South West project helps people with disability live life to fullest

The South West Aboriginal Medical Service has launched a new project to support Aboriginal people with disabilities and their families living throughout the South West.

Funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency, the Djooroobidiny — Go Along Happily is a community-based project to provide culturally secure support and services to those in need.

Community capability co-ordinator Craige Sell said the project focused on supporting Aboriginal people with disabilities to live to their full potential.

Mr Sell said there were three main streams involved in the project.

“One of our main strategies is facilitating community-led recreation which will provide opportunities for Aboriginal people with disabilities to participate in whatever might be going on in the community and making sure they’re not disadvantaged in terms of accessing activities,” Mr Sell said.

We want to help facilitate processes and break down barriers.

SWAMS is also looking at developing a public awareness campaign.

“The campaign will look at reducing the stigma around disability among Aboriginal people and among the wider community,” Mr Sell said.

The third stream involves peer-led support groups for parents with children who have autism or other types of developmental delay. The team will be running focus groups throughout the South West in the coming months for community consultation.

People will be able to attend the focus groups to provide feedback to ensure the project addresses the needs of the community.

“We’ll also be doing an online survey at the same time for anyone who can’t make it to the focus groups.”

Contact the team on 9797 8111 to register interest.