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 six Easy Read health facts sheets, funded by the Australian Government as part of PCEP. The fact sheets have been co-designed with people with intellectual disability and include:
• Your right to good health care
• Yearly health checks
• Types of health checks
• Caring for your teeth
• Chronic health plans
• Types of health services.
Primary Health Tasmania has also developed this flyer providing tips on what people with intellectual disability can do to stay well.
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).