Whether you’ve experienced issues voting remotely or in physically accessing polling stations (such as available disability parking, building access), availability of accessible polling booths for wheelchair users and those requiring other assistance (eg. Braille, Easy English, sensory requirements), PDA wants to hear from you.
With your help we hope to improve accessibility in Australian elections, so that people with disabilities are given the opportunity to participate in the same way as everyone else.
In a democratic society, voting is something that is generally taken for granted. However, for an increasing number of people with physical disabilities, local accessibility to vote is not guaranteed.
Following the announcement of an election, a list of polling places are made available by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). Within this list, each polling place is given a rating around accessibility to assist people with disabilities or mobility restrictions (i.e. wheelchair accessible, assisted wheelchair access, or not wheelchair accessible).
However, previously available statistics taken from this list showed that of the expected polling places outlined on the AEC website, as few as 3% of polling places will be fully accessible at the next Federal election.
These grossly inadequate numbers contravene the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 which states that electors are entitled to vote on election day at any polling place in their electorate.
So why should this inexcusably inadequate availability of accessible polling booths be tolerated?
Why should people with mobility disabilities be given no option but to travel (often long distances) outside of their local areas to vote or be compelled to vote outside polling stations or lodge their votes via post or telephone?
All Australians should be given the opportunity to engage in our democratic processes equally and with fair consideration.
We really want to hear about your personal experiences in voting at Australian elections (whether local, state or Federal) so that we can have a better understanding as to whether or not enough is being done to make our elections accessible.
We’ve put together a QUICK but IMPORTANT survey around this issue and encourage you all to participate, so that we can ensure that all members of the community have equal access to the political process.
Please go to the link below and take part in the survey BY 5PM AEDT MONDAY 14th MARCH 2022 and let’s make sure that everyone’s votes are counted at our upcoming elections.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JVYDNNG
Today, on International Women’s Day, PDA’s SA Associate Director Krystal Matthews’ NDIS story has just been shared.
“There are a lot of different issues that affect women with disabilities and there are a lot of particular issues that affect parents who have disabilities.
It’s not easy, it’s not easy for anyone to be a mother, but the fact of me having a disability does not make me a bad mother.”
Check it out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCF1uhD9c1k
Today is International Women’s Day – a day for women (and men) worldwide to combine voices and share the message of equal rights for women.
Everyone has the right to be recognised equally without distinction or discrimination of any kind.
“Women’s rights are human rights!”
This very important day highlights the celebration of all women, in all their diversities – embracing all facets and intersections of faith, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual identity or disability.
Today is a celebration of all women who came before us, those with whom we now stand united and for those who will follow us.
Throughout history, women have come together to protest against the injustices they’ve faced, to support other women and to advocate for their rights and equality.
Since the establishment of International Women’s Day on the 8th March 1975, women have used this day of recognition to come together in solidarity to celebrate the achievements of women and to step on the discrimination, harassment and systemic barriers to equality and truly untethered success.
PDA’s Vice President, Talia Spooner-Stewart, is currently involved in Bravery Trust’s 100km challenge to raise funds and awareness for Australia’s veterans undergoing financial hardship.
To promote the event, Bravery Trust’s Media and Corporate Affairs Manager Jo Crawford-Wynd has written an article around Talia’s efforts and the story behind her decision to take part in this incredibly worthwhile challenge.
“Wheeling to inspirational half way milestone”
“Don’t judge me by my disability but give me an opportunity to show my ability. I hope I can communicate to people that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and are given an opportunity.”
That’s the message shared by Bravery Trek participant Talia Spooner-Stewart as she passes the halfway milestone of this year’s Bravery Trek.
Bravery Trek is a virtual challenge of 100km in 50 days. Talia is halfway to her goal having clocked up 55km as she enters the home stretch.
“I’ve been fortunate to have so much support from family, friends, my work colleagues, and my physio team along the way. Everyone has been incredibly generous and it’s given me extra motivation to be consistent– I’m just so grateful for everyone’s support. The support pushes me to keep going,” she said.
Talia was diagnosed with MS in 1998 and became wheelchair reliant five years ago. She says it was the opportunity to attend the Invictus Games in 2018 as a volunteer that inspired her to aim high and finds ways to continue sports and stay active.
“The Invictus Games changed everything. It was an eye-opener to what could be done. I had always thought “No, I can’t do that because I am in a wheelchair”– but the Invictus Games changed that, it changed my mindset to focus on what I can do instead,” she said.
Talia has been cycling and wheeling her way to 100km and she’s been able to add weekly swimming sessions to her tally. Although not a veteran herself, Talia works at Leidos Australia with veterans as colleagues and customers. Leidos is a Foundation Partner of Bravery Trek and values a culture to support those who have served our country.
“Leidos’ commitment to the veteran community, and a key value of inclusion, is why I went to the Invictus Games in the first place – they were able to offer me that opportunity. Leidos is why I’m participating in Bravery Trek … I’ve had a few really big donations and it has surprised me. I really do appreciate everyone’s support,” Talia said.
“I don’t ask others for help very often but this event is so important and the messaging to support veterans is so important.
“As a community we are generous, and people support lots of charities, but the messaging about veterans can get lost in that. They have made the bravest sacrifice to support our freedom and we can all do more to support veterans when they need some assistance.”
A quick check of Talia’s socials shows that she’s been bombarded with messages of support, and there’s repeated use of the word “inspirational” by her supporters – it’s something she accepts with humility.
“If my actions can inspire others I’ll embrace it – and knowing the impact that the Invictus Games had on me, if my efforts can help change people’s mindsets and empower them to live a better life – I’m fine with whatever words they call me – as long as it helps others!”
To donate or send a message of support to Talia please visit: www.braverytrek.com.au/talia-spooner-stewart.
Funds raised support the work of national military charity Bravery Trust to provide financial aid and financial counselling to veterans who been injured during service and face hardship. Learn more at www.braverytrust.org.au.
Elle Steele is a PDA Member and former PDA Board Member.
She is also an incredible woman with many more strings to her bow. As a Paralympian, successful businesswoman, motivational speaker, disability advocate and a supportive, beautiful soul, she has much knowledge, insight and advice to share. Well worth a listen.
She has very kindly allowed us to share a video that she was involved with on the PDA YouTube channel.
Check it out by clicking below or by going to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8H5uwzUY4k
Don’t forget to subscribe to the PDA YouTube channel whilst you’re there.
1800 732 674
