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
Dental CareQLD Department of Housing
Public Rental HousingSeniors
Discount Directory for Seniors 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 Austalian Government of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affiars.
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
Telephone: 1800 333 995
Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) readers should telephone 13 32 54
Those in regional Australia can telephone 1800 555 254.
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 vehile 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 13 04 (Mon to Fri, 8am - 6pm)
Fax: 3404 3045
Email: cardservices@smartservice.qld.gov.au
Website: www.companioncard.asn.au
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 customers 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: 3253 4071
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 for the half fee exemption 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.
Telephone: 1300 30 82 33
A tuition fee exemption of 75% 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.
Tuition fee reductions of 75% are available for students who have not completed Grade 12 and who are under 17 year old at the end of February in the year they enrol.
Tuition fee reductions are also available for students who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Application for fee reduction needs to be made at the time of enrolment.
The Environmental Protection Agency (which incorporates the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service – QPWS) 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 QPWS charges only, other charges may apply. Various entertainment venues such as cinemas have concession prices for pension card holders.
Concessions may be available on the admission price for some major exhibitions at the Queensland Art Gallery. General gallery entry is free.
Telephone: 3840 7303
Website: www.qag.qld.gov.au
Concessions may be available on the admission price for some major exhibitions at the Queensland Museum. General museum entry is free.
Telephone: 3840 7555
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.
Website: www.housing.qld.gov.au/programs/ch/support/has.htm
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, & Whitegood repairs.
Barcaldine & District 4651 2187
Beaudesert 5541 1653
Blackall & District 4657 4013
Bowen / Whitsunday 4786 3629
Bowen / Whitsunday (freecall) 1800 649 842
Bribie Island 3408 0416
Brisbane North East 3254 0355
Bundaberg & District 4153 1099
Bundaberth & District (freecall) for Perry, Monto & Eidsvold 1800 112 210
Caboolture & Kilcoy 5495 8700
Caloundra 5491 7489
Central Queensland 4922 3301
Central Queensland (freecall) 1800 223 301
Charleville & District 4654 3325
Chermside & District 3624 2111
Far North Queensland 4039 9730
Far North Queensland (flat rate 25c per call) 1300 301 882
Gold Coast Central 5538 1947
Gold Coast North 5531 3502
Gold Coast South 5598 1073
Hervey Bay 4197 4332
Inner West 3366 3066
Ipswich 3810 6662
Ipswich (flat rate 25c per call) 1300 656 207
Kangaroo Point to Carina 3391 8100
Logan & Beenleigh District 3208 0604
Longreach & District 4658 1416
MacKay & Hinterland 4963 2740
MacKay & Hinterland (freecall) 1800 679 622
Maroochy 5476 6130
Maryborough/Burnett/Cooloola Districts (Maryborough office) 4123 2234
Maryborough/Burnett/Cooloola Districts (Gympie office) 5483 6666
Mt Gravatt District 3849 2131
Mt Isa & District 4749 0036
Mt Isa & District (freecall) 1800 640 932
Noosa 5449 0214
North Queensland 4787 3943
North Queensland (freecall) 1800 130 943
Pine Rivers 3889 1852
Redcliffe 3284 0526
Redland 3829 8478
Sandgate & District 3869 1000
South West Brisbane 3892 3200
South West Queensland (freecall) 1800 464 664
Stafford / Wavell Heights 3229 9416
Tableland 4091 4512
Toowoomba 4632 7385
Townsville 4727 9025
Western Suburbs Brisbane 3878 8058
Wynnum 3393 3154
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. For information and contact numbers for regional offices
Telephone: 1300 651 188
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 or 1800 500 726 for general enquires
Website: www.health.qld.gov.au
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.
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.
Freecall: 1800 500 726
Website: www.health.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: 3250 8555
Email: 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 following optometrists provide bulk billing for low vision assessments twice per year & general consultations once every two years.
Name: Ms Mee-Jane Chin
Business: Trevenen Optical
Address: Cnr Newton & Gatton Streets, Manunda Qld 4870
Phone Number: 4031 1360
Name: Mr Russell Cooper
Business: Russell Cooper Optometrist
Address: 160 Bolsover Street, Rockhampton Qld 4700
Phone Number: 4922 6996
Name: Ms Mary Svjetlana Kavur
Business: About Specs
Address: Shop 35/Orion Springfield Town Centre, Main Street, Springfield Lakes Qld 4300
Phone Number: 3470 0888
Name: Mr Paul Lagos
Business: Springfield Lakes Eyecare
Address: 31 Springfield Lakes Boulevard, Springfield Lakes Qld 4300
Phone Number: 3818 9199
Name: Dr Simon Little
Business: North Lakes Optometry
Address: Shop 4/12 North Lakes Drive, North Lakes Qld 4509
Phone Number: 3491 6786
Name: Mrs Aphrodite Livanes
Business: Colour Blind Sight Centre Optometrists
Address: Shop 43/Alexandra Hills Shopping Centre, Finucane Road, Alexandra Hills Qld 4161
Phone Number: 3824 1878
Name: Dr Jan Lovie-Kitchin
Business: Faculty of Health
Address: QUT, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove Qld 4059
Phone Number: 3138 5743
Name: Mr Stuart Macfarlane
Business: Stuart Macfarlane Optometrist,
Address: Shop 78/Cnr Kingston & Wembley Road, Logan Central Qld 4114
Phone Number: 3299 3699
Name: Mrs Beverley Roberts
Business: Roberts Alexander Optometrists
Address: Shop 3/69 King Street, Caboolture Qld 4510
Phone Number: 5495 2316
Name: Miss Irma Sator
Business: Park Ridge Eyewear
Address: Shop 111/Park Ridge Village, 3732 Mt Lindsay Highway, Park Ridge Qld 4125
Phone Number: 3802 2299
Name: Mr Bryan Smith
Business: Aphrodite Livanes Optometrists
Address: Shop 43/Alexandra Hills Shopping Centre, Finucane Road, Alexandra Hills Qld 4161
Phone Number: 3824 1878
Name: Ms Louella Varney
Business: Stewart & Leach Optometrists
Address: Unit 24/ Plains Junction, 24-48 Browns Plains Road, Browns Plains Qld 4118
Phone Number: 3800 1988
Provides direct 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. Patients need a referral and an application form needs to be completed, which is available from the Queensland Health.
Telephone: 3234 011
Website: www.health.qld.gov.au/iptu/html/ptss.asp
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme allows an item prescribed under the National Health Scheme to be charged at the rate of $3.60 per item. For other items the normal charge applies.
Community Ambulance Cover is Australia wide ambulance cover by making contributions through electricity accounts from 1 July 2003. Pensioners, Senior Card Holders and Gold Card Veterans,who meet living arrangements criteria, will be exempt from paying ambulance contributions for their principal place of residence. Gold Card holders who do not currently receive the electricty rebate will need to apply for an exemption.
For further information
Telephone: 1300 304 274
Website: www.ambulancecover.qld.gov.au/exemptions/customer_sale/pensioner.shtml
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 your local public hospital or community health centre.
North Brisbane residents can cantact The Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Telephone: 3636 8275 (Means Testing Department).
Southside residents can contact any other public hospital.
All public hospitals offer this scheme.
Talking Blood Pressure Monitor
Available from RSB of SA Inc
Telephone: 08 8232 4777
Talking Blood Glucose Monitor
Available from Diabetes Australia
Telephone: 1300 136 058
Provides affordable rental housing to low to moderate income families.
This loan is designed to help people earning low to moderate incomes to buy an established house, unit, townhouse or duplex; or build a house.
This 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.housing.qld.gov.au
If Audible-Tactile Traffic lights are not working, please contact Brisbane City Council on 3403 8888.
If not in the BCC area please contact Main Roads Department on 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 payble.
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
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 new 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://directory.aboutseniors.com.au/
A 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
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: 3253 0532
Qantas Airlines
Telephone: 13 13 13.
Concession Card
NICAN administers the Qantas Community Fare on behalf of Qantas. The Qantas Community Fare is issued to people who are blind or vision impaired and their nominated carer, travelling together, are eligible for discounts under the Community Fare structure.
Cardholders receive 50% discount of the full Business Class Fare, in addition to 50% off their carer's fare. 10% off full economy class fare. 10% off the majority of other Economy Class Fare, excluding Red e Fares. Waiver on the booking fee. Community Fares cannot be booked through travel agents. They are only available through direct contact with Qantas via their reservations number 13 13 13 or a Qantas Travel Centre.
The Qantas Community Fare is not available for international travel. It is only available for domestic travel within Australia and domestic travel within New Zealand on the Qantas network. Travel between Australia and New Zealand is not included as this is classified as international travel.
Passengers who are blind or vision impaired who have booked a Community Fare need to produce one of the following forms of Identification when checking in:
This card is a photo ID card which is valid for three years and has an administration fee. For further information and an application form contact NICAN.
Telephone:1800 806 769
Email: info@nican.com.au
Website: www.nican.com.au
Singapore Airlines
Telephone: 13 10 11
Guide Dogs always travel free of charge. For more information contact your local travel agent. For discounts while travelling on other airlines, contact the individual airline.
National Bus Company
(Redland Shire) allows free travel for Legally Blind people and their Guide. Pension concession card to be shown.
Telephone: 3245 3333
Clarks Logan City Bus Service
(Logan Shire) allows free travel for a Vision Impaired Person. Pension concession card to be shown.
Telephone: 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 your local library. Just show your Blind Pension Card.
Free Downtown Loop Bus Service
This Council Bus Service circles the CBD of Brisbane. The Loop's distinctive red buses stop at several convenient destinations including: Central Station, Queen Street Mall, City Botanic Gardens, Riverside Centre, QUT and King George Square. A free Spring Hill Loop Bus services from Queen Street to Wickham Terrace, stopping at 12 key locations in-between.
ACCESS Free Bus Service - Fairfield Shops
A free bus service is provided on Wednesday mornings with pick up and drop off to your home to Fairfield Shopping Centre. Bookings essential. >/p>
Telephone: 3892 2568
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.
Brisbane Tranport: Services operate in the Brisbane Metropolitan area.
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 4771 3855.
Peddells Ferry & Tour Bus Services: Services operate between Thursday Island and Seisia. For more information phone 4069 1551.
Transport Services for Health and Community Care eligible clients are available in most parts of the state.
Visit www.health.qld.gov.au/hacc
or call the Commonwealth Care Link on 1800 052 222.
Seniors Card holders can now access public transport concessions when they are interstate.
Telephone: 13 13 04
Council Cabs
The Council Cab is Brisbane City Council's shared transport service. The service is for residents who find it difficult to travel to and from local facilities such as shops and banks. It is operated for Brisbane City Council by Yellow Cabs.
You can use the Council Cab if you live in one of the nominated suburbs and are:
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. 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.
To book the Council cab service, phone 3403 2227.
The ACE TTY service is available to the hearing impaired on 13 3677.
To register for this service, call the Transport Options Project office on 3422 7999, allowing 2-3 days for registration processing.
Bookings can be made between 8am and 12noon, Monday to Friday. Ring Yellow Cabs on 13 62 94 and ask for the ‘Centenary & Oxley Reach Medical Run’.
Please book before 12 noon the business day prior to travel.
These services do not cover transport from discharge or day surgery procedures.
There are two Medical Runs, depending on your location and desired destination.
Picks up from:
Chelmer, Darra, Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Oxley, Sherwood, Seventeen Mile Rocks, Sumner, Wacol, Corinda, Graceville, Jindalee, Mt Ommaney, Riverhills, Sinnamon Park, Tennyson, Westlake
Destinations:
Doctors/Specialists, Optometrists, Allied Health Services: Podiatry, Occ. Therapy, Physio, Dietetics, Pathology/X-Ray/Diagnostic Clinics including Sumner Park and Mt Ommaney, Carers Support Groups, Dentists, Hopetoun and Sinnamon Village, Hydrotherapy, Montrose Access Hydrotherapy, Corinda Community Health Centre, Inala Community Health Centre
This service runs Monday to Friday.
Pickups operate three times a day at 8.30am, 10.30am and 12noon.
Returns operate three times a day at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm.
Cost is $3 each way for Home & Community Care eligible persons & $6 each way for non-HACC eligible persons. Carers and children under the age of five travel at half fare when accompanying a full paying customer.
Picks up from:
Chelmer, Darra, Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Oxley, Sherwood, Seventeen Mile Rocks, Sumner, Wacol, Corinda, Graceville, Jindalee, Mt Ommaney, Riverhills, Sinnamon Park, Tennyson, Westlake.
Destinations:
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Mater Hospital – Adult & Private including Taylor Medical Centre, Mt Olivet Hospital
This service runs Monday to Friday.
Pickups operate four times a day at 7.30am, 9am, 11am and 1pm.
Returns operate four times a day at 10.30am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.
Cost is $5 each way for Home and Community Care eligible persons and $10 each way for non-HACC eligible persons. Carers and children under the age of five travel at half fare when accompanying a full paying customer.
For more information contact
TOPS – Transport Options Project office
Hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Telephone: 3422 7999
To register for this service, call the Transport Options Project office on 3422 7999, allowing 2-3 days for registration processing.
Bookings can be made between 8am and 12noon, Monday to Friday. Ring Yellow Cabs on 13 62 94 and ask for the ‘South West Brisbane Medical Transport Run’.
Please book before 12 noon the business day prior to travel.
This service can be used for medical appointments, outpatient appointments, admission to hospital and transport to day respite centres in the hospitals listed.
Picks up from:
Acacia Ridge, Annerley, Coopers Plains, Durack, Forest Lake, Moorooka, Parkinson, Rocklea, Tarragindi, Yeerongpilly, Algester, Archerfield, Doolandella, Fairfield, Inala, Pallara, Richlands, Salisbury, Willawong, Yeronga
Destination:
QEII Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Mater Hospital – Adult and Private, Sunnybank Private Hospital, Taylor Medical Centre, Mater QRI, South Brisbane Dental Clinic, Mt Olivet Hospital, Wickham Terrace Specialists, Inala Community Health Centre, Hopetoun Hydrotherapy, Sinnamon Village Hydrotherapy, Mater Medical Centre, Yeronga Dental Clinic
This service runs Monday to Friday.
Pickups operate on the hour from 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am and 12noon.
Returns operate on the hour from 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Cost is $4 each way for Home and Community Care eligible persons & $10 each way for non-HACC eligible persons. Carers and children under the age of five travel at half fare when accompanying a full paying customer.
For more information contact
TOPS – Transport Options Project office
Hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Telephone: 3422 7999
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
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 3235 5555.
South East Explorer Ticket
These tickets give you unlimited, all day travel on trains, ferries and participating buses in South East Queensland between Coolangatta and Noosa and west to Helidon. Full price and concession fares are available. Tickets can be purchased from ticket resellers or Queensland Rail contact 3235 5555 for more information.
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. For Citytrain information phone 3606 5555 and for Traveltrain information phone 13 22 32.
(Persons with a Vision Impairment VIP Travel Pass)
A National Travel Pass is available to persons who are legally blind. You are entitled to receive the discounts that are available to people who are blind who live in the State you are visiting. It does not necessarily mean that you will receive the same discounts that are offered in your home State. It is always advisable to check what transport discounts are available in the State you are travelling to.
This Pass will entitle holders to FREE travel on all participating urban scheduled public transport services including bus, rail and ferry within Australia. Not available for use on the Airport Train in Brisbane. Please note that free travel is specifically for the Travel Pass holder only. Free travel is not available on long distance bus or rail services.
Telephone Translink on 1300 417 481
Website: www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Assistance_and_services/Concessions/
Companion Pass
Free travel for a carer on Citytrain services. A letter is required from a doctor stating you require assistance when travelling by train. An administration fee of $6.35 is payable for a two year Companion Pass.
The pass is issued in the blind or vision impaired person’s name. Apply at your local station or send letter and money to:
Citytrain Ticketing Service
P O Box 13266
George St Post Shop
Brisbane Qld 4003
Telephone: 3235 2810
Transinfo have a voice activated system for timetables for trains, ferries and buses. The telephone number is 13 12 30.
A Legally Blind Person can travel free on trains, ferries and buses with a Travel Pass - Person with Vision Impairment.
Telephone 1300 417 481 to assist with any queries.
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 $336 per year (paid quarterly) per machine for eligible users of an oxygen concentrator and $260 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 3247 5907.
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 Energex on 13 12 53.
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, Ann 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: 3403 8888
Urban Utilities Water Rates Discount
Applications for the discount on water rates are made through the Brisbane City Council as part of the land rates discount application process.
For more information telephone Urban Utilities on 13 26 57 or Brisbane City Council on 3403 8888.
Fire Services Levy - Urban / Rural
A discount of 20% is allowed on the urban fire service levy for the principle place of residence. Any riral 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.
Waste Collection
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.
Telephone: 3403 8888
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).
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.
Two new TTY's have been added to Telstra's Disability Equipment program. 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 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.
Home Messages
From 1 July 2003, Telstra local call customers Australia wide can get a free home message service. So when you are away from the phone, busy on another call or online, Telstra Home Messages 101 will answer your calls. You will know when have a message when you hear a special dial tone. Telstra Home Message 101 is available from most Telstra home phones. Just dial 101 on your home phone to turn it on.
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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