The Disability Speaks principles, are based on
- Highlighting unmet disability need and advocating for improved respect, recognition, disability services with individual packages.
- The Disability Speaks program unites the disability sector.
- Disability Speaks promotes consumer centred choice and flexibility in options.
- Disability Speaks program is consumer driven and inclusive of balanced sector representation.
- Increase the profile and public debate on improved disability sector services and reform.
Disability Speaks understands that much of the information Disability Speaks circulates is widely distributed and attracts national and media interest and recognizes the Disability Speaks events are supported by a wide range of disability sector groups with different needs.
Disability Speaks appreciates the numerous people, organisations and service providers who distribute the Disability Speaks information to their clients and databases.
We strongly recommend that you continue to do so.
Disability Speaks respects and understands the opinions of people in the sector and their right to make their own choices and maintain personal philosophies.
Conversely Disability Speaks is strongly opposed to any “one size fits all” approach taken by some within the sector and Disability Speaks will continue raise debate on such issues. Disability Speaks is also concerned at the approach that some believe they have the right to speak on behalf of others. Pushing self interest and not delivering options and choices to consumers has happened in the past and has resulted in the significant traditional divisions that exist in the sector today often between people with disabilities and families/carers.
There is no doubt that there exists today significant consumer demand to move away from structured, inflexible strategic plans that were developed in the 90’s to avoid a repeat of the horrors of previous disability support services including institutions. These strategic pans have served the sector well but the lack of flexibility now restricts options and choices. The consumers demand must be accommodated. Disability Speaks advocates for change and choice.
Disability Speaks remains committed to maintaining its advocacy role, lobbying both state and federal governments for improved recognition and support for people with a disability, their families and carers.
