Community Living Services
Gateways Community Living Services support people with a disability and complex needs to have a good life and a real home in their community.
Our services have a focus on dignity, maximising the person's control over their life and helping them develop and achieve the goals that are important to them.
Community Living Services provided by Gateways include:
- Shared Community Living Services
- Independent Living Services
- My Time, My Program
Our services are provided by staff trained to support people with disabilities.
Gateways provides residential support to 37 people with disabilities in community residential units in the Barwon South West region.
Support is provided to people with complex needs who need help with: daily living and independence skills; community participation; and, supervision overnight with a staff member sleeping at the service.
Person centred planning is used to develop and improve opportunities for people living in Gateways houses by seeking input from the person, and all of the important people in their family and support network.
Gateways also uses the active support approach to encourage people to be as independent and active as possible. Achieving big and small things helps to build people's self esteem and confidence.
Shared Community Living Services are funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services.
Gateways Shared Living Services are open to adolescents and adults with disabilities living in the Barwon South West region. Participants must: be registered with the Victorian Department of Human Services; have requested support by filling out a Disability Support Request form; and, have been allocated a Supported Accommodation Placement.
Disability Support Request forms are available by phoning 1800 675 132 or Click here to download a form.
Gateways staff can help with this process. If you need help email Gateways via Contact Us or phone 5221 2984.
What are Independent Living Services?
People with a disability can choose Gateways to provide Independent Living Services to help them live independently in their own home, in their own community.
Personalised support is provided to the person with a disability such as assistance with daily living activities including personal care, budgeting, social skill development and independent living skills.
Each person's needs are taken into account. A support plan is developed in partnership with the person with a disability, and their support network, to ensure high quality, consistent care and support.
Who is eligible for Independent Living Services?
People with an Individual Support Package are eligible for Independent Living Services.
What is an Individual Support Package?
An Individual Support Package is disability funding allocated to a person by the Victorian Department of Human Services. This funding can be used to support the person live in the community.
Funds from an Individual Support Package can be used to buy a range of supports including respite, independent living services and short term case managment provided by Gateways. If you would like more information about Individual Support Packages phone 1800 675 132 or go to www.dhs.vic.gov.au\disability
What is Social Connect?
Social Connect provides activities for adolescents with complex needs. These needs are not easily catered for within a group setting.
The focus of this program is to improve the life of a person by broadening their communication, independence and community interaction.
This program is funded via Individual Education or Disability Support Packages. To find out more about eligibility email Gateways via Contact Us or phone 5221 2984.
The costs of Community Living programs are covered largely by the Department of Human Services, although participants also contribute to their rental costs from their Disability Support Pension.
What can I do to support people living in Gateways houses?
Volunteers give Community Living participants the chance to expand their social circle and enjoy new experiences and places.
The Gateways team of volunteers are well supported and are a wonderful asset to our organisation. Even if you can only give a few hours a month, your contribution can brighten the world of a person with a disability.
To volunteer in our Community Living Programs contact the Community Living Services Manager on 5221 2984 or email via Contact Us.