Resources for Professionals

Over 400,000 Australians have an intellectual disability. Compared to the general population, they experience poor health outcomes, including higher rates of physical and mental health conditions, and premature death from preventable causes. Conditions are frequently undiagnosed, undermanaged or inappropriately treated. A range of barriers prevent people with an intellectual disability from accessing healthcare. For example, stigma and exclusion, the person or their family and carer(s) not being aware of symptoms, and a lack of adequate training for health professionals.

The shortage of education opportunities and guidelines in this area contribute to the lack of skills, knowledge and confidence reported by the health and disability workforce when working with people with intellectual disability. To address these barriers 3DN have developed several resources aimed at health and mental health professionals, disability workers and carers, which provide information and education on intellectual disability physical and mental health.

A Guide to 3DN Resources

2018 National Roundtable Communique

Research to Action Day

In July 2017, 3DN hosted a Research to Action Day at UNSW Sydney for professionals and carers with an interest in intellectual disability. The event involved an interactive workshop that showcased 3DN’s resources and how they could be implemented. 

You can find out more about the event in the Research to Action Day program.

Health & Mental Health Professionals

While people with an intellectual disability experience higher rates of mental health disorders than the general population, they also experience considerable barriers to receiving quality health care. One such barrier is a lack of workforce capacity in mainstream mental health services.

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Carers

People with intellectual disability are at increased likelihood of experiencing mental illness but are less likely to receive treatment than people without intellectual disability. This can affect carer health and wellbeing.

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We offer training packages tailored to the needs of your organisation. Training packages can be prepared and delivered to health professionals, disability professionals and consumer or carer organisations as face-to-face workshops/seminars, online webinars and/or e-learning modules. We can create bespoke training on:

  • Mental health in people with intellectual or developmental disability
  • Behaviours of concern – introduction, assessment and management
  • Responsible prescribing of medication to people with intellectual disability
  • Positive Behaviour Support – basic principles and approaches

Please email us at idhealtheducation@unsw.edu.au with a brief proposal to start a conversation about bespoke training. We would be pleased to discuss timeframes and costs with you.

For additional information, please see our Intellectual Disability Health Education website.