Health
People with disability have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination.
(Article 25, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities).
DDWA recognises that people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities often face barriers to accessing health services. Some of these may include:
- support to communicate how they are feeling, or what may be wrong
- availability of information in accessible formats
- support to understand the significance of symptoms
- requirements of standard diagnostic tests eg. sitting still or sensory issues
- being excluded from routine health reviews and screening
- previous traumatic experiences in health settings
- health staff being unfamiliar with characteristics of specific disability types
- health staff making judgements about what services should be provided
- health staff misattributing signs and symptoms to the disability, rather than to an unrelated health condition
Forms to help you prepare for an emergency hospital visit
Navigating the health and wellbeing of your family or the person you support can be confusing and overwhelming at this difficult time. DDWA are available to support our families and members to navigate this very important planning consideration.
These forms will help you to be prepared for if an emergency hospital admission is needed:
- Download and complete the Health Department’s Emergency Transfer Form.
- Download and complete the additional Medical Emergency Health Information Form (developed by Microboards Australia). This is not an official Health Department document, however has successfully been in use for several years now.
- Download and complete the Hospital Passport. This form provides a more detailed explanation of the particular needs of your family member.
- It is important to laminate any forms you wish to take to hospital, or seal them a plastic sleeve (a protective wipeable cover).
Don't have a laminator or printer?
If you do not have access to a printer or laminator, DDWA can help you. Follow these steps:
- Download and complete the form.
- Save and email the form to DDWA ddwa@ddwa.org.au. We will print onto light card, laminate and post back to you. ($10.00 payment is appreciated to cover our costs).
Step 01.
Step 02.
Step 03.
Step 04.
Laminate your form.
DDWA Services
Advocacy - If you need support in relation to accessing health services please contact us.
Our specialist advocacy service supports:
- People with complex communication needs and little or no speech
- People with an intellectual disability or other developmental disability such as autism who may also behave in challenging ways
- Parents with an intellectual disability
Cost – This is a free service.
Resources
Coronavirus COVID-19 Information
There's no such thing as a silly question
Planning to go to the Dentist
Your Dental Health
Working Together, therapy in the early years
Supporting School-age Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Autism Parent's Handbook
Other Resources
Pain - A Guide for Parents
This document provides vital information about the support needs of my child with disability and/or additional needs. It aims to ensure that another person can take over from me in the event that I am unable to care for my child for any reason.
