General

Established in 2015, Songbird is in its fifth year of helping people with disabilities and has already been awarded Disability Service of the Year! Our revolutionary approach, combined with an unwavering dedication, means you can count on our qualified team to provide the highest standards of service.

We are committed to delivering tailored disability supports that foster independence and achievement, every day.

Songbird is proud to offer personalised support to NDIS participants, our trustees services include Supported Independent living, Drums Alive Day Program, Community access, and In-Home support.

You are welcome to come in and say hello to our friendly team whenever you like – our office is located at 1B Hartley Drive, Thornton NSW, 2322. If you would prefer to contact us over the phone, please call us on (02) 4048 4220. Alternatively, send us an email at enquiry@songbird.com.au.

No matter which way you get in touch, we will be happy to hear from you!

We provide disability support services across the Hunter region, from Singleton, Cessnock, Maitland to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. If you are unsure whether Songbird offers support in your neighborhood, please give us a call on (02) 4048 4220.

Day Programs and Activities

Yes, we supply everything you need. However, if you would like to bring along your own musical instrument, please feel free to do so and we can incorporate it into our routine.

Day activities for adults with disabilities are held five days a week, Monday to Friday. Sessions last five hours and include some breaks.

Adult Class: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 9.30am-2.30pm

Sessions take place at our Songbird base in Thornton. Call us now on (02) 4048 4220 to arrange participation in exciting and rewarding disability activities!

Combining movement with the rhythmic beat of drums for a fun brain and body workout, this disability day program is suited to all ages and abilities. We welcome everyone to come along and join the party!

NDIS

To be eligible for the NDIS, you must:

  • Live in Australia, with Australian citizenship or a Permanent or Special Category visa
  • Be between the ages of 7 and 65
  • Have a permanent and significant disability that hinders your daily living
  • Need support now to improve future functioning

You can learn more about NDIS eligibility here.

While providers cannot charge more than the NDIS Price Guide outlines, participants may negotiate pricing to pay less for services and maximise value for money.

We recommend using the NDIS Price Guide as a benchmark, respecting the worth of each support service.

Consider your short and long-term goals.

We suggest concentrating on practical things, such as:

  • Participating in more community activities
  • Becoming more independent in your daily tasks
  • Learning to communicate more effectively

Next, think about which services could help you to reach these goals.

For instance:

  • A day program can provide fun opportunities to make friends
  • A support worker can teach you life skills and assist with daily chores
  • A speech therapist can help you to develop your verbal communication

Once you have a basic understanding of these goals and supports, you will be able to discuss your options in an NDIS planning meeting.

Once a valid NDIS Access Request has been submitted, the NDIA must confirm eligibility within 21 days.

To help speed up this process, you can:

  • Double check that your Access Request Form is completed, signed and sent with as much relevant documentation as possible.
  • Provide your Centrelink Reference Number if possible, as this allows the NDIS to confirm your age and residence without extra documentation.
  • Have all necessary information on hand incase the NDIS calls you for further details, particularly if you have received a letter from the NDIS saying that they will be in contact.

NDIS funding is personalised to individual needs, so there is no specified limit to the amount each participant can receive. If a support is considered reasonable and necessary, you are entitled to receive funding for it.

We understand if you are wondering how to apply for the NDIS. It can seem like a daunting process, so we’ve outlined the stages below:

  • Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to ask for an NDIS Access Request form, sending on any required information about your identity and disability.
  • The NDIA will make an access decision and send you a letter confirming your eligibility.
  • If eligible, your Local Area Coordinator will call you to arrange an NDIS planning meeting.
  • Set goals and discuss support options with your LAC in the NDIS planning meeting.
  • Review and implement your NDIS plan.

How To

The NDIA considers any support that enables participants to achieve otherwise challenging goals as reasonable and necessary.

These goals can involve a variety of life domains, such as living arrangements, social bonds, education or employment.

NDIS-funded support services will help participants to:

  • Pursue life goals
  • Foster independence
  • Improve social and economic functioning
  • Build capacity to participate actively within the community

The NDIA considers any support that enables participants to achieve otherwise challenging goals as reasonable and necessary. These goals can involve a variety of life domains, such as living arrangements, social bonds, education or employment.

NDIS-funded support services will help participants to:

  • Pursue life goals
  • Foster independence
  • Improve social and economic functioning
  • Build capacity to participate actively within the community

This document outlines the disability supports required to meet your needs and goals, along with any funding the NDIS may provide. Each NDIS participant has a personalised plan to reflect their unique circumstances.

Your first plan begins a lifelong journey with the NDIS, and is adjusted in line with your progress.

To become a registered provider of NDIS support, an organisation must meet the NDIS quality and safeguards standards. If you are receiving disability services from a non-registered provider, make sure they have appropriate qualifications, safety checks and staff training.

NDIA stands for National Disability Insurance Agency. This government body is responsible for ensuring that people with disabilities receive the support they need and deserve.

To do this, they have established the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This revolutionary system supports people with disabilities, their carers and families. With an emphasis on flexibility and choice, it provides personalised funding to each participant through a tailored NDIS plan.

Every year, the NDIA sets a price for common disability supports to make sure you receive value for money.

The NDIS Price Guide helps participants and providers to understand the scheme’s pricing structure and regulations, including price caps, quote requirements and service agreements.

NDIS Funding

While providers cannot charge more than the NDIS Price Guide outlines, participants may negotiate pricing to pay less for services and maximise value for money.

We recommend using the NDIS Price Guide as a benchmark, respecting the worth of each support service.

NDIS funding is personalised to individual needs, so there is no specified limit to the amount each participant can receive. If a support is considered reasonable and necessary, you are entitled to receive funding for it.

The NDIA considers any support that enables participants to achieve otherwise challenging goals as reasonable and necessary. These goals can involve a variety of life domains, such as living arrangements, social bonds, education or employment.

NDIS-funded support services will help participants to:

  • Pursue life goals
  • Foster independence
  • Improve social and economic functioning
  • Build capacity to participate actively within the community

Every year, the NDIA sets a price for common disability supports to make sure you receive value for money.

The NDIS Price Guide helps participants and providers to understand the scheme’s pricing structure and regulations, including price caps, quote requirements and service agreements.

We provide a variety of NDIS supports for individuals with a disability, including Support Coordination, Supported Independent Living, and Day Programs and Activities.

No matter your ability, we can help you to:

  • Achieve more independence
  • Transition from one life stage to another
  • Move out of your family home and into your own
  • Access therapist support
  • Develop new skills for day-to-day living
  • Strengthen family relationships and make new friendships
  • Become an active member of your local community
  • Earn work experience and secure employment

Please get in touch with our team on (02) 4048 4220 to discover how we can assist you in living life your way.

NDIS support is available to every eligible Australian, regardless of their financial situation. It is not means tested and has no impact on income support, such as the Disability Support Pension and Carers Allowance.

NDIS Journey

Consider your short and long-term goals.

We suggest concentrating on practical things, such as:

  • Participating in more community activities
  • Becoming more independent in your daily tasks
  • Learning to communicate more effectively

Next, think about which services could help you to reach these goals.

For instance:

  • A day program can provide fun opportunities to make friends
  • A support worker can teach you life skills and assist with daily chores
  • A speech therapist can help you to develop your verbal communication

Once you have a basic understanding of these goals and supports, you will be able to discuss your options in an NDIS planning meeting.

Once a valid NDIS Access Request has been submitted, the NDIA must confirm eligibility within 21 days.

To help speed up this process, you can:

  • Double check that your Access Request Form is completed, signed and sent with as much relevant documentation as possible.
  • Provide your Centrelink Reference Number if possible, as this allows the NDIS to confirm your age and residence without extra documentation.
  • Have all necessary information on hand incase the NDIS calls you for further details, particularly if you have received a letter from the NDIS saying that they will be in contact.

This document outlines the disability supports required to meet your needs and goals, along with any funding the NDIS may provide. Each NDIS participant has a personalised plan to reflect their unique circumstances.

Your first plan begins a lifelong journey with the NDIS, and is adjusted in line with your progress.

We provide a variety of NDIS supports for individuals with a disability, including Support Coordination, Supported Independent Living, and Day Programs and Activities.

No matter your ability, we can help you to:

  • Achieve more independence
  • Transition from one life stage to another
  • Move out of your family home and into your own
  • Access therapist support
  • Develop new skills for day-to-day living
  • Strengthen family relationships and make new friendships
  • Become an active member of your local community
  • Earn work experience and secure employment

Please get in touch with our team on (02) 4048 4220 to discover how we can assist you in living life your way.

It’s important to note the types of support that won’t be funded by the NDIS.

Services that will not be covered are:

  • Unrelated to your disability
  • A duplicate of a support that is already included in your NDIS plan
  • Related to daily living costs that are not linked to disability e.g. groceries
  • Better handled through another support system e.g. healthcare or education
  • Likely to harm you or put others in danger
  • Concerned with income replacement

Supported Independent Living

To reside in a Songbird property, your NDIS package must include SIL funding. We are happy to work with you to determine and apply for the funding you need.

When it comes to SIL funding, you will be eligible for one of three levels:

Lower needs: Help with, and/or supervision of, daily living tasks. In general, 24/7 support is not provided.

Standard needs: 24/7 assistance with, and/or supervision of, day-to-day functioning. This includes overnight support.

Higher needs: Continuous support with all daily activities, as well as challenging behaviour management and care for complex medical requirements.

No. This is called Board and Lodgings and is payable by you. SIL funding covers the support you receive from our staff within the home. For a more detailed breakdown of your funding and what it includes, please call our friendly team on (02) 4048 4220.

After you submit an expression of interest in our supported independent living services, it typically takes three months to get your new home ready. We make the most of this time, finding you the right accommodation and preparing it for your arrival.

Our shared housing is created with care. We provide single-level group homes that are fitted with a range of resources and supports, as well as private bedrooms and bathrooms!

Our supported independent living accommodation caters to residents 24 hours a day, every day. With disability housing available across the Hunter region, please call our expert team on (02) 4048 4220 to chat about your options. Together, we’ll find you the perfect home for your needs.

Of course! Each of our residents is a valued member of their household, contributing to daily routines, chores and decisions. Whether it’s getting together for a weekly housemate meeting or creating a list of shared responsibilities each day, we will work out the best way to manage your shared home together.