Health & Wellbeing
- GP care — adults with CP should have a regular GP who understands their condition. A Chronic Disease Management Plan (GP Management Plan) can provide access to subsidised allied health services
- Specialist clinics — some hospitals run adult CP clinics (e.g., Royal Melbourne Hospital's Victorian Rehabilitation Centre). These are less common than paediatric clinics but growing
- Dental care — people with CP may need specialist dental services (special needs dentistry). The NDIS does not generally fund dental care, but state dental services and private specialists are available
- Sexual health — sexual health services should be accessible and inclusive. People with CP have the same rights to sexual health information and services as everyone else
- Mental health — psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists, accessed through NDIS or Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plans
- Preventive health screening — cervical, breast, and bowel cancer screening should not be missed. Providers should make reasonable adjustments for accessibility
Housing
- Living independently — with the right support and home modifications, many adults with CP live independently. The NDIS can fund home modifications and support worker hours
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) — purpose-built accessible housing for people with extreme functional impairment. Funded through the NDIS for eligible participants
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) — NDIS-funded support for people living in shared or individual arrangements who need overnight or regular support
- Social housing — state-based public and community housing with disability priority pathways
- Private rental — the Disability Discrimination Act protects against discrimination in housing. Reasonable modifications can be requested
Relationships & Sexuality
People with CP have the same needs and rights when it comes to relationships and sexuality:
- Dating with disability — apps, social events, and disability-specific social groups
- Intimacy and sexuality — may require adaptations but is absolutely possible and normal
- Sexual health education — should be accessible and inclusive
- Fertility and pregnancy — many women with CP have successful pregnancies. Specialist obstetric care is recommended
- Parenting — parents with CP raise children every day. The NDIS can fund parenting-related supports
Sport & Recreation
- Para-sport — football, athletics, swimming, cycling, rowing, and more through Paralympics Australia and state pathways
- Gym and fitness — many gyms offer adapted programs. Exercise physiologists can design CP-specific programs
- Adaptive sports — kayaking, sailing, skiing, surfing, and bushwalking programs exist across the country
- Arts and culture — disability arts organisations, accessible theatres, museums, and creative workshops
- Travel — accessible travel agencies and resources help plan holidays. Many hotels and attractions offer accessibility features
Getting Older
- Aged care and disability overlap — people with disability who turn 65 while on the NDIS can generally remain on the scheme
- Advance care planning — making your wishes known about medical treatment and care preferences
- Powers of attorney — appointing a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf if needed
- Estate planning — wills, trusts, and financial planning for the future
- Proactive health management — ongoing physiotherapy, regular medical reviews, and addressing pain and fatigue early
You are more than your CP. You are an adult with the same rights to a full, rich life as anyone else — relationships, careers, adventures, and all.