In 2018, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released their findings into Disability, Ageing and Carers and found that one in nine people between the ages 0-64 years and one in two people aged 65 and over have a disability. This roughly means 17.7% of Australians have a disability. During their research, the ABS found that people with a disability face discrimination while trying to access their community.
Unfortunately, even with NDIS community access in their plan, people with a disability ended up avoiding going to certain places so they wouldn’t face discrimination.
So how can we help people who have a disability get into the community?
Well, there are several things we can do to help people with a disability in the community.
- Follow the person’s lead and don’t assume they need help. Ask them if they need help with anything.
- Listen to them and be patient.
- Don’t answer questions on their behalf, direct the question to the person to answer. If you are unsure if they can answer the question or not, ask them.
- Never touch their mobility aids without their consent.
- Be respectful towards them, don’t pat them on the head or use offensive language towards them and don’t be patronising towards them.
- Be flexible to their needs.
- If you can, check the accessibility of the places you are going.
- Let them make their own decisions, they have the right to make their own choices.
Evolving Support Services is committed to helping our participants access the community, for more information, please contact us through the contact tab or call us.
References
Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings, 2018. (2019). Retrieved 20 January 2022, from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release
People with disability in Australia, Disability discrimination – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). Retrieved 20 January 2022, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/contents/justice-and-safety/disability-discrimination
