The accessibility and affordability of services provided often depends on how a disability is acquired, whether it is covered by an insurance scheme, whether a person has started school, is an employed adult or someone over the age of 65. This lack of coherence has a real effect on the services and therefore quality of life for individuals.
The fragmented system leads to gaps and overlap between the various sectors and programs meaning that a person can miss out on necessary support. Limitations on health sector funding for appropriate therapy or allied health services can lead to a long term requirement for disability support. Interaction between the Home and Community Care (HACC) program and NDA services can mean that someone accessing services under one Program will be regarded as ineligible to access a service under the other. Budget caps on Programs have led to strict eligibility criteria limiting the capacity of a Program to respond to individual need.
