Useful Links

                       ABI INFORMATION SERVICES

            (click on the topic of interest for further information)

                            

International

National

Victorian Services

Regional

Neurological Conditions

Carer Services

Advocacy Services

Headache & Migraine

Brain Tumour

Stroke

Employment

General Services, Information & Resources

                                INTERNATIONAL

                             NATIONAL

  • Brain Injury Australia                                                         Brain Injury Australia (BIA) is the national peak acquired brain injury organisation representing, through its state member organisations, the interests and needs of people with acquired brain injury, their families and carers
  • Brain Research Institute                                                   The Brain Research Institute perform internationally competitive research to help understand the structure and function of the human brain. Their studies include both healthy people and people affected by injury and disease.
  • Companion Card National Website                                     The Companion Card promotes the right of people with a disability, who require a companion, to fair ticketing at Victorian events and venues. Cardholders' companions can accompany them for free on all Victorian Transport, and attend many events and venues.
  • Continence Foundation of Australia                                     The Continence Foundation of Australia (CFA) is the peak body for continence promotion, management and advocacy.              
  • Extended Families Australia (EFA)                                           EFA is an association that provides opportunities for mature-aged people to develop loving and caring "grandparent" relationships with children who have a disability.   
  • Job Access                                                                          Job Access help and provide workplace solutions for the employment of people with a disability.
  • National Young Carers Website                                               A website with useful information for young carers

  • Peers Inspiring Peers (Delivering the LifeMoves programme)

    Peers Inspiring Peers is a not-for-profit organisation created to deliver structured peer support to those affected by acquired neurological conditions; for example, stroke, head injury or multiple sclerosis.

  • Technical Solutions Australia                                            Electronics for people with a disability.   
  • The Australian Motor Neurone Disease Registry (AMNDR)       The Australian Motor Neurone Disease Registry has been developed to collect information on people with Motor Neurone Disease, such as demographics and treatment types, which will enable doctors to learn more and establsh guidelines for patient care.  The AMNDR website contains information about participating in the registry, news on scientific collaborations, profiles of major centres treating patients with Motor Neurone Disease and useful links for patients and carers. For more information, visit AMNDR.
  • The Brain Foundation                                                         The mission of The Brain Foundation is to reduce the incidence and impact of diseases, disorders and injuries of the brain, spine and nervous system through the provision of support, community education and research
  • The Brain Injury Association of Queensland                             Provide information, in particular statistics on Acquired Brain Injury.                                                                                                                                                                Back to top       

                                  STATEWIDE       

  • ABI Behaviour Consultancy                                               The service is committed to supporting individuals with an identified ABI such as traumatic, stroke, substance, infection, tumour or hypoxic related brain injury. The ABI Behaviour Consultancy aims to minimise socially impactful behaviours such as aggression, sexual disinhibition and withdrawal.                                                                           
  •  ARBIAS ( Acquired Brain Injury Assessment and Consulting)
    ARBIAS provides services for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) from any cause, whilst maintaining its specialisation in the areas of alcohol and other drug related brain injury.             
  • Acquired Brain Injury Unit, Royal Talbot (Austin Health) Provides intensive inpatient rehabilitation for people with ABI using a multidisciplinary "neurobehavioural" approach.                                                                               
  • Brain Injury Matters (BIM) (formerly Bear in Mind)             Brain Injury Matters Inc (BIM) facilitates self-advocacy and community education for people living with an acquired brain injury.  BIM aims to;
    • help people living with ABI to realise potential for a full life within a supportive community.
    • increase community awareness about AB
  • Community Brain Disorders Assessment and Treatment Service (CBDATS)                                                       Provides a consultative and treatment service to support clients with the dual diagnosis of ABI (or neurodegenerative disease) and psychiatric disorder.
  • Department of Education & Early Childhood Develoment- Visiting Teacher Service                                                Visiting Teachers are DE&T teachers with specialised post graduate qualifications. They have experience and specialised knowledge in the educational implications of specific disabilities and impairments. They can support students through direct teaching, consultancy with school community members and by providing their expertise and/or resources to the PSG or VCE Support Group.
  • Livewire.org.au                                                      Connecting young people living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability.
  • Melbourne Citymission                                               

    Melbourne Citymission (MCM) seeks to take a lead role in creating inclusive and resourceful communities, where opportunity and fairness are embraced as a way of life.

    MCM provide resources and choices to those who are marginalised and living with disadvantage, delivering services that respect the rights of individuals and embrace diversity.

    Melbourne Citymission currently provides over 60 different programs to thousands of Victorians of many faiths and cultures. Our vision is a fair and just community where people have equal access to opportunities and resources

  • Monash University Headstart Program                                  The Headstart Program is for people with brain injury and their families.  It is a free program for people who have sustained a brain injury through an accident in Victoria.
  • Parents.Livewire.org.au                                                       A place where parents and carers of someone living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability can support and connect with one another.
  • Siblings.livewire.org.au                                               Livewire Siblings is a free, safe and supportive online community designed especially for young people aged over 10 and under 21 who have a brother or sister living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability.
  • Statewide ABI Paediatric Co-Ordinators Melbourne Citymission                                                                   Provides consultation services for all staff (ie. health education) working with children with an ABI
  • The Bouverie Centre                                                  Provides specialist family counselling for people affected       by ABI, including people with ABI, spouses, children, parents and carers.
  • The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre- Residential Respite Vacancy Seeker                                                      A free online tool that helps people who are looking for respite or other accommodation to find what is currently available. For more information, visit the website.
  • The Summer Foundation                                                    The Summer Foundation is dedicated to overcoming the concerns of a section of our society that is overlooked, namely younger people living in residential aged care. Our foundation focuses on practical research and seeks to provide workable solutions to improve the health and well-being of this group. 
    • Building Better Lives-                                            Building Better Lives is the initiative of Di Winkler, the founder and Managing Director of the Summer Foundation which was established in January 2006 with the specific purpose of conducting practical research and seeking alternate solutions to young people living in nursing homes.
  • Victoria Coalition ABI Service Providers (VCASP)                     VCASP's purpose is to represent the views of the Victorian Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) sector in presenting the needs of people with ABI, and their carers, to all relevant policy and funding bodies.
  • Wesley Mission                                                                    Wesley Mission has a real mission – to minister to a community with real needs. The community includes the vulnerable and marginalised. It includes the lonely, hurt and fragile, the homeless, mentally ill, aged, disabled, unemployed. It includes the spiritually lost.  Wesley Mission believe it takes love, faith, and commitment to engage actively in the lives of those around us. The ministry is as diverse as the needs they face, so they shape their programs, church services, activities and people to support those in need effectively – wherever they are. Through witness, work and the help of supporters they can turn lives around for good.
  • What I'd Like You to Know About Me                                       A great resource that allows a person with disabilities or their family or carers to create an on-line 'book' about the person with disabilities - their own story, likes, dislikes, support needs, family, friends, communication styles - anything! Available in different styles for children aged 0-6, 6-12, and ages 12 years to adult. Easily updated online and viewed by guests, or printed out for easy access.   Click here to visit the About Me website:

     

  • WorkWelfareWills                                              WorkWelfareWills is a plain English web guide to legal issues around health and life changes. It was produced for use in Victoria only as some of the laws will be different in other states of Australia.

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                             EASTERN REGION

  • EACH (Eastern Access Community Health)                              EACH delivers a range of community health services that improve the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals, families and communities in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
  • Eastern Health                                                                     Eastern Health provide a range of health care services to the community residing in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

                          NORTHERN REGION

  • Broadmeadows Disability Services (Hume)                             The Broadmeadows Disability Support Service, ABI Social Support program is funded by TAC and the department of Human Services and provides social support for people with an ABI. For more information, visit the Grassroots website.
  • Dianella Community Health                                                 Dianella Community Health is committed to making a comprehensive range of health services accessible to all age groups in the community across six sites from Glenroy to Craigieburn.
  • Moreland Community Health Service.                                Moreland Community Health Service operates across and beyond the Moreland region and have sites offering differing services in Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner and Glenroy.  For more information, visit their website.
  • Travellers Aid Disability Access Service (TADAS)                 TADAS is a non-for profit agency providing a range of services for people travelling to, in and around, the City of Melbourne.

                         SOUTHERN REGION

  • IMPACT Leisure Association Inc.                                        IMPACT Leisure Association Inc. provide a range of day support, recreation and leisure, psychosocial rehabilitation, and respite for people with disabilities.  For more information, visit the website or email IMPACT.
  • LIAISE program, Bunurong Community Care                           A skills development community integration program for adults with Acquired Brain Injury resulting from stroke, accident or illness.  Independent living skills, assistance in accessing community resources, support counselling.  Ages 18-64,     non-compensable. For more information, contact Dianne on 8792-2267.
  • Southern Health                                                               Southern Health provides comprehensive health care services to people in the south-eastern suburbs of metropolitan Melbourne.

WESTERN REGION     

  • Access for All Abilities Program                                            The Access for All Abilities (AAA) program offers a diverse range of sport and recreation activities and encourages clubs and sporting communities to be inclusive of people with a disability.
  • ISIS Primary Care                                                               ISIS Primary Care works in partnership with local communities in the Western Metropolitan Region of Melbourne to provide responsive, interconnected health and community services.   
  • Melbourne Disability Services Guide                                        The Melbourne Disability Services Guide, your local guide to Disability Services in the City of Melbourne . The Melbourne Disability Services Guide brings together information from a wide range of sources to make it easy for you to find what you're looking for.
  • MetroAccess                                                                        The MetroAccess initiative aims to increase the participation of people with disabilities in their local communities. It is a partnership between the Department of Human Services and local government across Victoria.
    MetroAccess uses the strengths, resources and creativity of local people to make the whole community more welcoming and inclusive of people with disabilities.  

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       NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

  • Alzheimers Australia                                                            Alzheimer's Australia is the peak body providing support and advocacy for the 500,000 Australians living with dementia 
  • Huntington's Victoria                                                          To promote the needs and interests of people affected by Huntington disease.                  
  • Epilepsy Australia                                                        Epilepsy Australia is the national coalition of Australian Epilepsy Associations raising their voices as one to advance the cause of all Australians living with epilepsy.                    Actively delivering counseling, support and information to all who access the service, Epilepsy Australia is committed to raising awareness and understanding of the very real issues faced by those living with epilepsy
  • Motor Neurone Disease Victoria                                        MND Victoria is an organisation dedicated to the support of people living with Motor Neurone Disease.  The service is for everyone who is living with MND, whether directly involved or not. MND impacts not only upon those with the diagnosis, but also upon spouses, carers, parents, children, the extended family, friends, workmates and service providers.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Australia                          MS Australia strives for a world without multiple sclerosis through quality research and for service excellence to people with multiple sclerosis and their carers.
  • Muscular Dystrophy Australia                                            Working towards a world without Muscular Dystrophy - but in the mean time, there's the MDA providing Support and Hope as an organisation respected by and a proponent of the MD Community
  • Parkinson's Australia                                                    Parkinson's Australia principal service is advocacy and to be the voice of people with Parkinson’s.  As the peak nationwide agency, they represent the needs and interests of people with Parkinson’s to all levels of government seeking improved funding for services, research and awareness. Improving the understanding of Parkinson’s within the Australian community is recognised as one of priorities.

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                      CARER SERVICES

  • Care Connect                                                                    Care Connect is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in assessment, case management, and brokerage services.  Care Connect have expertise working with people with complex care needs and their families/carers, to improve quality of life and their capacity to remain living in their community.
  • Carers Network                                                               The Network is the Victorian peak body of organisations and individuals that support carers of people with a mental illness.  It comprises of carers or former carers linked with carer groups; representatives of statewide carer organisations with a significant carer focus and workers from carer support programs.
  • Carers Victoria                                                             Carers Victoria is a state wide service that provides support to carers while in their caring role, as well as education, training and advocacy programs to increase awareness of carers and carer's issues.
  • Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre                   Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres provide a single point of contact for carers seeking information and advice about the full range of services, and other support available.
  • Family Care                                                                          Family Care is a dynamic non government, not for profit organsation offering welfare, carer and disability support services to families and to young people in Shepparton, Seymour, Cobram, Alexandra, Kinglake, Wallan & surrounds  

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                      ADVOCACY SERVICES

  • Action for Community Living (ACL)                                        ACL is a federally funded organisation advocating empowerment, independence and life in the community for people with disabilities.                      
  • Action on Disability in Ethnic Communities (ADEC)                  A community based organisation that represents the rights and needs of disabled people of non-English speaking backgrounds and their carers.  ADEC provides advocacy, information, service referral, education, training and consultancy.
  • Association for Children with a Disability Inc                       The Association for Children with a Disability Inc provide information, support and advocacy for families who have a child or young adult with any type of disability or developmental delay across Victoria.
  • Maurice Blackburn: Superannuation & Insurance Claims           Superannuation and insurance can be confusing and claims can be hard to win.  Maurice Blackburn has the the largest and most successful plaintiff superannuation and insurance practice in Australia. For over 15 years they have acted for thousands of individuals, recovering many millions of dollars from insurance companies and superannuation funds.  They specialise in superannuation and insurance claims and appeals, including superannuation disability claims (Total Permanent Disability (TPD) and Terminal Illness (TI), death benefit claims and income protection insurance claims.
  • Office of the Public Advocate                                                Promoting the human rights, interests and dignity of Victorians with a disability.
  • Self Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU)                                      SARU help to make self advocacy groups in Vitoria stronger & to support people with disabilities to set up new groups.  SARU assist those living with an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury and/or have high communication needs.                     
  • The Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability Inc (VALID)                                                                          VALID is an advocacy group for adults with intellectual disabilities and their families.  VALID is funded by the State government and managed by an independent committee made up of people with a disability, family members and concerned citizens.
  • Victorian Legal Aid                                                       Information about services and useful legal information to help you understand the laws and legal system of Victoria and Australia.                                                                                                                                                                 Back to top

                      HEADACHE & MIGRAINE

  • Headache Australia                                                      Headache Australia is the only organization in Australia that aims to support the more than 5 million Australians affected by headache and migraine.  Headache Australia is an initiative of the Brain Foundation.                                                             
  • The Migraine Relief Centre                                                 Information for people who suffer from headaches/migraines.

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                               BRAIN TUMOUR

  • Brain Tumour Alliance Australia (BTAA)                               Brain Tumour Alliance Australia (BTAA) is the only national brain tumour patient and caregiver organisation in Australia. It was established in late 2008 by a group of brain tumour patients and current and former caregivers. While welcoming the advice and input of specialists, BTAA seeks to represent the brain tumour community from the viewpoint of the patient, family and caregiver.   
  • Cure for Life Foundation                                                       Cure For Life Foundation(CFLF) is devoted to saving lives of people suffering from brain tumours, through advances in research and education in neurosurgery.
  • The Brain Foundation                                                           The mission of The Brain Foundation is to reduce the incidence and impact of diseases, disorders and injuries of the brain, spine and nervous system through the provision of support, community education and research.   
  • The Cancer Council of Victoria                                              The Cancer Council Victoria is a non-profit organisation involved in cancer research and cancer support, prevention and advocacy.              
  • The Sydney Neuro-Oncology Group                                       The Sydney Neuro-Oncology Group is a charitable organisation, which aims to improve the management of brain tumours through targeted research, information sharing and constant scrutiny of treatment options                                                                                                                            Back to top

                                       STROKE

  • National Stroke Foundation                                                The National Stroke Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that works with the public, government, health professionals, patients, carers and stroke survivors to reduce the impact of stroke on the Australian community.                                                

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                                      EMPLOYMENT 

  • Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI)                                                                      

    The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the State.

  • CRS Australia                                                                  

    Having a job provides people with greater independence, more money, increased confidence and satisfaction, opportunities to learn new skills and so much more.

    At CRS Australia, we can help you on your journey to work. From your referral right through to getting a job and supporting you to keep your job, we'll be there.

    We've been working with job seekers for 65 years so we know what we're doing.

  • Centrelink                                                                 Information on the social security payments and services which Centrelinks delivers to the Australian public.
  • Disability Employment Network

    The Disability Employment Network (DEN) is targeted at job seekers with disabilities that are permanent, or likely to be permanent, and need ongoing support to gain and maintain employment.

  • Job Access                                                                      Help and workplace solutions for the employment of people with a disability.                                                                                                                                                       Back to top                                     

                    GENERAL SERVICES,

                   INFORMATION & RESOURCES

  • ARTS ACCESS                                                                     Arts Access provides access to arts and cultural activities for people who are disadvantaged, including people with a disability.                                                                                  
  • Better Health Channel

      Health and medical information for consumers, quality

      assured by the Victorian Government.                                                              

  • Can-Survive                                                                    Can-Survive offer the hope, inspiration and the skills to help you continue to live through this challenging time.                     
  • Children First Foundation                                                  The Children First Foundation's mission is to provide a safe haven in Australia for children, irrespective of race or creed, who are in need of medical or emotional support.    
  • CRS Australia                                                                 CRS Australia is a leading provider of vocational rehabilitation and assessment services to people with a disability, injury or health condition. They have over 65 years experience in the industry.
  • Department of Human Services                                          The Department of Human Services provides information and delivers services in the areas of health, community services, aged care and public housing in the state of Victoria.                    
  • Disability Attendant Support Service (DASSI)                       DASSI is a not for profit organisation providing one-to-one attendant support to people with a disability who need assistance to live, learn and work independently in the community. Individual attendant support can include assistance with personal care, household tasks, mobility, rehabilitation, social/recreational, educational and support within the workplace.                                                                      
  • Disability Housing Trust                                                       The Disability Housing Trust is a non-government charitable trust established to promote and develop new housing options and encourage new investment in housing for people with disabilities.                                                                                                                                   
  • Disability Online                                                                Provides authoritative and up-to-date information of relevance to people with disabilities, their families and carers.                        
  • Guide Dogs Victoria                                                            Promoting safe independent travel for people living with low vision or blindness                                                                
  • HealthInsite                                                                 HealthInsite is an Australian Government initiative, funded by the Department of Health and Ageing. It aims to improve the health of Australians by providing easy access to quality information about human health.                                              
  • Infoxchange Australia                                                         Infoxchange Australia works to provide Information Communication Technology (ICT) to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and communities, and the community sector organisations that, through service delivery or advocacy, support them.                                                    
  • m.a.d.woman                                                    m.a.d.woman is committed to encouraging, inspiring and enabling people to make a positive difference in the environment, community and to the lives of people who need support.
  • My Connected Community                                                (mc2) is a virtual meeting place where you can connect with people who share your interests.  Join a community, or start your own community with family, friends or colleagues.            
  • National Disability Service- Victoria                                         Promoting the development of quality services and life opportunities for Australians with disabilities.                            
  • RealTime Health                                                                 If you have been diagnosed with an illness, or if you are a carer or friend of someone recently diagnosed, personal stories can inform and reassure. They can help you understand what to expect and how others have coped              
  • Royal Children's Hospital (ABI unit)                                             
  • Shoestrings                                                                         An organisation designed to contribute in an extraordinary way to a variety of communities world wide.  There are thousands of "individuals" that feel isolated as a result of a particular experience and Shoestrings are about tying these individuals to shoestring tight commuities.                                                       
  • Statewide Community Health Centres                              Click on the link above to see the list of all Commuity Health Centres in the state.                                                                   
  • Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

     Online information and referral directory.

                          

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                                                 Updated 4th March, 2010

Please note:

* The information is current at time of publication.  If anything appears to be incorrect or if you would like to add a service, please email the Information Co-Ordinator.

* BrainLink takes no responsibility for the content of any external sites of which links have been provided.

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