The Industry Partners

The industry partners all take a vital interest in mental health issues amongst those with ID, as these organisations are often faced with difficulties related to both emotional and behavioural problems.  With the collaboration of these industry partners the current study will be the largest most comprehensive project yet to investigate mental health in adults with ID.  The current project will yield findings that will increase our knowledge of mental illness in this disadvantaged population, identify risk factors and provide vital information on mental health across different stages of adult life.

Established in 1982, Disability SA (formerly known as the Intellectual Disability Services Council - IDSC) is one of three Industry partner of the study. Disability SA is an incorporated state government unit responsible for the development and co-ordination of all services to individuals with ID within the state of South Australia.  Disability SA provides a range of services for those individuals over the age of six with a diagnosed intellectual disability, assisting these individuals and their families to identify their needs/goals and obtain access to services and the support required. Support is also offered to those children under the age of five with significant developmental delay as well as those individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. To achieve this, Disability SA maintain one of the largest registered databases of individuals with an ID within Australia, providing a unique opportunity to comprehensively survey the broad population of adults with ID. Further information can be obtained from the Disability SA website.

Minda Incorporated is a not for profit organisation established in 1898.  Minda’s vision is to maximise choice and inclusion for people with ID so that they can achieve their aspirations. Minda provides accommodation, business and client services and support that facilitate the well being of those individuals with ID. Their services include social health programs, respite, assessment and skills training, job matching and supported employment, retirement services, leisure options, outreach services and day placements.

Accommodation services are provided to 634 individuals with ID via a range of service models that meet the needs of individuals.  A number of these clients have a dual disability.  Minda takes a keen interest in their clients who also have mental health problems. For the current study, Minda will facilitate access to older individuals with ID. Further information can be obtained from the Minda website.

The Department of Education and Children Services (DECS) is the government department in South Australia responsible for school education. The department works in partnership with the Catholic Education Office, as well as the Association of Independent Schools, ensuring quality education and support for students in South Australia. DECS has been collaborating with a variety of partners such as the Commonwealth funded Mind Matters project and Beyondblue, and a wide range of health and disability professionals and services to inform the development of policies and programs that promote mental health and enact an evidence-based approach to planning support for students with mental health problems. DECS also works in association with IDSC to ensure that appropriate services and support are available for school children and senior students with an ID. Access to older adolescents (16 years+) with an ID for the current study will be provided by DECS. Further information can be obtained from the DECS website.