Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support

To celebrate NAIDOC week July 4th - 11th we would like to remind us all to be mindful of the additional barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability face in getting support. This requires being mindful of each unique individual’s needs and also the collective sense of family, community and culture that is so important to many Aboriginal people.

While we cannot change history, it is within our power to help fight discrimination and provide support within the disability sector for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families.

Connection

‘Disability services have an important role in facilitating and supporting Aboriginal people to access and participate in Aboriginal and mainstream community organisations and activities.’ Enabling choice for Aboriginal people living with a disability. State Government Victoria.

Firstly, let’s take a look at some facts. A report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics released this month found;

There were 581,400 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia living in households in 2018 (excluding very remote areas). Of these people, almost one-quarter had a disability.

Discrimination

Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over with disability;

18% reported experiencing discrimination due to their disability.

42% reported they had avoided situations due to their disability.

Of the 139,700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people identified in the SDAC with a disability, over two-thirds needed assistance with at least one activity of daily life. Most of these (92.7%) received assistance with at least one activity.

Incarceration

Let’s not forget the population in prison who are in dire need of support.

From 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2020, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners increased by 2% (226) to 12,092. (abs.gov.au)

It is thought, physical and mental disability and psychosocial challenges play a huge role in the population that is incarcerated.

How to get involved

Visit NAIDOC week online for more information on events happening around the country and how you can get involved.

How we can help

Contact our friendly team to find out how we can support you and your family. At Pathways to Care, we have an extensive network with providers and support organisations, including those specific to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and other marginalised groups in the community.