Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Good morning! I’m Daniel G. Taylor, a mental health speaker living with bipolar disorder. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about what a sensory disability is and how the NDIS can help.
As someone who’s navigated the disability support system, I know firsthand how confusing it can be. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it all down for you.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Sensory disabilities affect how the brain processes information from the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
- Common types include autism, blindness/low vision, deafness/hearing loss, and sensory processing disorder.
- The NDIS provides funding and support for Australians under 65 living with sensory disabilities.
- Carers play a vital role and the NDIS emphasises including them in the planning process.
What is a Sensory Disability?
So, what exactly is a sensory disability? In simple terms, it’s a neurological condition that makes it difficult for the brain to interpret sensory information from the world around us. This can impact everything from communication and mobility to daily activities and social life.
Sensory disabilities exist on a spectrum, ranging from mild impairments to complete loss of a sense. And the effects can be quite variable, even among people with the same diagnosis. For example, someone with autism may be hypersensitive to certain sounds, while another individual may be oblivious to them.
Common Types of Sensory Disabilities
Some of the most common types of sensory disabilities include:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and processes sensory information. Individuals on the autism spectrum may be overwhelmed by noises, lights, or textures that others find perfectly manageable.
Blindness and Low Vision
This can involve anything from complete vision loss to difficulties with detail, colour perception, or peripheral vision. Causes can include genetic conditions, injuries, diseases like glaucoma, or age-related changes.
Deafness and Hearing Loss
Hearing impairments can be conductive (blockage in the outer or middle ear), sensorineural (inner ear or auditory nerve damage), or a mix of both. The impacts range from mild hearing loss to total deafness.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
People with SPD struggle to interpret and respond to sensory input in a typical way. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed by everyday sights, sounds, textures, and smells.
The NDIS and Sensory Disabilities
If you or a loved one are living with a sensory disability, the good news is there’s support available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This government initiative provides funding for a range of services and equipment to help improve quality of life.
The NDIS emphasises including carers and family members in the planning process, recognizing that you are the true experts on the individual’s needs. NDIS funding can allow access to specialised therapies, purchasing vital assistive tech, and getting home modifications.
Navigating the NDIS with The SALT Foundation
Of course, navigating the NDIS can be daunting at first. But the team at The SALT Foundation is here to guide you every step of the way. Twice a week, we publish new content on our blog to answer your questions about the NDIS. And when you have a plan, we’ll work closely with you to understand your unique situation, uncover your goals, and deliver tailored supports to empower you to achieve your goals.
For example, let’s say you have a child with autism who struggles with sensory processing. The NDIS planner may recommend funding for occupational therapy sessions to help them better regulate their responses to sensory input. Or if you’re living with vision loss, the NDIS can assist with getting the right mobility aids and training to help you get out and about safely.
The key is that the NDIS funding is all about supporting your individual needs – not a one-size-fits-all approach. And with carers playing such a vital role, we make sure we address their needs, too. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
The Importance of Early Intervention
One of the great things about the NDIS is its emphasis on early intervention. By accessing support as soon as possible, individuals with sensory disabilities and their families can develop vital coping strategies and adaptations. This can make a world of difference in their quality of life and ability to take part fully in the community.
For instance, a young child diagnosed with a hearing impairment might receive funding for assistive listening devices and speech therapy sessions. This early support can set them up for success in school and social situations, rather than waiting until their challenges become more entrenched.
Similarly, an adult experiencing vision loss because of age-related macular degeneration could get help with mobility training, home modifications, and occupational therapy to maintain their independence. The NDIS recognises that timely, tailored support is key to achieving the best outcomes.
Of course, every person’s needs are unique, which is why the NDIS takes such a personalised approach. Your support plan might look quite different from someone else’s, even if you share the same diagnosis. The focus is on empowering you to live your best life, not fitting you into a one-size-fits-all box.
Getting Started with the NDIS
So, where do you go from here? Well, the first step is to reach out to your local NDIS office and request an assessment. They will determine your eligibility and the level of support you’re entitled to. Our blog post can help you prepare for this meeting and ensure you get the most out of the process.
Once you’re approved, the NDIS planner will create your NDIS plan, identify suitable service providers, and coordinate your supports. It’s a lot to take in, I know. But the NDIS aims to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. The entire goal of the NDIS is to empower people living with disabilities — including people with sensory disabilities and their carers.
Conclusion
Sensory disabilities can present unique challenges, but with the right support, those living with them can thrive. The NDIS is a game-changer, providing funding and services tailored to individual needs. And with caring, knowledgeable providers like The SALT Foundation in your corner, you’ll get the support to live your best life.
Action Steps
1. Request an NDIS assessment to determine your eligibility and support needs.
3. Connect with other individuals and carers in the disability community. Sharing experiences and advice can be invaluable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A sensory disability is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes information from one or more of the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. This can significantly impact an individual’s ability to perceive and interact with their environment.
Some of the most common types of sensory disabilities include:
– Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
– Blindness and low vision
– Deafness and hearing loss
– Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
These conditions can range from mild impairments to complete loss of a sense, and the effects can vary greatly between individuals. Sensory disabilities are often invisible, meaning the challenges someone faces may not be immediately apparent to others.
Daniel G. Taylor has been writing about the NDIS for three years. His focus has been on mental health and psychosocial disabilities as he lives with bipolar disorder I. He’s been a freelance writer for 30 years and lives across the road from the beach in Adelaide. He’s the author of How to Master Bipolar Disorder for Life and a contributor to Mastering Bipolar Disorder (Allen & Unwin) and he’s a mental health speaker.