Distinctive Options Independent Living Supports offers personalised one-on-one assistance within the community, empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.
The person-centred model of support varies greatly, depending on individual preferences and needs.
Vanessa, Stephen and Damien show the diverse ways in which this support can be utilised.
Vanessa’s support worker assists her with her weekly errands like grocery shopping and banking.
Back at home, they collaborate on meal preparation, budgeting and meal planning.
If time allows, they often fit a relaxing coffee at Vanessa’s favourite coffee shops.
For Stephen, his support worker aids with similar tasks such as shopping and cooking, but every two weeks, they venture to Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre where Stephen is passionate about volunteering at the Food Bank.
This opportunity allows Stephen to contribute to the community while being supported to engage in the camaraderie of working together to provide an important service to the wider community.
Meanwhile, Damien and his support worker have embarked on a year-long endeavour, constructing a large, detailed working model of the Titanic which is one of Damien’s passions.
This project is building skills in planning, woodwork and engineering and involves some days at his home and others using equipment at DO Noweyung’s facilities.
They have a small wooden model that they are basing the large-scale project on.
Without plans, they are using an exploratory building technique making sure it is aesthetically correct – plan, test materials and make prototypes to get the correct scale and ensure everything works correctly.
As you can see the supports offered
extend far beyond routine tasks like shopping and banking. Participants have the freedom to explore diverse interests such as building Titanic models, but also line dancing,
gym sessions, attending local markets,
or even creating costumes for events like Comicon.
Each week brings new opportunities for personal growth and exploration, tailored to individual passions and aspirations.
At Distinctive Options, its dedicated support staff undergo rigorous government checks and ongoing training.
To provide optimum person-centred supports, staff are matched with participants based on their compatibility with individuals’ personalities, interests, and support needs.
This ensures that every person receives the necessary skills and encouragement to achieve their goals and lead a more independent and fulfilling life.
