August 2025 Newsletter Health And Disability

Who is affected?

About 1 in 6 Australians have a disability. Some have severe or profound disabilities. Many adults with disability experience poor health, mental distress, and chronic conditions like musculoskeletal or mental health disorders. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, inactivity, obesity, and smoking can make these problems worse. Accessing regular health care is often harder for people with disability.

Health checks are important

Regular health assessments help find problems early. Doctors and allied health providers check medical history, monitor ongoing conditions, and give advice on healthy lifestyles. Support can include:

• Clear communication and easy-to-understand information.
• Help with appointments and coordinating care.
• Preventive care like screenings and vaccines.
  People with communication difficulties or cognitive impairments can be supported with personalised aids and supported decision-making.

Working together for better care

NSW hospitals and NDIS aim to connect services. Many systems were separate, which created gaps. Improvements include:

• Care navigators to guide participants.
• Foundational supports for early childhood, home care, and community participation.
• Team-based planning involving doctors, therapists, and family.

Case reviews in hospitals

When issues arise, hospitals use person-centred case reviews to solve them:

• The person and their support network are included.
• Risks and rights are assessed.
• Action plans are created to fix ongoing problems.
  Staff training and behaviour support guides help maintain safe, ethical care.

Listening to participants

NDIS reporting and evaluations make sure participant voices are heard. Reports focus on how disability affects daily life and track progress toward personal goals. Services consider:

• People from First Nations, culturally diverse, and LGBTIQA+ backgrounds.
• Inclusive participation in decision-making.

Advice for people with disability

• Ask for regular health checks and preventive care.
• Use support coordinators or navigators to manage appointments and services.
• Speak up about your needs in case reviews and plan meetings.
• Use personalised communication tools if needed.
• Know your rights under NDIS and hospital care standards.

Summary

Improving health care for people with disability in NSW relies on early health checks, coordinated supports, team planning, and listening to participants. Following these steps helps ensure people with disability can access care fairly, stay safe, and achieve the best possible health outcomes.