During the course of the Disability Royal Commission, QAI has provided extensive evidence of the ongoing mistreatment of people with disability in Australian society. QAI has made ten written submissions, given evidence at three public hearings, and our Disability Royal Commission advocates have supported many people with disability to share their stories.
We have made recommendations for attitudinal, law and policy reform that, if implemented, would prevent and better protect people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and empower people with disability to live their best lives. When considered together, our recommendations reflect several consistent themes. Our final submission presents our key recommendations within these themes, which can be summarised as the following:
1. End the segregation of people with disability;
2. Address prejudicial attitudes and a lack of understanding of the needs of people with disability;
3. Involve people with disability in decision-making processes;
4. Ensure access to essential supports;
5. Introduce stronger safeguards that will protect against abuse;
6. Address intersectional disadvantage; and
7. Introduce a redress scheme
It is hoped that these themes will influence the Disability Royal Commission’s final report to the Australian Government and will inform meaningful systemic change that substantially improves the lives of people with disability, and promotes an inclusive society that supports people with disability to live independently and free from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Watch the QAI team share their key recommendations in this short video – https://youtu.be/4anvBD77444
Or read the full submission: