Disability

People with a disability can get better or worse over time. Help is best when given early — but it is never too late to start

  • If you suspect a child has a disability — do age-appropriate developmental assessment

Problems can include

  • Communication, getting on with others
  • Mobility, looking after themselves
  • Home, school, work, community activities
  • 'Shame', depression

Accessing Assistance

  • Most people with disabilities in remote communities will be eligible for individualised funding through the NDIS
  • Further support can be obtained from Community Connectors, NDIS coordinators for regional councils, Disability Advocacy Services and specialist disability services (eg mental health, Autism Australia)

Do

  • Check file notes for previous management plan and specialist letters
  • Encourage person to bring family member, friend, carer with them to clinic
    • Consent may be needed from parent, guardian, adult guardian
  • Refer to multiprofessional team as needed for treatment or advice — OT, physio, speech therapist, social worker, psychologist, rehabilitation services, disability liaison officer, paediatrician, dietician, mental health team. 
    • Consider telehealth
  • Develop management plan — include issues in Flowchart 11.1
    • Consider local conditions, services and support available
    • Include whether the person is an NDIS participant, if so — record who the Coordinator of Supports (COS) is and any other authorised service providers (eg OT, physio, etc)
    • Goals — find out what person would like to work on, who can help. Activities will change as person gets better or worse
    • Support person to do as much as they can for themselves
  • Arrange more than 1 appointment if visiting regional centre
  • If returning from hospital, rehabilitation unit, respite — start discharge planning early with family meeting and updated management plan

Flowchart 11.1 Developing a community-based management plan for person with disability or older person living in Aboriginal community

Supporting resources