7 Urgent Changes Needed in Victoria’s Intellectual Disability Support System

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

As a mental health speaker and writer, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges faced by Victorians with intellectual disabilities. Our support system needs an overhaul. Now.

Why? Because every person deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of their abilities. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has made strides, but there’s still work to do.

Let’s dive into seven urgent changes that could transform lives across Victoria.

Key Takeaways:

• Victoria’s intellectual disability support system needs significant improvements.
• Changes should focus on empowering individuals in key life areas.
• The NDIS plays a crucial role but requires refinement to better serve Victorians.

I’ve previously written to dispel the myths surrounding intellectual disability. Today’s post instead focuses on empowering people with an intellectual disability in every area of life.

Intellect: Fostering Wisdom and Creativity

First up, let’s talk brains. People with intellectual disabilities have unique ways of thinking and learning. Our support system should celebrate this.

We need more programs that nurture creativity and problem-solving skills. Think art classes, music therapy, and hands-on learning experiences. These aren’t luxuries. They’re essential for cognitive development. It’s for this reason that The SALT Foundation runs such activities 7 days a week for Victorians with an intellectual disability.

Here’s an idea: Why not partner with local museums and galleries? They could offer tailored programs for people with intellectual disabilities. It’s a win-win. Participants get to explore their creativity, and cultural institutions become more inclusive. 

But it’s not just about fun activities. We need to rethink how we measure intelligence. IQ tests don’t tell the whole story. Let’s focus on practical skills and emotional intelligence, too. 

Career: Paving Paths to Achievement

Next, let’s tackle the world of work. Employment rates for people with intellectual disabilities are shockingly low. We can do better.

We need more inclusive workplaces. This means educating employers about the benefits of hiring diverse talent. It also means providing on-the-job support for those who need it.

Here’s a radical idea: What if every large company in Victoria had a dedicated program for employees with intellectual disabilities? It could include mentoring, skill-building workshops, and adaptive technologies.

But let’s not stop there. We should also support entrepreneurship. Many people with intellectual disabilities have great business ideas. They just need the right guidance and resources to make them happen.

The SALT Foundation has an opportunity for Victorians with intellectual disabilities to gain work experience and a certification volunteering at our op shop.

Health: Prioritising Wellness and Vitality

Now, let’s talk about health. People with intellectual disabilities often face unique health challenges. Our healthcare system needs to step up.

We need more training for healthcare professionals. They should understand how to communicate effectively with patients who have intellectual disabilities. This includes using plain language and visual aids.

Regular health check-ups are crucial. But they’re often overlooked. We should implement a system that ensures annual check-ups for all Victorians with intellectual disabilities.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. We need more psychologists and counsellors trained to work with this population. And let’s make sure these services are easily accessible through the NDIS.

Relationships: Nurturing Love and Communication

Let’s get personal. Everyone deserves love and meaningful relationships. But for people with intellectual disabilities, this can be challenging.

We need more social programs that foster connections. Think speed-friending events, social skills workshops, and supported dating services. These shouldn’t be afterthoughts. They should be central to our support system.

Family relationships are crucial too. We need better support for families of people with intellectual disabilities. This could include respite care, counselling services, and peer support groups.

And let’s not forget about sex education. It’s often overlooked for this population. But it’s essential for healthy, safe relationships.

Impact: Cultivating Social Influence

People with intellectual disabilities have important perspectives to share. But too often, their voices are ignored. It’s time to change that.

We need more leadership programs tailored for people with intellectual disabilities. These could teach public speaking, advocacy skills, and community organising.

Let’s also create more opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to serve on boards and committees. Their insights are invaluable, especially in organisations that serve the disability community.

And how about a mentoring program? Experienced self-advocates could guide newcomers, creating a powerful network of change-makers.

Prosperity: Building Wealth and Giving Back

Financial independence is a key part of empowerment. But for many with intellectual disabilities, it remains out of reach.

We need better financial education programs. These should cover basics like budgeting and saving, but also more complex topics like investing and estate planning.

The NDIS should also provide more support for financial management. This could include funding for financial advisors who specialise in working with people with disabilities.

And let’s not forget about philanthropy. Many people with intellectual disabilities want to give back to their communities. We should create more opportunities for them to do so, whether through volunteering or charitable giving.

And simply through becoming a SALT Foundation NDIS participant, people make an impact in the world through our charitable projects. That’s the benefit of choosing a not-for-profit NDIS provider that seeks first to do good in the world.

Spirituality: Cultivating Mission and Awareness

Finally, let’s talk about the soul. Spirituality means different things to different people. But for many, it’s an important part of life.

We need more inclusive faith communities. This means training religious leaders on how to welcome and support people with intellectual disabilities.

Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools for everyone, including those with intellectual disabilities. Let’s make these practices more accessible through tailored programs and resources.

And let’s create more opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to explore their sense of purpose. This could be through volunteer work, creative expression, or personal development workshops.

Conclusion

These changes aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re essential for creating a truly inclusive Victoria. By focusing on these seven areas, we can empower people with intellectual disabilities to live rich, fulfilling lives.

But change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment, resources, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Are we up for it, Victoria?

Action Steps

1. Advocate for these changes with your local representatives.
2. Support organisations like the Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) that fight for these issues.
3. If you’re an employer, consider creating more inclusive hiring practices.
4. Educate yourself and others about intellectual disabilities.
5. If you’re an NDIS participant or provider, give feedback on how the system can improve.
6. Read our next post in this series, about how the DSM-V affects the way intellectual disability is diagnosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Daniel G. Taylor

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.