December 3, 2024International Day of People with Disability is celebrated each year on 3 December. This year, Northern Health proudly continues its tradition to celebrating this day with a range of meaningful activities and initiatives, designed to educate, inspire and foster inclusion.
Our staff are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and improving the accessibility and services we provide to achieve meaningful outcomes for all people, including those with a disability. To support our staff in achieving this goal, Northern Health has a dedicated group of staff and consumers who focus on improving the experiences of our staff and consumers who have, or care for someone with, a disability.
Deepmala Awasthi is Northern Health’s new Disability Liaison Officer. A qualified social worker, Deepmala has extensive health promotion experience in creating safe spaces and supporting people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Deepmala is fully committed to advancing the implementation of Northern Health’s Disability Action Plan, which was developed with valuable input from both consumers and staffs with the aim of achieving improved participation, access and inclusion of staff and consumers with lived experience of disability.
“I am very excited to use my health promotion lens and create a safe and accessible space for people with disability at Northern Health so that they feel heard and valued,” Deepmala said.
Earlier today an informative session was held via Teams featuring a panel of our consumers who shared their lived experiences of disability. Information stalls and displays are also available in the foyers of Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre. These feature information and posters to help staff and the community understand different types of disabilities and effective ways to support and communicate with people with disabilities.
As one of our consumers shared, it’s not about focusing on disability, “It’s about removing the ‘dis’ and recognising each person’s unique abilities. Inclusivity starts with seeing people as individuals, not as problems.”
Let’s celebrate resilience, positivity and the power of inclusion together. Join us in creating a world where everyone feels supported, heard and valued!
You can access more information about International Day for People with Disability here.
For more information about support or resources within Northern Health please reach out to our Disability Liaison service via disabilityliaison@nh.org.au
