Ways a peer network and its members can take action to make mainstream communities more accessible and inclusive
Introduction
Peer networks can be very powerful, and are almost always more powerful than lone voices. By working together, Peer Networks can make real changes happen. Sometimes when you see an injustice related to accessibility, it’s easy to give up because you’re just too worn down, but when you have a group of peers behind you and with you, everyone gets that bit more energy and motivation. And when things don’t work out, you have a ready-made venting group to share your complaint and take it further!
Let’s make it happen
What’s the problem?
The first thing a Peer Network needs to do is to figure out what is the actual problem they want to solve. The group needs to agree that it’s a problem and a priority for the group. Lobbying for an accessible parking place at the roller skating centre is not likely to be successful if half of the group thinks there are enough parks there and you should be concentrating on the rugby field parking. Splitting the energy of the group can defeat its purpose and water down your efforts.
What are Some Solutions?
Once you’ve figured out the problem, if you can figure out a solution, or several potential solutions, that will get you closer to reaching your goal.
One to One Approach
The first step to increasing accessibility is always to approach the owners/managers/leaders. A phone call is often a good start, but following up with a letter or email that describes the problem, and the possible solutions, is sometimes all it takes!
Group Meeting
If that doesn’t get the results you’re looking for, it’s probably time for the Peer group to meet with the owners/managers/leaders, to present your case directly. Let them know how this affects your Group, you as individuals, and how many other people they’re affecting.
They may have some good reasons for their inaction or denial – so it’s always worth listening to their barriers – maybe it’s the local council who won’t let them put in a ramp? If the barriers are elsewhere, you might just be able to join forces and have even more power!
Fundraising
Often accessibility can be improved with appropriate funding, so identifying possible funding sources can be very valuable – council, state or federal government all offer various grants and matching schemes. So do many service groups and not-for-profit organisations, as well as philanthropic funds.
Peer Training and Education
Maybe your group could offer disability awareness and understanding training – sometimes hearing about the barriers you are facing can open the eyes of those without experience.
Target the Industry Group/Peak Body
When an owner/manager/leader is clearly being dismissive, or lazy or apparently wilfully discriminatory, it might be time to contact their peak associations or professional organisation to make a formal complaint. A small local footy club might not see the benefit in including a child with autism on the team, but you can almost bet the AFL would want to help!
Let your Parliamentarians Know
As the stakes rise, you might need to get your local Parliamentarians involved. It’s much easier for a Group to be taken seriously and get a meeting with a politician, than it is for an individual. They can exert strong pressure and write letters on behalf of your group to make things move faster, support a grant application or help encourage people to do the right thing.
Tell Your Story to a Bigger Audience – Online Lobbying/Petitions
An online petition or Facebook, Twitter and Social Media campaign of sharing information can be very effective at building awareness of the problem, and encouraging companies and groups to do the right thing.
Tell Your Story to a Bigger Audience – Using the Media
When all else fails, putting a media spotlight on a lack of inclusivity might not change the original complaint, but will likely help others to feel brave and energized enough to make their own complaints, and who knows, they might even join your Group and support you!
Legal Eagles – Using our Courts and/or Human Rights Commission
When you don’t get the progress you need, or are still being discriminated against, you can always make a complaint to the Human Rights Commission. There is no cost for this service and they will work to mediate the issue.
If that still doesn’t get what is needed, you might consider filing with the federal courts. There will likely be fees – both from the court and lawyers to take this path, so it should not be started without careful consideration. A government funded (free for people with disability) Advocacy service may also be helpful.
Where to go for more information
The National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 provides a ten-year national policy framework for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. It represents a commitment by all levels of government, industry and the community to a unified, national approach to policy and program development.
There are lots of books in local libraries about how to lobby, and tonnes of resources online. Good words to Google include “lobby”, “power”, “how to make changes”, “power of peer networks” etc.
Human Rights Commission: Lots of great info here on how to make a complaint, and also on past complaints and how they ended up. https://www.humanrights.gov.au/complaint-information
Government Funded Advocacy Organisations: https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/program-services/for-people-with-disability/national-disability-advocacy-program-ndap
Co-authored by: The Growing Space
