AFI Supported Decision Making Podcast

Andy Jackson is a poet and creative writing teacher who was awarded RMIT's Future of Health Fellowship. Andy's book “Human Looking” – a poetry collection that gives voice to a range of experiences of people with disability – won the 2022 Prime Minister's Literary Award for Poetry. In our interview we explore ideas of health, the challenging and problematic pursuit of “normal” in the health care context, the nature of fears that possibly drive the ableist instinct, and the place that creatives have in designing a more inclusive future. Support the show

The Spring 2022 Edition of the Canberra Disability Review is available soon. This edition has a focus on the experience of parents with disability. We have an interview with Eliza Hull, musician and editor of "We've Got This." We have fantastic lived experience articles that look into everything from the far from wholistic reality of health services to the power of disability pride. Make sure you register to be notified when it's out at: www.advocacyforinclusion.org/cdr/ As always, the Canberra Disability Review is online and free of charge.Support the show

Akiko Hirata, Assistant Editor and Researcher for the Canberra Disability Reviews, gives an update on the great content for the Canberra Disability Review Winter Edition. There's a lot to look forward to in this edition from the focus on inclusion in disaster planning and management through to some fine contribution from the Canberra community. You can find more information about the review, and the Autumn Edition, at:» Canberra Disability Review (advocacyforinclusion.org)If you have an idea for a contribution that you would like to pitch, please send us an email at:cdr@advocacyforinclusion.orgSupport the show

We are all on a journey towards our full truth and identity. On the journey we experience relationships, our sexuality, and gender identity. Sometimes it can be bewildering. Sometimes presumptions and even the protective inclinations of others can prove a barrier. Support and information can certainly help. Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT is approaching its 50th anniversary in providing that support, education, clinical services, and a space for conversations in the Canberra Region. In this podcast we talk with Cate Barclay  who works in Community Education and Tim Bavinton Executive Director. Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT contact information:Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT - Home (shfpact.org.au)Phone: 02 6247 3077Email shfpact@shfpact.org.auSupport the show

We have recently launched an exciting project at AFI. The Canberra Disability Review is a quarterly online magazine that reflects the breadth of experiences, perspectives, policy impacts, and concerns of people with disability in the Canberra Region. Our first edition, for Autumn, was launched last week and can be found at: » Canberra Disability Review (advocacyforinclusion.org)If you, or someone you know, is interested in contributing to the review then please pitch your idea to:  cdr@advocacyforinclusion.orgSupport the show

Guardianship has been in the headlines recently. In this podcast we will explore what guardianship is, why it happens, how a guardian is appointed, and what are the things guardians are meant to do and what are limits are applied to the scope of what they can do. This podcast is recorded in the ACT so the references are to the local legislation related to guardians. If you live in another state or territory it is good to check on the local legislation and processes that are operating in your area.The ACT Guardianship Legislation that we refer to in the podcast can be found here:Guardianship and Management of Property Act 1991 | ActsIf you are a person with disability having difficulties related to a guardian or the guardianship process:If you are living in the ACT Contact Advocacy for Inclusion on (02) 6257 4005 or Contact us – Advocacy for InclusionIf you are living in another state or territory go to Disability Advocacy Network Australia | Disability Advocacy Network Australia (dana.org.au)Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

In this podcast we will reflect on four simple points about self-advocacy. The work of self-advocacy, communicating what matters to us and what is OK and not OK in our lives, is ongoing. It isn't always easy particularly when it feel likes nothing we say or do can make a difference. In our reflection we will think about those feelings that tell when circumstances are not OK, the powerful truth that we have rights and also responsibilities, the value of our message and our individual way of communicating it, and the help we can find in trustworthy supporters. Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

In this interview, with Dr Lisa Stafford, we explore what we mean when we talk about inclusion, the power and inequities involved in design and planning, and creative approaches that have connected with the views and perspectives of young people with disability. Dr Lisa Stafford is an Inclusive Communities Researcher and a Community Planner, with 20 years' experience in the field of disability, inclusion and the built environment. Lisa has worked in government, NGO and university settings and has a specific focus on the social-spatial needs of children, young people and their families. Lisa also identifies as a chronically-ill disabled person. Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

People who are carers, in our community, are a diverse group of individuals. Some have found themselves in a carer role in abrupt and unexpected circumstances. Some are caring while negotiating the challenges of childhood and adolescence. Their daily commitment makes a profound difference for the person they support and yet they are often unrecognised in our society. In this podcast we have a conversation with Lisa Kelly, CEO of Carers ACT, about the experience and concerns of carers in our community.Carers ACT website: Home - Carers ACT (www.carersact.org.au)Carer Gateway Number: 1800 422 737Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

In this podcast we catch up with Nicolas Lawler and discuss issues related to the present lockdown in the ACT, the impact it is having on some people with disability in the community, and also concerns related to support services and vaccination. We refer to Easy English resources in the podcast. Here are the links: Easy-English-COVID-Words.pdf (advocacyforinclusion.org)When-Can-I-Leave-the-House-EE-Updated-16-August-2021.pdf (advocacyforinclusion.org)If you are a person with disability living in the ACT, and need advocacy help, you can reach us on (02) 6257 4005 or via our website at Contact us – Advocacy for InclusionSupport the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

In this episode we had the opportunity to explore co-design with Kelly Ann McKercher. Kelly Ann is a design expert and author of the book "Beyond Sticky Notes: Co-design for Real: Mindsets, Methods, and Movements." Our conversation considered what authentic co-design looks like, the methods that can be used to engage the wisdom of people with lived experience, and the points of resistance that Kelly Ann has encountered when presenting co-design ideas to organisations. Further information about co-design - and Kelly Ann's book - can be found at: https://www.beyondstickynotes.com/Further information and help can be found:https://www.emmablomkamp.com/https://tacsi.org.au/Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

The call for disability advocacy services has increased throughout the Covid era. Many individuals, in our community, face complex challenges and disabling barriers, and without advocacy support they have to find a way their forward alone. Nicolas Lawler, CEO of Advocacy for Inclusion, joins us to discuss the challenges of these times when increasing community need meets underfunded advocacy services. We also discuss the lessons that can be learnt from the experience of the Covid era and the merging of Advocacy for Inclusion (AFI) with People with Disability ACT (PWDACT). Advocacy for Inclusion can be contacted:Phone: (02) 6257 4005Email: info@advocacyforinclusion.orgSupport the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

In this episode we interview ACT Disability Minister Emma Davidson. Our conversation covers a range of issues including the possible changes to the NDIS system that have been flagged, the relationship between state, territory and federal governments in relation to these possible changes, how the ACT Greens aim of "building a better normal" relates to people with disability and the complex challenges they negotiate, and the changes that are occurring in relation to the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccines.  Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

The Federal Government has signaled changes to the NDIS system. The upcoming introduction of compulsory independent assessors has been met with significant concern among people with disability and their supporters. Stacy Reese joins us in this podcast to explain what we know about the upcoming changes and why they are of concern to many in the community.Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

Advocacy for Inclusion had a great range of guests on our Staying Connected podcast during the challenges of 2020. Our conversations ranged from discussing how to maintain mental health and find safety from domestic violence, the ongoing work of the Disability Royal Commission, and emerging insights that came to the fore as the year continued through key reports. In this episode we revisit some key moments in our conversations with our podcast guests. Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

COVID-19 has brought a lot of challenges to how we live and work, for people with disability we know there have been extra challenges. Advocacy organisations, like AFI, have been inundated with calls for support over the last 6 months of the pandemic. In this podcast, we talk to CEO of Advocacy for Inclusion Nicolas Lawler, about what it is like to provide advocacy during this time, and how we are learning to better support people in our community. Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

The value of the community sector becomes most apparent in challenging times when communities are faced with hardship when individuals are most vulnerable. It's the community sector that steps in to listen and advocate to support and rebuild, to call for greater justice and reform to promote a fairer and more inclusive society. In this episode, we talk with Dr Emma Campbell, CEO of ACTCOSS, the Peak body for social services in the ACT. We talk about what is, and what isn't working in government policy response in this uncertain time. Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

When physical schools have closed down, and education has gone online the challenges have proven all the greater in the homes of children and young people with disability. In this episode, we speak with Mary Sayers CEO of Children and Young People with Disability about their most recent report: "Not even remotely fair: Experiences of students with disability during COVID-19"Read the full report here: https://www.cyda.org.au/resources/details/172/not-even-remotely-fair-experiences-of-students-with-disability-during-covid-19-full-reportSupport the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKERS: THE FORGOTTEN WORKFORCE IN COVID-19 describes the findings from a national survey of 357 disability support workers (DSWs) conducted online between May and June 2020.In this episode, Rob discusses the results of this survey and that doing the right thing by people with disability means doing the right thing by people who support them.You can read the report here: https://mspgh.unimelb.edu.au/news-and-events/disability-support-workers-and-covid-19-findings-from-our-surveySupport the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

We are living in a time when decisions are being made that we would not have imagined possible 12 months ago. This is a time when human rights are quite appropriately on many people's radar. In this podcast, we revisit what are Human Rights and what that means for all of us in the time of COVID-19.Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

Today we speak to the ACT Minister for Disability Suzanne Orr. We cover the ACT Disability Strategy and the roadmap to recovery, and how people with disability will be supported throughout the recovery. Show links: Canberra Relief Network: https://canberrarelief.com.au/ Canberra Roadmap to Recovery: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/community/canberra-recovery#:~:text=02)%206205%200900.-,Canberra's%20Recovery%20Plan%3A%20Community%20Recovery%20Roadmap,hail%20and%20now%20COVID%2D19.&text=The%20Phase%201%20snapshot%20in,reduce%20cost%20of%20living%20pressures.Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

Today we speak with Mary Sayers, CEO of Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) about their 'more than isolated report'.Children and Young People with Disability Australia launched a survey in the early days of COVID-19 in Australia. It was a survey focused on finding out how children and young people with disability were experiencing the world of COVID-19 and the challenges, changes and disruptions that we've been through and are still going through. The survey results became the basis of CYDA's report, "More than Isolated: the experience of children and young people with disability and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic." It was a report developed in collaboration with UNSW. You can read the report here: https://www.cyda.org.au/resources/details/161/more-than-isolated-the-experience-of-children-and-young-people-with-disability-and-their-families-during-the-covid-19-pandemicemail us podcast@advocacyforinclusion.org Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

Today the Interim Report into Ann-Marie Smith's death has been released. In this episode, Rob speaks with our Senior Policy Advisor, Bonnie Millen about the report, the recommendations and how the system needs to change to prevent tragedies like Ann-Marie Smith's death happening again. If you think or know abuse is going on, you need to report it. It is everyone’s responsibility to create a safe community.Below is a list of ACT and national organisations that you can call.Who you can call:The PolicePolice assistance line: 131 444 In an emergency: 000 The National Disability Abuse and Neglect HotlineA free, independent, and confidential service for reporting abuse and neglect of people with disability.Anyone can contact the Hotline, including family members, friends, service providers or a person with disability.Call 1800 880 052https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/complaints/hotlineThe Official VisitorThe ACT has Official Visitors for Children and Young People, Mental Health, Corrections, Disability and Housing (Homelessness). They visit places like prisons, group homes, hospitals etc. Call 1800 150 036 https://www.ptg.act.gov.au/visitor-schemeACT Human Rights CommissionComplaints about abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable person can be made to the Commission. Complaints can also be made if you think a vulnerable person is at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.https://hrc.act.gov.au/disability/complaints-about-abuse-neglect-or-exploitation-of-vulnerable-canberrans/NDIS Quality and Safeguards CommissionThey are the agency responsible for registering NDIS service providers.They are also the place to go to complain if you are unhappy with the services you use.Call: 1800 035 544 Where can I go for support? The National Counselling and Referral ServiceA specialist service which provides short-term phone counselling support and referrals for people with disability, their families and carers.Call: 1800 421 468Lifeline Canberra13 11 14AFI(us)Individual disability advocacyCall: 02 6257 4005 Supported Decision Making at AdacasIndividual disability advocacy, carer, and older people’s advocacy. Call: 02 6242 5060Carers ACT Carer support and advocacyCall: 1800 422 737Find disability advocacy near you: https://disabilityadvocacyfinder.dss.gov.au/disability/ndap/Support the show (https://buff.ly/3dGs2dG)

The ACT Government has just released a Covid-19 Disability Strategy.In this episode, we discuss the main points of the strategy. "The ACT Government has heard the concerns of Canberrans with disability and the disability sector and acknowledges that people with disability may face a range of additional and unique challenges and risks, during the COVID-19 health emergency." You can read the strategy here: https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/covid-19-community-service-information/act-covid-19-disability-strategy Email us at podcast@advocacyforinclusion.org

We are joined today by Kate Eastman Senior Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission. Kate is a barrister with a significant background as an advocate for human rights and won the 2019 Human Rights Law Award. We discuss the Royal Commission and how it is continuing during Covid-19.You can find out more about the Disability Royal Commission on their website: https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/ or by calling 1800 517 199You can email us at podcast@advocacyforinclusion.org

Recently AFI released a survey on how people are finding Covid-19 (thank you to everyone who participated!). Today we talk to the results of that survey that tells us the story of what is working and not working for people with disability during Covid-19.Do you have a topic for our next podcast? Email us at podcast@advocacyforinclusion.org

In this episode we look back on all the topics we have covered, and why its important to still be connected. Advocacy for Inclusion: 02 6257 4005 or info@advocacyforinclusion.org or Podcast@advocacyforinclusion.orgRelationships Australia: 1300 364 277Your Story Disability Legal Support:1800 77 1800Blueknot Counseling service: 1800 421 468Lifeline:13 11 14DVCS 02 62 800 900

In this episode, we talk with AFI Advocate Roslyn who is helping people to tell their stories to the Disability Royal Commission.The Disability Royal Commission has suspended all face to face hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic but you can still tell your story. This episode tells you about the Disability Royal Commission, the role of advocacy and how you can be involved.Find out more about the Disability Royal Commission: https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/ Advocacy for Inclusion: 02 6257 4005 or info@advocacyforinclusion.org Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277Your Story Disability Legal Support:1800 77 1800Blueknot Counseling service: 1800 421 468

At AFI we know that when we stay home we are not always in a safe place. In today's podcast, we talk to the CEO of DVCS Sonia Di Mezza about domestic and family violence, what it is and where you can go for help. You can contact DVCS at any time on 02 6280 0900 You can also contact the 1800 Respect the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Abuse Counselling Service anytime on 1800 737 732. If any of the subject matter in today's podcast upset you please consider calling Lifeline on 13 11 14 0r Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636If you have any comments or suggestions for future episodes you can email us at podcast@advocacyforinclusion.org

In our last podcast, we talked to Paul North. Paul is a Canberra psychologist. We talked to Paul to get some helpful advice about how to stay mentally healthy. Paul had a lot of helpful advice about things we can do to help ourselves feel safe and OK. His advice was so helpful we decided to do this podcast so we can talk about some of that advice in a really simple and easy to understand way

In today's episode, we speak to Canberra Psychologist Paul North on his insights into maintaining mental health during a long time of life at home. There are some big ideas and words in this podcast, we will explore and simplify some of these ideas in our next episode. Paul North is a registered psychologist with over 30 years of experience in the field of disability, trauma and general mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. He is the author of a children's book called "Safe and Sound" A story about a little girl who learns to overcome fear https://safeandsoundstory.com/

A quick update on how to stay safe and the state and federal decision to shut down non-essential businesses, what this means and why this decision was made.

In our Staying Connected podcast, we will find our way through these challenging times together.For this first podcast, we will get our heads around what this COVID-19 or Coronavirus is, in a simple way, because we know that it is important that everyone gets information in a way that they can understand.

This summer has been the most challenging many of us have ever known. This podcast will focus on the importance of resilience when we are faced with challenging times.

In this episode of Advocacy for Inclusion's Supported Decision Making Podcast, we will reflect on the experience of supporting people who are recovering from a lifetime's experience of not exercising their decision-making rights and power. We will look at the roll we can fulfil, as supporters in helping others recover their decision-making power.

In this episode of Advocacy for Inclusion's Supported Decision Making Podcast, we will look into the role of advocacy services. What do advocates do and how might they help a decision-maker who is facing road-blocks? We will also look at some other community sector supports that are worth having on the radar.

In this episode of Advocacy for Inclusion's Supported Decision Making Podcast, we will look at the place of risk in our lives and reflect on the idea of dignity of risk. We will explore the skills that can be utilised when supporting a decision-maker who is considering a choice that has risk.

In this episode of Advocacy for Inclusion's Supported Decision Making Podcast, we will reflect on the experience of supporting people who communicate in a variety of ways. We will look at the importance of helping people gain access to information in the way that best suits them. We will look at helpful ways we can break larger decisions into smaller ones that allow for easier consideration and communication.

In this episode of Advocacy for Inclusion's Supported Decision Making Podcast, we will look at a particular section of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - Article 12. This Article spells out the rights of people with disabilities to be recognised as persons before the law. We will look into what this means and we will also reflect on the place that guardians have in the lives of some people.

In this episode of Advocacy for Inclusion's Supported Decision Making Podcast, we will look at the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We will begin to reflect on some key ideas in the convention and particularly focus on the social model of disability (ie. the ways in which our community maintains disabling presumptions, structures, and processes which lock some people out from full participation in society).

In this episode of Advocacy for Inclusion's Supported Decision Making Podcast, we will begin to explore human rights. We will look at key ideas of freedom, access, and recognition that are found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We will explore the importance of having a rights based awareness when we are supporting decision-makers. We will look at rights based decisions and the resources that are available, in the community sector, to help when rights are not being respected.

In this episode of Advocacy for Inclusion's Supported Decision Making Podcast, we will have a realistic look at the experience of support. None of us are perfect in the support we give. Our efforts will often involve negotiating with our personal presumptions, our good intentions, and even our own personal need to carry out our role in a particular way. We can find our way to improved support through really listening to the person we are supporting. What are they asking of us? What skills are they demonstrating if we stop and take notice? How can we better give the person space to live their life?

In this episode of Advocacy for Inclusion's Supported Decision Making Podcast, we will look at the foundations for supported decision making. The person we support has the right to make their own decisions. It is also their right to make their decision on their own, ask for the support they need if or when they need it, and specify the kind of support that they want. We will also begin to explore the challenge of supporting a decision-maker when we have a strong opinion about the decision we believe is best.

In this podcast we will explore the importance and power of decision making in our lives. We shape our daily life and our overall life trajectory through the decisions we make. We show our values and identity through the decisions we make. In this series we will build our skills in supporting others in their decision-making. This kind of support is particularly important for people in our community whose decision-making has been ignored or undermined. We can help people reclaim their decision-making power through the support we offer.