What are day programs?
Day programs provide ongoing daytime activities and supports for people with a disability who have moderate to very high support needs, including:
- opportunities to participate in the community
- meaningful leisure and recreation activities
- respite for families and carers
DADHC currently funds non-government service providers under a range of initiatives to provide day program support for adults with a disability.
New directions in day programs
Two new day programs for adults with a disability are being implemented in 2009 under Stronger Together as part of the new directions in day programs:
- Life Choices
- Active Ageing
These programs will provide a framework for implementing new day program places in 2008/09.
The New Directions in Day Programs (June 2009) sets out the policy directions, intended outcomes, key result areas, and operating principles for the new Life Choices and Active Ageing Programs.
The Life Choices Program will provide people aged 25 - 54 with:
- purposeful life-stage and age-appropriate daytime activities matched to skills and interests
- leisure and recreation activities
- healthy lifestyles
- opportunities for community inclusion and participation
- support to pursue individual interests and age-appropriate social relationships
The Life Choices Program Guidelines (June 2009) set out the policy and operational requirements for this Program.
The Active Ageing Program will respond to the needs and interests of older people aged 55 - 64 (and people with early onset ageing), providing:
- age-appropriate daytime leisure and recreation activities
- flexible service options
- support to make the transition to an active older life
- opportunities for community inclusion and participation, including mainstream seniors involvements
- support to build and maintain networks of support
The Active Ageing Program Guidelines (June 2009) set out the policy and operational requirements for this Program.
Pre-qualification panel of eligible Life Choices/Active Ageing service providers
A list of eligible Life Choices and Active Ageing service providers for specified Local Planning Areas (LPAs), service models and target groups is available at Tenders.
Block funded day programs
In NSW, block funded day programs are generally provided by accredited non-government service providers funded by DADHC, operating during business hours from centres located throughout metropolitan and rural NSW.
The aim of the these programs is to provide participants with opportunities to build their capacity to participate in community life, enhance their independence, develop and sustain social and community relationships, and to participate in meaningful activities that focus on ongoing learning and development.
Most day programs offer a range of support and activities focusing on the following four activity areas:
- skills development
- community access, participation and integration
- adult education
- leisure and recreation
In limited circumstances it may be appropriate for day programs to offer vocational activities and therapy, however this will only occur where these activities are not available elsewhere. Day programs do not provide weekend programs, evening programs, holidays, or respite without an educative element.
Transport
Some day programs provide transport both to and from the program. Transport during programs, for example, from one venue to another remains part of the day program.
Who is eligible for block funded day programs?
These day programs are targeted to people with a disability who have moderate to very high support needs and who are not eligible for a Post School Program.
To be eligible, a person must undergo an independent assessment which has determined their level of support needs.
Who has priority of access for block funded day programs?
- people with high and complex multiple needs
- people with assessed complex challenging behaviour
- people at risk of entering a more restrictive option and/or whose carer is likely to be at risk unless entry into the service is facilitated
- people who are currently in a government accommodation service
- people living with an aged or sole carer who are not accessing other support services
- people who have limited or no access to other services for reasons of social isolation, geographic location and lack of peer support networks.
For more information on day programs contact:
Day and Post School Programs Team
Email: dayprograms@dadhc.nsw.gov.au
Ph: 1800 761 030