Living with a disability can change many aspects of everyday life, something that you may never be aware of unless you have a disability or care for someone with a disability. Freedom of choice and the ability to make decisions is one area that often causes upset for those with disabilities. There are so many different issues that fall under the umbrella of disabled. Yet, despite being more than capable of decision-making, adults with a disability are treated as though they do not have this capacity. They are left feeling angry, bullied and lacking control in their life. As an NDIS provider on the Gold Coast, we are determined to change perceptions and challenge this thinking.
Recognition is Vital
No matter what disability a person may have, they are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, and ensuring that their voice is heard is a huge part of this. Imagine not being able to decide when you go to a shop, meet friends for a meal, or participate in any event. Whether the person has essential support from family members or a complete care package with respite from professionals makes no difference. Simply denying someone their right to decide what they do because they have a disability is discriminatory, yet it happens daily to many people. It is time to make a change.
Whether a person can make decisions unaided or needs assistance makes no difference to rights they have to make choice for themselves, and this needs to be a large part of supported independent living. Regardless of the level of support needed from carers, partners or family, we must ensure that the person is at the centre and in control of all decisions about their life.
National Disability Strategy
Thankfully here in Australia, the National Disability Strategy is challenging preconceptions and is planning on a national level to ensure that disabled adults have a better standard of care. Decision-making is a big part of this strategy. The document clearly explains how and why making decisions is vital for those with a disability and how we need to ensure that all parties involved, from families to disability support workers, are advocates for the person. From SIL homes to in-home supports, the aim is to create equality than empowers people with disabilities to live a fulfilled life of their choosing.
Global Change
The National Disability Strategy creates community access and pushes for adults with disabilities to have full participation in any decision-making that impacts their lives. It is a large part of the training we carry out with our disability support workers on the Gold Coast, and we hope that Australia will be a flagship and lead the way for a global approach to the rights of those with disabilities. Thankfully the UN convention seems to be on board; Theresia Degener from the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) said, “Respect for the freedom to make choice should be accorded to all persons with disabilities, no matter how much support they need.”