Today is the official day highlighting the importance in asking R U Ok?, but it’s also important for us to be aware that people need support, kindness and understanding each and every day of the year.
Don’t assume that a smile means that everything’s fine and that someone isn’t going through a tough time or struggling to feel connected and supported.
So when you feel that someone is in need of a hug, a chat, a vent or simply to be seen and acknowledged, reach out and genuinely ask “are you OK?”
Be prepared to listen to them and be present.
You may help someone and make a hugely positive mark in their life…and your’s.
Be the person who cared and made a difference, not the person who walked away.
A conversation could change a life.
If you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others, please seek immediate assistance by calling Triple Zero (000).
If you’re struggling and need help or support, please reach out to family, friends, colleagues, your GP, or any of the services below NOW.
You are worth it. You are important. You are loved.
Lifeline (24/7)
13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue (24/7)
1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au
13 YARN (24/7)
13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au
Support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
QLife (3pm-midnight)
1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au Anonymous, free LGBTIQ+ support
Kids Helpline (24/7, for ages 5-25)
1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au
Suicide Call Back Service (24/7)
1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au
MensLine (24/7)
1300 78 99 78 | mensline.org.au
1800RESPECT (24/7)
1800 737 732
1800respect.org.au
24/7 free counselling and support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
We are Australia’s Disability Representative Organisations, and our job is to protect and support the rights of people with disabilities. We are also Australians with disabilities.
Right now, our community is going through a tough time. Some people with disabilities are taking out their anger and frustration on others in the community. We say this kind of behaviour has no place here. We know how hurtful and damaging this can be because we have experienced it ourselves.
This type of behaviour is called lateral violence. Lateral violence often happens in groups like ours that are already being left out in society. Right now, this is happening a lot in the disability community, especially on social media. Social media can be a great place to find support and information, but it can also be very toxic and unsafe. Sometimes people on social media say mean, hurtful and untrue things. This is a type of violence and abuse. We say this is very wrong.
As Australia’s Disability Representative Organisations, we want to say that this kind of violence is never okay, no matter where it happens. People with disabilities should feel safe with one another while we advocate for change. We want to stay focused on the important work we need to do to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
It’s normal and helpful to have different opinions, but it’s not okay to call each other names or be mean. In a world that’s becoming more divided and harsh, we must stand up for each other’s rights.
Let’s not let anger and frustration tear us apart. Instead, let’s come together and be stronger as we work together to make important change.
This statement has been endorsed by:
Australian Autism Alliance (AAA)
Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)
Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA)
Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)
Down Syndrome Australia (DSA)
First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN)
Inclusion Australia (IA)
National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)
People with Disability Australia (PWDA)
Physical Disability Australia (PDA)
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
PAID OPPORTUNITY
Are you interested in getting involved in the Australian Human Rights Commission’s IncludeAbility project as an Ambassador or Expert Advisory Group?
The IncludeAbility project has been established to increase meaningful employment opportunities and promote employment equality for people with disability. You can read more about it by going to https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/includeability-equality-work.
“IncludeAbility Ambassadors are people with disability who promote the IncludeAbility project and [its] goal of achieving equality at work for people with disability.”
“The Expert Advisory Group will provide lived experience of disability and subject matter expertise to the IncludeAbility project. It will work with the IncludeAbility project team and Steering Committee to support the project to meet its goals.”
To learn more about these exciting roles, go to:
Applications Friday, 27th of September 2024.
Please contact includeability@humanrights.gov.au if you have any questions or need help to apply.
“People with disability are set to benefit from 31 new accessible bathroom facilities, thanks to the Australian Government’s $3.7 million investment into the next stage of the Changing Places initiative.
Changing Places facilities go beyond standard accessible bathrooms and have been designed to provide people with complex needs and their caregivers access to suitable, safe, and specialised bathroom facilities.
The Commonwealth is partnering with the states and territories to fund 40 to 50 per cent of the cost of new facilities. The investment will deliver 13 facilities in New South Wales, 11 in Western Australia, four in the Northern Territory, two in South Australia and one in Tasmania.
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth said this round of funding will add to over 300 Changing Places around Australia, expanding the coverage of facilities across the country for people with disability and their carers.
“These Changing Places do change lives. They mean that people with disability have the same opportunity to get out and about in their community and fully participate in activities that many of us take for granted,” Minister Rishworth said.
“One of our commitments under Australia’s Disability Strategy is for all governments to work together and ensure every public space is accessible and the record number of facilities to be delivered in this round of funding demonstrates of commitment to that goal.”
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Bill Shorten said this funding builds on the 2022 election commitment to provide funding to see a ‘Changing Places’ facility built in every Local Government Area in Australia.
“Accessible infrastructure is an important way of ensuring people with disability can participate in local and community life,” Minister Shorten said.
“Changing Places allow people with complex needs and their carers to take part in community life without concerns.
“The $3.7 million in funding is part of the $32.2 million announced in the Albanese Government’s 2022-23 October Budget to build facilities in Local Government Areas across Australia.
“We are delivering on our promise to create a more inclusive Australia for the one in six Australians living with disability.”
Funding has now flowed through to the states and territories to commence construction works.
Facilities are at various stages of development, with all 31 Changing Places facilities expected to commence construction in the next 12 months.
More information about Changing Places is available on the Department of Social Services website [https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers-programs-services/changing-places].”
Friday was a good day.
I only suffered discrimination and othering three times because of my physical disability.
I am a wheels user. I have been disabled since birth. I live in Tasmania.
The first incident occurred when I was called “ cute” by a couple of young people who I was introduced to by my support worker. They probably thought I was cute because of the long held perception that PWD are childish and infantile. I am a 60-year-old woman and in no way would my peers describe me as cute. I did not speak up, I just disengaged and went on my way. Sometimes it’s simply easer to just roll away.
I went to dinner with my daughter and a friend. I drank wine. I needed a wee. I went to the only disabled loo in the restaurant…and waited and waited. I did a little trickle in my pants, my bad!
A lovely dad and his young son finally came out of the only disability access loo in the establishment and said “sorry”. I said “do not worry, I peed my pants a little.” Too passive aggressive?
The frustrating thing is that the dad and his child could have gone to ANY toilet in the establishment. Could have, but chose to use the only disability access loo. If a choice was available to me, I would have gone to any of the vacant toilets, however I couldn’t. I could only access one.
Look, the boy (around 7) probably needed a poo and understandably the dad had to be on hand to wipe. I am assuming this to be the case, but this encounter added to my feelings of being too needy.
I was not the only person in a wheelchair in the restaurant.
We then went to a theatre performance a local public college in Hobart. The performance was fantastic. We enjoyed it immensely. What I did not enjoy though was how I was not able to enter the building like that of other theatre goers. On arrival we found a disabled parking spot really easily and were quite impressed. The issue lay in the fact that once we left the carpark, we were not able to get onto the footpath to get to the theatre. There was no curb cut and we were greeted with a step. One small step, but wheelchairs can’t fly. So, we headed off down the road, dodging cars in the dark to find another entrance.
We did find one, but we were unable to access it because the gate was locked. My companion had to go inside and find a teacher to come and unlock the gate. The gate was not locked, but we didn’t know that. We entered and had a wonderful time watching the show. When it was time to go back to the car, we discovered that the gate had been locked. Again my companion had to find a teacher to let us out, whilst my other companion went to get the car so that I did not have to traverse back to the carpark with all the traffic in the dark.
I was not alone in this inaccessible challenge. Another disabled theatre goer was waiting on their elbow crutches for their car to come pick them up as well.
I am one person with a disability negotiating my community telling you about one day in my life.
There are laws, there are policies and legislation around access and inclusion to ensure that people with disabilities are not discriminated against or disadvantaged. However, they only work when attention to detail is adhered to and people are mindful and respectful. When things are not right on the ground in community, it takes the labour of people with disabilities to speak up, again and again. Some do not not. They choose to stay silent rather than being viewed by community as ungrateful or troublemakers. We need to shatter the belief that PWD are resilient, stoic and such inspirations, but that is when they don’t speak up of course. It seems as though community is not keen on the “loud minority”. And until other PWD speak up, the work will be on the shoulders of the tided few who fight on for the rights of all.
So while advocates and allies are in Canberra or in our local parliament debating matters of disability, the application of these rules, legislation and policies are only as good as their application on the ground.
Following our plans to restructure, and as we begin the search for PDA’s first CEO, there have been a few changes in our ranks.
Andrew Fairbairn has stood down from his role as President to support the team as interim Executive Officer and, after elections were held by our Board yesterday, Tim Harte has moved to fill the position of President until November’s AGM.
We are very excited about the moves we are making and a future of tremendous growth and success.
Please join us in welcoming Andrew and Tim to their new roles within PDA.
With so much seemingly negative news hitting us in the disability space at the moment, and usual concerns around health, finances, housing, employment, education, it’s not surprising that many of us are feeling overwhelmed and finding times tough.
News around the NDIS Amendment Bill, the Disability Royal Commission has certainly added to stress levels. However, positives are shining through by way of Australia’s disability community coming together, people speaking up and unity between organisations and disabled people growing in ways never seen before.
We are showing that we will be heard, that we won’t be forgotten and that the conversation will not end behind government’s closed doors.
Know that you’re not alone and that there are people who care and are available to give support with understanding and no judgment.
Reach out.
Whether this means speaking with a friend, family member, your GP or colleague or getting in contact with a counselling service, it is important that you do this as soon as possible.
Call:
Do it TODAY not tomorrow!
Because you’re worth it.
Physical Disability Australia has recently gone through a restructure and is on the search for a CEO to help lead the organisation into the future.
If you have lived experience of physical disability, are an exceptional communicator and leader, have a strong background in management and a working knowledge and understanding of government and the disability sector, this position could be just right for you.
As a work from home opportunity based anywhere in Australia, the successful applicant will be instrumental in amplifying the voices of people living with physical disability and guiding PDA into its next exciting chapter.
To learn more, go to:
With the 2024 Paris Paralympics starting on Wednesday 28th August, we’re set for 12 exciting days of incredible skills, determination and camaraderie.
Whether you’re a keen sportsperson, a couch spectator or someone with a take it or leave it approach to sport, we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate our Australian Paralympic Team – quite a few of whom are PDA Members.
If you have a Paralympic event that you’d like us to feature, or if you or someone you know is representing Australia in Paris, let us know and we’ll join you in waving the Aussie flag and celebrating the efforts of our country’s Paralympian heroes.
To make sure that you don’t miss any events, check out the full event schedule at https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/information/competition-schedule-for-the-paralympic-games
Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi.
People with a disability can sometimes face higher levels of exploitation and discrimination at work. Having a good understanding of what your rights are, and where to find help, is an important way to protect yourself.
Everyone deserves to be paid fairly for the work they do and to work in a safe environment, free from bullying and harassment. There is a lot of help available from government regulators, unions and community legal centres – if you are unsure, it pays to check. PDA can even help put you on the right path if you get stuck.
The national workplace relations system is established by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Fair Work Act), which covers most private sector employees and employers in Australia. The key elements of the workplace relations framework are:
The practical operation of the Fair Work Act is overseen by the Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Employees get different pay and entitlements depending on their type of employment.
Full-time employees and part-time employees:
Casual employees:
Independent contractors:
Have different rights and obligations to employees. They provide services to another person or business and aren’t employees of that person or business. They negotiate their own fees and working arrangements and minimum pay rates don’t apply because they aren’t considered to be employees.
You might still be an employee, even if you have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or your employer tells you that you are an independent contractor. It is important to seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman if you think your employer might be classifying you incorrectly.
The safety net in the national system comprises two parts; a National Minimum Wage and a set of eleven minimum standards of employment. These standards, the National Employment Standards (NES), contain the minimum terms and conditions for employees in the national workplace relations system. Employees can’t receive less than the NES, even if they have an award or agreement.
For most employees, their pay and conditions are set by the award that covers their industry or occupation. The minimum wage refers to the amount of pay before tax is taken out (gross pay). Some employees have a different minimum wage depending on their employment type, age or work capacity. If an award covers an employee, they’ll be paid based on their classification in the award.
In many jobs, employees get penalty rates for evening, weekend, public holiday and overtime work. Employees may also receive extra payments, or allowances, for things like laundry, driving vehicles or doing special types of work.
The Fair Work Ombudsman provides an award finder tool that will help you identify the award that applies to your situation.
Some people might be covered by an enterprise agreement. An enterprise agreement is like an award but negotiated at the workplace level between an employer and those employees that work for the employer.
The Fair Work Commission provides an enterprise agreement finder tool that will help you find the agreement that applies to you.
The law protects employees from losing their job in a way that is unfair, and you may be able to apply for unfair dismissal; the Fair Work Commission decides on cases of unfair dismissal. You must apply to the Commission within 21-days of termination so if you think you have been unfairly dismissed, you should contact the Commission as soon as possible.
The law also protects employees from losing their job if the reason is related to a reason expressly prohibited by the Fair Work Act – unlawful dismissal. Reasons include disability, because you were away with illness or injury, or because you belong to a union. This is a complex area, so if you have any concerns, you should contact the Fair Work Commission as soon as possible.
A range of other protections are provided by law, including the right to be free from bullying and harassment at work, the right to belong to a union, and the right to be free from discrimination.
The Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission are a valuable source of information and advice for people with disability. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you would like advice or have concerns about your situation.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to join your union. All union members get access to advice and legal representation if things go wrong in the workplace. Think of it like a safety net – you pay small, regular membership dues, but you’re covered big time if something goes wrong.
Let us know if you have any follow up questions or would like information about another employment related topic.
1800 732 674
