Specialised Disability Support

We offer specialised knowledge of spinal cord injury and neurological conditions to offer a range of specialised services tailored to your needs. Whatever you’re seeking support for, our experienced team is here to help you thrive.

We believe in empowering you with choice, control, and the confidence to live your life the way you want. With estara, you’re not just accessing services – you’re gaining a team of dedicated professionals committed to your wellbeing and independence.

Services

Our experienced and multidisciplinary teams work collaboratively with you, your support network, medical team, friends, and family to enable you to overcome and live a fulfilling life.

  • Our spinal nurse advisors are here to help you wherever you need it, whether that’s a visit at home or a quick call. We offer both preventative and reactive care, tailored to your needs, to keep you healthy and independent. From managing skin and continence issues to helping with assistive technology or connecting you with other healthcare professionals, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

    We know managing a spinal cord injury or neurological condition requires more than just medical care. So, you can rest easy knowing our expert support and compassionate care are always available to support your wellbeing.

  • Our Occupational Therapists are here to help you live your life with as much independence and freedom as possible. Whether it’s making your home more accessible, finding the right mobility aids, or exploring driving modifications, we work with you to identify the best solutions that fit your needs. 

    We’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, helping you regain confidence and independence in daily life.

  • We’re here to help you regain your independence on the road. Our driver-trained Occupational Therapists offer personalised assessments and support, including vehicle modifications and driving equipment tailored to your needs. 

    Whether you’re learning to drive for the first time or need assistance with modifications to your current vehicle, we work with you to find the best solutions to enhance your driving experience. We’re proud to partner with Drive Smart Driving School to provide integrated driver training and support, helping you navigate the road to independence with confidence.

  • Our experienced physiotherapists specialise in helping people living with disabilities or spinal cord injuries achieve their best physical health. Whether it’s through targeted exercises, pain relief techniques, or mobility training, we work with you to improve strength, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. You can receive care in the comfort of your own home or visit our therapy rooms in Dulwich, whatever works best for you. 

    We’re here to support your journey to better health, using both passive and active therapies to help you move with more confidence and ease.

  • Our Support Coordinators are here to guide you through the complexities of the NDIS, helping you make the most of your plan and achieve your goals. With a proactive approach, and providing practical knowledge and support you need to connect with disability, mainstream, and community services, we’ll work alongside you to build your confidence, increase your independence, and ensure that your services are tailored to your needs. 

    Our experienced team is committed to providing high-quality, responsive support, and we’ll be with you every step of the way to help you take full control of your care and services. For those with complex needs, our specialist Support Coordinators offer expert guidance to manage your plan, remove barriers, and ensure your services work seamlessly together.

  • Our free Peer Support program is unlike any other. We connect you with mentors who have lived experience of spinal cord injury, so you can benefit from their shared journey of rehabilitation and recovery. Offering real understanding, practical advice, and the emotional support you need, whether you're navigating the challenges of rehabilitation or simply need someone who truly gets it. You can talk openly with someone who knows the hurdles firsthand, and who can also support your family and friends through the process.

    Our Peer Support Mentors work at the Repatriation Health Precinct Spinal Injury Unit, in our Dulwich office, and can visit you at home or in other locations that are convenient for you.

  • Our community programs are designed to meet the unique needs of people living with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions. 

    Whether you're looking for support from our dedicated volunteers or seeking fun, accessible recreation activities across Greater Adelaide, we offer opportunities to connect, engage, and thrive in your community.

With deep knowledge, empathy and expertise, our standard is to ensure you have the best guidance and support available.

Frequently asked questions

  • We offer a well-rounded approach to support, bringing together a dedicated team who truly understands your needs. Whether it’s improving your wheelchair skills, managing everyday tasks, or planning a trip interstate, we’re here to guide you through it all. 

    Our nurses, occupational therapists, and peer support mentors work closely with you to ensure you get the care and support you need to reach your goals. We’re committed to being there for you every step of the way, so you can live with confidence and independence.

  • Our specialist services are available in your home or at our Dulwich office, where you will receive support in one of our dedicated therapy rooms. 

    While on-site you’ll have access to a fully accessible kitchen.

  • No, you don’t need to be a member to request our services. Anyone living with a disability or spinal cord injury is welcome to reach out, whether you need support on a regular basis or just from time to time. 

    We’re here to make sure you feel included and empowered, and you can choose how and when to get the support you need.

Meet the team behind our SDS services

Our SDS team is packed full of some of South Australia’s best OTs, physios, nurses, and more, all highly-trained, thoroughly experienced, and dedicated to bringing you the best support for whatever your needs.

CLINICAL LEAD

Lloyd Townsend

Lloyd completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) at the University of South Australia in 2011. He is also a Diver Trained Occupational Therapist including heavy vehicles.

Lloyd has experience in neurological rehabilitation in the community and assists with specialist academic lecturing. Lloyd has a variety of clinical experience working in spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, amputee communities, acquired brain injury, adult community disability. Lloyd has expertise in complex home modification, wheelchair seating assessment and prescription, sport assistive technology and prescription, driver assessment, and vehicle modifications and rehabilitation.

Lloyd is passionate in supporting people to live fulfilling and independent lives.

When not working, Lloyd enjoys time with his family, training and supporting with disability sports.

Our SDS Team

Get to know the experienced team behind our Specialised Disability Support services!

David Coleopy

  • David completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) at the University of South Australia in 1998 and a Graduate Diploma of Clinical Rehabilitation in 2017. He is also a Diver Trained Occupational Therapist including heavy vehicles.

    David has experience in neurological rehabilitation both inpatient and in the community. He has a variety of clinical experience working with people with spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, acquired brain injury and amputation. David has particular expertise in complex home modifications and assistive technology, wheelchair and seating assessment and prescription, driver assessment, and vehicle modifications.

    David is passionate about working with people to achieve their goals and live their best life.

Shanagh Marron

  • Shanagh completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) at the University of South Australia in 2011. 

    Shanagh has over ten years of experience working in community disability, with diverse populations and complex needs. Shanagh has extensive experience in complex home modification and wheelchair prescription.

    Shanagh is passionate in assisting clients to improve their quality of life by providing exceptional service.

Kate Harris

  • Kate has completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at University of South Australia in 2020.

    Kate has experience in Private Practice and Community Practice. Kate has a variety of clinical experience working in spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, amputee communities, psychosocial and adult community disability. Kate has special experience in wheelchair prescription, sport assistive technology, and home modification.

    Kate is passionate in supporting and empowering people to live fulfilling independent lives.

Yvonne Hsieh

  • Yvonne graduated from the University of South Australia in 2012. Having started her career in Adelaide, she has since spent most of her time working in the UK for the National Health Service, whereby she developed a passion for working with clients with neurological conditions.

    Whilst in the UK, Yvonne worked as a senior physiotherapist within a community neuro therapy team. The focus of this role was to work with clients affected by neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. In addition to this, Yvonne has also held the position of lead physiotherapist at a London-based clinic that specialised in Functional Neurological Disorders.

    In terms of her work ethos, Yvonne is passionate about building strong relationships with clients and working with them to provide quality physiotherapy so they can maximise their physical function and quality of life.

    When not working, Yvonne enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Rob Robinson

  • Rob completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia in 2016.

    Senior Occupational Therapist with professional experience in Spinal Cord Injury & Neurological conditions. These include stroke, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, amputee communities and multiple sclerosis. Rob has experience with age related functional change and the associated chronic conditions. Rob has provided services via home-based care, acute hospital, sub-acute rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, aged care, disability & community rehabilitation. Clinical areas of expertise include customised seating, assistive technology, home modifications, upper limb rehabilitation & functional skill development.

    Rob is dedicated to achieving positive outcomes, which enhance independence and help individuals lead meaningful lives. 

    Outside of work I am involved in Aussie rules football and ice hockey. However, I prefer to spend most of my free time with our labradoodle Reggie.

Tiarne Saunders

  • Tiarne completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Southern Cross University in 2016. She is also a Diver Trained Occupational Therapist

    Tiarne has experience in community practice, private practice, rural and remote, public health, aged care, and clinical education. Tiarne has a variety of clinical experience working with general health conditions, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, Aboriginal health, dementia, adult and paediatric disability. Tiarne has special experience in complex home modifications, wheelchair prescriptions, cognitive assessments, and driver assessment.

    Tiarne is passionate about supporting individuals to complete meaningful tasks and maintain an optimal quality of life. Outside of work, Tiarne enjoys spending time outdoors, playing sport, pottering around the farm, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog.

Rhys Townsend

  • Rhys completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) in 2013. He is also a Diver Trained Occupational Therapist

    Rhys has experience in neurological rehabilitation both in inpatient and community settings. He has a variety of clinical experience working with people with spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, amputation, stroke and mental health. Rhys has expertise in complex home modifications and assistive technology, wheelchair and seating assessment and prescription, driver assessment, and vehicle modifications.

    Rhys is passionate about supporting individuals to maintain an optimal quality of life. 

    Outside of work, Rhys enjoys spending time with his family and playing sport.

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