Call for Recognition of Mental Health Needs of People with Intellectual Disability

The Australian Government has been called on to provide leadership in recognising the mental health needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

NDS was part of a joint presentation of a proposal for action to the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler and Parliamentary Secretary McLucas at Parliament House on 24 March 2011. The proposal advocates a holistic response to the needs of people with intellectual disability and mental health conditions.
Coordinated by the National and NSW Councils for Intellectual Disability and the Australian Association of Development Disability Medicine, the proposal seeks:

1. Specific government funding for a network of specialist intellectual disability mental health psychiatrists, nurses and other professionals. These professionals would support mainstream mental health services through the provision of consultancy, training and research.
2. Enhanced joint planning by disability services and mental health services including shared case coordination.
3. Training in intellectual disability and mental health to be available for front line staff in disability and mental health services.

Funding of specialist professionals in both intellectual disability and mental health is a key component of the plan.
The proposal was warmly received and the Minister discussed how it could complement other current projects.
NDS will continue to advocate in support of the proposal.
Implementation of the proposal would be a step forward in addressing barriers to mental health services for all people with cognitive impairment.

Contact Information:
Trish Deane, Policy Advisor, NDS National, Ph 02 6283 3208, trish.deane@nds.org.au or
Philippa Angley, National Policy Manager, Ph 03 8341 4302, philippa.angley@nds.org.au