People with disability have equal rights

While the recognition of equal rights among peoples of all races, colours and creeds is generally universally recognised, those with disability still struggle on the margins of recognition.

By being among the first countries to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), Australia has recognised that equal rights extend to people with disability.

Supports are needed to allow people with disability to exercise their rights.

People with disability have been denied access, and often feel hidden and ignored. They and their families are arguably the most disadvantaged of all Australians across much of our society.

If people with disability are to exercise their human rights, they need a range of facilitators to help them negotiate this ‘inaccessible’ able-bodied world.

Individuals with disability should have choice in prescribing their access needs.

A critical component of the NDIS framework is the dismantling of rationed, block-funded government purchasing of a narrowly defined suite of services.

Individuals with disability will have the purchasing power to choose what their supports look like.

Cultural, systemic and environmental obstacles to access and participation for people with disability should be removed.

A potential limiting factor for successful change includes the current obstacles that prevent people with disability from accessing mainstream services.

All Australian governments and community organisations and groups need to work together to systematically facilitate access to mainstream services for all people.