Dịch Vụ Hỗ Trợ Cho các Gia Đình Việt Nam về vấn đề Khuyết Tật
Trieu Tran

The project is funded by the Department of Human Services to provide assistance to Vietnamese people with disabilities, their carers and their families. It aims to raise awareness about disability issues, promote access and equity in the Vietnamese community. Therefore, working partnership with other relevant organisations is critical way to provide best benefit for the target groups. The Project Worker has worked together with Local Council, Department of Health & Human Services, Monash Health, Alfred Health Carer Services, Springvale Learning and Activities Centre, Hepatitis Victoria, Aged Care Services Australia Group, Vision Australia, RDNS, Southern Health, Migrant and Refugee Centre, Asthma Foundation, Carers Victoria Human Services, Leadership Plus,  Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne), Australian Hearing, Springvale Neighbourhood House, local pharmacies and other disability service providers in order to enhance the quality of life for Vietnamese with a disability and their families. It is also planned to provide the cross-culture training for service providers in the South East Region. Most Vietnamese with a disability and their families has accessed services such as Speech pathologist, Respite, sport for all ability, school holiday and recreation programs. The Vietnamese Carer Group at SICMAA has been well established and has been provided with up-to-date information, referrals, friendship, social and emotional support for its members.

SICMAA work with families and carers to make sure the support we give can be sustained. We consider the carer’s role when developing plans with participants including the support they provide, other responsibilities, and their own life plans. We also recognise some people with disability may want the support of family and carers to make informed decisions, and we value their views, knowledge and experience.

The following activities were carried out throughout the financial year of 2018-2019.

• Information Session on “NDIS Update” at SICMAA by VALID (Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability) on 3 August 2018
• Information Session on “Your Life Assist” by Your Life Assist on 26 November 2018
• Carry out the Vietnamese Carer Group meeting at SICMAA once a month to provide up-to-date information, friendship, social and emotional support carers
• Continue to maintain 2-hour practical physical health workshop at 1 Osborne Ave Springvale for carers to provide them opportunity to enhance their health and wellbeing and to enhance their resilience

During the financial year 2018-2019, the Project Worker worked two and a half days a week. Last year, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been rolled out throughout Victoria and has become available in the Southern Melbourne area from 1 September 2018. Consequently, the role of the Project Worker has been diminished at the end of the year 2018.