Masks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), social distancing, excellent hand hygiene – for many people with disability, this was a way of life before the pandemic. And the community’s increased commitment to staying home when sick and following infection control protocols has not just helped stop the spread of COVID-19, but it’s created a safer community for vulnerable people with compromised immune systems – often, people with disability.
It’s a difficult but necessary initiative – the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. Referred to as the Disability Royal Commission (DRC), it’s been running since 2019, and most recently completed a public hearing in Parramatta focused on people with disability who’ve experienced homelessness. Yesterday, the DRC opened its 27th public hearing in Perth. The five-day hearing will explore conditions in detention in the criminal justice system.
The outdoors is for everyone, and in South Australia, the government is investing to make it more accessible, with all-terrain wheelchairs and electric trikes now available at popular tourist spots.
We’re shining a light on another influencer with disability this edition, Green’s Senator, Jordon Steele-John. Senator Steele-John’s influence reaches well beyond social media – as a politician, he’s got the influence to change laws in Australia through his lobbying, advocacy and vote.
It’s heavy stuff – there’s no other way to put it when it comes to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (known as the Disability Royal Commission – DRC). But to ensure people with disability, their families and supporters have their voices heard, the DRC is encouraging stakeholders to make submissions in a wide variety of formats.
Disability can create barriers to the everyday things we need to survive, like accommodation, food, health care, education, income and transport. Thankfully, there are programs and services in the community to help people with disability to access supports in all areas of life.
“A package of supports that lets you choose where and how you live in the way that best suits you.” That’s how the National Disability Insurance Agency refers to Individualised Living Options (ILO), a new type of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding that allows people to explore different ways to live (with friends, family, or a host) and design a support package to help them to live the way they choose.
Whether it’s motorised mobility aids, Apple’s accessibility features, eye-gaze technology or even more simple things like kettle tippers, grab-sticks or flashing doorbells, there’s no doubt that technology can make life easier, and increase your independence, if you have a disability. But what about other aspects of life?
Have you thought about how you can best support the social and emotional wellbeing of children with disability? National not for profit organisation, Emerging Minds, has a suite of free online courses and resources designed to help foster positive mental health for children aged up to 12 years.
