Disability Respite
Flexible Respite | Overnight Respite | Eligibility | Referrals | Further Information | Brochure | Other Resources
Flexible Respite Program
Flexible Respite offers an exciting range of recreation and camping programs for children, adolescents and adults with a disability. Activities are age appropriate, fun and challenging, and provide great opportunities to make new friends and explore a variety of activities.
Our staff are experienced, enthusiastic, friendly and understanding. We enjoy having fun on our programs, helping participants develop new skills, gain independence, explore and embrace new activities, celebrate achievements and positively engage with their peers and the community.
We’ve surfed at Anglesea, sailed at Docklands, skied at Falls Creek, ridden horses, bowled strikes, swam and visited many fabulous cafes and restaurants for lunch!
Transport with specialised hoists is available.
Children and Adolescent Flexible Options
Are you aged 6-18 years, enjoy making new friends, having fun, experiencing a range of interesting activities in a safe environment and getting out and about …then our Flexible Respite Program is for you!
Come along and join us on our Saturday day programs, school holiday programs and camps. Activities depart from two locations, Kew and Wantirna, and we promise to share the fun!
Outings may include IMAX, fishing, local festivals, music, puppet shows, reptile parks, swimming, cooking, Art n’ Craft and more.
Adult Flexible Options
Are you 16+ years, looking to make lasting friendships, having fun with a great bunch of people, getting involved in the community, developing your independence skills and celebrating different experiences…then our Adult Program is for you!
Come along and join us on our monthly Sunday Program and camps. Activities depart from two locations, Kew and Wantirna, and we promise to make you smile!
Outings may include going out for lunch or dinner, listening to a band, singing up a storm at karaoke, cheering on your team at the footy, or having a round of mini golf. Each term we have a planning day where you help decide activities for the upcoming program.
Camping Programs
Grab your sleeping bag and come along on a memorable camping experience with us!
Villa Maria has a beach house at Rye, equipped with hoist and wheelchair facilities. It is located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, close to many attractions including beach and parklands, Arthur’s Seat Maze and Lookout, Sorrento Ferry, Point Nepean National Park, ten-pin bowling and more!
We also utilise a range of other Camp sites across Victoria, all with fantastic indoor and outdoor facilities. Accommodation is usually in cabins or bunkhouses and we usually cook our own hearty meals.
Activities may include giant swing, canoeing, ropes course, campfires, games, beach walks or exploring the surrounding tourist haunts.
We are committed to provide you with the BEST camping experience… so what are you waiting for!
Overnight Respite
Villa Maria Disability Services offers four unique and vibrant houses located in the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne (Croydon, Lilydale, Kew and Wheelers Hill) which provide overnight respite for individuals aged 6 to 18 years of age.
Respite aims to provide a safe, fun, and enjoyable environment for an individual, as well as supporting an individual’s needs and those of their families and carers.
We are passionate about assisting families to develop each person’s dreams and aspirations, and our staff are enthusiastic and creative about ensuring each individuals respite experience is a positive one.
Every staff member participates in regular ongoing training in areas which are relevant to the people accessing our programs.
All of the houses are equipped with specialised aids to support the mobility and support needs of each individual.
Each house features artwork on the walls that has been created by individuals during their stay.
Some of the many exciting experiences individuals can explore at our houses include:
Play equipment including trampolines located in the large backyards;
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A range of art and craft materials, toys, puzzles, books, videos, music and CD’s;
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A Guinea pig enclosure
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Sensory gardens to relax in; and
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A variety of fun and creative house and community based activities.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in Overnight Respite, the individual with a disability must:
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Reside in the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne;
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Live at home with family or carers;
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Be eligible for services under the Disability Services Act 2006;
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Be medically stable; and
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Be aged between 6 and 18 years.
Referrals
Referrals can be made by anyone including family, carers, case managers or education services by contacting the Family and Referrals Coordinator on 9809 6823.
Costs
Fees are payable for respite services and vary depending on the service used. Families experiencing financial hardship may request fee assistance.
Further Information
Villa Maria Disability Services
535-537 High Street Road
Mount Waverley VIC 3149
T: (03) 9809 6823
F: (03) 9803 0800
E: respite.services@villamaria.com.au
Villa Maria Respite Services is funded by the Department of Human Services, Eastern Metropolitan Region.
Download a copy of the Flexible Respite brochure or the Overnight Respite brochure.