About Our Services

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland works alongside individuals with Muscular Dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions, and their families. We aim to improve the quality of the lives of Queenslanders affected by neuromuscular conditions, through the provision of our services.

Priority of need

Since 31 January 2011 the Client Services Team has operated on the basis of responding to individual requests based on a priority of need. Through discussions with individuals, families and carers, assessments will be made to identify their high, medium or low needs. This will be done in an equitable manner by considering State-wide needs through implementing a Priority of Need Service Wait List.

With this new approach we ask clients requiring any support to please contact Muscular Dystrophy Queensland by asking for your assigned Case Worker or, in cases where an assigned Case Worker has not been clarified, please ask to speak to the Intake Person (each Case Worker is on Intake one week per month on a rotating basis) who will identify your Priority of Need and explain to you how your specific request will be handled. At the point of enquiry, the Intake Person/Case Worker will identify if your request can be handled immediately or whether it should be placed on the Priority of Need Service Wait List.

Eligibility for service

To be eligible to receive services offered by Muscular Dystrophy Queensland the person needs to:

  • have Muscular Dystrophy or any other neuromuscular condition with confirmation from a medical practitioner; and
  • live in Queensland.

Case work

Casework involves working with people and/or families living with Muscular Dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions to identify their specific needs and supporting them to have those needs met. This involves consideration of their strengths, challenges and preferences and may require the provision of information, referral to other agencies, advocacy or support to access available services and activities within their community.

Respite

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland assists with respite support aimed at sustaining family networks. We work with other service providers with the aim of creating flexibility around whether support is provided at home, to access the community or via out of home care. Limited resources are available for respite support, therefore access to these services is offered to those people with the highest level of need.

Equipment

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland considers requests for assistance with equipment required by people with Muscular Dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions, including:

  • equipment loans;
  • assistance purchasing equipment;
  • assistance with expenses related to equipment, modifications, mobility and access;
  • assistance with MASS Co-Gap payments.

Information and referral

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland aims to provide information that assists people with Muscular Dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions to be informed and empowered in their lives. Whether you are seeking information related to your particular disorder or trying to navigate the service system we will assist in any way we can. If we do not have access to the information you require, we will find out where it can be found. Muscular Dystrophy Queensland also assists people to access services in their community by way of referral.

Community networks

Being connected to Muscular Dystrophy Queensland means that you have access to a range of activities throughout the year. There are regular events for people with Muscular Dystrophy and neuromuscular conditions and their family and carers, such as community network gatherings and teleconference events. There are also annual events such as Red Bow Day, Ride4MD, March4MD, the community day picnic and the community Christmas parties. These events are responsive to need and are continually improved and developed through client feedback.

Teleconferences are one of our informative community network activities. Each month community members are invited to dial into a teleconference using a freecall service, to join a discussion on a range of topics chosen for their relevance to living with a neuromuscular condition. We aim to include wide and varied topics for discussion and past topics have included ‘From a client’s perspective - living independently with FSH’, ‘All about MontroseAccess’ and ‘University of Qld research update with Bradley Launikonis’. Recordings of past teleconferences are available to view at our online vimeo channel. For more information on upcoming teleconference events, go to our teleconferences page on this website.

Advocacy

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland aims to work alongside people with Muscular Dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions for the protection of their rights.  Muscular Dystrophy Queensland staff can either work with you to assist in achieving outcomes or refer you to an organisation that is able to assist through specialised supports.

No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland offers an additional service to clients in the form of no interest loans through the Muscular Dystrophy Queensland Community Purse No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS).

The No Interest Loan will provide people experiencing financial hardship with access to credit without the burden of interest charges. Through this scheme clients of Muscular Dystrophy Queensland are able to borrow up to $2000 to purchase items that they would otherwise not be able to access via fair and equitable means.

More detailed information about this service is available on the NILS page of our website.