Why Choose Bedford's NDIS Services

Bedford is a not-for-profit organisation with nearly 80 years of experience in supporting people with disability. Our long-standing commitment to supporting people with disability to live the life they choose is at the heart of everything we do. Choose Bedford for personalised support, trusted expertise, and a commitment to empowering you to achieve your goals.

As a trusted NDIS Registered Provider (4-3LLK-1433), Bedford Services and Advisory is experienced and qualified to deliver a wide range of supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our registered services are:

• 0104 Assistance with Personal Activities – High Intensity
• 0107 Assist-Personal Activities
• 0115 Daily Tasks / Shared Living
• 0120 Household Tasks
• 0125 Participation in Community, Social, and Civic Activities
• 0128 Therapeutic Supports (including "Finding and Keeping a Job" therapy-level supports)
• 0131 Specialised Disability Accommodation
• 0133 Specialised Support – Employment
• 0136 Group and Centre-Based Activities

This means Bedford can provide supports to self, planned and agency managed NDIS participants.

Bedford supports clients to exercise choice, live with dignity and respect, and increase independence while:

• Working
• Exploring Career Goals and Job Readiness
• Getting involved in your local community
• Pursuing personal interests
• Building relationships with others
• Developing healthy lifestyles by being mentally and physically active
• Maximising independence in household and daily activities such as shopping, preparing meals or using technology.

Bedford is committed to providing high-quality, person-centred, strengths-based, and trauma informed services that empower individuals. We continuously strive for excellence and maintain a robust governance framework that ensures the effectiveness and accountability of our services.

This framework includes oversight by our Board, Service Governance Board Committee, Executive and Safeguarding team, regular internal and external audits, and the active participation of key stakeholders. We value the input of our Client Reference Committee, Employee Representative Committee, as well as the Bedford Community Connect network, which brings together clients, families, carers, and staff.

We also offer a variety of other feedback channels to make sure we can learn from the people we support and that their voice is heard. Fostering collaboration and transparency means our services are aligned with the feedback, needs and aspirations of our clients.

Bedford's Expert Team of Disability Specialists

Bedford boasts a large team of highly trained disability staff, including disability support workers, developmental educators, disability and employment professionals, employee development coordinators, job coaches, and mentors. Our staff delivering disability support hold a minimum qualification of Certificate III, with many also possessing a Certificate IV or Diploma in Disability Support.

Leaders in our organisation have tertiary qualifications in disability and human services related fields, such as Disability and Developmental Education. We employ these staff to ensure our supports are grounded in person-centred and evidence-based practices.

With our wealth of experience, Bedford is equipped to deliver high-quality disability supports and programs that meet individual needs.

To maintain our high service standards, Bedford provides comprehensive induction and ongoing training. Key training areas include:

• Disability awareness and accessibility.
• Cultural competence
• LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
• Person-centred active support and strengths-based approaches.
• Neuro-affirming practices, supported decision-making, co-design, and trauma-informed support.

Bedford offers an upskilling program to support ongoing professional development.

Fostering an Inclusive and Accessible Environment at Bedford

At Bedford, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that empowers everyone to participate fully. Our comprehensive policies and procedures ensure that we support accessibility and meet the diverse needs of individuals. To learn more about our approach to human rights, diversity, client choice, advocacy, supported decision-making, participation, inclusion, and client consultation, please review our policies here.

We pride ourselves on implementing inclusive practices that are culturally and intersectionally sensitive. Bedford offers a variety of tools to accommodate different communication needs, such as,

• Visual aids, assistive technology, easy-read formats, and plain English options.
• Interpreters and both verbal and written communication support.
• Accessible web content in line with Web Content Accessibility (WCAG) guidelines.
• Modified, accessible spaces, including all-gender restrooms, clear signage, and accessible venues.
• Virtual and in-person communication options with sensory accommodations and reasonable adjustments.
• Alternative text, image captions, video descriptions, and the use of large, clear fonts for readability.

Person-Centred Active Support at Bedford

We believe in a person-centred active support approach that values the unique background, culture, identity, goals, support needs and preferences of each individual. Our support plans are co-designed with each person and their chosen support network, ensuring they are tailored to reflect personal goals and support needs.

At Bedford we are committed to empowering individuals to live independent, fulfilling lives, where they are supported to make choice, take on challenges, and actively share their own future. We work We work alongside each individual encouraging participation, self-determination and development of new skills.

Bedford has established strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including employers, government agencies, industry and disability advocacy groups and academic institutions. These partnerships are critical in ensuring an informed, evidence based and holistic approach to supporting individuals and facilitating inclusive programs.