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For many years, disability and health have operated as two separate systems. Disability organisations have understandably focused on participation, independence and daily support, while health has been seen as the responsibility of hospitals, GPs and allied health professionals. But the reality is very different. Every day, disability support workers are helping people take medications, monitor…

Written by Jayne Lehmann, Director, EdHealth Australia Health professionals often say they want to provide equitable, person-centred care. Yet when professional development competes with busy clinics, growing caseloads and administrative demands, education about intellectual disability can be pushed aside. It may be seen as relevant only to disability specialists or to a small group of…

For too long, diabetes support within the disability sector has been approached as a clinical task to be delegated, rather than a complex support need to be understood. As a result, people with intellectual disability who live with diabetes often experience poorer health outcomes, avoidable hospital admissions, distressing health events, and support systems that struggle…

By Jayne Lehmann, Director, EdHealth Australia People with intellectual disability are far more likely to experience barriers to diabetes education, support, and healthcare—yet they often have greater health needs and face poorer outcomes than the general population. While diabetes management depends on access to clear information, ongoing education, and appropriate support, many healthcare systems are…

Jayne Lehmann BN(Ed) DipAppSc(Nsg RN CDE The Medicare funded Chronic Disease Management program has provided reimbursement for people with diabetes to see a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE) in primary care since 2004. Introduced as an eligible service in the Chronic Disease Management program, given the 1.4million people living with diabetes in Australia, you would expect…

Who doesn’t love the chance to visit another health service for a tour and bit of an explore? It’s like the old school excursion… a chance to move away from the day-to-day to add to the learnings already achieved within their usual classroom environment. I have been lucky enough to do just that as a mentor…

With a sense of anticipation I moved towards the secret room on the Abbott stand in the morning tea break at the ADS ADEA annual scientific meeting in Perth this week. The sparkling yellow box drew my eye as a nervous laugh broke the awkwardness of the situation. Before I knew it … I was…