Therapy ACT

Therapy ACT is a program area of the Community Services Directorate. It provides a range of multidisciplinary therapy and support services for people with delays in development and developmental disabilities aged from birth to age 65.

Therapy and support services are available for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work and psychology.

Community Development Services

• The Community Services Program (CSP)
• The Carer Recognition Grants Program
• Communty Support and Infrastructure Grants
• Concessions
• Spectacles Concessions
• • ACT Spectacles Subsidy Scheme
  • ACT Seniors Spectacle Scheme
• Community Councils Forums

Community Recovery

The ACT Government provides community recovery services to assist individuals, families and communities deal with the impact of a disaster or major emergency event.

Under the ACT Emergency Plan, the Department of Disability Housing and Community Services is responsible for planning and managing recovery services. It does this through a dedicated unit — ACT Community Recovery.

Some of Labors achievements during 2009-2010 Include:

•  In 2010, the Government introduced a new rebate for excess water usage for people undertaking kidney dialysis at home. 
• In 2009, the Government commissioned an independent Industrial Relations Review of the ACT Community Sector. The review assessed whether wages and conditions were adequate and reasonable, and developed policy options to sustain service delivery in the community sector.
• The new Community Sector Portable Long Service Leave Scheme for the ACT Community Sector commenced on 1 July 2010 in accordance with the provisions of the Long Service Leave (Portable Schemes) Act 2009.
• In August 2010, the Government tabled the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Bill 2010.  The legislation establishes a mandatory background checking and risk assessment system for people working with vulnerable people in the ACT.
•   The ACT Government has almost completed the Regional Community Facilities project, refurbishing former school sites at Rivett, Holt, Chifley, Cook, for use as community hubs in the areas of mixed services, arts and education, health and wellbeing.
•   Two new community halls at Griffith and Bonython have also been built to serve as venues for the activities of local community groups.