by any person.

Where a person is under the age of 18 years of age the parents or guardian must give written permission for a referral to be made. Where a person is over the age of 18 years of age they must give permission for the referral.

Individual Programs:

All clients of Sensory Options are supported to identify their needs and the most appropriate means of dealing with these. Individualised support plans are developed with the client, to address these needs. The focus is to assist the client to become or remain as independent as possible in the community.

Information and referral:

Some clients may also require significant assistance to access the support in the community they require. Sensory Options will provide information and referral to appropriate services as well as advocacy and support if such services cannot be obtained or located.

Community Education:

Sensory Options recognises that the goal of most people is to live independently in the community. The purpose of all programs is to assist this. Often Sensory Options will provide education and development support to communities to assist them to best assist people with a sensory disability to be full community members.

Family Support:

The family and friends around a person with a sensory disability are often a major influence on that person's life. The Sensory Options program assists families to get the information and skills they need to support their family member to be as independent as possible.

Country Services:

Sensory Options provides services across metro and country SA from its head office. Regular country outreach services are provides in all regional centres, and more frequent visits are arranged as necessary.

Community Outreach:

Sensory Options also provides information and education to health professionals, community groups and organisations and schools.