Plea to save disability system

A La Trobe academic is calling on the Federal Government not to ignore the Productivity Commission’s report into a possible national disability insurance scheme.

Last February, the Productivity Commission recommended a no-fault insurance scheme to reform what it called the "underfunded, fragmented, unfair and inefficient" disability sector. This would reallocate existing tax revenue into a Medicare-like levy that would be provided to those who are born with, or who acquire, a disability.

The Government and Opposition are yet to respond to the report.

‘This isn’t about more money for the sector, it is about reallocation of resources’ says La Trobe University’s Professor of Rural and Regional Allied Health, Dr Teresa Iacono. ‘It is about transitioning from a welfare model to more efficient business model.’

Professor Iacono is worried that the positive work done so far is in danger of being lost. ‘The next few months are critical for the scheme. It is vital that it gains public support.’

‘Because people with disabilities don’t get a lot of public attention or media focus, their issues can slip under the radar. This masks what is actually a high level of unmet need among people with disability, those who care for them and carer networks.’

Professor Iacono is currently studying the effect of early onset Alzheimer’s disease – which is the most common type of dementia – on older adults who have intellectual disabilities, such as those with Down syndrome. She is part of a research team that is conducting an extensive study into its effects on individuals and their families.

‘Ultimately, the role of the study is about understanding the needs of people who experience Alzheimer’s disease on top of existing intellectual disability, as well as the needs of those who care for and support them.’

The bulk of care for those with serious disabilities in Australia is done by family members. For many, this can mean a lifetime of care.

The wide ranging study is looking at everything from social and health impacts on these carers to the health of people with intellectual disability who are ageing.

‘Take just one question that might be answered by the study,’ says Professor Iacono. ‘We already know that physical signs of ageing are accelerated among those with Down syndrome. What are the mental and physical health ramifications for elderly couples caring for “ageing” kids?’

Professor Iacono is calling for those with an intellectual disability aged 40 years or above – and their families – in the area to take part in the study.

If you would like to take part in the study, please contact Natalie Crothers on (03) 5444 7656

For all other media inquiries please contact:

Teresa Iacono, M 0407 363 653 E t.iacono@latrobe.edu.au

Zerin Knight, Ph (03) 5444 7375 M 0428 463 161 E z.knight@latrobe.edu.au

Tom O’Callaghan, Ph (03) 5444 7415 M 0408 900 469 E T.OCallaghan@latrobe.edu.au

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