Monash Health is committed to providing inclusive and respectful healthcare and employment for all.
Work currently being undertaken to shape our new Disability Action Plan 2023 – 2027 will guide our journey to reduce barriers, promote inclusion, change attitudes and practices, and improve outcomes for our employees, volunteers, patients and visitors with a disability.
This week we invited award-winning writer, speaker and appearance activist Carly Findlay to chat with us as we approach International Day of People with Disability.
Carly’s extensive lived experience as a disabled person (Carly’s preferred language) in the healthcare system has equipped her with knowledge and insights that she shared at our recent event to celebrate this significant day.
Among her stories and wisdom, Carly provided many takeaway tips that anyone can adopt to recognise and reduce ableism and promote respect and inclusivity in disability. Here are just a few:
Avoid perpetuating exclusivity
Make sure your events, gatherings and meetings are accessible for a range of disabilities and do not exclude. Access should be embedded in all situations, “from boardrooms to birthday parties”. Consider questions like:
- Can everyone access the building?
- Can everyone register (the use of Captcha in forms can be a barrier for the visually impaired)?
- Can everyone see or hear your presentation?
- Will everyone feel safe in the environment you’re providing?
- Is there adequate seating?
Don’t “avoid” disability
Using terms like “special needs” indicates a reluctance or discomfort in seeing disability. Use the word “disability” and learn to be comfortable with seeing disability. The more you see disability, the more you see the barriers, and will want to minimise them.
Avoid ableist language
Ableist language devalues people who have a disability. Think about your word choices to identify ableist language and recognise where you can make changes.
Learn some Auslan
Working in healthcare, you’re likely to meet people who use Auslan. Using Auslan’s Signbank Dictionary is a great way to learn some basic words. Look up words that may help you in your role.
Understand there is diversity in disability
When we think of disability, many of us picture a person using a wheelchair. Disability is diverse and can be both visible and invisible. Considering the range of disabilities can help us in facilitating accessible environments for all.
Be comfortable with your disability
If you have a disability, don’t hide it. Be proud of your disability, and others will benefit from seeing it.
Read diverse books
Choosing activities and artistic interests that include disability will contribute to understanding and acceptance and allows us to celebrate the talents and skills of all people. Carly recommended a list of great books you can add to the pile on your bedside table.
Teach others
Help your family and friends understand the impacts if they use ableist language, and how they can make changes.
Be open to learning
If someone corrects you – thank them. We can all learn together.
We are grateful for the time Carly spent with us. Carly is currently immersed in the Melbourne Fringe Festival, an event celebrating International Day of People with Disability, with access and inclusion at its core.
Approved by Karen Lowe