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Disability Voices Tasmania

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25.01.2022 Disability is the impact of societal barriers that exist when people are devalued and excluded. In this piece, Gavin Balharrie shares his story of how being excluded from receiving information about emergencies, and how the impacts of COVID-19, have affected the lives of him and his loved ones. https://www.theguardian.com//there-have-always-been-barrie... Office Co-ordinators note: Online video conferencing services, like Zoom, assume that their users can hear. When the internet slows down, they prioritise audio over video, leading to video dropping out first. This keeps the conversation going for hearing people, but excludes those using signed languages.

24.01.2022 In case you missed it... Fiona, our Project Coordinator was on Evenings with Mel Bush on Monday. Click the link below to hear more about our current Inclusive Tourism project, and how you can get involved.... https://www.abc.net.au//pr/evenings/fiona-strahan/12548940

24.01.2022 Weve been thinking about universal design, rights, and respect. Getting things right for people with disability makes it better for everyone. This video explains the social model of disability, and how removing the barriers to our participation in society allows us to contribute more to the world.

23.01.2022 Such an insightful and interesting article by American Rebekah Taussig! Read it at https://news.yahoo.com/ive-paralyzed-since-3-heres-10291751 This article attracted a lot of interest, and Rebekah was interviewed on the radio about it. Here is the podcast: https://www.radio.com//sitting-pretty-the-view-from-my-ord Anyone like to comment on Rebekah's perceptions?

22.01.2022 Heres a great opportunity for Tasmanians with a disability to be part of the Tasmanian governments new Ministerial Disability Consultative Group. The group will: Look at ways the government can continue to improve support for Tasmanians with disability, and encourage members to share their experiences with the NDIS and related policies, to ensure their voices are heard and represented. For more information please contact Felicity Brady at Housing, Disability and Community Services for an information pack by phone on 6777 1060 or by email at [email protected]

22.01.2022 Getting things right for people with disability makes life better for everyone. [Pictured: meme format image of construction fencing and supports blocking an access ramp, with the text "In social model of disability, society disables you!"] Happy Friday everyone, see you all next week :)

21.01.2022 The Tasmanian government has a plan to remove the restrictions put in place to control the spread of COVID-19. This plan can be found at: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families/roadmap-to-recovery We are looking forward to being able to spend time together with our friends and families, go to the library, and visit national parks again.... We are worried that some of the changes that have been made to keep us safe from COVID-19 will be undone. These changes include things like working from home, speaking to a doctor over the phone, or submitting the forms needed to access vital services electronically. Some of us are still at high risk from COVID-19, and still rely on these sorts of changes to keep us safe. How has the gradual removal of COVID-19 restrictions affected you so far? What good things are happening for you? Are there any bad things that are happening? What are you looking forward to? What are you worried about?

21.01.2022 Join Brain Injury Association of Tasmania live now for the launch of the National Brain Injury Awareness Week 2020! https://www.facebook.com/braininjurytasmania/videos/776450559875286/

21.01.2022 Do you know anyone living with a disability in Glenorchy who has made a significant contribution to the community? For the first time ever, the Glenorchy Community Awards have a category called "All Abilities". This category is for a person (or group) living with a disability who has made a significant contribution to the Glenorchy community.... You can find out how to make a nomination by visiting https://www.gcc.tas.gov.au//glenorchy-community-awards.aspx

20.01.2022 We are people with disability claiming the right to be heard and learning to be powerful.

20.01.2022 Have you seen ParaQuad Association of Tasmania Inc.s Wheelie Good Guide? It aims to "be a one stop shop providing information to wheelchair users travelling across the state about accessible accommodation, activities, events and transport." You can check it out at https://www.wheeliegoodguide.com.au/

19.01.2022 Its not too late to get involved with our Inclusive Tourism project. Our first meeting is tonight at 7pm on Zoom. Give us a call on 6215 6800 or email [email protected] if youd like to be involved.

19.01.2022 More on our FREE ZOOM WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY! Over two sessions we will build skills in using our stories and voices in powerful and effective ways. Led by Rodney Croome, Tasmanian of the Year 2015 for campaigning for the rights of the LGBTIQ community and Robin Banks, former Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner. Rodney and Robin are founders of the Inglis Clark Centre for Democracy and Human Rights.... WORKSHOP 1 - With Auslan interpretation, bookings before 23 June at 4pm are essential! Session 1: Thursday 25 June, 7 - 9pm Using your story to influence decision makers: How stories have influenced social justice and human rights campaigns How different parts of a story are useful to different situations Developing and practicing your story Session 2: Thursday 2 July, 7 - 9pm Developing your pitch: How do we know who needs to hear our proposal? How do we get time with politicians and other decision makers? Is a meeting enough, or is more needed? WORKSHOP 2 - No Auslan interpretation, bookings by 25 June are essential! Session 1: Saturday 27 June, 11am - 1pm Using your story to influence decision makers: How stories have influenced social justice and human rights campaigns How different parts of a story are useful to different situations Developing and practicing your story Session 2: Saturday 4 July, 11am - 1pm Developing your pitch: How do we know who needs to hear our proposal? How do we get time with politicians and other decision makers? Is a meeting enough, or is more needed? Professional captioning if requested. All sessions will be recorded and provided to attendees. To register call 6215 6800 or email [email protected]

19.01.2022 Its been a big couple of weeks for us here at Disability Voices Tasmania! Weve been busy running our workshops on Using Our Stories and Developing Our Pitches. Here are some of the things people who attended had to say about them:... "And I was, and am always deeply moved by hearing others stories, both because they make me feel so good about myself, and also because they show me the awe inspiring Courage, Creativity, Resilience and Intelligence of the community I proudly belong to." I was shy last week so I didnt speak. But this week I can. I had a lot of fun at the workshop last night. It was really good seeing the world from different peoples perspectives." I feel like I know more about what I need to do, but also like I have more work to do first than I realised. And there is still so much for us to do. We are working on more exciting opportunities for you to get involved in building the strength of our voices.

17.01.2022 Last week the Disability Royal Commission released its Issues Paper on the experiences of people with disability in employment. The Disability Royal Commission wants to understand the issues people with disability face in relation to employment. You can go to their website to read the issues paper, and find out how you can respond, by clicking on the link in this post. ... If you are a person with disability living in Tasmania, Advocacy Tasmania and Speak Out Association of Tasmania can help you to make a response.

16.01.2022 We love hearing about, and sharing what other people and organisations are doing, so thank you to everyone who brought this to our attention! Summer Foundation are running a series of online workshops for Tasmanians on the subject of accessible housing. These workshops are run by people with disability, for people with disability. Are you, or do you know of someone, working to make Tasmania a place where people with disability can participate and contribute fully and equally? If so, please feel free to share with us whats happening!

14.01.2022 Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, farmers are worried there will not be enough agricultural workers this season. Are you interested in working as a fruit picker or other kinds of farm work but havent been able to find any? What gets in the way of you getting these kinds of jobs?

14.01.2022 Everyone has stories that can be used at the right time and place to persuade and influence positive change. The Institute for Social Change wants to know how are you experiencing and adapting to life in the time of COVID-19? What do you need and want now, and for the future? Your voice can make a difference.

14.01.2022 Does anyone know of anything like this happening in Tasmanian arts? "Its a partnership of creative social enterprise Arts Project Australia and National Exhibitions Touring Support (NETS) Victoria." "Arts Project Australia supports artists with intellectual disabilities, promotes their work and advocates for their inclusion in contemporary art practice."... By moving the discussion away from disability, FEM-aFFINITY champions the vibrancy and inclusiveness of the arts the recognition that difference is something to celebrate and not isolate.

13.01.2022 A big thank you to everyone who shared the information about our workshops this week, and an extra-big thank you to those who already signed up! There are still a few spots available on both days, so feel free to get in touch on 6215 6800 or email [email protected] if youre interested. Wed love to see you there!

13.01.2022 Today in the office we were talking about International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD), which is held on the 3rd of December every year. Have you ever been to an IDPWD event? What did you think of it? What does IDPWD mean to you?... What do you see in the future for people with disability? Is there anything you think we should celebrate? Is there anything that makes you proud to be a person with disability?

13.01.2022 On the 26th of March the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, usually referred to as the Disability Commission, released its Statement of Concern about COVID. In August it will be holding a hearing on COVID-19 in Sydney. In April the Disability Royal Commission also released the Emergency Planning and Response Issues Paper: https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au//emergency-plann... At the end of this paper is a survey, there are questions about the COVID-19 as well as bushfires. This survey is a way you can share your voice on emergency planning and response with the Royal Commission. If you would like more information about the survey, or assistance with telling your story, please get in touch with us on 6215 6800.

13.01.2022 Check out the interim report here: https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/pu/interim-report

10.01.2022 Have you ever been on a holiday? What was it like?

10.01.2022 We are people with disability claiming the right to be heard and learning to be powerful. "For all of its symbolic value as an institutional gesture of accommodation, the ramp does not make a space accessible. It facilitates entry into a building for people who use mobility devices to get around. What makes a space accessible is the empathy, connection, freedom and possibility it engenders for people of all abilities and identities to come together. Accessibility should be a ...catalytic force for something more." - Eddie Ndopu

10.01.2022 During the past two weeks, Disability Voices Tasmania held a series of workshops designed to help people with disability tell our stories in ways that create empathy, not sympathy or admiration, in the minds of listeners. Participants learned that creating empathy is what will allow other people to walk in the shoes of someone who lives with a disability. People with no experience of disability have often not thought about its real consequences. In the workshop, participan...Continue reading

10.01.2022 Tourism in Tasmania Can everyone enjoy wonderful Tasmanian tourism experiences? Do you want to be part of Tasmanias tourism recovery?... Disability Voices Tasmania invites people with disability who are interested in inclusive tourism to join our exciting Tasmania Inclusive Tourism Project The Project will Work with you to develop skills and confidence to contribute to local and statewide inclusive tourism through free workshops which will: - explore the value of inclusive tourism to tourists and tourism operators - use our personal stories and experiences to assist tourism businesses to become inclusive Connect you with other people with disability who are also interested in inclusive tourism Connect you with mentors and peer support to strengthen your skills and confidence in assisting tourism operators to be inclusive and enrich their businesses All participation costs are covered Places are limited so if you are interested please contact us at [email protected] or 03 6215 6800

10.01.2022 You are important! We need your voice! We are building a collective, powerful voice of Tasmanians with disability so that we are heard and know how to make our voices create action. Disability Voices Tasmania is hosting FREE ZOOM WORKSHOPS... Want to tell your story and have it make an impact? Lead by Rodney Croome, who was Tasmanian of the Year in 2015 for campaigning for rights of the LGBTIQ community members, and Robin Banks, former Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner. Rodney and Robin are the founders of the Inglis Clark Centre for Democracy and Human Rights. Workshop 1 Thursday 25 June 7-9pm - Using your story to influence decision makers. Thursday 02 July 7-9pm - Developing your pitch. Workshop 2 Saturday 27 June 11am-1pm - Using your story to influence decision makers. Saturday 04 July 11am-1pm - Developing your pitch. How to register To register for either workshop call 6215 6800 or email us at [email protected] Places are filling up fast!

10.01.2022 A big thanks to People with Disability Australia for their work in putting together this survey into the experiences of people with disability during COVID-19.

09.01.2022 What does it mean to be truly part of a community? Janelle McMillan is an artist, the author of the childrens book Rafting A Wheelchair Wont Stop Us!, and a 2020 recipient of the Order of Australia Medal. This is her story.

07.01.2022 Sex. Now that weve got your attention, The Hook Up on triple j is doing a program about the sexual experiences of people with disability this Sunday. If you or someone you have sex with has a disability, they would like to hear from you.... You can get in touch with The Hook Up by emailing [email protected]

07.01.2022 An interesting article that helps explain what inclusive tourism means. "Its not about creating tourism product that caters to a market segment, but about catering for the entirety of the market. Thats not only a compelling business case, but also simply the right thing to do." https://www.newmobility.com//big-ideas-in-travel-and-tour/

07.01.2022 The Voices of Us How often have you told your story, even to sympathetic ears, but felt it had no real impact? Disability Voices Tasmania is reaching out to Tasmanians with disability to join us in building a collective voice. If you ever have been denied access, felt your views and hopes have not been respected, been excluded from education or employment opportunities or found it hard to exercise your rights, please speak with us. ... One of the stories people with disability regularly tell is that things are done for us and not by us. Our new organisation, Disability Voices Tasmania, has been created and is managed by people with disabilities. We exist because there continues to be many systemic barriers to access and inclusion that are common to us all. We intend to give voice to the solutions to these barriers. By identifying these common barriers, and harnessing the power of our voices, we can inspire and effect meaningful change. We will work with organisations across all communities. We will collaborate, support and empower. We will not duplicate or replicate. Last year, the pilot project Disability Voices Tasmania conducted workshops such as Using your story to influence decision makers and Developing your pitch. Aside from the practical influencing skills these workshops offered, what was most interesting was the commonality of issues and experiences raised, regardless of specific disability. The best part was having a whole bunch of people with disabilities in the same room working and learning together. I have never been in a room where half the participants were in a wheelchair along with me. I have found my tribe.- Workshop participant People with disability are no less animated, excited, thoughtful, strategic or determined to work together than any other community group. But like any group of people, our power to effect change lies in a united, collective voice. A voice that will add value to the whole community. Disability Voices Tasmania will be holding workshops over the next few months via Zoom. If you have a story to tell, or an issue to raise please join us in these workshops. We will connect with and learn from each other to make our voices more powerful. Your voice is our strength; our voice is your strength. Workshops will be free. Please register your interest by contacting Disability Voices Tasmanias Project Coordinator, Fiona, on 0428 612 299 or email [email protected]

06.01.2022 The Tasmania Project, part of UTASs Institute for Social Change, has a new survey on peoples experience of housing in Tasmania during COVID-19 and beyond. The voices of people with disability are an important part of surveys like these. You can have your voice heard by joining in the project by following this link:... https://www.utas.edu.au/tasmania-project

06.01.2022 Heres an opportunity to have your voice heard on the topic of housing! The Australian Network for Universal Housing Design recently got in touch with us to let us know they want to ensure that the Australian Building Codes Board hears the personal stories of people whose lives have been improved by accessible housing (and how the lack of accessible housing has impacted on them). We can use our voices and stories here to make a positive change in housing for everyone. ... Get in touch with us on Facebook or on 6215 6800 if youd like to know more! Submissions close August 31, 2020.

05.01.2022 From the Tasmania Project: Help plan Tasmania's social and economic recovery This survey has been supported by the Premier's Economic and Social Advisory Council (PESRAC) to help inform its thinking about priorities for COVID-19 recovery. PESRAC wants to understand the views of Tasmanians about their wellbeing and what they see as important for recovery.... This survey is for Tasmanian residents aged 18 years and above. The survey will close SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER.

04.01.2022 Good morning everyone! Its a busy day for Fiona, our Project Co-ordinator. She will be on the radio on Tasmania Talks ( https://www.tasmaniatalks.com.au/ ) at 11:15am this morning to talk about our upcoming online workshops.... At 3:30pm today she will be on the radio again! This time speaking with ABC Hobarts Your Afternoon program ( https://www.abc.net.au/radio/hobart/live/ ) about Disability Voices Tasmania. Hope you can tune in :)

03.01.2022 A message from Health Consumers Tasmania: Have your say on the future of health care in Tasmania You are invited to join with other patients, carers and community members to have your say on the future of health care in Tasmania. Health Consumers Tasmania will host these discussion sessions over a light lunch at the following times:... Launceston, Tuesday 17 November, 12.30pm to 2.30pm, at the Grand Chancellor Burnie Wednesday 18 November, 12.30pm to 2.30pm, at the Burnie Arts and Function Centre Your opinions will help us feedback to the Minister for Health’s Our Healthcare Future discussion paper (available at https://www.health.tas.gov.au/ourhealthcarefuture), released last Friday. Key questions from the Minister we would like to discuss with you are: 1. How can we strengthen consumer engagement and participation at all levels of healthcare including: a. Personal: participation and engagement in a person’s own care b. Local: participation and engagement in service improvement at a local level c. Policy and service system: participation and engagement in planning, developing, reviewing, evaluating and reforming services at a system level? 2. How can we shift the focus from hospital-based care to better community care in the community? Please rsvp with any dietary requirements to [email protected]. If you are unable to attend, but would still like to have a say, we encourage you to email us your thoughts. They do not have to be bound to the questions above. We greatly value your contribution and hope that by combining our perspectives we will be able to have greater impact.

01.01.2022 We are people with disability claiming the right to be heard and learning to be powerful. Stay tuned over the next week, were almost ready to release the details of our free online workshops on how to tell your story and have it make an impact!