Age Appropriate Programs for Older People with a Disability

Date posted: 
9 October 2006

The ACROD NSW Ageing and Disability Sub-committee is seeking examples of the ways disability service providers and supported employment services currently assist people with a disability who are getting older.

Currently, the Department Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC) funds four retirement services in various areas of NSW. In addition, FASCIA Case Management and Targeted Support are available to aid the transition to employment for some people with disabilities who are ageing.

ACROD is interested to learn of the details of these formal services and of other local responses to the issues of ageing and retirement for people with a disability.

The Sub-committee is attempting to identify what service responses exist and how services which have been developed meet the needs of people with a disability who are ageing. In particular, we are interested in learning about:

  • The way people with a disability who are getting older are supported to make the transition to retirement (from both employment and from other services);
  • What age-appropriate activities retirees with a disability engage in through services developed for them; and
  • Access to generic services that are usually available to seniors, or any barriers found when older people with a disability attempt to join such services.

This information will assist ACROD develop a positions and will inform the development of advocacy intended to promote a more responsive and integrated disability service systems for this population.

Please forward information to John Gilroy at ACROD NSW Division.