The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability: Final Report 2023
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Allen, Connie
Kendall, Elizabeth
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Abstract
The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability report provides insights gathered from a sample of 291 Queenslanders with disability, 117 family/carers and 34 organisational representatives who engaged with the research survey. Queenslanders shared authentically and transparently with us about what is going well and what is challenging across many aspects of their lives. As the first survey to collect stories across all seven outcome areas of Queensland’s Disability Plan 2022-2027: Together, a Better Queensland2 and Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031,3 diverse and sometimes divergent perspectives were shared. There was strong support and representation from members of the LGBTIQA+ community (24%) and from those who live in regional and remote areas of the state (35%). While hundreds of people shared their perspectives, there is no single ‘voice of disability’ in Queensland and it is important to recognise that while this report presents key findings, it does not represent all disability experiences throughout the state. Queenslanders told us that for some, life was getting better, with more stable income, employment, and secure housing. Conversely, Queenslanders also told us that for some, life was getting worse, with challenges to health, income, and supports. There were also a group of Queenslanders who were doing relatively well, despite challenges, but who were concerned about what the future might hold, particularly if they supported children with disability. What the findings of this report highlight is that Queenslanders are experiencing a range of successes and achievements and it is important to consider multiple viewpoints when designing policies, support services, and implementing change. We asked Queenslanders to share not only about their individual experiences, but also the ways in which government (across all levels), organisations, community groups, and key systems and services could continue to implement improvements in the daily lives of people with disability. They told us that strategic action should be examined and considered in four critical areas. First, participants told us that the voice of the community should be promoted and safeguarded through citizen leadership and monitoring mechanisms for the design, delivery, and implementation of any action. Second, participants called for improved standard of living and social protection for Queenslanders with disability, to improve economic security, accessible housing, increased employment opportunities, and support lifelong learning. Third, enhancing dignity and equity was mentioned to promote an inclusive society where everyone can participate fully. Finally, participants told us that we need to strengthen belonging across the state, fostering a sense of community and connection.
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© 2023 Griffith University. The copyright in this work is owned by the publisher. It is licensed under a CC BY ND 4.0 licence. This permits you to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially. However, if you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material without written permission from the publisher.