VMCH Disability Services

My son has used VMCH's early childhood intervention services for the past three years. During this time, we've used OT, speech pathology, a little bit of physio, and music, while I've also attended support groups. We've found VMCH to be simply amazing. The people are brilliant and the service is a game-changer, particularly in helping us through the NDIS process. I've also made some great friends through the support groups. Obviously very difficult, but the accounting could be a little quicker. Overall it's an amazing service and we're so thankful.

I receive a support worker through VMCH. They're really, really good, going above and beyond. Sometimes there can be a delay when organising different events or activities to go to, but once organised, it's always great.

[St Paul’s College – Kew]

My daughter has autism, epilepsy and an intellectual disability and attends St Paul’s, and we couldn’t be happier. The staff are incredibly caring and professional, and they are supportive of every single student. They have made my daughter feel very welcome and have developed programs that are targeted to her needs and that look at her strengths. They have a nurse at the school at all times which is very reassuring knowing that my daughter will receive immediate medical attention if needed. There is a speech therapist, occupational therapist, and physiotherapist on staff; it is a wonderful resource to have as they have input into my daughter’s program. My daughter has lots of opportunities to participate in activities including art, community access, music and physical education programs.

The school has an excellent after-school program which I have found very helpful and have made use of on a couple of occasions. Pastoral care and support workers are also very genuine in their care of the families, including the organisation of community events.

The principal is very proactive, approachable and invests in his staff which I think is really important. My husband and I are absolutely delighted with St Paul’s and the progress our daughter has made during her time at the school. Most importantly, our daughter loves going to school every day, which I think says a great deal about the school!

I've been using early intervention service for 2 years for my son incl. speech, OT, and Mytime. I've found it really helpful in understanding how to manage my son better. They're always open to any questions, and get back to me if I have any problems, it's a real team effort. They can get through to my son, they're patient, caring, and firm. He didn't speak when we got there, and his sensory issues aren't as bad as they were. The information about how to treat him has helped me a lot.

Villa Maria support my daughter to work/volunteering - they spend 2 hours and do a few other things that she enjoys. I'm very happy with them, the follow up and administration has been fantastic, they keep me up to date. They also give me feedback and are open to feedback themselves about what's working and not. The worker is also a good match for my daughter. The set up took a bit of time so we missed for first few months of the plan, but that sounds pretty much across the board with any providers learning the new NDIS system. Once we got going, it was great.

I found them through word of mouth and got in touch with them when we received NDIS Support Coordination for my son. They came out and met with me which I was thrilled about and made everything really clear. There was no pressure. Any questions I have answer now, they get back to straight away. Even if they don't know the answer straight away, they'll do their best to find it for me. They're great with my son and talk to him like a human being. I'd recommend them to others.