Community Options Brokerage Service Inc.
About Us
Our History
The service was initially established in Wodonga in 1993 to provide day time options for adults with an intellectual disability who had relocated from May Day Hills to community settings. From this time the service has continued to develop and we have adapted our service to meet the needs of people seeking day time options who have Sensory, Physical, Dual Disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury and/or Intellectual Disabilities.
The Service
COBS receives funding from the Department of Human Services Victoria (DHS), and the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care NSW (DADHC) to provide day programs. Consumers who are registered with these Departments who are wishing to access day programs are then referred to local service providers and make their choice of provider.
Individuals can also access COBS on a fee for service basis.
Our service options are very flexible with consumers able to access mainstream courses such as TAFE and CEC, as well as any provider of disability specific or generic services available, all via COBS. We are also able to facilitate a consumer's transition to employment or work experience. COBS also run a diverse range of quality programs to meet the many and varied needs and individual goals of it’s consumers.
All programs are regularly reviewed and evaluated, and new programs are regularly created to cater for changing needs.
Our Vision
Our vision is that of a society where all people have equal access to all community activities and are empowered and supported to exercise freedom of choice which will enable them to choose their individual goals.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is based on the fundamental values of person centred practice which:
- Adopts a holistic and inclusive approach to developing plans
- Focuses on working towards meeting the needs of the individual
- Is responsive to the changing needs of the individual
- Creates innovative ways of exploring opportunities to meet individual needs
- Focuses on individual satisfaction and involvement in the development of support plans
Mission Statement
To be recognised as a service provider who continually delivers high quality, person centred practices which focus on the unique needs and choices of the individuals supported.
Our Values
At COBS we value and practise:
- Focusing on individuals' abilities, strengths and aspirations
- Being responsive to a supported individual's needs as they change over time
- Respecting the rights of supported individuals, volunteers, and staff
- Being sensitive to the cultural, social and religious needs of supported individuals, volunteers, and staff
- Innovation and flexibility in creating opportunities and meeting the identified needs of individuals accessing services
- Monitoring and evaluation of our organisation and the programs it purchases
- Person centred practices which promotes a holistic and inclusive approach towards developing plans in conjunction with the individual being supported
- Clear communication between individuals, volunteers, and staff
Our Operating Principles
We agree to show mutual respect for the organisation, individuals, their ideas, values and philosophies.
We will promote honest, open communication between all parties accessing or utilizing COBS' services or facilities.
We will provide a safe workplace for all employees' in accordance with OH&S Regulations and requirements.
We will value all members of the team through recognition of excellence, equality and respect for each other.
We will provide on going professional development to staff through the annual training plan and other opportunities as they may arise.