Bracing the impact: Development of support mechanisms for Indigenous families with children with a disability
Bracing the impact: Development of support mechanisms for Indigenous families with children with a disability Conference Paper
AARE-NZARE 2014: Speaking back through research
- Author(s): Dixon, Roselyn, Trimmer, Karen
- Published: 2014
Abstract: In Australia, Government agencies and not-for-profit organisations have had long involvement in the funding and provision of community disability services. Significant change has occurred over the past decade in the way funds are expended with marketplace mechanisms becoming increasingly prevalent. In 2013, a new national policy, the National Disability Insurance Scheme ( NDIS) was introduced. Under the new policy, people with a disability who may the most complex needs, such as Indigenous children living in rural and remote areas may be disadvantaged if a market is not created that encourages organisations to offer services to meet their needs. This project invesitgates the impact of the new funding model on levels of awareness, access and ultilisation, and issues experienced by families of Indigenous children with disabilities in rural and remote areas. The following research questions guided the study: How do Indigenous families conceptualise disabiliites in different communities and cultures? Do barriers exist to the utilisation of specialist services ? What is the preferred model of services? How can other ways of knowing and community values such as Aboriginal extended family relationships be incorporated into service delivery? The research participants were Indigenous families with children with disabilities in rural and remote areas of New South Wales and Queensland. The research methodology was qualitative and consisted of interviews and focus groups with Indigenous participants . The data will provide authentic rich information and lead to the development of culturally relevant protocols, strategies and resources for services for Indigenous families.