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Day options are aimed at teaching social or practical skills and building on the skills already gained. Activities have a developmental focus and are designed to challenge the individual to achieve clear outcomes that are linked to achieving their future goals. Programs are provided on weekdays on a sessional basis as an alternative to employment.

The main benefits of these programs include:

• being part of the community
• learning new skills
• enjoyment.

The following types of activities are provided through day options:

Recreation

• arts
• sport
• fitness
• community participation

Education

• skill development
• further certificate education
• personal development

Voluntary work

• community projects
• community service

Pathways to employment

• skill development
• work preparation.

Adults with intellectual disability are eligible for services provided by Intellectual Disability Services Council (IDSC). They require ongoing and intensive support to access a range of day options.

To become eligible for IDSC services a referral is required and an assessment is needed to determine whether IDSC services can be received. A parent/caregiver, doctor, teacher or agency can make this referral, provided the client gives his or her permission. More information about eligibility can be obtained from IDSC on 82675966.

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Day option programs are provided by a number of organisations that must be registered on the Disability Services Provider Panel managed by the Department of Human Services. Day option programs are provided by organisations in a number of ways and these are:

• via a grant funding arrangement with Disability Services
• purchasing arrangement via IDSC regional services
• the Moving On program
• self funded.

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Grant funded services
Individuals can access these services via identified vacancies within organisations that receive funding for this service type. If a vacancy exists IDSC is usually notified and those in highest need are considered for the vacancy.

IDSC Regional Services
People with disabilities can be linked with these services through Options Coordination at the local IDSC regional office. An Options Coordinator will discuss the strengths, interests and future aspirations with the individual and assist them to select and participate in an appropriate group activity, subject to funding being available.

Moving On program
The Moving On program is primarily targeted to young people leaving school. However, due to limited resources, not everyone who leaves school and is looking for a day option will be eligible. Young adult school leavers with moderate to severe intellectual disability who require intensive support will have priority of access to available resources.
Contact can be made via referral from the Options Coordinator to the Moving On program. The Moving On program is funded by the State Government, through the Department of Human Services, and administered by IDSC.

Self funded
Some individuals may wish to purchase a day option with their own money. This can be done by directly approaching the service provider and making individual arrangements.

Each regional IDSC office has a key contact person known as a Post School Options Regional Representative who liaise with local schools to gain:

• information on school leavers each year as part of the Moving On program
• a better picture about the number of people who will be leaving school in their area in future years.

Your local Options Coordinator can assist individuals and their carers to identify interests and developmental goals. The Options Coordinator is also a key contact to be involved in the Negotiated Education Plan (NEP) process.

Information about local Day Option services can be obtained through the key contacts mentioned above or at the Options Coordination Post School Options Expo, which is held each August at the Royal Adelaide Showground. Contact 82668662 or 82675966 for expo dates.

Periodically IDSC regional offices hold local information Expos. Dates and times for the next Expos can be obtained by contacting the nearest IDSC office directly.

A “Look Book” is held at each IDSC office, which is a resource book about service providers who attended the Expo and also contains information on providers who offer services in the local area.

Most providers will also offer “Come and Try” sessions where participants can gain a first hand experience of attending a day option. A work experience placement in a day option will provide a first hand experience of attending a work type option.