Disability

On average, one in six Australians are estimated to have a disability, which can be present from birth or be acquired during a person’s lifetime. Long-term health conditions might lead to disability, and disability can contribute to health problems. There is also a strong relationship between age and disability.

People with disabilities face many barriers to good health, even when their health outcomes are not related to their impairment. It may limit a person’s access to, and participation in, social and physical activities, as problems are often experienced with travel, access to buildings and financial insecurity, making it harder to access prevention services.

While disability is not currently a priority area for PHNs, Murray PHN supports people vulnerable and homebound individuals to access COVID-19 vaccinations by coordinating access with local primary care providers.

Disability support services

• Disability Gateway is for all people with disability, their families and carers and helps to improve the navigation to access relevant information and services. Call 1800 643 787 Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm.
• Carer Gateway provides free services and support for carers. Call 1800 422 737 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to people living with a disability to help with their day-to-day care. Call 1800 800 110 Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm.
• Advocacy for Disability Access & Inclusion aims to provide advocacy support for a person living with disability or their family, to have a voice in decisions that affect his/her life. Call 1800 856 464
• Better Health Channel lists a range of disability groups and networks and information on disability rights, discrimination and the law.

For more, go to our community support and resources page.