Outreach in Action: A Story from Port Hedland
A 5-year-old boy with Autism had been waiting over six months for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology services before being referred to Ability Action Australia.
Through our Outreach Service, an Ability Action Australia clinician began monthly visits, supporting him both at home and at school. They focused on improving his sensory regulation and independent communication around wants, needs, and emotions, using both spoken language and Key Word Sign.
At the beginning of services, the boy was unable to identify pictures of emotions. Now, he can identify emotions such as ‘happy,’ ‘sad,’ ‘scared,’ ‘bored,’ and ‘angry’ in pictures, using both words and Key Word Signs.
His family and teachers have been supported to use a structured Key Word Sign Plan, including the introduction of a ‘Sign of the Week’. This approach has significantly boosted their confidence in modelling Key Word Signs.
Alongside this, his Ability Action Australia Occupational Therapist has introduced a sensory diet and trialled a variety of strategies to support sensory regulation. The goal is to reduce challenging behaviours at home and in the classroom by helping him better understand and express his emotions.
Reaching Regional and Remote Areas
Living outside the Perth metropolitan area shouldn’t mean missing out on important therapeutic support, and with Ability Action Australia, you don’t have to.
Our outreach team regularly travels to Geraldton, Port Hedland, Broome and Derby to ensure participants receive consistent, personalised care, wherever they are.
With Ability Action Australia’s Outreach Service, you can expect:
- A true partnership with you and your support network to achieve meaningful outcomes
- A thorough assessment to understand your needs and create a tailored support plan
- Advocacy for long-lasting support, improved independence, and community connection
- Ongoing encouragement and guidance to help you work towards your goals
How we deliver services
We know that living in a regional or remote area shouldn’t mean missing out on essential NDIS supports.
That’s why our outreach program is built on flexibility and consistency:
Scheduled visits
Our clinicians travel to your community for in-person therapy, typically every 2–6 weeks
Online support
Telehealth sessions are available between visits, helping you stay on track and maintain progress
Holistic approach
We work closely with families, local providers and support networks to ensure coordinated, ongoing care
Our commitment
With years of experience delivering outreach services to remote and regional areas — including Kangaroo Island, SA since 2022 and the Pilbara region, WA since 2023 — we are dedicated to ensuring participants receive quality, personalised, and community-focused therapy.
Personalised therapy
Every participant receives a tailored plan based on their unique needs and goals
Multi-disciplinary support
Our therapist and practitioners collaborate to provide comprehensive, coordinated care.
Trusted NDIS provider
Our skilled clinicians follow best-practice, evidence-based approaches to support positive outcomes.
Commitment to community
We work closely with local networks to build sustainable, long-term services
Are you ready to get started? It’s easy!
You can fill out our easy
online referral form
You can talk to a person in our
concierge team
You can email us with what you
need or to find out more
NDIS therapeutic, positive behaviour and employment supports
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a way of supporting people with permanent and significant disability. The NDIS is designed to give individuals greater choice and control over when, where and how their funded supports are provided. The specific support and funding available is based on each individual’s specific needs. You can find out more about what therapeutic supports are funded by referring to the NDIS website.
Ability Action Australia provides therapeutic, positive behaviour and employment supports across Australia.
