What it means to see disability as a culture
In this opinion piece, freelancer John Loeppky argues that seeing disability as a culture fosters connection and encourages more support for disabled people.
Resources
New Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission strategic plan
At the heart of the Commission’s work is a vision for a fair, safe and inclusive Victoria where every person is respected and treated with dignity. To achieve this vision, our Strategic Plan identifies the strategic priorities that will guide our work and the change we hope to see from 2024 to 2026.
VIDEO: Rosemary Kayess provides her first interview as Disability Discrimination Commissioner
Prominent human rights lawyer Rosemary Kayess has told the ABC the disability discrimination act needs reform, in her first interview in the role.
Rosemary Kayess commences as Disability Discrimination Commissioner
Australia’s new Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Rosemary Kayess, said we need to reframe how Australians think about disability, and address social structures that prevent people with disability from participating equally in society. Commissioner Kayess said there is a unique opportunity to transform the lives of people with disability following the Disability Royal Commission and the Independent … Continued
Commission welcomes new Disability Discrimination Commissioner
The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the appointment of Rosemary Kayess to the role of Disability Discrimination Commissioner. “On behalf of Commissioners and staff I warmly welcome Ms Kayess to the Commission. She is a leading disability and human rights lawyer who has been extremely influential in her work in international human rights law for … Continued
International Day of People with Disabilities – What are YOU doing in your spaces to create change for people with disabilities?
On 3 December we acknowledge International Day of People with Disabilities. The United Nations theme for IDPwD 2023 is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’ We know that in Australia, there are so many things that need to change to realise the … Continued
Treatment of Passengers with Physical Disabilities on Airlines & in Australian Airports
PDA recently wrote a Position Statement on the Treatment of Passengers with Physical Disabilities on Airlines & in Australian Airports which will be included as a submission to the Aviation White Paper.
My accessible parking bay is a right for people living with disability, not your loading zone
“You want to park here?” The truck driver honestly seemed perplexed by my daughter’s question as we pulled up next to his open window. I suppose having a 19-year-old yelling at you from a passenger car window wasn’t something he’d come across before. But the fact that his truck was perfectly parked in the accessible … Continued
Australians with disability tell their stories for International Day of People with Disability
The ABC is featuring stories by and about people with disability leading up to and beyond December 3, the International Day of People with Disability. From November 19 to December 10, the ABC is partnering with International Day of People with Disability to feature stories across all platforms to celebrate the wins, highlight the struggles, … Continued
VMIAC’s response to AEC about the Voice Referendum
Click below to read the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance’s letter to Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers in response to the AEC’s decision to exclude thousands of mental health consumers and mental health workers from voting in the Voice referendum.
15th Report on the Operation of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission’s 15th Report on the Operation of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities was recently tabled in the Victorian Parliament.
The disability paradox: ‘I want to get bogged at a beach in my wheelchair and know people will help’
I am flying to Byron Bay for some writers’ festival events, which I’m looking forward to. From Melbourne to Ballina, the closest airport, is a two-hour direct flight. But the airline has refused to take me unless I travel with a carer. Its policy is to refuse assistance to disabled people who can’t transfer to … Continued
Beliefs About Disabilities May Predict COVID-19 Precautions
Key Points The social model states that society is the primary cause of disability, so it is a social responsibility. A new study finds that social model beliefs about disability were associated with more COVID-19 precautions. People with stronger social model beliefs were more concerned about disabled people contracting COVID-19.
3 Forms Of Gaslighting Disabled People Experience Most Often
2022’s Merriam-Webster Word Of The Year was “gaslighting.” It’s both an apt term for a set of real and serious experiences, and an overused word that threatens to trivialize those same experiences. Either way, “gaslighting” feels especially familiar to many people with disabilities. The word seems to name and give form to one of the most common, but hard … Continued
PhD scholarship in Disability, Diversity and Inclusion Studies
Closing date: October 23, 2023
The new Disability, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne invites Expressions of Interest for a PhD. The Initiative aims to create and promote safe and socially just futures, where people with disability have access, are included and their diversity valued in all facets of social, political and … Continued