In Tasmania over one quarter (26.8%) of people have some type of disability.
Primary Health Tasmania has two projects that aim to improve health system access and the quality of life of people living with a disability.
These projects relate specifically to the areas of intellectual disability and psychosocial support.
Primary Health Tasmania has received Australian Government funding to enhance primary care for Tasmanians living with an intellectual disability.
We are one of four primary health networks across the country developing a Primary Care Enhancement for People with Intellectual Disability Program (PCEP), which aims to address inequities health system access and quality for people with intellectual disability through a range of activities.
In doing so, Primary Health Tasmania is drawing on the expertise of consumers, carers and intellectual disability organisations.
The Council for Intellectual Disability has produced the six helpful handouts and fact sheets for health professionals, funded by the Australian Government as part of PCEP:
• Resources for health professionals working with people with intellectual disability
• What not to miss by Professor Nick Lennox
• Good appointments, better health
• Easy Read appointment letter (editable)
• Easy Read ‘how to find us’ sheet (editable)
• Sample Easy Read appointment letter
The fact sheets have been co-designed by people with intellectual disability. More Easy Read health fact sheets for patients and carers can be found here.
Primary Health Tasmania has commissioned Baptcare to deliver psychosocial support services in Tasmania. We are also working with stakeholders to identify and address barriers faced by people with mental illness when testing for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).