Distinctive Options Experiences

Melanie East Team Leader DO Experiences

At Distinctive Options Experiences, we believe that every person deserves the chance to explore, discover, and live life to the fullest, no matter the obstacles they face. Our purpose is simple: to provide inclusive, supportive, and meaningful experiences that empower individuals to step outside their routine, to break free, and to embrace the world with confidence and joy.

We exist to bring adventure and respite to those who need it most. Whether it’s a peaceful retreat from the demands of everyday life, a thrilling journey to new places, or a simple day out filled with laughter and connection, we are here to make it possible. Your needs come first, and we ensure every experience is tailored to your goals, passions, and capabilities.

With DO Experiences, you’re not just another traveler; you are part of a movement. A movement that celebrates diversity, champions independence, and believes in creating accessible pathways to the world’s wonders. Every journey we craft is not only about the destination, but about the transformative impact of the experience itself—how it can uplift, inspire, and leave you with lasting memories.

We understand the unique challenges our customers face, and that’s why we are committed to providing respite, extended journeys, and day tours designed with your wellbeing in mind. We’re more than just a service provider; we are your partner in achieving moments of peace, excitement, and fulfillment.

Our team is driven by a passion for delivering fun, engaging, and rewarding adventures, while always respecting your independence, comfort, and aspirations. We are here to help you create experiences that align with your life goals, whether that’s a day of relaxation, an exciting trip to a new place, or a night out with friends.

At Distinctive Options Experiences, we don’t just create trips—we create connections, foster growth, and build memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Let’s explore together. Let’s make every journey count. Let’s create experiences that matter.

Welcome to Distinctive Options Experiences.

Where your adventure begins, and your needs are always at the heart of the journey. 🌟

Choose your Experience here

What are Distinctive Options Experiences?

RESPITE

Respite is providing a temporary relief or a break provided to primary caregivers of individuals who require ongoing care, such as people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or elderly individuals. Respite services can range from a few hours to several days, allowing caregivers to rest, recharge, or attend to personal needs while ensuring the individual continues to receive care in a safe and supportive environment.

Our respite experiences provides an opportunity for personal growth, confidence-building, and the development of daily living skills in a new environment, away from their regular support providers and routines.

It helps families and individuals prevent burnout while fostering personal development, independence, and confidence.

Within our Respite programs, we aim to foster community connections by utilizing accessible accommodations and activities to develop a structured program. This program will focus on enhancing daily living skills, promoting community inclusion and participation, and building confidence and trust in environments away from home.

The program will include stays at accessible locations such as Phoenician Resort, Echuca Holiday Homes, Great Ocean Road Holidays, Relax Holiday Rentals, Tasman Holiday Park Bendigo, and other holiday parks and homes across Victoria. By building strong, professional relationships with these venues, we will ensure the best possible experiences for our Respite participants.

EXTENDED JOURNEYS

Extended journeys refer to longer trips or experiences designed to provide both the individual receiving care and their caregiver with a break from their daily routine. These journeys may last several days or weeks, offering participants opportunities to engage in new environments, activities, and social interactions, while caregivers have an extended period for rest and self-care.

Extended respite journeys are often tailored to the individual's needs, goals, including appropriate accommodations, support staff, and planned activities to ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. These journeys are carefully designed to ensure we can focus on key areas whilst building life skills away from home. These include Daily Living Skills: Meal preparation, home skills such as doing laundry, dishes and general cleaning.

Social and Community Participation: Travel training, building new social connections, community inclusion, exploring new places whilst having memorable experiences that they may not get the opportunity to achieve within daily routines at home.

Health and Well being: we encourage healthy choices, offering guidance, education around healthier meal options and encouraging fitness within our journeys.

DAY TOURS

A day tour offers a short break or one-day excursion designed to provide new experiences, foster social connections, and create memorable journeys by exploring different communities and sights. These tours focus on offering respite for caregivers or individuals seeking temporary relief from their daily responsibilities. With a mix of recreational activities, scenic trips, and cultural experiences, participants can relax, recharge, and step out of their everyday routines.

Beyond providing temporary relief, these tours also empower participants to build confidence and reduce reliance on their regular support networks, while giving families valuable time away from their caregiving roles.

Can I use my NDIS Package for payment of Respite/Day Tour/Experience services?

You can use your NDIS package to cover some of these services. Various NDIS line items can be utilised depending on the specific funding categories allocated within your plan. Contrary to popular belief, NDIS funding does not provide financing for holidays. It does provide funding for you to be supported to travel. If you choose to, you can pay out-of-pocket for your entire Distinctive Options Experience.

I do not have an NDIS plan, can I participate in a Distinctive Options experience?

Yes, you can. A Distinctive Options Experience aims to achieve your goals no matter your background, ability, or age. All of our experiences can be paid out-of-pocket. There is an extensive application process for you to be able to experience a Distinctive Options Experience, our team will be happy to help.

Are there any out-of-pocket expenses?

Yes, there are out-of-pocket expenses. If you're utilising your NDIS plan, these may include costs for activity entrances, meals, administration fees, accommodation, and transportation (if the experience involves staying overnight). These costs are typically divided among the participants in the group. If you are self-funding, the expenses will include the price of the activities, experience fees, accommodation, transportation, and support hours. These costs will be divided based on group ratios. For detailed planning and a personalised cost breakdown, please feel free to consult with us.

Does funding cover activity costs, admin fees, experiences, or flights?

No, these expenses are out-of-pocket costs. Funding typically only covers the support hours required for the experience. This can be discussed further with our team.

I need one to one support throughout this experience, is this possible?

We may be able to provide one to one support at a one to one ratio cost, please consult with the Respite/Experience Operations Leader. We can tailor a personalised one to one experience, if the group experiences don’t suit you.

If I apply to attend an experience and pay my deposit does this secure my spot?

Before quoting your trip, we will require an application form completed to assess the support level to ensure we can meet your specific needs. Once you have been cleared to experience a Distinctive Options experience, a deposit will be required to secure a spot. Until the deposit is received, your spot will not be confirmed.

Do you offer respite services with family?

Our respite services are designed to focus on building confidence and independence for people, while also giving families a well-deserved break. Therefore we do not offer this service with the family in attendance.

How can I register my interest in a Distinctive Options Experience?

To express your interest, we will first discuss your funding options, whether through NDIS or self-funding, as well as your support needs and trip details. While expressing interest is the first step, securing your spot requires a deposit, the completion of application forms, submission of any necessary medical information or assessments, and an approved quote.

Enter your details to submit your interest in joining Distinctive Options Experiences

Firstname

Surname

Email Address

Phone Number

Tell us about your life goals?

Have your received supports from Distinctive Options before?

Yes

I agree when filling this form out my details will be saved by Distinctive Options and I will be contacted on the contact details I provide.

Email address

Other Group Travel Opportunities with Distinctive Options

Have A Say Conference

Participants from Distinctive Options have been attending the ‘Having a Say’ conference for many years, predominantly being members from our R&R groups. The ‘Having a Say’ conference supports individuals to find their voice, to speak up, to be heard, and to be respected.

People enjoy attending the conference for a range of reasons. Some are keen advocates for people with disability and want to debate about issues, whilst others find the whole environment empowering.

Learn More

Tristate Games

November 2024

A week-long sporting event that attracts athletes from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. The DO Galaxy team are the only local group that participate. They work together for many months to arrange all requirements, including conducting fundraising, designing their uniforms, creating art work for the marquee, stocking the pantry, agreeing on team rules and ethos, and deciding which events they will participant in. The Games promote friendly competition and social interaction for adults with a disability to participate in a range of Events selected from indoor sports, track and field, swimming and team sports. Each night, events are held to give all athletes a change to relax and socialize with their counterparts. Outcomes include social inclusion, networking, sportsmanship and time management, among many others.

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Travel Training

Year Round

Obtaining the skills and confidence towards being independent within the community like catching public transport and getting from A-B can be daunting. Where do you begin? Our team at Distinctive Options will support you with increasing your independence through public transport training by facilitating programs that help you to learn public transports routes and community transport options. You’ll be off and travelling in no time.

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