This thread is for AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS ONLY.
Most of the contacts are from the state I live in Victoria, if members from other states could add their resources we might be able to really help each other out. I'll try to add more when I can, it's a long list.
Alot of the contacts are from a booklet I bought from the VIC ME/CFS Society. It's called 'Support Services for People With ME/CFS' in Victoria & it cost $5.
AIDS & EQUIPMENT
There are many aids available for the chronically ill, including:
- Shower Chairs
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs (manual, electric, power, reclining)
- Commodes (loo chair)
- Bedding, including hospital beds: regular hospital mattresses: special soft mattresses or air mattresses
- Wigs (for those with CFS related baldness)
Ring your local public hospital or public rehabilitation centre.
OR
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Victoria: http://www.otausvic.com.au/
http://www.disability.vic.gov.au
Be sure to ask any OTs you contact if they are Medicare registered providers. There is usually no charge.
- Explain that you are incapacitated by ME/CFS and ask for an appointment for assessment.
DHS DISABILITY & RESPONSE SERVICE 1800 783 783
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/
Provides info about supports & services & can also provide assistance with planning & support to people with disabilities, their families & Carers in their local area.
DHS FUTURES FOR YOUNG ADULTS 1800 783 783 (also)
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/
Provides support to students with a disability to make the transistion to post-school options. It is available to eligible students from when they complete their schooling until they turn 21.
DHS VICTORIAN PATIENT TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE SCHEME (VPTAS)
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ruralhealth/aservices/vptas.htm
Assistance with the costs of transport for those who reside more than 100km from the nearest medical specialist. Call the Department of Human Services Regional Office:
Geelong (03) 5226 4540
Ballarat (03) 5333 6530
Bendigo (03) 5434 5555
Wangaratta (03) 5722 0555
Traralgon (03) 5177 2500
Application forms can be downloaded from the website.
VICTORIAN TAXI DIRECTORATE, MULTIPURPOSE TAXI PROGRAM
http://www.taxi.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9320 4360
MPTP Program is a state funded subsidy program that provides a 50% discount on taxi fares (up to a maximum of $30 discount per trip). It is available to people who have ME/CFS who have severely limited mobility & cannot use public transport independently.
- Use Myalgic Encephalomyelitis on the application as CFS is not listed as one of MPTP accepted disabilities. Using M.E gives you a better chances of being granted a card.
- Cost: Free to apply
Most of the contacts are from the state I live in Victoria, if members from other states could add their resources we might be able to really help each other out. I'll try to add more when I can, it's a long list.
Alot of the contacts are from a booklet I bought from the VIC ME/CFS Society. It's called 'Support Services for People With ME/CFS' in Victoria & it cost $5.
AIDS & EQUIPMENT
There are many aids available for the chronically ill, including:
- Shower Chairs
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs (manual, electric, power, reclining)
- Commodes (loo chair)
- Bedding, including hospital beds: regular hospital mattresses: special soft mattresses or air mattresses
- Wigs (for those with CFS related baldness)
Ring your local public hospital or public rehabilitation centre.
OR
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Victoria: http://www.otausvic.com.au/
http://www.disability.vic.gov.au
Be sure to ask any OTs you contact if they are Medicare registered providers. There is usually no charge.
- Explain that you are incapacitated by ME/CFS and ask for an appointment for assessment.
DHS DISABILITY & RESPONSE SERVICE 1800 783 783
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/
Provides info about supports & services & can also provide assistance with planning & support to people with disabilities, their families & Carers in their local area.
DHS FUTURES FOR YOUNG ADULTS 1800 783 783 (also)
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/
Provides support to students with a disability to make the transistion to post-school options. It is available to eligible students from when they complete their schooling until they turn 21.
DHS VICTORIAN PATIENT TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE SCHEME (VPTAS)
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ruralhealth/aservices/vptas.htm
Assistance with the costs of transport for those who reside more than 100km from the nearest medical specialist. Call the Department of Human Services Regional Office:
Geelong (03) 5226 4540
Ballarat (03) 5333 6530
Bendigo (03) 5434 5555
Wangaratta (03) 5722 0555
Traralgon (03) 5177 2500
Application forms can be downloaded from the website.
VICTORIAN TAXI DIRECTORATE, MULTIPURPOSE TAXI PROGRAM
http://www.taxi.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9320 4360
MPTP Program is a state funded subsidy program that provides a 50% discount on taxi fares (up to a maximum of $30 discount per trip). It is available to people who have ME/CFS who have severely limited mobility & cannot use public transport independently.
- Use Myalgic Encephalomyelitis on the application as CFS is not listed as one of MPTP accepted disabilities. Using M.E gives you a better chances of being granted a card.
- Cost: Free to apply