Spotlight issue: Co-design and consultation with people with intellectual disability

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Engaging people with intellectual disability through co-design or consultation in the planning and development of health services can provide benefits to the organisation and the community.

Co-design is the process in which all stakeholders participate and have a decision-making role in the planning, design, production and delivery of a policy, procedure or resource. 

The consultation process involves gaining the relevant stakeholders’ views to inform decisions made by the health service organisation.

Using a co-design or consultation process widens the range of perspectives, experiences and expertise involved, which benefits all consumers, including those who do not have intellectual disability.

The process also creates engagement between the health service organisation and the local community. People with intellectual disability are able to make a valuable contribution through the co-design or consultation process. 

Important NSQHS Actions

Action 2.09 Where information for patients, carers, families and consumers about health and health services is developed internally, the organisation involves consumers in its development and review.
Action 2.11

The health service organisation: 

  1. Involves consumers in partnerships in the governance of, and to design, measure and evaluate, health care 
  2. Has processes so that the consumers involved in these partnerships reflect the diversity of consumers who use the service or, where relevant, the diversity of the local community.
Action 2.12 The health service organisation provides orientation, support and education to consumers who are partnering in the governance, design, measurement and evaluation of the organisation.
Action 2.13 The health service organisation works in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to meet their healthcare needs.
Action 2.14 The health service organisation works in partnership with consumers to incorporate their views and experiences into training and education for the workforce.

Strategies for improvement

Strategies to support Actions 2.09, 2.11, 2.12. 2.13 and 2.14 include:

  • Engaging with local disability advocacy agencies to support the development of co-design or consultation processes 
  • Translating key documents and presentations into Easy Read versions
  • Providing training for committees and boards on disability awareness and inclusive meetings 
  • Involving someone with intellectual disability in training and educating the workforce to provide a greater awareness of the reasonable adjustments required.

Resources

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