Issues for Families

1. Lack of a right to service in Disability Act

2. Legal position of parents vis a vis adult children with ID.

3. Difficulties of navigating the systems and finding the right supports – what the person needs v what’s available

4. Access to individual funding/control over supports

1. Largely unpaid, usually women carers – this may suit the state

2. Dual role into adulthood3. As parents age - need for

residential/housing supports4. Financial cost to parents and the family of

caring for child/adult with a disability5. Where individualized services exist -

avoiding over dependence on parents/family.

1. Impact of services on family life – specific to disability, respecting the family system

2. Ensuring that families remain the primary decision makers regarding their child – avoiding over professionalization

3. Medicalization of disability

Assumptions in society about people with disabilities

Access to local education, sports etc does not happen automatically