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 e.g. 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
Online Learning
Nourish with Gastrostomy
Nourish is a free online resource that has been designed by the Telethon Children's Institute in collaboration with parents and advised by clinicians from Perth Children’s Hospital and other clinicians around Australia. It includes videos and Ask and Do sheets to help parents and carers learn about gastrostomy (PEG feeding) and care for their child at home.
You can access this course for free.
DDWA Services
Currently DDWA are not funded for individual advocacy services. However, please call us on (08) 9420-7203 for support and practical information on any matters of concern and how we can assist you.
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, it 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.