Carinity Illoura has expanded its range of services available to people living in the Scenic Rim district.
A fixture of the Beaudesert community, Illoura has offered free counselling services for 31 years. Now the not-for-profit service has launched a suite of new programs supporting people living with disability.
Program Coordinator Diana Clift said the revamped community service now offers National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funded programs.
It includes NDIS-funded therapeutic supports available to people with physical, intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, and people with acquired brain injury.
Diana said Carinity Illoura’s vision is to ensure people with a disability “can fulfill their potential as equal members of the community”.
“During the past 30 years, Carinity Illoura has supported hundreds of local youth, families and children to live their lives to their full potential, supporting and empowering people to overcome disadvantage and barriers to personal, social and economic growth,” Diana said.
“We understand the challenges faced by people with intellectual and physical impairment and believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life.
“Our new services ensure therapeutic supports will reach a broader group of NDIS participants, including those with limited mobility.”
Opened in 1992 and named after the local Indigenous term for ‘peaceful place’, Carinity Illoura’s expanded services will include counselling for children and adults, family therapy, early childhood supports, play therapy and art therapy.
“There is strong evidence stating the benefits of counselling and art therapy for a range of participants including those with physical, psychosocial, neurodiverse, sensory, cognitive, neurological and intellectual disability,” Carinity Illoura therapist Samantha Caves said.
“Carinity Illoura can also help develop skills for parents and carers to understand neurodiversity and psychosocial disabilities with children and adolescents.”
Diana said Carinity Illoura is helping to meet a growing demand for disability services in the Scenic Rim. Some disability service providers in and around Beaudesert either do not offer NDIS-supported therapies, have significant wait lists for services, or offer telehealth services only.
“Our vision is to improve accessibility for people with a disability, particularly in lower socio-economic communities,” Diana said.
“NDIS registered people with disabilities can access our services fully funded by their NDIS plan, with no out-of-pocket expenses. We also have self-funded options available to support the broader community.
“By providing accessible services to people in the Beaudesert community, we are focussed on respecting and being compassionate to all people, regardless of their ability.”
Carinity Illoura will also open its Duckett Street premises for community-based support programs including education and vocational learning courses.
To enquire about Carinity Illoura services or make an appointment email [email protected] or phone 5541 1955.
