There were celebrations for Elcies Disability Care last week as the program marked its first birthday and one year of providing the Positive Behaviour Support service.

To mark the team’s momentous achievements in their first year of service delivery, a morning tea was held at Lutheran Care’s Kent Town office.

Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook MP, as well as clients, their families, support teams and Lutheran Care staff attended the event.

The day commenced with Elcies Disability Care client Juanita reading an Acknowledgement of Country. Minister Cook then delivered the opening speech, reflecting on the importance of disability services in supporting local communities, as well as the integrity and commitment to best practice demonstrated by the EDC team.

Lutheran Care Executive Manager Specialist Services Karen Harvey reflected on the achievements of the service in the past 12 months and acknowledged the dedication and hard work of Elcies Disability Care and the larger Lutheran Care team in the success of the program.

“It has been an incredible year for our EDC family and I would like to thank our dedicated staff who are committed to increasing the wellbeing and quality of life for people with disabilities,” Karen said.

“We look forward to what we can achieve this year.”

The event formally concluded with Elcies Disability Care Principal Clinical Lead Bianca Dubois and Clinical Lead Positive Behaviour Support Tamsin Petzer speaking on the continuing development of the service and team to best support their clients and the community.

Launched in February 2022, Positive Behaviour Support is a therapy-based service funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), aiming to increase the quality of life for people with disabilities experiencing Behaviours of Concern.

In the past year, Elcies Disability Care’s team has grown to include nine highly experienced and supportive practitioners who work with clients, their families, caregivers and support teams to address these concerns.

Elcies Disability Care’s Positive Behaviour Support services can assist with:

• Reducing Behaviours of Concern to minimise impact on home, education and community settings
• Educating the client’s support team on Positive Behaviour Support approaches and interventions, to ensure positive outcomes and consistency for the person
• Supporting and empowering clients, caregivers and support teams to manage Behaviours of Concern as they arise and improve quality of life for individuals

Elcies Disability Care has a number of exciting plans for this coming year and you can keep up to date with the news on our website and Facebook page.

To find out more about Elcies Disability Care, call 1800 352 437 or email edc@lutherancare.org.au. You can also visit our website at www.lutherancare.org.au/EDC

Elcies Disability Care is the disability services branch of Lutheran Care (Lutheran Community Care), a registered NDIS Specialist Behaviour Support Provider.