YOUR EXPERIENCES MATTER
Understanding the experiences of people with psychosocial disability and trauma histories accessing and utilising the National Disability Insurance Scheme: A critical social inquiry.
ABOUT YEM
Psychosocial disability has been described as one of the most challenging and misunderstood areas of disability. With the emergence of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the term “psychosocial disability” was brought to life in the Australian context. Evidence suggests that the current service system being delivered by NDIS was not designed to fully cater to the multifaceted needs of people with psychosocial disability. More specifically, it is not yet known if this system is able to provide adequate care to people with trauma diagnoses and trauma histories. The intention of YEM is to examine the needs of people with psychosocial disability and trauma histories within the emerging disability paradigm. It is considered significantly important to recognise and be able to effectively work with the impacts of trauma in mental health and human service delivery. This research project aims to collaborate with people who have lived and living experiences of psychosocial disability and trauma histories to better inform service provision. The researcher will consult directly advocacy-based organisations across Australia that support and work with mental health consumers. It is imperative, based on presented evidence, that the population group is actively involved in parts of the research project to ensure their rights and opinions are respected and acknowledged by policy makers, service providers and the general community.
*****Please note that the research is now closed for interviews and will be updated in the near future with outcomes of the data analysis. *****
What is psychosocial disability?
Psychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it is about the functional impact and barriers which may be faced by someone living with a mental health condition. A psychosocial disability arises when someone with a mental health condition interacts with a social environment that presents barriers to their equality with others. Past experiences of trauma are common for people with psychosocial disability. It is important to be sensitive to the possible impacts of trauma, which may be lifelong, when providing support.
(NSW Government, 2020; Harvey at el, 2016; Wilson et al, 2021; Drew et al, 2021; Deany, 2016; Quinlan, 2014; NMHCCF, 2011).
Research Question
For people with psychosocial disability and trauma histories, what are their experiences of accessing and utilising the National Disability Insurance Scheme?
Aim and Objective
The aim of this exploratory research project is to better understand participants with psychosocial disability and trauma histories subjective experiences of accessing and utilising the NDIS. The objective is to identify and explore what a conceptual practice model could look like for people with psychosocial disability who have trauma histories based on their needs.
Methods
This qualitative study will be completed in two parts:
Part 1) a doctrinal and socio-legal analysis of 23 Administrative Appeals Tribunal cases related to the NDIS and PTSD
Part 2) semi structured interviews with 25 participants of NDIS with trauma histories to understand the service supports they need.
Expected Outcomes
Currently, there is no known research which specifically addresses the correlation between psychosocial disability and the impacts of trauma on daily life and functioning. This research project intends to address a gap in knowledge related to people with psychosocial disability and trauma histories. The project will demonstrate the importance of understanding lived experiences and propose solutions to meet people’s needs in the current service system.
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