Article

Throughout the world, people with a disability who live in rural and
remote areas experience difficulty accessing a range of community-based services
including speech-, physio- and occupational therapy. This paper draws on
information gathered from carers and adults with a disability living in a rural
area in New South Wales (NSW), Australia to determine the extent to which people
living in rural areas may receive a person-centred therapy service. METHODS: As
part of a larger study in rural NSW into the delivery of therapy services, focus
groups and individual interviews were conducted with 78 carers and 10 adults with
a disability. Data were analysed using constant comparison and thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Three related themes emerged: (i) travelling to access therapy; (ii)
waiting a long time to get therapy; and (iii) limited access to therapy past
early childhood. The themes overlaid the problems of recruiting and retaining
sufficient therapists to work in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based
rehabilitation principles offer possibilities for increasing person-centred
therapy services. We propose a person-centred and place-based approach that
builds on existing service delivery models in the region and involves four
inter-related strategies aimed at reducing travel and waiting times and with
applicability across the life course. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Therapy
service delivery in rural and remote areas requires: Place-based and person
centred strategies to build local capacity in communities. Responsive outreach
programs working with individuals and local communities. Recognition of the need
to support families who must travel to access remotely located specialist
services. Innovative use of technology to supplement and enhance service
delivery.

Langue : ANGLAIS