It is estimated there are over 453,000 people living with blindness or vision impairment across Australia and the majority of these are aged over 65 years. As the population ages and with recent reforms to aged care moving toward a consumer directed care approach, it is critical now more than ever that people who are blind or vision impaired have access to tailored advocacy services in order to navigate the changing system and make informed decisions about the supports and services they require to remain independent and engaged within the community.
Vision 2020 Australia’s submission to the Department of Health’s consultation on the draft National Aged Care Advocacy Framework (the Framework) asserts a number of recommendations to ensure the needs of older people who are blind or vision impaired and people with disability more broadly are met through the Framework.
This submission has been developed in collaboration with the Vision 2020 Australia Independence and Participation Committee. The Committee brings together a diverse group of members providing services and supports to people who are blind or vision impaired across Australia; enabling an unique platform for stakeholders to collaborate, foster consensus and develop a shared understanding on matters of significance affecting member organisations and consumers.