Other publications

Active Support is a way of providing assistance to people that has a focus on making sure that individuals are engaged and participate in their own support.

The old welfare model of providing support, particularly in residential settings has meant that workers have become accustomed to doing things for the people they support. The Active Support model brings the focus back to doing things with people. The goal is for people to be interested and engaged in their own lives and the positive results that come from such involvement.

The Active Support model can be used right across the Community Services sector including Aged Care. It can be used to plan and provide support for people with an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury, physical disability or age related loss of ability and disabilities.

Disability in Australia: intellectual disability

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Bulletin 67 (November 2008).

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that 1.8% of the Australian population under 65 years have an intellectual disability with severe to profound limitations in one or more areas of daily living (i.e., self-care, mobility, communication).  In the ACT this equates to more than 5000 people. Full report.

Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia

National Disability Strategy Consultation Report prepared by the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council (2009).

The Australian Government released this report in 2009 based on over 750 submissions across Australia. The overall theme is that people with a disability want to live in society as equal citizens with the opportunities that everyone has - summed up in this excerpt from the Executive Summary (p 9): "People with disabilities want to bring about a transformation in their lives. They want their human rights recognised and realised. They want the things that everyone else in the community takes for granted. They want somewhere to live, a job, better health care, a good education, a chance to enjoy the company of friends and family, to go to the footy and to go to the movies. They want the chance to participate meaningfully in the life of the community. And they are hopeful. They desire change and they want others in the community to share their vision. They recognise that governments cannot work in isolation and they want others to see the benefits of building more inclusive communities".Full report.

Management of Respite Care Services

Performance Audit Report by the ACT Auditor-General's Office (May, 2009).

The majority of young people with an intellectual disability who live in the ACT live at home and are cared for by parents and/or family members. Respite care services therefore offer a much-needed service to families struggling with the care of a loved one. They provide short-term and time-limited breaks or support to families and carers of people with a disability.

The ACT Auditor-General's Office conducted a performance audit in 2008/2009 with a primary focus on the services provided by government respite houses; managed by Disability ACT within the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services (DHCS). Total expenditure on respite care services in the ACT was $5.6 million in 2007-08 of which $3.8 million was used to fund the government respite service (including a contribution by the Australian Government).

The audit concluded that the services and support provided by government respite houses met client's basic needs but there were significant weaknesses in operational practices. The report noted opportunities for significant improvement in maintaining and updating client information, operational practices, performance review and risk management to provide better assurance of quality services and to minimise risks to clients. Read the Auditor-General's press release here or read the full report here.

ACT inquiry into respite care services

The ACT Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Health, Community and Social Services is currently holding an Inquiry into respite care services in the ACT in response to the Auditor General’s respite report.  This inquiry is calling for submissions and formal presentations from the public relating to government and non-government respite services.  For further information about this inquiry, submissions and Hansard reports of public hearings click here.

CLP has put in a written submission (download the submission by clicking here) and will attend a formal hearing in September 2010.

In Sickness and in Health: addressing the health care needs of adults with a decision-making disability

Office of the Public Advocate, Queensland, 2008.

This report identifies a crisis in medical and dental care for adults with a decision-making disability (including those with intellectual disability) and points to the need for immediate and sustained attention to preventative health care and regular dental checks.  It outlines a way forward for medical and dental practitioners, specialists, allied health workers, service providers, families and individuals to work together to improve the well being, health outcomes and mortality rates of adults with disability. Download the report.

The nature and impact of caring for family members with a disability in Australia

Australian Institute of Family Services, 2008

The report analyses the results of a 2006 survey of over 1000 carers receiving government payments. It outlines the effects of caring for a family member with disability, including increased rates of poor physical and mental health, emotional and relationship issues, financial hardship and restricted access to paid employment due to carer roles. Download the report.

Seeking Better Futures for People with a Disability

Submission by the Futures Alliance to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry into Planning Options and Services for People Ageing with a Disability, May 2010.

This submission outlines the key issues for people with a disability as they age and seeks changes to the way services and funding can be accessed to meet these complex needs.  It sets out a blue print for the way services should be delivered with outcomes for people with a disability who are ageing, government, service providers, community and families. Download the submission.

Proposal for specialist resurces to enhance the capacity of the mainstream health system to provide equitable and cost effective health care to people with intellectual disabilities

NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, May 2006.

This paper provides details of the problems and associated costs of poor health and dental care provided to people with intellectual disabilities in NSW.  It proposes the development of specialist health resource teams and clinical nurse consultants to assist mainstream health providers deliver effective health care services to people with intellectual disabilities. Download the paper.