Schedule 2 Authorised Disability Services

The Transport Accident Commission pursuant to section 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 hereby authorises the services described in this Schedule to be disability services for the purposes of the Act.

Definitions

In this schedule:

"disability" in respect of a person, means a disability that is:

attributable to an intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, physical or neurological impairment or acquired brain injury or any combination of those impairments caused by injuries received in a transport accident; and
which is permanent or likely to be permanent, and which:
- causes a substantially reduced capacity of the person for communication, learning or mobility in at least one of the areas of self-care or self-management; and
- requires significant ongoing or long-term episodic support; and
- is not related to ageing; or
- a pre-existing intellectual disability; or
- a pre-existing developmental delay; or
- a pre-existing psychiatric illness/condition.

Disability services are those services defined in section 3 and authorised under section 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986.

Registered means a person whose professional discipline is registered by a Board listed below.

Qualified means a person whose professional discipline has formal qualifications.

Accredited means a peer based accreditation requirement, for that professional discipline.

Recognised means an agency or person whose discipline has no formal qualifications and/or accreditation procedures but which satisfies the criteria set out below.

Authorised means authorisation by the TAC in accordance with section 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986.

Disability services

The services listed below may be provided to a client as a disability service or as part of a structured program of disability services.

Note, each service must be approved in advance of its provision, by a TAC Officer.

For details of service provider eligibility criteria for each service type, refer to the services listed below.

Listed Disability Services:

a. Accommodation Support

A TAC client who resides in supported accommodation may be required to make a contribution to their Daily Living Expenses (DLE) (s60(7)). The Governor in Council may, by Order published in the Government Gazette, fix limits in respect of contributions to be made by a person towards the cost of supported accommodation s60(11A). The TAC may be liable to pay as compensation under s60(2)(a) the reasonable cost of accommodation support for the difference between the fixed limit and the amount charged by the Provider as a disability service.

b. Attendant care services

Attendant care is a support service provided to a client at home or in a community setting. Attendant care services can be provided for clients who require assistance due to physical, sensory and/or cognitive disability arising from their transport accident where the intervention is the most age appropriate and least restrictive response to the client's needs.

The TAC has the expectation that attendant care services are delivered to a client with a disability in order to enable that client to achieve maximum personal independence and maintain functional skills and capabilities within the community.

Attendant care services can be provided in the following forms:

Daytime support, which is a service for clients who require active provision of attendant care that is classified as either:
- Personal care, which is physical assistance with daily living tasks as directed by the recommending occupational therapist/other allied health professional and includes the provision of domestic services by the attendant care support worker in down time between provision of personal care.
- Therapy support, which assists the client to actively participate in goal directed home or community based rehabilitation activities where the support is necessary to achieve specific goals and outcomes. Therapy support is documented in the client's Support Plan and revised as required by a treating health professional.
- Community access, which is to assist and support the client to undertake community activities as directed by the recommending occupational therapist.
Overnight support which is a service for clients who require attendant care for a period of 8 consecutive hours covering the usual sleeping period of the client in their home or an approved location. It comprises either:
- Active overnight support - an overnight attendant care shift where an attendant care support worker is required to provide active assistance or support to a client.
- Inactive overnight support - an overnight shift when an attendant care support worker is present, but not required to actively assist or support a client. The inactive overnight support fee includes one hour of active support (not necessarily provided consecutively) for the support worker to undertake manual tasks associated with the client's care such as assisting with toileting/continence issues, managing physical issues such as spasms and pain and turning and repositioning clients.

An attendant care provider must provide evidence that they meet the TAC’s minimum quality standards (noted below) to become registered with us. TAC will fund only those service providers who can demonstrate adherence to these quality standards. Providers must follow the formal registration process and receive approval of registration in writing before they can provide support.

The TAC Independently Reviewed against Quality Standards (IRQS) registration process outlines the TAC’s minimum quality standards and assists providers to demonstrate adherence to these.

Attainment of DFFH or NDIS registration(NDIS Core Modules) demonstrates compliance to TAC’s minimum standards, along with an audit report when it is obtained. The TAC may also recognise evidence of meeting the following alternative minimum standards:

Attendant Care Industry Standard (ACIS) audit report
Registration with the Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for Commonwealth Home Support Program and/or Home Care Packages and subsequent audit report.

In limited circumstances providers may be considered for a short term or conditional registration even if they cannot meet all of the TAC’s minimum standards. Circumstances may include a client’s inability to access attendant care supports through an existing IRQS provider due to location. The conditions of registration will be noted on the registration approval to the provider.

In order to be considered for authorisation, all providers must meet the following minimum standards:

Staff must have a demonstrated competency and/or certification including but not limited to:
- CPR – including anaphylaxis
- First aid
- Food safety
- Infection control
- Manual Handling
- Recognised Fire Safety Awareness Training
- Administration of medication
- Understanding Abuse (NDS or NDIS modules)

Willingness to complete a client specific training program, funded by the TAC as a result of a client's specialised support needs (where required)
Hold public liability and professional indemnity insurance that is appropriate to the size of the organisation and the supports and services it provides
All staff must be appropriately safety-screened prior to commencing support
Agreement to deliver services in line with the TAC’s policies and guidelines

Providers must provide evidence of the following:

Staff training plan which details the above training and competencies attained
Organisation structure chart *
Code of Conduct/ Code of Ethics or Service Charter *
Policies and processes for responding to potential or actual abuse, neglect, exploitation and preventable injury
Other relevant policies and procedures including handling of clients’ money and finances, confidentiality and privacy, conflict of interest, complaints *
Two written references from independent community and/ or health professionals, who can comment on the quality and consistency of the provider’s services *

* Not required to be provided if an existing DFFH or NDIS registered provider (NDIS Core Modules)

All attendant care providers must familiarise themselves with and adhere to the TAC Attendant Care policy and Provider Guidelines.

c. Case management services

Case management is a time limited strengths-based service used to address a specific client goal in regards to treatment related outcomes or personal functioning outcomes. Examples of these outcomes are: transition planning from one accommodation type to another; engagement with treatment and services; re-establishing the client’s role in the community; completion of crisis management plans and development of self-managing skills and strategies. The ultimate goals of case management are: to empower clients to improve their coping skills; increase resilience; promote greater autonomy, safety and wellbeing; and links to the natural supports available to them.

Decisions about the requirement of case management should be guided by the circumstances of the client, while considering the nature and extent of the vulnerabilities and/or situation faced. The service requires a collaborative approach between the client, case manager and other professionals working with the client. Case management engages the client with available supports to achieve their goals, for example government funded programs such as mental health services, alcohol and other drug services or other appropriate services.

Clients are eligible for case management when they have comorbidities and/or psychosocial complexities resulting from their transport accident injury that the client cannot manage independently. The support the client requires is time limited and with a specific outcome/s.

Quantitative measures of progress and attainment of client goals are required to be reported to the TAC throughout the case management process and these include standardized assessment, observation and client self-evaluation.

To be authorised to provide case management to a TAC client, a case manager must be qualified and experienced in delivering case management interventions to clients. Minimum qualifications are required to be at a diploma level and can include social work, community service work, disability work, or allied health or nursing.

d. Community Access Planning services

Community access planning is the services provided to an individual TAC client to:

maintain and enhance peer support networks
facilitate sharing of TAC funded support services
facilitate independent access to the community
assess and review the support needed to enable a client to participate in community based leisure or recreational activities
link clients into mainstream or supported community based leisure or recreational activities
monitor client participation in community activities to ensure programs continue to appropriately address client needs.

The TAC can approve a person to provide authorised community access planning services for TAC clients when they have met the following criteria:

Completed a minimum Certificate 4 in either Disability or Recreational Studies
At least 3 years relevant experience in working with people with a disability
Appropriate police clearance checks and other compliance with working with children legislation, where relevant

Agree to comply with the following:

TAC privacy guidelines and secrecy provisions
Health Records Act (2001) and the Information Privacy Act (2000)
Disability Act (2006).

In accordance with section 23 (1)(a) the TAC authorises community access planning services to be an authorised disability service.

e. Community Group services

A Community Group Program is an individually tailored program of supported group activities for TAC clients which:

is provided to the client within community based facilities at community based locations, e.g. a cooking program at a community leisure centre
is specifically designed for clients who require shared support to engage in leisure or recreational activities outside the home
are flexible and responsive to a client's support needs, goals and interests
supports the development of community living, social skills and peer support networks
facilitate a client's transition to mainstream community based leisure and recreation activities
provide support to persons with a disability in a matter that respects their privacy and dignity
enhance a client's quality of life.

The TAC expects community group programs to be delivered to a client with a disability to enable that client to acheive maximum participation in community based recreational and leisure activities.

The TAC can authorise organisations to provide a Community Group program as an authorised disability service under section 3(1) and 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 where the organisation complies with the disability service standards under the Disability Act 2006, or the Sport and Recreation Act 1972, or the Intellectually Disabled Persons Services Act 1986, the Health and Wellbeing Act (2008) or the Home and Community Care Act 1985 (Commonwealth).

Contracted: The TAC can authorise organisations to provide community group programs as an authorised disability service under sections 3(1) and 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 where the organisation has:

engaged in a tender process
met specific selection criteria
agreed to comply with the Victorian Charter Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)
signed a Disability Servces Agreement (contract) with the TAC to provide the services.

Non-contracted: The TAC can authorise organisations to provide community group programs as an authorised disability service under sections 3(1) and 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 as a non-contracted agency when they have provided the TAC with evidence of:

the source of funding for their current programs
public liability insurance (minimum of $10,000,000)
professional indemnity insurance (minimum of $10,000,000)
workers compensation insurance in accordance with applicable legislation
appropriate police clearance checks and other compliance with working with children
the type of clients the program is currently providing for
the current program fee/cost for participants to attend the group and what this fee includes
transport options and charges to current group program participants
experience in providing groups for people with disabilities
an agreement to comply with the:
- confidentiality deed signed by all relevant staff, including Management and Directors
- Victorian Charter Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)
- TAC privacy guidelines and secrecy provisions.

In accordance with section 23(1)(a) the TAC authorises contracted and non-contracted organisations to be providers of community group programs.

f. Dog kennelling

The TAC authorises the reasonable cost of dog kennelling for no more than two domestic dogs for a client who must stay in alternative temporary accommodation because of injuries sustained in a transport accident and when:

all current alternatives for housing the dog have been exhausted, for example re-housing of the dog with friends, family, neighbours
the dog can not stay at the client's home and be cared for by a third party
the dog boarding kennel complies with the Department of Primary Industries Code of Practice for the Operation of Boarding Establishments (the Code)
kennelling will be required on a temporary basis only until alternative arrangements can be made, and
the boarding kennel is located as close as possible to the client's temporary accommodation.

The TAC will not pay for the following services that may be provided at the kennel:

Dog food
Grooming such as clipping, stripping coat, cutting nails and bathing
Pet taxi – Transport
Dog toys & accessories
Collars & leads
Dog training
Additional exercise such as dog walking & playtime for pets
Dog breeding
Dog medication or vaccinations
Veterinary costs for the dog
Day care for dogs

In accordance with section 23(1)(a) the TAC authorises dog kennelling to be an authorised disability service.

g. Guide dogs and assistance dog providers

Guide dogs or seeing eye dogs are specially trained dogs that enable blind or vision impaired people to avoid obstactles/hazards and increase their independence and confidence in mobilising and accessing the community.

Assistance dogs are specially trained dogs that enable people with a disability to perform specific tasks that they would not ordinarily be able to perform because of their physical impairment.

The provision of guide dogs and assistance dogs consists of:

an assessment of the client's suitability for a guide dog or assistance dog
the provision of the guide dog or an assistance dog for clients assessed to be suitable
costs associated with training an eligible TAC client to command a guide dog or assistance dog
ongoing veterinary costs involved in maintaining the health of an active guide dog or assistance dog.

Veterinary equipment, including worming and dental health products, will only be funded if requested by a veterinary clinic.

The TAC authorises the following providers for guide dogs and assistance dogs:

In Victoria, guide dogs will be provided by Guide Dogs Victoria.
For clients residing in other states, refer to other associate member bodies of Guide Dogs Australia for more details.
Assistance dogs for all eligible client will be provided through Assistance Dogs Australia.

The TAC authorises the provision of guide dogs and assistance dogs to be an authorised disability service.

h. Household Help

The TAC authorises household help to be an authorised disability service in accordance with section 23(1)(a) of the Transport Accident Act 1986 where:

all entitlements to home services under s 60(2)(d) of the Transport Accident Act 1986 have expired
household help refers to help with domestic or household tasks in or outside the eligible client's primary residence, for example vacuuming, mopping and gardening
a transport accident injury prevents him/her from performing household tasks independently or with the assistance of adaptive equipment.

i. Intensive Outreach services

The Intensive Outreach Service is a time limited, intensive model of care, based on delivering assertive outreach within a recovery and positive behaviour support framework. Support is holistic and tailored to the client's presentation. Persistent, creative and informal approaches are employed to engage and to develop a relationship with clients who are unable to comply with more formal methods of service delivery. During the period of intervention client learnings will be documented leading to the development of a best practice model of care which will remain with the client once the intervention concludes.

The TAC can authorise non-government organisations to provide Intensive Outreach services as an authorised disability service under 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 where the organisation has:

a party to a service agreement with the Victorian Department of Health and/or the Victorian Department of Human Services to deliver Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation and Support Services, and
registered with the TAC to provide Intensive Outreach services to clients.

The TAC authorises Intensive Outreach services to be an authorised disability service.

j. Multiple Needs and Complex Model (MACNM) services

Multiple and Complex Needs Model services authorised by the TAC include:

Assessment
Service/ Client Care Plan Development, and
Care Plan Coordination

The MACNM service is a time-limited specialist service for individuals 16 years and older identified as having multiple and complex needs, often including those individuals that pose a risk to themselves and to the community.

The MACNM service is a model of care for significantly complex TAC clients who have exhausted all other suitable service options and present with:

Multiple and complex needs which consistently challenge the response of the existing service system
Co morbidity and/or dual diagnosis.
Poor service outcomes.
Behaviours of concern which lead to repeated service failure.
Behaviours of concern which pose a risk to self and/or others.

MACNM services can only be provided by those service providers registered with the TAC to deliver MACNM as well as registered to deliver the state-wide Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Multiple and Complex Needs Initiative.

k. Private Rental Brokerage

Private Rental Brokerage services is a service provided by a Private Rental Broker who specialises in assisting and supporting clients who have complex needs, but have the capacity to rent in the private sector, to locate and secure private rental accommodation.

The role of the Private Rental Broker is to:

locate and secure appropriate rental accommodation for TAC clients
assist TAC clients or their guardian(s) to complete the relevant paper work.

The TAC can authorise organisations to provide Private Rental Brokerage services as an authorised disability service under sections 3(1) and 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 where the organisation has:

met specific selection criteria
signed a contract with the TAC to provide Private Rental Brokerage services
public liability insurance (minimum of $10,000,000)
agreed to comply with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)
agreed to comply with the TAC privacy guidelines and secrecy provisions.

The TAC authorises the provision of Private Rental Brokerage services to be an authorised disability service.

l. Respite services

Respite services is a client service intended to provide limited breaks for a client from his/her regular support routine and maintain the continuation of the primary informal support relationship between a client, the client's family and carer.

Respite services can be provided to clients who are eligible to receive disability services and who are in receipt of a significant level of care and support from a carer or family member residing within the same household.

Services are offered by a provider or facility which satisfies industry and TAC standards as a recognised provider of respite services.

Respite services may be taken in the form of:

supported accommodation - in a supported accommodation facility or hospital.
community group programs - participation in a school holiday program, or day program.
in home respite - one to one attendant care support in a client's home.

The TAC authorises respite services to be an authorised disability service.

m. Supported employment services

Section 3(1) of the Transport Accident Act 1986 states "supported employment program" means a program designed to promote and enhance the independence of a person with a severe injury by assisting the person's return to paid employment where the person needs ongoing support to obtain, or to perform and retain, that employment.

A supported employment program is a specialised supported employment program that complies with the provisions and practice standards of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Providers of a supported employment program to TAC clients, must be registered with the NDIS to provide specialised supported employment and/or be independently assessed and certified under the National Standards for Disability Services (NSDS) criteria.

The TAC authorises specialised supported employment services to be an authorised disability service.

See also the 'Supported Employment Program' section of the 'Loss of Earnings Capacity benefits policy'.


Schedule 2 Authorised Disability Services The Transport Accident Commission pursuant to section 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 hereby authorises the services described in this Schedule to be disability services for the purposes of the Act. Definitions In this schedule: "disability" in respect of a person, means a disability that is: attributable to an intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, physical or neurological impairment or acquired brain injury or any combination of those impairments caused by injuries received in a transport accident; and which is permanent or likely to be permanent, and which: causes a substantially reduced capacity of the person for communication, learning or mobility in at least one of the areas of self-care or self-management; and requires significant ongoing or long-term episodic support; and is not related to ageing; or a pre-existing intellectual disability; or a pre-existing developmental delay; or a pre-existing psychiatric illness/condition. Disability services are those services defined in section 3 and authorised under section 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986. Registered means a person whose professional discipline is registered by a Board listed below. Qualified means a person whose professional discipline has formal qualifications. Accredited means a peer based accreditation requirement, for that professional discipline. Recognised means an agency or person whose discipline has no formal qualifications and/or accreditation procedures but which satisfies the criteria set out below. Authorised means authorisation by the TAC in accordance with section 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986. Disability services The services listed below may be provided to a client as a disability service or as part of a structured program of disability services. Note, each service must be approved in advance of its provision, by a TAC Officer. For details of service provider eligibility criteria for each service type, refer to the services listed below. Listed Disability Services: a. Accommodation Support A TAC client who resides in supported accommodation may be required to make a contribution to their Daily Living Expenses (DLE) (s60(7)). The Governor in Council may, by Order published in the Government Gazette, fix limits in respect of contributions to be made by a person towards the cost of supported accommodation s60(11A). The TAC may be liable to pay as compensation under s60(2)(a) the reasonable cost of accommodation support for the difference between the fixed limit and the amount charged by the Provider as a disability service. See also the TAC Assisted living accommodation policy and the Daily Living Expenses policy. b. Attendant care services Attendant care is a support service provided to a client at home or in a community setting. Attendant care services can be provided for clients who require assistance due to physical, sensory and/or cognitive disability arising from their transport accident where the intervention is the most age appropriate and least restrictive response to the client's needs. The TAC has the expectation that attendant care services are delivered to a client with a disability in order to enable that client to achieve maximum personal independence and maintain functional skills and capabilities within the community. Attendant care services can be provided in the following forms: Daytime support, which is a service for clients who require active provision of attendant care that is classified as either: Personal care, which is physical assistance with daily living tasks as directed by the recommending occupational therapist/other allied health professional and includes the provision of domestic services by the attendant care support worker in down time between provision of personal care. Therapy support, which assists the client to actively participate in goal directed home or community based rehabilitation activities where the support is necessary to achieve specific goals and outcomes. Therapy support is documented in the client's Support Plan and revised as required by a treating health professional. Community access, which is to assist and support the client to undertake community activities as directed by the recommending occupational therapist. Overnight support which is a service for clients who require attendant care for a period of 8 consecutive hours covering the usual sleeping period of the client in their home or an approved location. It comprises either: Active overnight support - an overnight attendant care shift where an attendant care support worker is required to provide active assistance or support to a client. Inactive overnight support - an overnight shift when an attendant care support worker is present, but not required to actively assist or support a client. The inactive overnight support fee includes one hour of active support (not necessarily provided consecutively) for the support worker to undertake manual tasks associated with the client's care such as assisting with toileting/continence issues, managing physical issues such as spasms and pain and turning and repositioning clients. An attendant care provider must provide evidence that they meet the TAC’s minimum quality standards (noted below) to become registered with us. TAC will fund only those service providers who can demonstrate adherence to these quality standards. Providers must follow the formal registration process and receive approval of registration in writing before they can provide support. The TAC Independently Reviewed against Quality Standards (IRQS) registration process outlines the TAC’s minimum quality standards and assists providers to demonstrate adherence to these. Attainment of DFFH or NDIS registration(NDIS Core Modules) demonstrates compliance to TAC’s minimum standards, along with an audit report when it is obtained. The TAC may also recognise evidence of meeting the following alternative minimum standards: Attendant Care Industry Standard (ACIS) audit report Registration with the Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for Commonwealth Home Support Program and/or Home Care Packages and subsequent audit report. In limited circumstances providers may be considered for a short term or conditional registration even if they cannot meet all of the TAC’s minimum standards. Circumstances may include a client’s inability to access attendant care supports through an existing IRQS provider due to location. The conditions of registration will be noted on the registration approval to the provider. In order to be considered for authorisation, all providers must meet the following minimum standards: Staff must have a demonstrated competency and/or certification including but not limited to: CPR – including anaphylaxis First aid Food safety Infection control Manual Handling Recognised Fire Safety Awareness Training Administration of medication Understanding Abuse (NDS or NDIS modules) Willingness to complete a client specific training program, funded by the TAC as a result of a client's specialised support needs (where required) Hold public liability and professional indemnity insurance that is appropriate to the size of the organisation and the supports and services it provides All staff must be appropriately safety-screened prior to commencing support Agreement to deliver services in line with the TAC’s policies and guidelines Providers must provide evidence of the following: Staff training plan which details the above training and competencies attained Organisation structure chart * Code of Conduct/ Code of Ethics or Service Charter * Policies and processes for responding to potential or actual abuse, neglect, exploitation and preventable injury Other relevant policies and procedures including handling of clients’ money and finances, confidentiality and privacy, conflict of interest, complaints * Two written references from independent community and/ or health professionals, who can comment on the quality and consistency of the provider’s services * * Not required to be provided if an existing DFFH or NDIS registered provider (NDIS Core Modules) All attendant care providers must familiarise themselves with and adhere to the TAC Attendant Care policy and Provider Guidelines. c. Case management services Case management is a time limited strengths-based service used to address a specific client goal in regards to treatment related outcomes or personal functioning outcomes. Examples of these outcomes are: transition planning from one accommodation type to another; engagement with treatment and services; re-establishing the client’s role in the community; completion of crisis management plans and development of self-managing skills and strategies. The ultimate goals of case management are: to empower clients to improve their coping skills; increase resilience; promote greater autonomy, safety and wellbeing; and links to the natural supports available to them. Decisions about the requirement of case management should be guided by the circumstances of the client, while considering the nature and extent of the vulnerabilities and/or situation faced. The service requires a collaborative approach between the client, case manager and other professionals working with the client. Case management engages the client with available supports to achieve their goals, for example government funded programs such as mental health services, alcohol and other drug services or other appropriate services. Clients are eligible for case management when they have comorbidities and/or psychosocial complexities resulting from their transport accident injury that the client cannot manage independently. The support the client requires is time limited and with a specific outcome/s. Quantitative measures of progress and attainment of client goals are required to be reported to the TAC throughout the case management process and these include standardized assessment, observation and client self-evaluation. To be authorised to provide case management to a TAC client, a case manager must be qualified and experienced in delivering case management interventions to clients. Minimum qualifications are required to be at a diploma level and can include social work, community service work, disability work, or allied health or nursing. See also the TAC Additional disability support services policy. d. Community Access Planning services Community access planning is the services provided to an individual TAC client to: maintain and enhance peer support networks facilitate sharing of TAC funded support services facilitate independent access to the community assess and review the support needed to enable a client to participate in community based leisure or recreational activities link clients into mainstream or supported community based leisure or recreational activities monitor client participation in community activities to ensure programs continue to appropriately address client needs. The TAC can approve a person to provide authorised community access planning services for TAC clients when they have met the following criteria: Completed a minimum Certificate 4 in either Disability or Recreational Studies At least 3 years relevant experience in working with people with a disability Appropriate police clearance checks and other compliance with working with children legislation, where relevant Agree to comply with the following: TAC privacy guidelines and secrecy provisions Health Records Act (2001) and the Information Privacy Act (2000) Disability Act (2006). In accordance with section 23 (1)(a) the TAC authorises community access planning services to be an authorised disability service. See also the TAC Community Access support services policy. e. Community Group services A Community Group Program is an individually tailored program of supported group activities for TAC clients which: is provided to the client within community based facilities at community based locations, e.g. a cooking program at a community leisure centre is specifically designed for clients who require shared support to engage in leisure or recreational activities outside the home are flexible and responsive to a client's support needs, goals and interests supports the development of community living, social skills and peer support networks facilitate a client's transition to mainstream community based leisure and recreation activities provide support to persons with a disability in a matter that respects their privacy and dignity enhance a client's quality of life. The TAC expects community group programs to be delivered to a client with a disability to enable that client to acheive maximum participation in community based recreational and leisure activities. The TAC can authorise organisations to provide a Community Group program as an authorised disability service under section 3(1) and 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 where the organisation complies with the disability service standards under the Disability Act 2006, or the Sport and Recreation Act 1972, or the Intellectually Disabled Persons Services Act 1986, the Health and Wellbeing Act (2008) or the Home and Community Care Act 1985 (Commonwealth). Contracted: The TAC can authorise organisations to provide community group programs as an authorised disability service under sections 3(1) and 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 where the organisation has: engaged in a tender process met specific selection criteria agreed to comply with the Victorian Charter Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) signed a Disability Servces Agreement (contract) with the TAC to provide the services. Non-contracted: The TAC can authorise organisations to provide community group programs as an authorised disability service under sections 3(1) and 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 as a non-contracted agency when they have provided the TAC with evidence of: the source of funding for their current programs public liability insurance (minimum of $10,000,000) professional indemnity insurance (minimum of $10,000,000) workers compensation insurance in accordance with applicable legislation appropriate police clearance checks and other compliance with working with children the type of clients the program is currently providing for the current program fee/cost for participants to attend the group and what this fee includes transport options and charges to current group program participants experience in providing groups for people with disabilities an agreement to comply with the: confidentiality deed signed by all relevant staff, including Management and Directors Victorian Charter Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) TAC privacy guidelines and secrecy provisions. In accordance with section 23(1)(a) the TAC authorises contracted and non-contracted organisations to be providers of community group programs. See also the TAC Community Access support services policy. f. Dog kennelling The TAC authorises the reasonable cost of dog kennelling for no more than two domestic dogs for a client who must stay in alternative temporary accommodation because of injuries sustained in a transport accident and when: all current alternatives for housing the dog have been exhausted, for example re-housing of the dog with friends, family, neighbours the dog can not stay at the client's home and be cared for by a third party the dog boarding kennel complies with the Department of Primary Industries Code of Practice for the Operation of Boarding Establishments (the Code) kennelling will be required on a temporary basis only until alternative arrangements can be made, and the boarding kennel is located as close as possible to the client's temporary accommodation. The TAC will not pay for the following services that may be provided at the kennel: Dog food Grooming such as clipping, stripping coat, cutting nails and bathing Pet taxi – Transport Dog toys & accessories Collars & leads Dog training Additional exercise such as dog walking & playtime for pets Dog breeding Dog medication or vaccinations Veterinary costs for the dog Day care for dogs In accordance with section 23(1)(a) the TAC authorises dog kennelling to be an authorised disability service. See also the TAC Dog Kennelling policy. g. Guide dogs and assistance dog providers Guide dogs or seeing eye dogs are specially trained dogs that enable blind or vision impaired people to avoid obstactles/hazards and increase their independence and confidence in mobilising and accessing the community. Assistance dogs are specially trained dogs that enable people with a disability to perform specific tasks that they would not ordinarily be able to perform because of their physical impairment. The provision of guide dogs and assistance dogs consists of: an assessment of the client's suitability for a guide dog or assistance dog the provision of the guide dog or an assistance dog for clients assessed to be suitable costs associated with training an eligible TAC client to command a guide dog or assistance dog ongoing veterinary costs involved in maintaining the health of an active guide dog or assistance dog. Veterinary equipment, including worming and dental health products, will only be funded if requested by a veterinary clinic. The TAC authorises the following providers for guide dogs and assistance dogs: In Victoria, guide dogs will be provided by Guide Dogs Victoria. For clients residing in other states, refer to other associate member bodies of Guide Dogs Australia for more details. Assistance dogs for all eligible client will be provided through Assistance Dogs Australia. The TAC authorises the provision of guide dogs and assistance dogs to be an authorised disability service. See also the TAC Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs policy. h. Household Help The TAC authorises household help to be an authorised disability service in accordance with section 23(1)(a) of the Transport Accident Act 1986 where: all entitlements to home services under s 60(2)(d) of the Transport Accident Act 1986 have expired household help refers to help with domestic or household tasks in or outside the eligible client's primary residence, for example vacuuming, mopping and gardening a transport accident injury prevents him/her from performing household tasks independently or with the assistance of adaptive equipment. See also the Support at home policy. i. Intensive Outreach services The Intensive Outreach Service is a time limited, intensive model of care, based on delivering assertive outreach within a recovery and positive behaviour support framework. Support is holistic and tailored to the client's presentation. Persistent, creative and informal approaches are employed to engage and to develop a relationship with clients who are unable to comply with more formal methods of service delivery. During the period of intervention client learnings will be documented leading to the development of a best practice model of care which will remain with the client once the intervention concludes. The TAC can authorise non-government organisations to provide Intensive Outreach services as an authorised disability service under 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 where the organisation has: a party to a service agreement with the Victorian Department of Health and/or the Victorian Department of Human Services to deliver Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation and Support Services, and registered with the TAC to provide Intensive Outreach services to clients. The TAC authorises Intensive Outreach services to be an authorised disability service. See also the Intensive Outreach Services policy. j. Multiple Needs and Complex Model (MACNM) services Multiple and Complex Needs Model services authorised by the TAC include: Assessment Service/ Client Care Plan Development, and Care Plan Coordination The MACNM service is a time-limited specialist service for individuals 16 years and older identified as having multiple and complex needs, often including those individuals that pose a risk to themselves and to the community. The MACNM service is a model of care for significantly complex TAC clients who have exhausted all other suitable service options and present with: Multiple and complex needs which consistently challenge the response of the existing service system Co morbidity and/or dual diagnosis. Poor service outcomes. Behaviours of concern which lead to repeated service failure. Behaviours of concern which pose a risk to self and/or others. MACNM services can only be provided by those service providers registered with the TAC to deliver MACNM as well as registered to deliver the state-wide Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Multiple and Complex Needs Initiative. See also the Multiple Needs and Complex Model (MACNM) services policy. k. Private Rental Brokerage Private Rental Brokerage services is a service provided by a Private Rental Broker who specialises in assisting and supporting clients who have complex needs, but have the capacity to rent in the private sector, to locate and secure private rental accommodation. The role of the Private Rental Broker is to: locate and secure appropriate rental accommodation for TAC clients assist TAC clients or their guardian(s) to complete the relevant paper work. The TAC can authorise organisations to provide Private Rental Brokerage services as an authorised disability service under sections 3(1) and 23 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 where the organisation has: met specific selection criteria signed a contract with the TAC to provide Private Rental Brokerage services public liability insurance (minimum of $10,000,000) agreed to comply with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) agreed to comply with the TAC privacy guidelines and secrecy provisions. The TAC authorises the provision of Private Rental Brokerage services to be an authorised disability service. l. Respite services Respite services is a client service intended to provide limited breaks for a client from his/her regular support routine and maintain the continuation of the primary informal support relationship between a client, the client's family and carer. Respite services can be provided to clients who are eligible to receive disability services and who are in receipt of a significant level of care and support from a carer or family member residing within the same household. Services are offered by a provider or facility which satisfies industry and TAC standards as a recognised provider of respite services. Respite services may be taken in the form of: supported accommodation - in a supported accommodation facility or hospital. community group programs - participation in a school holiday program, or day program. in home respite - one to one attendant care support in a client's home. The TAC authorises respite services to be an authorised disability service. m. Supported employment services Section 3(1) of the Transport Accident Act 1986 states "supported employment program" means a program designed to promote and enhance the independence of a person with a severe injury by assisting the person's return to paid employment where the person needs ongoing support to obtain, or to perform and retain, that employment. A supported employment program is a specialised supported employment program that complies with the provisions and practice standards of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Providers of a supported employment program to TAC clients, must be registered with the NDIS to provide specialised supported employment and/or be independently assessed and certified under the National Standards for Disability Services (NSDS) criteria. The TAC authorises specialised supported employment services to be an authorised disability service. See also the 'Supported Employment Program' section of the 'Loss of Earnings Capacity benefits policy'. See also the: TAC Individual Funding Agreements policy TAC Schedule 3 - Individual Funding Agreements (Approved Services)