Resource helps LGBT people with disability find inclusive providers

ACON has launched a resource to help people with disabilities who have diverse sexualities and genders find inclusive providers who understand their needs.

ACON last December released it’s Queerability Toolkit, which is aimed at empowering LGBT people wanting to access the NDIS in a sector containing many religiously-affiliated providers.

The toolkit is designed to enable LGBT people with disability to understand the NDIS and have the information they need to make decisions and choices, as well as build the skills and confidence to self-advocate for their individual needs, ACON says.

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says research including a scoping study from ACON has shown there are  many barriers preventing LGBTQ people with disability from accessing and receiving the support they need to ensure their health and wellbeing.”

“We’re very excited to be supporting the members of sexually and gender diverse communities who live with disabilities,” he said.

“We know there is a lack of research and information regarding LGBTQ people with disability in Australia, as well as tailored, community-led support.”

LGBT project

In partnership with People with Disability Australia (PWDA), ACON has also launched an LGBTQ People with Disability Project, which is a dedicated unit tasked with providing support, advocacy, skills-building and visibility to sexuality and gender diverse people with disabilities across the country.

Senior Policy Officer at PWDA, Giancarlo de Vera said PWDA was excited to partner with ACON on the project.

The new Queer Ability Toolkit would also make it easier for LGBTQA+ people with disability to access the NDIS, he said.

“Access to NDIS supports will go a long way in ensuring LGBTQA+ people with disability can participate fully in the vibrant LGBTQA+ community, after being excluded for so long.”

Discrimination

A study released in 2018 from La Trobe University showed that when compared with the broader disability community, LGBTQ people with disability experience higher rates of discrimination, greater restrictions on freedom of sexual expression, reduced social support and connection, and reduced service access, in particular for transgender people, ACON said.

“One of the challenges for LGBTQ people with disability is not knowing which service providers understand the nuances of LGBTQ care without prejudiced practices, or are able to offer a truly inclusive service,” Mr Parkhill said.

“Sadly in Australia there is no comprehensive protection under anti-discrimination laws to prevent discrimination and a refusal of service from religiously-affiliated support services.

“This can lead LGBTQ people to be wary of religious-affiliated services of which there are many in the disability sector.”

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