In the past, people living with disabilities may not have felt as though they were a part of the community in which they lived. Thankfully, disability care services like Fair Go Access are helping instil change by way of a community-building approach.
An inclusive community approach means those living with support from disability care services are seen as citizens rather than patients. This goes beyond ensuring their basic needs are met; they are included as an active member of the community in which they live.
There are many groups of people who are all necessary parts of an inclusive community. They might be disability services such as disability home services, they could be local government, volunteers, family and friends of those with a disability, local businesses, and both other services.
The short answer is everybody. Living in a community that embraces diversity allows people with a disability to feel valued and empowered. It also helps facilitate change in negative social beliefs about those with disabilities, as well as increasing social connections. Overall, this creates a more positive and more accessible community for everyone.
A community of people doesn’t have to be physical. Despite its negative press, we sometimes forget that the internet provides the modern world with amazing opportunities to connect in forums to meet people in similar circumstances, as well as places to share their story or discuss different disability care services. Finding that other people have similar stories can make one feel less alone and foster a greater feeling of belonging.
While helping engage with both the physical and online communities mentioned above, disability services like those offered by Fair Go Access also begin the community engagement process from home. Our staff assist clients in accessing their communities should they find it difficult to do so independently. This may be done via private vehicles or public transport.
One of the most tangible efforts made to assist clients in engaging with their community is through personal mobility equipment. Support workers are experienced and knowledgeable about what is on offer and the equipment which may suit individual needs. Our staff are happy to research and advise on products that will benefit and enable increased mobility, thereby providing increased means to get about in the community.
To learn more about disability home services provided by Fair Go Access, call us today on 03 5298 2746.