Abstract:

The Disability and Ageing Conference which was held in Perth in December 1998 was initiated by the Disability Services Commission in recognition of the need to plan for the increase, over the next five years, in the number of people with a disability who are ageing. The conference was structured around formal papers, a panel discussion and workshops. In one of the formal papers included in the proceedings, Robyne Burridge provides a personal perspective as a person with a disability who is ageing and who is actively involved with disability issues. Also provided are the personal perspectives outlined during the panel discussion by Patrick McGurk and Sophie Jasinski. The workshops were introduced by overviews from a number of service providers who gave an overview of how they are addressing the issues of disability and ageing with particular emphasis on the intra-inter sector alliances or partnerships that are involved in providing these services. The proceedings include workshop summaries, and presentations by Sue Cannell and Norma Josephs on Accommodation options; Peter Fry, Marilyn Thatcher and Brian Donovan on Retirement choices; and Terry Medley on Service delivery in rural and remote areas. Chris Bigby spoke on the intersection of aged and disability policies.