Many of you will recognise the beautiful Chithrani Palipana as loving Mum to Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM – PDA’s Ambassador, emergency department doctor, lawyer, disability advocate, researcher and all round great guy.
But did you know that Chithrani is also a Rehabilitation Counsellor, Board member and patron with a number of disability focused organisations, a dedicated disability advocate and successful business owner?
As the woman behind her son’s remarkable accomplishments, lies Chithrani’s unwavering love, strength, and determination. Her experiences in supporting Dinesh throughout his disability journey led her to a professional career in the areas of counselling and disability advocacy.
A guest speaker at our upcoming webinar (“The Impact of Disability on Mental Health” – Wednesday 1st October), Chithrani’s expertise and lived experience will provide insight around the importance of looking after mental health when living with disability – whether as a person living with disability or as a carer.
When we approached Chithrani to be a speaker for our webinar “The Impact of Disability on Mental Health”, she quickly agreed to be involved.
When we asked her why she thought the topic was important, she answered:
“I have witnessed many gaps in the mental health and adjustment-to-injury space, particularly for individuals newly affected by traumatic injuries and acquired disabilities. In the early stages, people often face profound challenges as they navigate a new identity. They are sometimes paired with others who have had similar injuries or experiences, but this does not always lead to positive outcomes. In fact, it can sometimes create preconceived expectations that limit their ability to achieve truly person-centred goals.
I have also seen situations where severe mental health challenges are dismissed or treated as inconveniences by service providers. Support workers are sometimes advised to “not take much notice,” which discourages fresh perspectives and genuine support. This approach fails the individuals who most need compassionate, tailored assistance.
I am passionate about seeing systemic change, one that recognises and responds to the unique needs of each individual. Recently, I was deeply affected by two tragedies: a client who lost their life after being drawn to people seeking only financial gain, and another dear client who passed away alone from a massive heart attack, who was under enormous stress. He was found dead on the floor between his bed and the wheelchair. These experiences have further strengthened my commitment to driving meaningful change in how we approach mental health and support in the disability and injury rehabilitation space.”
So whether you are a person living with disability, a family member, friend, carer or support provider who would like to learn more about the impact of disability on mental health, available support or personal journeys to overcome challenges, we encourage you to join us to hear Chithrani and our other speakers via Zoom on Wednesday 1st October at 6pm AEDT.
around the impact of disability on mental health to highlight the issue and to provide advice and support both to Australians living with disability and their support networks
Register by going to:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rly2wyx3RaKD53KiY3CL0Q
Please join us in this important conversation.
