After four years of research into the access to disability services in rural and remote NSW, the Wobbly Hub and Double Spokes (WH&DS) team presented their preliminary findings at the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) yesterday.
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WH&DS project manager Dr Angela Dew said the distance between people with a disability and the available services was one of the biggest challenges identified.
Alternatively, the dedication of the therapy workforce was highlighted as a positive in rural and regional areas and a field with unrealised potential.
During the research, WH&DS gathered information from service users and providers to understand the experience of people with a disability in rural and remote areas.
Material was also gathered from about 250 carers in western NSW looking after children with a disability or developmental delay.
"The voices and stories of rural people with disabilities, their families, carers and local service providers are the foundation of our research," Dr Dew said.
Dr Dew said one of the aims of WH&DS was to work with disabled children in their own environment to reduce travel costs and ensure a smoother process for families.
"Of course, there will be times when people will be brought in when specialised treatment is needed," he said.
"Similarly, there may be times when people have to travel to access specialised services."
To develop solutions to the problem, the group introduced five pilot programs in small towns across the state, including at MacKillop Rural Community Services and Orana Early Childhood Intervention.
"The feedback has been really positive," Dr Dew said.
"The five pilots have been evaluated and there are things that can be done better but that's why they're pilots."
Dr Dew said the alternate service models would expand on the services already available in the community.
"It's not one-size-fits-all," she said.
"We've looked at what's already available in the community and what support works need to be put in place."
Technology is one of the areas WH&DS are looking to utilise, such as using smart phones, tablets and computers for video conferencing at home, rather than needing to visit a conferencing space.