scholarly journals An Investigation of Service Providers’ understanding, perspectives and implementations of the Transdisciplinary model in Early Intervention settings for Children with Disabilities

Author(s):  
Eimear Fitzmaurice ◽  
Janet Richmond

Purpose: The transdisciplinary practice model is currently being promoted as best practice in early intervention therapy for children with disabilities. However, supporting literature is limited. Thus, the question is asked, “What are service providers' understanding and perception of the transdisciplinary model in early intervention settings for children with disabilities?” Method: A systematic review was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. An electronic search was conducted via six databases. Eight articles were selected. Results: Four studies predominantly focused on service providers’ perspectives of the model using semi-structured interviews or surveys. Many studies were of adequate to low quality, and the methods of implementing the transdisciplinary approach varied across organisations. It is therefore difficult to draw valid conclusions based on service provider’s viewpoints of the model. Conclusions: This review attempted to determine if the transdisciplinary model is best practice. The inconsistencies in the transdisciplinary teams indicates that overall, the general understanding of the model and its framework amongst organisations is poor. Further research is needed to establish service providers’ understanding of the model and how transdisciplinary teams are functioning since the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Green ◽  
Jane Mears

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a major paradigm shift in funding and support for people with disability in Australia. It is a person centered model that has at its core a change in government funding away from service providers direct to individuals with disability. In principle it is heralded as a major step forward in disability rights. Nonetheless, the implementation poses threats as well as benefits. This paper outlines potential threats or risks from the perspective of not-for-profit organisations, workers in the sector and most importantly people with disability.  It draws on a range of recent reports on the sector, person centered models of funding and care, the NDIS and past experience. Its purpose is to forewarn the major issues so that implementers can be forearmed. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 383
Author(s):  
David Rosenbaum ◽  
Elizabeth More

This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process through a descriptive approach to the implementation challenges for Australian non-profit disability service providers as they grapple with the implementation of the transformational National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It highlights the leadership challenges associated with the newly developed NDIS Implementation Framework and, in doing so, recognises the risk and opportunity issues contained with that implementation process. The research used grounded theory coupled with framework analysis in a qualitative study that, in part, sought to identify leadership characteristics deemed necessary to minimize risks, capitalize on opportunities, and support positive change outcomes leading to successful NDIS implementations amongst several participating organisations, each with differing demographics and at different stages in the implementation process. The findings, which have been grouped into phases, suggest a range of leadership attributes at key phases of the NDIS implementation that are necessary to minimise implementation risks and maximise opportunities associated with the NDIS. These phases have been identified as: (i) An input phase where the emphasis must be on internal change preparedness and external environmental impacts and drivers; (ii) A process phase where the emphasis is on direct implementation issues; and (iii) An outcomes phase where active consideration needs to be on organisational mission sustainability, as well as the risk and opportunity challenge. The study is crucial in revealing leadership challenges and lessons for large scale change and risk management in the non-profit sector, within and beyond the specific case of Australia’s NDIS implementation, useful for both scholars and practitioners.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 46-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison M. Marchbank

THE LAUNCH OF THE National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia announced changes to the ways people with disabilities and families access services. These changes cover delivery of early childhood early intervention to families with infants and young children with disabilities. In July 2013, the NDIS was rolled out nationally in three pilot sites. This funded phenomenological study was conducted in one pilot rollout site with administrators from two agencies delivering such services. Analysis of the data identified factors that challenged professional practice and personal philosophy. The findings suggest that the long-term financial viability of community agencies is at risk. A crucial dilemma emerged concerning parent choice: to what extent does a ‘user pay’ system impose limitations to services being delivered in a family centred way?


2020 ◽  
pp. 136548022094376
Author(s):  
Amy E Heberle ◽  
Úna Ní Sheanáin ◽  
Mary E Walsh ◽  
Anna N Hamilton ◽  
Agnes H Chung ◽  
...  

This US-based study examined the experiences of school counselors and social workers implementing a systems-oriented, programmatic student support practice model, City Connects, within high-need urban contexts. The City Connects model represents current best practices in student support, positioning school counselors and social workers primarily in the role of identifying students’ needs and strengths and making connections between students, families, teachers, and service providers. This stands in contrast to older models in which these professionals functioned primarily in a direct care role. The goal of the study was to understand practitioners’ experiences of efficacy, satisfaction, and engagement as well as the barriers to each of these within this best practice model. Acknowledging the documented challenges of working in high-need urban schools in the United States and the potential strains of systems-oriented practice, the study aimed to understand which aspects of their work enable practitioners to thrive, as well as which aspects do not. Qualitative analysis was used to examine written reflection data on the experiences of 35 practitioners implementing the model. Our analysis revealed six themes: (1) connecting/cultivating relationships (2) seeing impact, (3) having confidence in the effectiveness of the practice model, (4) having high levels of satisfaction with the practice, (5) managing role clarity, and (6) experiencing systemic barriers. Implications for practitioners, supervisors, clinician educators, and program designers are discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-193
Author(s):  
Stacey Lynne Alexander ◽  
Margarita Frederico ◽  
Maureen Long

AbstractTo promote the rights, well-being and development of the child, and for the benefit of families and the community, attachment should be a central focus of early childhood intervention (ECI) under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). ECI Key Workers have the opportunity to positively influence parent–child relationships and are encouraged to do so by the ECI national guidelines. This article identifies how elements of the NDIS design and implementation may be counterproductive to fostering attachment security in children. These elements can lead to delayed intervention; increased parental stress; reduced expertise of service providers; and financial disincentives for best practice in working with disadvantaged families. The article highlights the implications for children with a disability and their families in Australian society and identifies lessons for the design and implementation of social policy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Stewart ◽  
Maddy Slattery ◽  
Helena Roennfeldt ◽  
Amanda J. Wheeler

Australians experiencing severe and persistent mental illness and who require services from multiple agencies, experience a fragmented service delivery system. In 2014, the Commonwealth Government introduced the Partners in Recovery (PIR) service, which provides service coordination and flexible funding to improve outcomes for this group of people. This study presents qualitative findings from a research project that aimed to understand the experiences of PIR participants, including aspects of the planning process and the effectiveness of the PIR program in meeting their needs from the perspective of the participant, their carer or family member and other support people within their lives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 stakeholders involved in the PIR program, of which 14 were participants, 17 were members of the participant’s support network and three were members of a consumer and carer advisory group. Overall participation in the PIR program had a positive effect on the participant’s lives. Relationships with the support facilitators were seen as an important element of the process, along with a focus on recovery-oriented goals and advocacy and linking to other agencies. These findings are important for informing the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Australia, which will replace PIR.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-146
Author(s):  
Jonathan Mason ◽  
Kate Crowson ◽  
Mary Katsikitis ◽  
Michael Moodie

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to summarise the initial experiences of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It highlights some of the main challenges being faced by participants, service providers and government, and demonstrates how research can contribute to the ongoing implementation and success of the scheme. Design/methodology/approach The historical basis for the need for a new approach to disability funding in Australia is explored. The opportunities that exist and the difficulties that are being encountered by those entering and working within the new scheme are discussed. Findings Several problems were identified including difficult transitions between existing support frameworks to new “NDIS plans”, and the risk of market failure. Both the problems and their solutions are discussed and it is hoped that collaboration between the Commonwealth Government, service users, their families, service providers and universities can lead to a number of lasting improvements. Practical implications The new funding framework provides exciting opportunities for increasing the funding of people with intellectual and physical disabilities in Australia. Developments in technology, service provision in rural and remote areas and the opportunity to meet aspirational life goals exist alongside a number of challenges, including the need to ensure that those with multiple and complex disabilities retain existing levels of support. Originality/value The implementation of the NDIS is still underway, and opportunities exist to implement changes to the scheme where required. Research findings have an important role to play in the national debate regarding how best to improve quality of life for people with a disability in Australia.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742110116
Author(s):  
Monica Cations ◽  
Sally Day ◽  
Kate Laver ◽  
Adrienne Withall ◽  
Brian Draper

Objective: Post-diagnosis service delivery for young-onset dementia (with onset prior to 65 years) recently moved to the disability system in an attempt to address systemic barriers to best practice in aged care. The objective of this study was to examine experiences and satisfaction with disability services so far among people with young-onset dementia and their care partners and identify strategies for service and system improvement. Methods: The 151 participating Australians living with young-onset dementia or providing informal care to a person with young-onset dementia were recruited via social media, advocacy bodies and specialist medical clinics. A cross-sectional online survey asked participants to provide a timeline of their interactions with the disability system so far and rate their satisfaction with the disability system, aged care and disability services. Results: Participants reported a mean age at symptom onset of 55 years. In all, 53% were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and 25% were diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Sixty percent had received an approved plan from the National Disability Insurance Scheme, although 3% were rejected. More than 27% waited longer than 6 months to receive their plan, and half waited at least a month post-approval to access services. Less than 30% agreed that the National Disability Insurance Scheme understands dementia, and fewer than half felt that the process of accessing National Disability Insurance Scheme funding is easy and fast enough. Nonetheless, respondents remained overwhelmingly in favour of young-onset dementia services remaining in the disability system rather than in aged care. Conclusions: While people with young-onset dementia and their care partners strongly agree with their inclusion in the National Disability Insurance Scheme, a relatively low level of experience with dementia in the disability workforce and a lack of integration with the healthcare and aged care systems continue to create important barriers for accessing the services they need.


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