Accessibility aim for program

A pilot program will improve health services access for people with an intellectual disability.

Western Victoria Primary Health Network has funded Grampians Community Health to deliver the Supporting People with Intellectual Disability to Access Health, SPIDAH, project.

Grampians Community Health program leader — healthy communities, Jacinta Smith, said SPIDAH aimed to improve how primary health care services — particularly those online and in telehealth formats — were delivered to meet the needs of people with an intellectual disability.

Western Victoria PHN is one of four primary health networks selected by the Federal Government to develop and pilot local models to contribute to the Primary Care Enhancement Program, PCEP. The local models will be evaluated and successful parts will form the national PCEP to roll out across Australia in 2024.

Letesha Stephens, who has dyslexia, has been employed as the project’s disability peer support worker. GCH understands its service is the only peer-led pilot program in Victoria.

In addition to Ms Stephens’ one-on-one consultations, SPIDAH will develop podcasts and videos to give visual demonstrations of the steps needed to access telehealth and other options.

Ms Stephens will work to upskill people with intellectual disabilities, along with health services, mental and allied health professionals, disability workers, service providers and advocates, pharmacists, GPS, practice staff and dentists to ensure they enable or improve access to services.

She will also target rural and remote townships that don’t have easy access to health services.

“The issues have been exacerbated during COVID-19, where the need to access telehealth services was clearly identified,” she said.

The program is part of a National Roadmap for improving the health of Australians with intellectual disability. It is undertaken in collaboration with the Council for Intellectual Disability.