People need different things

Around 4.4 million Australians live with disabilities. Each of these people is unique. Design strategies that address diverse needs help us include everyone.

For example, a website can use tools that make it easier for people to see, contribute, and understand. This gives everyone fair access to information and technology.

Areas where people with disabilities may need help include:

• Healthcare, like getting a pap smear.
• Looking after their property, like keeping a garden tidy.
• Thinking and reasoning, like making a good plan.
• Emotional work, like staying calm when they feel angry.

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How industries and workplaces can promote fair access

Many industries have rules and guidelines that explain fair access. Some of these are the law. Employers should obey the law, and do more if they can. It will make services, businesses and communities better places for all.

Think about access to information as well as access to space. The Centre for Accessibility Australia has developed a resource to help you check whether you offer fair access online. It can help make your online resources fair for everyone. Read more here (external link).

Fair access to care for women with disabilities 

Women with disabilities experience more violence and abuse than women without disabilities. The problem is hard to measure. 

• Many women don't talk about the violence they experience.
• The person causing the harm may be a carer or friend.
• The abuse may be directly related to the woman's disability. For example, someone might stop her from using an assistive device that she needs.
• The person causing the harm may be employed to support the victim. For example, it could be a support worker in a group home.

Gender-based violence in disability services stops women with disabilities from getting the care they need.

"Institutional abuse" happens in the disability support system, like in a group home. It can happen for a long time. There may be no consequences for the person causing the harm. Actions that would not be allowed elsewhere can come to seem normal. Some workers dismiss bad behaviour and neglect as "just how things are done".  

Policies can attempt to tackle these problems. However, we must all do more to understand and address the needs of women with disabilities.

HOW TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY FORTHOSE EXPERIENCING VIOLENCE

 Helpful steps to take include: 

• Learn how disability and gender-based violence affect one another.
• Learn more about the needs of women with "invisible" disabilities. Examples include autism, mental health issues, intellectual disabilities and ongoing pain.
• Make support services easy to access, friendly, affordable, and appropriate. 

Fair physical access to services is important. It is also important to make clients feel welcome and understood. Patience and good communication are vital. Remember, seeking help can feel scary.  

Some clients may need to learn about their rights to information, knowledge, and choice. Services should respect these rights and teach clients about them. Learning about rights can empower people to feel in control of their future. Read about the rights of women with disabilities here (internal link).

Talk to your clients about how they need services delivered. You can do this by developing a co-design process for all services. Clients' lived experience should guide service delivery.

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You can download a PDF copy of the Accessibility Factsheet here.