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About CAS

Community Access Services (CAS) are day option programs for people who have severe and multiple disabilities. They are community-based services, which are a viable and valuable alternative to employment. The CAS programs differ in flavour and direction to reflect the interests of their members. Cerebral Palsy Alliance runs 7 CAS programs in Sydney and 1 in Newcastle. Each is driven by the individual needs of the participants and programs reflect their individual interests and goals.

Participants are assisted and encouraged to access general community facilities wherever possible, and to develop their skills to promote independence in all areas of their lives. They are also supported to develop vocational skills and to access paid or voluntary work if this is a realistic goal. Participants are actively involved in the management of the CAS at all levels – they are supported to plan their own weekly timetables, share in staff selection, reviews and appraisals and join committees and working groups, both within the individual service and within the community.

Activities

Activities offered by CAS are varied and have included such activities as dance, drama and art classes, gardening, ice skating, playing a variety of adapted sports, literacy programs, music therapy, massage therapy, cinema and theatre performances, community education and camps.

A pilot Boccia CAS program, based at Manly, trains people to elite level in the sport of Boccia.

The CAS Team

The CAS team consists of senior and community educators and program attendants who are directed by a Service Manager. Community educators are experienced in providing support to clients in a variety of areas including transportation, community access, communication, advocacy, individual program planning, personal care, medication administration and mealtime assistance.

Who is Eligible?

Adults with cerebral palsy or similar disabilities who, usually because of the severity of their disability, are unable to work in supported or open employment.

When is it Available?

CAS programs generally run Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm, but some  activities take place outside those hours.

Cost

In order to attend CAS, participants must receive a package of individualised government funding. For more information about how to access this funding, please phone your local CAS Manager.

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