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

Supporting resources

• National Disability Insurance Scheme website