Disability Resources
Living with disability can present unique opportunities and challenges at any stage of life. As women age, accessing the right information, services, and supports can play an important role in maintaining independence, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Every woman’s experience is unique, and the right support can make a meaningful difference. These resources are here to help you access the information, services, and assistance you need to continue living safely, actively, and with confidence.
Emergency contacts
In Queensland, if you need emergency housing or are facing homelessness, the Homeless Hotline (1800 474 753) is your first point of contact.
This free, 24/7 hotline provides information and support for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Key Support Contact Numbers:
- Homeless Hotline: 1800 474 753 (free, 24/7).
- 13 QGOV: 13 74 68 (for general emergency housing).
- DVConnect: 1800 811 811
For those experiencing domestic and family violence, DVConnect provides support and can help connect individuals with safe accommodation. - Vinnies (St. Vincent de Paul): Offers family accommodation support and can be reached at 1800 846 643.
- Anglicare: Provides emergency housing services and can be contacted at 1300 769 814.
- Ask Izzy: A website and app that can help you find nearby shelters and other essential services.
- Community Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349 for support during and after a disaster.
In an emergency situation, please call 000.
The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain more time with family and friends, greater independence, access to new skills, jobs, or volunteering in their community, and an improved quality of life.
The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community.
This includes connections to doctors, community groups, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as providing information about what support is provided by each state and territory government.
Find out all about how the NDIS can support you on the website.
Carers Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and supports for carers.
If you care for a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail due to age, then Carer Gateway can help you.
The Australian Government works with a range of health and carer organisations across Australia, to deliver services to carers no matter where they live in Australia.
Carer Gateway provides many services to support carers in their caring role, including:
access to emergency respite if you suddenly find you can’t provide care, for example if you become ill or injured.
in-person and online peer support groups
tailored support packages to help with accessing planned respite, transport services, and more
in-person and phone counselling
in-person and online self-guided coaching
online skills courses to support your wellbeing and understanding of legal responsibilities relating to the caring role
The Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS) provides low intensity supports to assist you to live independently, increase connections and participate in your local community, thereby reducing social isolation.
QCSS may be of assistance if you are affected by circumstances that impact your ability to live independently at home or participate in the community.
QCSS can assist to:
- improve your capacity to self-manage and live more independently in your home
- reduce social isolation through opportunities to connect with others and participate in your local community
- link you with formal and informal supports and services in your community to best address your needs.
You may be eligible for the QCSS if you are under 65 years old (or under 50 years old for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) with:
- a disability (and are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme)
- chronic illness, mental health or other condition, or
- other circumstances that impact your ability to live independently in the community.
Footprints Community provides support to clients under the QCSS – find out more about how we can support you.
Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA Australia) is a not-for-profit, independent, community based advocacy and education service with 30 years’ experience in supporting and improving the well being of older people and people with disability.
Headquartered in Brisbane they provide advocacy services to older people and people with disability in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities across Queensland.
Our services are free, confidential and client focused.
Need more support?
Our HOWSS team is here to help you work through any of these options – call, email or drop in and we’ll point you in the right direction.
