On 3 December 2022, the world will observe the International Day for People with Disabilities. This day aspires to raise awareness about people with disabilities, with a call to give them the dignity to live their lives to their fullest potential through employment and participation in the community and society, as well as lowering barriers by providing accessibility to the disabled community.
In Australia, about 4.4 million people or 18% of the total population are people with disabilities. However – barring those having severe disabilities – people with disabilities here are regularly given equal chances to live their lives with as few barriers as possible to have their talents recognised and employed and to contribute to the nation.
There are also ongoing efforts by authorities to give people with disabilities as much equal access as possible to further enhance Australia’s inclusive societal development. This is especially highlighted in the Australia Disability Strategy 2021 – 2030, in addition to the federal government planning to review and overhaul their disability laws to enhance regulation and access to disability services.
Currently, eligible people with disabilities are qualified to receive financial support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It provides direct funding to help people with disabilities receive disability support. These expenses range from daily personal activities and transport to home modification and mobility equipment needed to support people with disabilities. Yet, even with these measures in place, there is still much more room to make Australia more inclusive and empowering for people with disabilities.
Supporting People with Disabilities
I find it rewarding to help Australians with disabilities and in need of societal support. I have a family friend who lives with a disability, and that strengthens my personal belief that persons with disabilities are deserving of a meaningful and fulfilling life as everyone else, with the right type of support, and in a society that is welcoming and understanding.
The NDIS is a fundamental step towards better progress for people with disabilities. It gives them the financial independence they need to make choices that could help them realise their goals, by overcoming the disability barriers and making them feel included in society and community.
With our wide range of disability support services, Homage Australia fully supports people with disabilities in living their life to the fullest. They can engage with care professionals and support workers with the help of the NDIS. Our services range from personal caregiving to accompanying the people with disabilities with their social and community participation, assisting them to live independently.
To further support the plight of people with disabilities in Australia, Homage recently launched our NDIS Support Coordination service. This allows NDIS participants to engage with a support coordinator, who can help guide and support them to utilise their NDIS plan in the most effective way possible. We can also assist them to communicate with other NDIS support providers to ensure participants get the best care possible. This is in line with our core mission to enable wellness with holistic personal care, and to ensure people with disabilities are aligned and meeting their goals.
We must remember that people with disabilities – every day and not just on 3 December – have so much that they can give despite their disabilities. They are as deserving to dream and make it big on their own terms, with the right amount of support, accessibility, care and encouragement. Just like everyone else, they have the innate potential to achieve great heights and contribute meaningfully to our society.
