5.1 - Identification of Advocacy Issues

It is necessary to understand that a person with an intellectual disability, psychiatric illness or Acquired Brain Injury may be sensitive to acknowledging their disability and in many instances will deny any disability. Questioning techniques need to be sensitive to this and the following may be of assistance in eliciting information with minimum imapct on the client.

Sample Questions:

• Are you working or on a pension?
• If on a pension, what type?
• If a Disability Support Pension, what is the diagnosis?
• Have you ever had a Case Manager?
• What type of accommodation - private, shared, family, supported, hostel, emergency?
• Is your rent up to date?
• Are you receiving rent assistance?
• Have you applied for Dept of Housing accommodation?
• Do you have/know how to obtain bond money?
• Are you at risk of homelessness (behind in rent, notice to quit-other issues relating to)?
• Do you receive support from a friend, family member or carer?
• Do you need assistance/support to access community and social access?
• Do you need help with daily living (meals, in home help, transport, meals on wheels, budgeting, shopping)?
• Who is your doctor?
• If none, would you like a referral to a GP?
• Would you like a referral for special assistance to find a job or part-time work?
• Have you or person assisting applied for DSQ support package?
• If yes and no success, refer for updated application required
• If no we can refer to intake officer of DSQ

Spectrum of Vulnerability Download Attachment

Advocacy Management Plan Download Attachment