VIC Dsylexia, Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Medicare?

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miss alley

Active Member
21 April 2014
8
2
34
Melbourne
I'm hoping someone may know a little about Medicare. It appears that testing for Dyslexia is not covered by medicare. In order to achieve a diagnosis that will suffice in VCAT or the courts, one must have a diagnosis made by a Psychologist, preferably a Clinical or Educational Psychologist. The testing is done over numerous appointments at a cost of approximately $1200 - 1300. This cost is far beyond the reach of any person who relies on a single parents pension. One may be presented with 20 medicare rebatable sessions with a psychologist over their lifetime, by arranging a health plan with ones GP, these sessions may be used for anything except for educational testing.

ADD, ADHA, Autism and Asperbergers Syndrome tests are all rebatable. Dyslexia is a genetically passed abnormality of the brain that can be clearly seen in the reduced quantity of white matter, "blank" spots in the left hemispheres frontal, parietal and occipital lobes where synapses either do not show any, or little electrical activity, and a strange phenomenon can be seen where both hemispheres of the brain appear to display a mirrored view of the electrical activity of the alternate hemisphere. It is beyond any doubt that this disability is real, and that it manifests itself as a learning disability.

It appears that in order for one to sue for specific performance or damages under State laws (Equal Opportunity & the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)) or Federal Laws (Disability Discrimination Act) where one is not provided with reasonable adjustments by a provider of education (in this case a State Primary School) or must comply with an unreasonable requirement, one must first show that the individual affected has the disability claimed.
These issues create a situation where only those of wealth may achieve a just outcome. I feel that the clauses of the Charter that cover families and children must have some impact upon this situation.
How does one with minimal funds obtain a diagnosis so they may achieve justice?
 

John R

Well-Known Member
14 April 2014
689
174
2,394
Sydney
Hi @miss alley
From research, I also understand that Medicare does not cover dyslexia and that consultation rebates are generally only available to those with private health insurance.
Have you contacted the Australian Dyslexia Association (ADA)? for guidance? If yes, what have they advised?