Anthea Miles

Which of the following statements best describes you?

I’m a person with disability
I’m a parent / guardian or other family member of a person with disability
I’m a carer of a person with disability

Question 1:
During the first stage of consultations we heard that the vision and the six outcome areas under the current Strategy are still the right ones. Do you have any comments on the vision and outcome areas being proposed for the new Strategy?

I like the vision & 6 key areas. I’m disabled & carer of 3 disabled children we’re all NDIS participants

1) Economic security. I feel I don’t have this at all. I’m on carer pension, unable to work (due to caring role & health issues/disabilities) I’ve had no income for past 10 years & nearly no super left, having to withdraw it during covid as my partner lost his job. From what I hear, there is good hope of support for my kids career/economic support wise.

2) Living in East Melb suburbs & now North. East was a much more inclusive & accessible community. I miss this & wish it were the same here. For my kids there are some good supports here (a lot postponed during Covid)

3) Rights protection, justice and legislation-Unfortunately, as a disabled person I do not experience this much at all ex elf at disability/autism specific places. In mainstream, not at all. To the point where I usually do not disclose & have also been abused.

4) Personal & community support. This has made a start but has a long way to go. Also very difficult under current circumstances.

5) I’ve not yet attempted this but will! For my kids, I’ve had to fight & advocate constantly.

6) Completely disagree. As a carer with disabilities, I have gained so many debilitating health issues from the severe stress.

Question 2:
What do you think about the guiding principles proposed here?

I like the guiding principals, I feel they are well rounded. I’d like to know how the intention is to engage the broader community though. Aside from a few amazing people-why would the majority of people care if this does not effect them nor have any positive incentive for them?

Also, I believe that the idea of “people with disability”, “their family & Carers” needs to take into account the fact that there are many people who cross over in these sections & bare more than one of these “titles” For example: my partner is carer for myself & 3 kids. I am carer for my 3 kids (also my partner but at this stage he does not have an official diagnosis of his disability). My eldest (15) is a young carer for myself & his 2 siblings. So in our family:
2 with disability
3 with disability & a carer
2 with disability, carer & parent

I do feel that the saying: Nothing about us without us, does have good merit & I feel the best guidance I can suggest is qualified professionals als working along side with people with disability to develop everything. I believe having a certain amount of disabled people representing the principals would be invaluable

Question 3:
What is your view on the proposal for the new Strategy to have a stronger emphasis on improving community attitudes across all outcome areas?

I wish this had happened years ago! I do not bring mine or my children’s disabilities up in a lot of situations. As there is a lot of judgement, disbelief & some even give you the 6th degree about it. So many professionals need your have better training. Starting with GPs, hospitals & schools. I look forward to this happening.

Question 4:
How do you think that clearly outlining what each government is responsible for could make it easier for people with disability to access the supports and services they need?

I find it hard to imagine a simple & clear outline of what government is responsible for. NDIS is anything but simple. I do love the option of easy read versions of any documents. Can make life so much easier.

Question 5:
How do you think the Strategy should represent the role that the non-government sector plays in improving outcomes for people with disability?

I’m wondering if some questionnaires & other forms of feedback to target how these things are currently working, how to identify gaps in the service & to then assist to get it up to standard, whether by doing some training, having some generic online modules to complete or even a model of joe it should look.

Question 6:
What kind of information on the Strategy’s progress should governments make available to the public and how often should this information be made available?

I believe annual would be a good amount, long enough to see improvement but also short enough to assist any organisations to get back on track if need be.

Question 7:
What do you think of the proposal to have Targeted Action Plans that focus on making improvements in specific areas within a defined period of time (for example within one, two or three years)?

It makes sense to have a time frame for a goal to keep focused & on track. So yes, targeted action plans to have a specified time frame…to be individually decided upon.

Question 8:
How could the proposed Engagement Plan ensure people with disability, and the disability community, are involved in the delivery and monitoring of the next Strategy?

This question makes me think of ACD (association for children with a disability) their board has to have at least 60% disabled or Carers of disabled in it. This is a great way to ensure our voice is heard.

Question 9:
Is there anything else you would like to share about the ideas and proposals in the position paper?

I look forward to hearing more & hopefully being able to be a part of this.
Thank you.
Anthea