Information about physical and neurological disability, diagnosis, referral and available supports.
On this page:
Physical disability
Neurological disability
Types of physical and neurological disability
Diagnosis and referral
Support for people with physical and neurological disabilities
Physical disability
A physical disability is a condition that impairs the way the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue work to create movement. These conditions can be genetic or acquired.
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Neurological disability
A neurological disability is a condition that affects the way the brain processes information and communicates with the rest of the body; for example, the ability to produce movement and our ability to process information. These conditions can be genetic or acquired.
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Types of physical and neurological disability
There are over 6000 different physical and neurological conditions, affecting around 13 to 17 per cent of the population. Physical and neurological conditions vary greatly in their effect on a person's functional impairment. Some conditions are very mild and an affected person shows no obvious signs, whereas some cause significant functional impairments.
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Diagnosis and referral
Your family doctor may be able to assist with diagnosis and required medical treatment for a physical or neurological disability. For diagnosis of more significant disability, your doctor will provide a referral to a medical specialist.
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Support for people with physical and neurological disability
People with physical or neurological disability may require support such as equipment and help with personal care. In most cases, you can obtain support through two key organisations in South Australia:
- For adults, contact your local Disability SA office or call the Disability Information Service on 1300 786 117.
See our page on eligibility for more information about who is eligible for disability services. - For children (up to 18 years), contact Novita Children’s Services, Telephone 1800 337 443.
For more information about how to register for Novita services visit the Novita website. Fees apply to some Novita services. - Find out about more about support available for people with physical and neurological disability and how to access them on our main pages:
The following approved organisations also specialise in information and support for people with physical and neurological disabilities. You may be able to book in by calling them directly (there may be fees) or they will advise you where to go for a referral.
- Arthritis South Australia
Support to people with arthritis and related conditions - Australian Huntington's Disease Association (SA & NT) Inc
Support and educational programs to help people understand and cope, and to give Huntington's Disease families a single voice - Motor Neurone Disease Association of SA Inc
Patient and carer information and support, professional education, community awareness and support for research - Multiple Sclerosis Society of SA & NT
Nursing assistance, counselling, therapy, education and support for people who are newly diagnosed and a range of other services for people with MS - Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc (South Australia)
A range of specialised services to adults and children with neuromuscular disorders - Parkinson's SA Inc
Support services for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families - Physical Disability Council
The communication link between people with physical disability and decision-makers in government, the community and the business world - Paraquad SA
The Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of South Australia provides information, advice and referral for accommodation, peer support, counselling and advocacy. Support is provided primarily to people with spinal cord injury. - Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of SA
Wide range of services aimed at improving and preserving the quality of life of children and adults with spina bifida and their families
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More information
On this site
A-Z of disability information sheets and publications
Disability library and information service
Service and information directories
Other websites
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - resources for health professionals
National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Related Disorders (NOFASARD)