Step Out Community Access Service

Step Out offers a range of programs to meet the needs of eligible service users across the age spectrum.

The service users of Step Out have a wide range of disabilities, and many of them are high-needs. Step Out’s client base must meet a certain criteria and is mainly referred by the Katherine office of the Department of Health’s Aged and Disability Program. Step Out support workers strive towards the independence of service users by assisting in tasks, as opposed to completing the tasks themselves. Step Out staff members do not wear uniforms and drive unmarked vehicles to further aid in the integration and acceptance of people with disabilities in the Katherine community.

Step Out delivers community access, group and individual programs, as well as managing a respite house. This latter currently has supported accommodation for two service users and two-week blocks of respite for two additional service users. Each of these services encompasses a life-skills component that focuses on service user’s empowerment and independence.

Step Out’s primary objective of assisting people with disabilities is achieved through:

• Delivering programs that focus on life-skill development;
• Promoting independence, normalisation and self-valorisation through its person-centered support work;
• Rrepresenting and helping people with disabilities within Katherine and surrounding Northern Territory communities;
• Providing information, advocacy and support to people with disabilities;
• Referring service users and providers to other support agencies within and outside of the Northern Territory;
• Publishing useful information and communications; and developing strategic alliances with other organisations with the purpose of ensuring all people with disabilities benefit from the rights set out in the Disability Services Act1986 (Cth) and the National Disability Standards2013.