Interaction Services has opened its doors in Shellharbour. Photo: Supplied.
A leading not-for-profit NDIS provider is bringing its expertise to Shellharbour, with Interaction Services launching a new centre to deliver specialised behaviour support and psychology services for children and adults in the Illawarra.
Founded in 1979 by parents of children with disabilities, the community will get its first look at the new Shellharbour services via a free family-friendly open day on 10 October at the Shellharbour Civic Centre.
Marketing manager Mya Clemente said the expansion came after recognising significant need in the Illawarra area, particularly for behaviour support and services for children with autism and ADHD.
Mya said it followed extensive growth in its Sydney facilities and services, and an expansion into the Central Coast.
“Our main idea, which we have long had, is to reach out to the larger community and not only help people, but also try to educate them in the ways we can make a more inclusive space for people with disability,” Mya said.
She said there were other advantages in setting up in the Illawarra too.
“We have quite a few staff members, including our senior psychologist, who live in the area,” she said.
Mya said while the senior psychologist had already built a caseload, they had Illawarra-based behaviour support practitioners keen to start working with clients in the area.
“The grand opening is getting to know the area and the community, but also trying to grow our caseload,” she said.
Being hosted in the school holidays, she said the open day would feature family-friendly activities including face painting, scratch art boards, craft stations, dance performances, and a sensory room designed to be accessible for children with diverse needs.
She said special considerations would be made to ensure comfort for participants with sensory sensitivities.
“It’s a day of activities, as well as providing a safe space for people with disabilities, especially children,” she said.
“We do know that a lot of children with disability don’t have a lot of access to school holiday events because it might be too overwhelming.
“By having our psychologists and our behaviour support practitioners there, we’re able to have a workshop that caters to people with disability and have several workstations as well.
“For example, there will be face painting, but we understand that children with disability might not like having their faces touched, so there’s also different options for that.”
Supporting more than 500 families across NSW, in Shellharbour the service will offer psychology and behaviour support, with other services planned.
“At the moment, we’re only focusing on behaviour support and psychology, but we are looking at expanding our services with support coordination and accommodation,” she said.
“We don’t have any concrete plans, but it is something that we’re looking into.”
Interaction Services Shellharbour free open day will be held on 10 October from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at Shellharbour Civic Centre. It is open to the public, with special guests including NDS NSW state manager Lowri Williams.
For more information on services, the centre is already open at QUO Business Lounge, Shop 1/4 Benson Ave, Shellharbour City Centre.
