Information on this page is an alpha listing of both Government and Private Agencies, which provide services and benefits for blind and vision impaired people in Queensland.
Against each Agency is a basic and brief description of the services they provide. This page has been compiled by the Queensland Blind Association Inc. to assist blind and vision impaired people either in a professional or personal capacity.
Click here for printable version of this directory (PDF).
Queensland Blind Association Inc. has attempted to ensure the information on this page is accurate. However, we do not warrant that the information is accurate or complete nor will we be liable for any loss suffered by any person because they rely in any way on it. We do not endorse and are not responsible for the views, products or services offered or provided on this page.
General
Australia PostEducation
Adult Community Education SubjectsEntertainment / Recreation
ParksMedical
Better Start for Children with a DisabilityQLD Department of Communities - Housing and Homelessness Services
Social HousingSeniors
Senior CardTransport / Travel
Access Direct Transport ServiceUtilities
EnergexAustralia Post will deliver some items that aid the visually impaired free of charge or at concessional rates.
Eligible articles:
No other matter may be enclosed in the post.
Eligible participants: To attract the concessional rates, either the sender or the recipient of an article for the blind must be a blind person, or an institution or organisation recognised by Australia Post as one that serves the needs of blind people.
When sending items they must have the name and address of the sender on the outside of the envelope as well as the "Articles for the Blind" label (available from the Post Office)or the words "Materials for the Use of the Blind" or similar.
This programme is funded by the Australian Government of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Pensioner Concession Cardholders can have their postal articles redirected free of charge. Contact your local Post Office for more information.
Australian postcodes can be downloaded from Australia Post's website www1.auspost.com.au/postcodes/ and clicking on "Download Postcode Datafile".
Telephone: 13 13 18
The Disability Support Pension Blind is Non Taxable; an Aged Blind Pension is Taxable. Contact the ATO for more information.
Telephone: 13 28 61
Website: www.ato.gov.au
TaxPack
The Australian Taxation Office and Vision Australia together have produced the TaxPack on Audio CD or Disk. For more information on the products telephone Vision Australia.
Freecall: 1800 847 466
Medical Expenses Tax Offset for Guide Dogs
Medical expenses tax offset for the cost of maintaining a properly trained dog for assisting a person with a disability. You can claim a tax offset of 20% (20c in the dollar) of your total net qualifying expenses over $1500. Your net medical expenses are the medical expenses you have paid, less any refunds you received from Medicare or a private health fund.
Technology & Adaptive Equipment
Some equipment used for the vision impaired that has been prescribed by the medical doctor, optician or optometrist such as talking computers, reading machines or CCTVs may be eligible for the medical expenses rebate.
The Commonwealth Carelink Centres provides free information about community aged care, disability and other support services and can help connect you to the right support.
Government, community based, religious, charitable and private organisations operate and deliver the Commonwealth Carelink Centres on behalf of the Department of Health and Ageing. The information provided by centres makes it easier to find care and support to continue to live in your own home.
Freecall: 1800 052 222 for further information.
Website: www.commcarelink.health.gov.au
Available to Queenslanders who receive the Centrelink Carer Payment or the Carer Allowance (see Centrelink entry), the card provides carers with discounts and offers on a wide range of goods and services.
Telephone: 13 13 04
Pensions: to be eligible for either the Disability Support Pension (Blind) or Aged Blind Pension you must be an Australian Citizen, or have permanent resident status and been residing in Australia continuously for ten years. If your permanent blindness occurs in Australia, there is no period of required residency.
DSP Blind Pensions were not affected by the government’s welfare to work changes. You are also exempt from the income and assets test, however, your partner must meet the income and assets test to qualify for a partnered-rate pension.
To apply for any of these allowances contact the Centrelink Customer Service Centre on 13 23 00.
Carer Allowance: is available to carers providing constant care or supervision to a person (aged 16 plus) whose disability causes substantial functional impairment.
Mobility Allowance: is available for people working, training or involved in voluntary work for 8 hours or more per week and who are unable to use public transport.
Telephone Allowance: to qualify the person must be a holder of a pension concession card and have a telephone connected in their own or their partner’s name.
Age Pension: To qualify a person must be aged over 65 for males, or over 63 for females, and meet the Centrelink income and assets criteria.
Pension Bonus Scheme You may receive a one-off payment if you continue to work past the date you meet requirements for the Age Pension.
Sickness Allowance A person must be over 21 years of age, employed and temporarily unable to work due to a medical condition.
Working Credit is to help working-age people keep more of their support payments when they start full-time, part-time or casual work.
Other assistance is available for:
Aboriginal Studies (Abstudy) 13 23 17
Austudy 13 23 17
Centrelink 13 27 17
Concession Cards 13 61 50
Disability Employment Services 13 27 17
Disability, Sickness and Carers 13 27 17
Employment Cover 21 13 28 50
Family Assistance Office 13 61 50
Granny Flats 13 23 00
Rent Assistance 13 27 17
Retirement Services 13 23 00
Working Credit 13 27 17
Youth & Student Services 13 24 90
Website: www.centrelink.gov.au
Centrelink correspondence is available in alternative formats such as audio cassette/CD, large print, braille and e-text.
Telephone: 1800 333 995. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) readers should call 13 32 54; those in regional Australia can telephone 1800 555 254.
For the latest rates and allowances visit: www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/publications/co029.htm
Telephone: 13 32 53 or 1800 555 254 (outside Brisbane)
A Commonwealth Seniors Health Card helps with the cost of prescription medicines and other services if you are of Age Pension age but do not qualify for Age Pension.
You may also be entitled to receive the Seniors Supplement - a non-taxable payment made every 3 months to help with regular bills such as energy, rates and motor vehicle registration fees.
Telephone: Centrelink Retirement Line on 13 2300
People who need lifelong attendant care can use their Companion Card to access affiliated community venues and activities for the price of a single ticket.
For a list of affiliates go to website.
Telephone: 13 74 68 (Mon to Fri, 8am - 6pm)
Fax: (07) 3404 3045
Email: cardservices@smartservice.qld.gov.au
Website: www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/companion-cards
Free Screen Reader Program
There is a free screen reader program available called non Visual Desktop Access for Windows (NVDA).
For portability, the NVDA screen reader can be run from a memory card or from a CD or DVD, without requiring installation on the destination computer.
The program can be downloaded from http://www.nvda-project.org. There are 2 copies available. One you can download and install onto your computer, and the other to store onto a memory card or CD/DVD.
WorkVentures
Centrelink cardholders, individuals on low incomes, school, and NFP orgainisations can access a low-cost personal computer (PC) through an initiative between Centrelink and Workventures.
For more information call 1800 112 205 or visit www.workventures.com.au/connectit
Queensland Transport administers the Disability Parking Scheme and a medical practitioner makes eligibility assessments. A non-refundable service fee must accompany applications. Permits are usually valid for 5 years. You do need to have another disability other than blindness to access this permit.
Telephone: 132 380
A tuition fee exemption of 50% may be available to holders of a current Pensioner Concession Card, or holders of a current Health Care Card, or a partner or dependant of a person who holds a current Pensioner Concession or Health Care Card provided they are named on the card.
To be eligible the Pensioner Concession Card holder must be entitled to the maximum rate of pension.
The student must produce a current card or official document confirming their entitlement at time of enrolment.
For application forms and further information, contact the enrolment centre at any TAFE Queensland Institute or phone Customer Service Hotline on 1300 30 8233.
A tuition fee concession or exemption may be available to a holder of a current Pensioner Concession Card or current Health Care card or a partner or dependant of a person who holds either one of these cards provided they are named on the card.
Tuition fee reductions are available for students on presentation of a current Commonwealth Health Card or Pensioner Concession Card. Partners and dependants named on these concession cards are also entitled to these fee reductions.
Full tuition and student services fee exemptions are available to students 17 years or under who are undertaking a governmnet-funded qualification at TAFE as part of their senior studies.
Tuition fee reductions are also available for students who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
The Department of Enviroment and Resource Management offers the following concessions to eligible card holders:
Concession entry to:
Concessions to Services provided on entry (eg. Guided tours) to:
Note: concessions for above mentioned locations are for Deaprtment of Enviroment and Resource Management charges only, other charges may apply.
Telephone: 1300 130 372
Website: www.derm.qld.gov.au
Concessions may be available on the admission price for some major exhibitions at the Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA. General gallery entry is free.
Weekdays from February to November on request (15 days notice required) GOMA offer narrated descriptions of the visual elements of artworks.
Telephone: (07) 3840 7303
Website: www.qag.qld.gov.au
Concessions may be available on the admission price for some major exhibitions at the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre Southbank, The Workshops Rain Museum Ipswich, Cobb & Co Museum Toowoomba, Museum of Tropical Queensland Townsville. General museum entry is free at Southbank.
Telephone: (07) 3840 7555
Concessions are available on ticket prices for most events. Cards accepted depend on the event. A number of audio described performances are available throughout the year.
Telephone: 13 62 46
Website: www.qtix.com.au
Concessions to some programs and events may be available to concession card holders. General entry to the State Library is free.
Telephone:(07) 3840 7666
Website: www.slq.qld.gov.au
Home Assist Secure gives information, advice and assessment of home security,
related home maintenance, repairs and minor modifications which relate to a
person's health, safety and security.
To be eligible, you must be a home
owner or live in private rental housing and be over 60 years or of any age with
a disability.
In addition, to receive subsidised assistance for work in
your home you need to be receiving a Commonwealth Government pension or benefit
and unable to make use of alternative forms of assistance, such as Home and
Community Care, Department of Veterans' Affairs, family or friends.
For
further information contact your local Home Assist Secure office listed.
Telephone: 1300 880 882 for your neatest office
Email: housingprovidermanagement@communities.qld.gov.au
Website: www.communitites.qld.gov.au/housing/loans-and-grants/home-modification-assistance
Jobs done through Homes Assist Secure include Handyperson/Carpentry, Minor Modifications, Smoke Alarms, Referrals for Occupational Therapists, Security, Locks - windows and doors, Plumbing, Yard & outside maintenance, & Whitegoods repairs.
This helpline is available for all veterans and war widows who need to locate a handyman or tradesperson. The veteran or war widow is responsible for the cost of all work done.
After calling the helpline, the veteran will be contacted by a reliable, registered tradesperson who will discuss the work that is needed and make arrangements to provide a quote.
Contact the helpline on 1800 801 945 (operates during business hours, with after hours service for property emergencies only).
Legal Aid Queensland provides legal assistance to financially and socially disadvantaged Queenslanders. It provides information, advice and representation in family, civil, and criminal law matters.
Telephone: 1300 651 188
The role of the Adult Guardian is to protect the rights and interests of adults who are are unable to make decisions for themselves.
Telephone: (07) 3234 0870
Email: adult.guardian@justice.qld.gov.au
Website: www.justice.qld.gov.au/justice-service/guardianship
As if 1 July 2011, children who are aged under 6 years and have been diagmosed with Downs syndrome, cerebral palsly, Fragile X syndrome, or a moderate or greater vision or hearing impairment, including deafblindness, can be registered to access early intervention. The categories of disability identified in the announcement were determined based on evidence that intensive early intervention in the pre-school years is effective in preparing this cohort of children for school.
Telephone: 1800 989530
Email: Better.Start@fahcsia.gov.au
Website: www.fahcsia.gov.au/betterstart
Free dental treatment at public dental hospitals and clinics is available to Pensioner Concession cardholders and their dependents.
Telephone: 1800 686 126 for eligibility enquiries.
Website: www.health.qld.gov.au/oralhealth
Qld Ambulance provides a 5% discount on the non-GST component of the Senior First Aid and CPR course. Must be a holder of a current concession card.
Telephone: 1300 369 003
Pensioner Concession Cardholders can apply to the Office of Hearing Services for a Hearing Service Voucher. This entitles cardholders to hearing assessment and rehabilitation including supply and fitting of hearing aids, free of charge. An annual fee needs to be paid, which provides cardholders with hearing aid maintenance and battery supplies.
Telephone: 1800 500 726
Website: www.health.qld.gov.au/hear
Provides access to subsidy funding for the provision of endorsed aids and equipment to eligible Qld residents with permanent and stabilised conditions or disabilities. Is selected to assist people to live at home and avoid premature or inappropriate care or hospitalisation. Residents must hold an eligible concession card.
For more information contact Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme at:
Telephone: (07) 3136 3636
Website: www.health.qld.gov.au/mass
Concession card holders can receive a reduction in the cost of out-of-hospital medical expenses through the lower concessional threshold for the Medicare Safety Net.
The majority of optometrists in Queensland "bulk-bill" their patients - this means Medicare will cover the cost of an eye examination. However, Medicare does not cover the cost of any spectacles or contact lenses. If you have private health insurance, these costs may be covered by your insurer.
Provides financial assistance to patients and in some cases carers to help them access specialist medical services. A subsidy is provided to approved patients to assist the cost of travel and accommodation, if the nearest service is 50km from the patient's nearest hospital. to be eligible, patients must hold a current Medicare Card, be a permanent resident of Qld, be referred by a registered medical practitioner and meet the eligibility criteria. For further information contact the patient travel officer and the patients nearest public hospital.
Telephone: 13 43 25 84
Website: www.health.qld.gov.au/iptu/html/ptss.asp
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme provides timely, reliable and affordable access to necessary medicines for Australians.
Concessions on the supply of spectacles (when clinically required) are available under the Queensland Spectacle Supply Scheme. Concessions apply to the standard range of spectacles. To be eligible a client must be a permanent resident of Queensland. Cardholders must have held their card for at least 6 months before the date of application to the scheme. Clients must have a clinical need for spectacles as determined by an optometrist / ophthalmologist.
For further information contact Qld Health.
Telephone: 13 43 25 84
Website: www.health.qld.gov.au
Talking Blood Pressure Monitor
Available from RSB of SA Inc
Telephone: 08 8232 4777
Talking Blood Glucose Monitor
Available from:
Diabetes Australia 1300 136 058
Point of Care Diagnostics 1300 640 075
Talking First Aid Kits
Available from:
Parasol Emt Pty Ltd 1300 366 818
QCHC is a not-for-profit industry body representing social and affordable Housing providers, with a member base of organisations and individuals within the community housing sector.
Address: 368 Montague Road, West End, Qld 4101
Telephone: (07) 3844 9947
Email: info@qchc.asn.au
Website: www.qchc.asn.au
Social Housing is secure and affordabel rental housing for low to moderate income families.
Qld Housing Finance Loan is designed to help people earning low to moderate incomes to buy an established house, unit, townhouse or duplex; or build a house.
Qld State Housing Loan is a home loan product designed to assist you if you purchase the public rental property you are renting or another available Queensland Department of Housing owned property.
For further information on eligibility and contact details:
Telephone: 1300 654 322
Website: www.communites.qld.gov.au/housing
A comprehensive guide to concessions, retail discounts and rebate assistance.
Telephone: 13 74 68
Website: www.qld.gov.au/everydollarcounts
If Audible-Tactile Traffic lights are not working, please contact Brisbane City Council on (07) 3403 8888.
If not in the BCC area please contact Main Roads Department on (07) 3834 2011.
If your Pensioner Concession Card was issued on or after 1 July 1994, you are entitled to a 50% reduction of the registration fee component of the total registration amount payable.
If your Pensioner Concession Care was issued before 1 July 1994 you will continue to receive the flat rate concession on the registration fee component of the total registration amount.
If you are a QLD Seniors Card holder (not Senior Business Discount Card), you are entitled to a 50% reduction on the registration fee component of the total registration amount payable.
The following conditions apply for concession:
All other charges included with your registration (such as compulsory third party insurance) are payable in full.
This concession is available for:
You must be the registered operator of the vehicle, and the vehicle must be used mainly for your private use.
This concession is available on only one vehicle recorded in the registered operator's name
You and your spouse can receive only one concession between you.
On new vehicles, you will receive your concession at the time the dealer registers the vehicle as new.
If you acquire a vehicle that is already registered (such as a second hand car) the concession will be available from the date you next renew your registration.
Application forms are available from Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre of by phoning 13 23 80
Website: www.transport.qld.gov.au
All Queensland residents aged 60 and over are eligible for either a Seniors Card, Seniors Card +go or a Seniors Business Discount Card.
Telephone: 13 74 68
Website: www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/seniorscard
Locating businesses that offer Seniors Card discounts in Brisbane will now be easier than ever with the introduction of a new Brisbane Seniors discount directory.
The directory will provide listings of metropolitan businesses offering Senior Card discounts. All card holders have access to a range of free shopping services, including Senior Shopper, a free price comparison service for large items such as white goods, furniture and cars.
Website: http://communityservices.qld.gov.au/seniorcard/savings/discount.directories/
Senior Enquiry Line is a statewide personalised information on concessions, social activities, household assistance, retirement accommodation, financial and legal matters, health, education and transport and referral service.
Telephone: 1300 135 500 9am to 5pm weekdays
Eamil: sel@lccq.org.au
Website: www.seniorsenquiryline.com.au
Senior Shopper is a no-obligation, hassle-free shopping service which aims to get Seniors Card holders the best price on a wide range of goods and services. Using Senior Shopper is very easy.
Senior Shopper is only available to Seniors Card and Senior Business Discount Card holders.
Telephone: 1300 366 265
Website: www.seniorshopper.com.au/seniorsqld/
Access Direct Transport Service is a door-to-door service that provides transport to a wide variety of destinations including health facilities, rehabilitation and social activities. The service is for HACC eligible people, who need to be an aged or frail person, have a moderate to severe disability or have a carer with a moderate to severe disability, unable to access a private vehicle and not able to use public transport, live independently in the community. The service operates on a 48-hour book-in-advance basis and requires clients to be medically fit for transport. It services Brisbane City Council suburbs north of the Brisbane River and south of the Pine River and Redcliffe City. The service is operated using volunteer drivers. Clients are asked to make a contribution.
Telephone Access Direct: (07) 3253 0532
Concession fares available from some airlines.
Guide Dogs always travel free of charge
Qantas Airlines
Telephone: 13 13 13.
Concession Card
NICAN administers the Qantas Carer Concessin Card on behalf of Qantas. The Qantas Carer Concession Card is issued to people with a disability and high level support needs who require the full-time assistance of a carer whilst they are on the plane. A person eligible if they need to have a one-on-one support when seated on the place for assitance with meals/drinks, transferring to the bathroom, orientation, communicating with the flight staff etc. A Person would not be eligible if they only need assistance boarding the plane or when they arrive at their destination. Bookings for the cardholder and their nominated carer must be made at the same time and both bookings must be made using the Card in order to obtain the discount.
The Qantas Booking Fee is not payable on bookings made using Qantas Carer Concession Card.
Discounts are not available on international travel, on flights operated by any of Qantas' alliance partners, or in conjunction with any other concessional airfares eg. airfares for children and seniors.
This card is a photo ID card which is valid for three years and has an administration fee of $27.50 including GST.
Telephone: 1800 806 769
Email: info@nican.com.au
Website: www.nican.com.au
National Bus Company
(Redland Shire) allows free travel for Legally Blind people and their Guide. Pension concession card to be shown.
Telephone: (07) 3245 3333
Clarks Logan City Bus Service
(Logan Shire) allows free travel for a Vision Impaired Person. Pension concession card to be shown.
Telephone: (07) 3200 6754
Brisbane City Council
Allows free travel for all Brisbane residents who are legally blind and their companions. Free bus Passes are obtained from Customer Service Centres. Just show your Blind Pension Card.
Free Downtown Loop Bus Service
The free loop bus circles Brisbane's CBD, stopping at Central Station, Queen Street Mall, City Botanic Gardens, Riverside Centre, QUT and King George Square. Visit the TransLink website for the free Loop service timetable information.
A 50% concession is available to holders of a Pension concession card on ferry services below. To obtain a concession, your card must be produced when purchasing a ticket.
Bay Island Taxi Service: Services operate between southern Moreton Bay Islands and Redland Bay, and Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point. (no vehicles).
Stradbroke Ferries Water Taxi: Services operate between Toondah Harbour, Cleveland and North Stradbroke Island.
Stradbroke Flyer and Island Taxi Charter: Services operate between Toondah harbour and North Stradbroke Island.
For more information in south east Queensland phone Transinfo on 13 12 30.
Sunferries Magnetic Island Pty Ltd: Services operate between Townsville and Magnetic Island. For more information phone (07) 4771 3855.
Peddells Ferry & Tour Bus Services: Services operate between Thursday Island and Seisia. For more information phone (07) 4069 1551.
LANDS Community Services operate a regular door to door transport service that will pick up from the following regions and will deliver you within those regions. These services are pre booked group travel and you must register before you can use the service. Services operate in the Bayside, Centenary & Oxley Reach, Belmont to Coorparoo, Logan, Mt Gravatt, South West Brisbane and Sunnybank.
Each run has a set fare depending on the distance. Carers travelling with clients will be charged the same price as the client. Booking must be made the day prior to the appointment. For a full list of pick-ups and distinations and fees contact Lands.
Telephone: (07) 3422 7900
Website: www.lands.org.au
Seniors Card holders can now access public transport concessions when they are interstate.
Telephone: 13 13 04
The Brisbane City Council provides Cabs for the following citizens:
A Council Cab will take you to your local shopping centre from between $1 and $3, depending on the Service. Payment is made to the cab driver at the start of your trip.
The Council Cabs operate on a weekly basis and service some areas twice weekly.
To book the Council cab service, phone (07) 3403 2227.
The ACE TTY service is available to the hearing impaired on 13 36 77.
Reserve your seat on a Council Cab up to 12 noon the day prior to using the service. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available on request.
The Council Cab will pick you up from your house in the morning (the operator will give you an approximate time when you book) and take you to the shopping precinct. If you book a return service, the Council Cab will take you back home at around lunch time.
If travelling interstate contact Qld Transport Offices and request an Interstate Travel Voucher book for half price travel interstate. Allow plenty of time for orders.
The taxi subsidy scheme is an initiative of Queensland Transport that aims to improve the mobility of persons with severe disabilities. The scheme is funded and administered by Queensland Transport and applications are forwarded to Queensland Transport. The scheme provides a subsidy for local taxi travel at a half rate concession with the maximum subsidy being $25. The scheme operates state-wide and generally, participants may use any taxi operator.
An application form must be completed.
Telephone: 1300 134 755
Website: www.transport.qld.gov.au/tss
Great Southern Railway
Great Southern Railway operates The Indian Pacific, the Ghan and the Overlander services. There are generous concession fares for Legally Blind people on all services operating between Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney. For detailed fares and bookings contact The Great Southern Railway Call Centre on 13 21 47.
Queensland Rail - City Train Fares
Residents in Queensland with a current Pensioner Concession Card are able to travel at half the normal fares on all Citytrain services. If unable to use a ticket vending machine from the departure station, persons may board without a ticket and purchase a ticket from the destination station. If proof of a disability is required by Citytrain staff, a Pensioner Concession Card may be presented.
Telephone: Queensland Rail on 13 12 30.
Traveltrain and Citytrain Services
Pensioners will simply need to present their current Pensioner Concession Card at any booking office to access their free rail entitlement on Traveltrain services. An administration fee will apply.
A person who needs a full time carer to assist them whilst travelling on traveltrains must obtain a letter from their doctor stating so. The letter is valid for two years. Present it to the travel agent when making the booking. The letter will be attached to your letter for reference during your trip.
The Traveltrain Reservations System will maintain a record of usage of a pensioner’s individual rail entitlement. Traveltrain information phone 1800 872 467.
A Legally Blind Person can travel free on trains, ferries and buses with a Travel Pass - Person with Vision Impairment. Telephone 1300 134 755 to assist with any queries.
Companion Pass
A person holding a Companion Card and a valid ticket or pass is entitled to free travel for one accompanying person who provides attendant care support. Companion Cards issued by any state or territory are valid.
To apply for a Companion Card, call 13 13 04 or visit the Department of Community.
Vision Impairment Travel Pass
A Vision Impairment Trave Pass entitles the holder to free all TransLink bus, trail and ferry services (Except Airtrain services).
To apply for a Vision Impairment Travel Pass, call 1300 134 755 or visit www.transport.qld.gov.au
Translink Access Pass
This pass gives you unlimited travel on all our services except Airtrain until it expires. You don't need to touch on and off like a "go" card. You just need to carry it with you at all times while travelling in case you're asked to show it.
You can get this pass if all these things apply:
This includes if you're in a wheelchair and have limited fine hand movement.
To apply contact 13 12 30
Animal Assistance Card
The Tranlink Assistance Animal Card allows Guide Dogs and other assistance animals to ride on TransLink services. The card is valid for two years from the date of issue.
The card is only valid on TransLink operated services. For Queensland Rail long distance train service and services outside of the TransLink service area, please contact the service operator directly to confirm access arrangements.
Please note: unless specified, this card is not accepted by any organisations for access to venues or vehicles.
For more information on taking assistance animals on public transport call TransLink on 13 12 30.
Timetables for trains, ferries and buses phone TransLink call centre on 13 12 30 or website www.translink.com.au
Loss of Power Supply
13 62 62 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Electricity Emergencies
13 19 62 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Customer Services
13 12 53 - 8.00am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday
An Electricity Discount is available to customers who meet the criteria including that it is their principle place of residence, live alone or share with their spouse, other pensioners, dependants and carers who are not paying rent. Large print bills are available on request.
For an application and eligibility details contact your Electricity supplier.
A concession of $469.36 per year (paid quarterly) per machine for eligible users of an oxygen concentrator and $314.31 per year (paid quarterly) for eligible users of a kidney dialysis machine are available to assist with meeting electricity costs.
The scheme provides financial assistance to seriously ill people who use home-based life support systems (oxygen concentrators or kidney dialysis machines) provided they have been medically assessed in accordance with the eligibility criteria determined by Queensland Health. Eligibility to receive the concession is also dependent on the following:
Full details of eligibility for the concessions are listed in the application form. Applications for this concession are automatically sent to the applicant within 14 days of receiving their machine.
For more information phone the Concessions Unit, Department of Communities on (07) 3247 5907.
A discount of 20% is allowed on the urban fire service levy for the principle place of residence. Any rural fire services levy is included in the gross rates and charges, on which the concession general pensioner discount rate is calculated. For more information contact your local shire or council.
The Queensland Government provides financial assistance to low-income Queenslanders with a medical condition that requires the use of electricity for cooling and heating.
Telephone: 13 74 68
Website: www.communities.qld.gov.au/community/concessions
The Queensland Government provides a subsidy equal to 20 per cent of the gross rates and charges levied by a local government to card holders if:
Card holders may also be entitled to a subsidy of rates by the local government.
For further information contact the local shire, town or city council.
Brisbane City Council Rates Discount
Application Form to be completed by person requiring discount. These forms may be completed at the Brisbane City Council Administration Office, George Street, Brisbane or any Customer Service Branch Office or Council Ward Office.
Consumer must bring current rates notice bearing their name, also Centrelink Pension Card or payment details form or bank statement showing that pension income is being received to qualify for full discount. Staff from BCC will assist in completing the application form.
Telephone: (07) 3403 8888
Discounts may be available for Pension Concession holders on their gas accounts. Large print bills are available on request. For information and eligibility information contact your reticulated natural gas retailer.
The Queensland Goverment is offering a rebate to eligible households who replace their electric hot water system with a heat pump of solar hot water
Telephone: 13 438 76527
Website: www.brightthing.energy.qld.gov.au/rebate-and-incentives
If you live in the Brisbane City Council Region, the Council can arrange for Rubbish Bin Collection from your yard if you are frail, have a physical disability, are vision impaired and have no able-bodied person living at your address.
There is no extra charge for this service.
Telephone: (07) 3403 8888
The Queensland Government Pensioner Water Subsidy Scheme provides an annual subsidy off the cost of water access and volumetric usage.
Applications for the discount on water rates are made through the local water distribution and retail companies.
Optus
Optus provides limited services for people who are blind or vision impaired. You can obtain a Braille bill by phoning Customer Services.
Telephone: 13 30 66 (Optus cable customers) or 1300 300 469 (for Optus phone service only customers).
The Optus number 124'yes' (124937) charged $1.10 for connection plus local call rates for the duration of the call.
Telstra
Disability Enquiry Hotline
Telstra's Disability Enquiry Hotline (DEH), 1800 068 424, will be able to assist customers if they wish to inquire about Telstra's equipment and generally to answer queries about Telstra's Disability Equipment program, including a large button phone, as well as other information on products and services for people with a disability.
People who are deaf blind can now rent a Braille TTY or a TTY with a large visual display for the same annual rental charge as a standard rental telephone handset.
Telstra includes an automatic exemption from the credit card payment processing fee for customers who:
If you are not covered by the above automatic fee exemption criteria, you are still eligible for the exemption if you have a disability.
It is true that the pension concessions are not compatible with Telstra's reward packages. It is your personal choice as to which plan you take up. Please call Telstra's hotline to help you make the best choice.
Telephone: 1800 068 424
TTY: 1800 808 981
E-mail: disabilityenquiryhotline@team.telstra.com
Website: www.telstra.com.au/disability
Customers who are blind have the option of receiving their Telstra standard and mobile telephone bills in Braille or large print. All other written communications with customers may, on the customer’s request, be sent on audio CD.
Telstra have a Mobile phone (Easycall 2) with big buttons, large font and audible key tone. Contact your neatest Telstra Shop.
Telstra Call Connect - 12456
This is a live, operator-assisted, premium service that finds and connects the customer to the number being sought from White and Yellow pages. Customers who are unable, or find it extremely difficult, to dial numbers on a telephone and therefore are prevented from using an ordinary telephone may be eligible to receive access to the Telstra Call Connect (12456) service for free (call charges still apply). Applications for registration for this service are through Telstra's Disability Enquiry Hotline.
Telstra Directory Assistance on 1223
If you have the name of the person or business you're after then find the telephone number with Telstra Directory Assistance on 1223. An optional call connection service is availabe to eligible Telstra fixed-line callers, Telstra post-paid mobile callers and Telstra pre-paid mobile callers.
Calls to Telstra Directory Assistance on 1223 are free from Telstra residential fixed-line customers and Telstra mobile customers is $0.50.
Home Messages
A free home message service for Telstra local call customers Australia wide. Dial 101 on your phone to turn it on, and Telstra Home Messages 101 will answer your calls when you aren't abel to. You will know when you have a message when you hear a special dial tone.
Available from most Telstra home phones.
Do Not Call Register
The Do Not Call Register has been set up by the Australian Government in response to community concern about the growth in unsolicited telemarketing calls.
To register:
Telstra White Pages® Mobile
Telstra NextG and 3G customers can browse White Pages® Mobile free of charge via Home or Search Tabs. Charges apply when you access 3rd party websites or type URL address into your browser.
If you are with another carrier, charges may apply, check with your service provider.
Website: http://m.whitepages.com.au
Queensland Transport issues 18+ cards on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Agency for a means of identification if you do not have a driver's licence. The cost of an 18+ card is presently $20.70. To obtain an 18+ card an applicant is required to supply:
All applicants must have the Verification of Identity declaration on the back of the Card 18+ Application form completed.
Telephone: 13 23 80 for more information.
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