Disability Matters Horsham!

Horsham residents with disability and supporters invited to Disability Royal Commission information session

Horsham residents interested in sharing their stories and ideas for change with the Disability Royal Commission can find out about the free supports available at an event on Friday 20 October.

Disability Matters Horsham! will take place at Horsham Neighbourhood House, 13-15 Robin Street, from 12pm to 1.30pm.

The information session is being hosted by Your Story Disability Legal Support (Your Story), Relationships Australia Victoria, Drummond Street Services, Rights Information and Advocacy Centre (RIAC), and Leadership Plus.

Your Story lawyer Michelle Bowler said these services are available to support Horsham residents with disability, as well as their families, friends, carers, advocates and supporters, to safely share their stories with the Disability Royal Commission.

“The Royal Commission is taking submissions until 31 December as it investigates the mistreatment of people with disability in all contexts and settings,” said Ms Bowler.

“It’s important that the Royal Commission hears from people with lived experience, including those in regional areas, so that its recommendations to government properly reflect their needs and priorities.

“Your Story is a free national service that gives independent legal advice and support to anyone considering taking part in the Disability Royal Commission.”

RIAC and Leadership Plus provide free advocacy support for Victorians to access and be heard in the Disability Royal Commission.

“We know that people with disability often face challenges such as exclusion from school, difficulties accessing services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and a lack of support and discrimination in the workplace,” said RIAC Disability Royal Commission advocate Rusi Varani.

“The Royal Commission is a chance to shed light on the systemic issues that people with disability face, and for those who’ve been mistreated to share their stories and be respectfully listened to.”

Simon Judd-Mole from Leadership Plus explained how an advocate can help.

“An advocate can help you tell your story, protect your rights and access other supports,” he said. “They can also support you to make a submission, which can be in any language or format.”

Relationships Australia Victoria and Drummond Street Services provide free and confidential counselling and support to people with disability who’ve been mistreated, and anyone affected by the Disability Royal Commission.

“We know it can be difficult to relive traumatic experiences,” said Jayne Stuart, a senior clinician at Relationships Australia Victoria.

“But we also hear from people that it can be empowering and healing to share their story. If you do decide to take that step, then know that there is a lot of free support available.”

Madeline Lawson from Drummond Street Services encouraged anyone interested in finding out more to attend the information session in Horsham.

“There will be demonstrations on how to share your story, onsite support, the opportunity to book follow up appointments, and light refreshments,” she said.

“We invite residents to come along to Horsham Neighbourhood House on 20 October to find out why their stories matter, and how we can support them, or a person they care about, to safely share them with the Disability Royal Commission,” she said.

For more information and to register, visit the Eventbrite page or contact Your Story Disability Legal Support on 1800 77 1800 (free call).