1800 424 065 
Let's Do What Works
When it comes to health, justice and making decisions in their own lives, people with intellectual disability need the right support at the right time. We have seen what does and does not work for people with intellectual disability. Now it's time to do what works!
People with intellectual disability often have poorer experiences of the health system, are more likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system, and are often assumed incapable of making their own decisions.
Our hospitals, jails and guardianship systems should be a last resort.
CID wants the NSW Government to build on our existing systems to create more options for good, timely support. It makes sense for people with intellectual disability, for our systems and for the wider community.
Our Let’s do what works campaign addresses three key issues:
- Access to health
- Access to justice
- Access to support for decision making
We are asking for stories from people with lived experience. Tell us your story.
The campaign issues
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Better access to health
People with intellectual disability don’t have easy access to doctors and health professionals who understand their complex needs. GPs and hospitals need backup from a statewide network of specialists in intellectual disability health.
The consequences can be serious. People with intellectual disability die, on average, 27 years earlier than other people in our community. They are also four times more likely to have a potentially preventable hospital admission and are at greater risk of avoidable death.
We want intellectual disability health teams in each Local Health District so people can see health professionals who understand their needs and get the right support at the right time.
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Better access to justice
People with intellectual disability often encounter the criminal justice system because they are not receiving the support they need to live positive lives. Courts may not understand their complex support needs, and judges may convict and punish as they see no other alternatives.
Upcoming changes to the NDIS could make this worse. People with intellectual disability, particularly First Nations people, are more likely to end up in jail, where they are at significant risk of abuse. They are also more likely to reoffend, creating a cycle of trauma, crime and poverty.
The Justice Advocacy Service Diversion Program helps reduce reoffending and links people to the services they need. But the program is currently only available in six NSW courts. We want it expanded to 27 NSW Local Courts so people can get the support they need at the right time.
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Better access to support for decision making
Often it is assumed people with intellectual disability are unable to make decisions for themselves. They may not be given good, timely support to make their own decisions or opportunities to build their decision making skills and abilities.
As a result, people with intellectual disability are more likely to have a guardian or financial manager appointed, taking away their right to make important decisions about their own lives. There is often no effective alternative to the NSW Trustee and Guardian for guidance and support for decision making.
We want the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner to be given legal authority to develop a government framework for supported decision making, to be used across government and the wider community. This will help make sure people get the right support at the right time, and that guardianship and financial management are only used as a last resort.
Why we need this campaign
The right support means access to health professionals who are skilled in understanding complex needs. It means access to a fair process in the criminal justice system. And it means access to good support that ensures people can fully participate in decisions about their own lives.
When people with intellectual disability get the right support at the right time, they are more likely to be safe and strong in the community. Without it, people can end up in crisis and in emergency systems that are costly and do not provide the support they need.
What we are asking for
We are asking the NSW Government to invest in practical solutions that give people with intellectual disability the right support at the right time.
1. Health
We are asking the NSW Government to:
Extend the Statewide Intellectual Disability Health Service (SIDHS) so there is an Intellectual Disability Health Team in every Local Health District.
What this would mean for people with intellectual disability:
- Healthier lives
- Better prevention of chronic and acute health conditions
- Better management of complex health needs
What this would mean for the NSW Government:
- Fewer hospital admissions
- Lower costs for treating complex and acute health needs
- Better referral pathways to meet NDIS reforms
2. Justice
We are asking the NSW Government to:
Fund the expansion of the Justice Advocacy Service Diversion Program for people with cognitive impairment from the current six Local Courts to 27.
What this would mean for people with cognitive impairment:
- Fairer treatment in the courts
- More opportunities to move away from offending and towards positive, well-supported lives
What this would mean for the NSW Government:
- Less reoffending
- Lower costs across police, courts, Legal Aid and Corrective Services
- Better access to NDIS supports and funding for eligible people
3. Supported decision making
We are asking the NSW Government to:
Give the Ageing and Disability Commissioner statutory responsibility for developing a NSW Government framework for supported decision-making and promoting it as an alternative to guardianship and financial management.
What this would mean for people with disability:
- Greater autonomy, independence and self-respect
- Less reliance on paid services
- Greater ability to protect themselves from abuse and neglect
What this would mean for the NSW Government:
- Better management of the costs of substitute decision making systems
- Less need for crisis responses from the health and justice systems
- Stronger existing systems that are better equipped to respond to NDIS reforms
Campaign Resources
Share your story with the campaign
Your story could convince the NSW Government to act.
Need help with this form? Email advocacy@cid.org.au or call CID on 1800 424 065.
How you can help
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Tell others
Share our campaign on social media. You can use the sharing buttons on this page.
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Visit your NSW Member
Contact your local State Member of Parliament. Phone us on 1800 424 065 for help.
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Share your story
Use our online form or phone us on 1800 424 065.
