An Introduction to Community and Primary Health Care

Some people living with long-term intellectual, physical or mental disability, whether present at birth or acquired later in life, are among the most disadvantaged and marginalised groups in our community. They experience poorer health status and significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates than the general population, and often encounter a health system that fails to meet their needs (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2016; World Health Organization, 2018). This chapter focuses on informing health care professionals and better equipping them to understand and respond to the needs of people living with disability so that they might attain the highest possible outcomes in health and well-being throughout their lives.