PSY1APP: Week 10

Code of Conduct

• Disability workers are required to follow a Code of Conduct
• The Code addresses issues related to rights and responsibilities

Desirable Qualifications

• Disability worker qualifications are encouraged to include courses in community service and individual support
• First Aid qualifications are often provided by employers

Vulnerability of People with Disabilities

• Families and carers of people with disabilities are vulnerable
• Vulnerability stems from needing support from others and a potential dependence on care

Case Scenario - Family

• A case scenario illustrates a family with three children, one with intellectual disability and seizures
• The family has limited support from extended family and the community

Case Scenario - John & Michael

• Another scenario highlights John (16 years old) attending school with his brother Michael (11), who has Down Syndrome
• Michael attends certain subjects at a mainstream school and spends other days at a special school

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

• The NDIS is a scheme for funding and supporting individuals with disabilities
• The scheme replaced previous government programs in Australia

Pre-NDIS Programs

• Pre-NDIS government programs often required individuals to fit specific categories and models
• Programs were frequently underfunded, unfair, fragmented, provided limited support choices, and didn't guarantee funding

Support Funding Before the NDIS

• Young adults with disabilities were connected with services through Future for Young Adults (FFYA) or Individualized Support Packages (ISP) funding
• The government directly gave money to organisations
• Government also subsidized services like local councils, respite houses, and day programs

The Premise of the NDIS

• The NDIS aims to provide a more flexible and individualised approach to funding and support
• The NDIS focuses on providing choices for support options and aligning with individual needs

The NDIS: A Sector of Disability

• Dr Nancy Sadka, DEd, MEd, BA (Honours) is a Research Fellow/Senior Research Associate connected to the Olga Tennyson Autism Research Centre (OTARC)
• Her research focuses on early identification of autism and co-occurring conditions in toddlers
• This research also aims to understand the relationship between: autism, sleep challenges, and anxiety in toddlers

Talking Points

• Key talking points include: defining disability, vulnerability of people with disabilities, and understanding the NDIS

Definition of Disability

• Merriam-Webster defines disability as a condition impacting physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental areas
• These conditions can impair, interfere with, or limit a person's ability to perform tasks or actions

Prevalence of Disability in Australia

• The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports on disability prevalence
• AIHW publishes data on the prevalence of disability in Australia

Quarterly Disability Reports

• The NDIS publishes quarterly reports highlighting key statistics on disability
• The reports provide insights into the prevalence and trends in Australia

Vulnerability Explained

• Merriam-Webster defines vulnerability as someone who is susceptible to harm or damage
• Vulnerability can manifest in various areas including: family, community, work, school, and residential settings

WHO Report on Vulnerability

• The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2020 that:
  • An estimated 1.3 billion people, 16% of the global population, have disabilities
  • People with disabilities are more likely to:
    • Report healthcare providers lacking skills to meet their needs
    • Report mistreatment by healthcare providers
    • Report being denied care

Vulnerability: Better Health Victoria

• Better Health Victoria states that people with disabilities are among the most vulnerable in society
• They are at risk for neglect and violence

Mandated Requirements

• Mandated requirements for disability workers include:
  • Working with Children Check
  • Police Check
  • Additional requirements depending on the context

Test your knowledge on the code of conduct for disability workers, the necessary qualifications, and the vulnerabilities faced by people with disabilities and their families. This quiz also includes case scenarios illustrating real-life situations that highlight these challenges.