What Is Disability Support?
Over five million Australians are people with disability, and many of them access disability support services. But what exactly does disability support mean, and how does it make a difference?
Here’s a quick overview of what disability support is, the different types of support available, and why these services matter.
What Is Disability Support?
Disability support refers to assistance that improves the quality of life for a person with disability. It can include personal care, home support, mobility equipment, health services, community participation and more.
In Australia, disability support is closely linked with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a government initiative that provides funding for Australians with a permanent and significant disability. Through NDIS funding, people can access a range of support services to help them live independently.
Why Does Disability Support Matter?
Disability support matters because it helps people with disability live independent and fulfilling lives. With the right support, many people with disability can live comfortably, build relationships, and be active in their communities in a way that may not otherwise be possible.
Disability support also matters for families and carers. When family carers have help caring for their loved one, they have more time and energy to focus on themselves and their wellbeing.
What Are the Four Types of Disability?
The four general types of disability are physical disability, sensory disability, intellectual disability, and psychosocial disability. These four categories can help determine the kind of support a person may need.
- Physical disability. A physical disability is a disability that affects mobility and movement, such as cerebral palsy, limb difference, or multiple sclerosis. People living with a physical disability may need equipment or home modifications.
- Sensory disability. Sensory disabilities impact one or more of a person’s senses. Low vision, hearing loss, and sensory processing disorders fall into this category. Support for people with sensory disability might include adaptive technology or home adjustments.
- Intellectual disability. An intellectual disability is a condition that affects how someone learns and thinks. This type of disability might impact communication, memory, and how a person approaches everyday tasks like personal care.
- Psychosocial disability. Psychosocial disabilities relate to mental health conditions that affect daily life, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Support services, like psychosocial recovery coaching, can be helpful for people with psychosocial disability.
Note that some disabilities may fall outside these four categories, meaning they should only be used as a general guide. It’s also essential to recognise that people may have more than one type of disability. For this reason, disability support should be flexible and tailored to each individual, rather than being one size fits all.
Which Disability Support Services Are Available in Australia?
There are many disability support services available in Australia, including personal care, in home support, social support, and more. Some of the most common types of disability support include:
- Personal care. Help with daily living, including dressing, bathing, grooming, and nutrition.
- Home help. Assistance with cleaning, grocery shopping, and more.
- Social support and community access. Support with attending local events or visiting friends and family.
- Employment support. Services that connect people with disability to inclusive workplaces.
People with disability might benefit from one, some, or all of these services. Also, as a person with disability ages, they may need to decrease or increase the support services they receive.
In Home Disability Support
Many disability support services are delivered in the community. However, in home disability support services are becoming popular due to the flexibility they afford. With in home disability support, a support worker will visit a person with disability’s home at times that suit them, to provide the services they specifically need. For some people with disability, these services simply enhance daily life. But for others, these services can be the difference between living at home and moving to a residential care facility.
If you’re looking for a trusted in home disability support provider, we’re here. At Simply Helping, we’re proud to offer flexible, person-centred disability support for people from all walks of life, including NDIS participants and private consumers. Click here to learn more about our disability support services or click here to contact us today.
