For people living with a disability access and inclusion within our healthcare service and community is of the highest importance.
On International Day of People with a Disability, we are inspired by the voices of the team members who live with disabilities and our leaders within our organisation who have shared their insights to help us build a more supportive workplace.
Read their thoughts below.
What are some key changes you believe are essential to foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment for people with disabilities?
“Some of the key changes that can be made include providing opportunities for staff to be involved in diversity and inclusion training, which is aimed at creating a positive work environment by increasing the skills and knowledge necessary to work respectfully with individuals from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.”- Fiona Reed, Executive Director Nursing, Midwifery & Mental Health.
“I don’t think there is a simple answer to this question. Disability is as individual as a fingerprint and we can never understand how every person living with a disability feels, or what their needs are. However, I think change begins with understanding what constitutes a disability and secondly, recognising how it shows up, or is represented in an individual.” – Tanya Daly, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Infection Prevention and Control Unit. Lived Experience
“Fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment is so important as it results in a workforce that represent our diverse community and as such research suggests we are likely to provide better care and build trust with that diverse community. The opportunities are vast and varied, including continual review of hiring practices, onboarding practices and accessibility of physical and digital infrastructure. But more important than this is our organisation’s commitment, the capability of our leaders, and the culture we create together.” Julia Limbrey, Director People Experience
As a leader how do you advocate for systemic change to create more opportunities for people with disabilities?
“As a clinical leader in the organisation I try to advocate for systemic change by trying to be aware and open to the contributions that people living with disability can bring to this discussion and create a safe place for people to feel they can put forward their thoughts. Whether that is as a colleague or a client or both.”- Fergus McGee, Clinical Director of Integrated and Ambulatory Care
“It is vitally important to ensure that we have the systems and processes in place to support both staff and consumers to experience high quality and safe health care. Peninsula Care is the framework that supports all staff in providing that care, and the promotion of equity and inclusion for the organisation enables people of all abilities to thrive in our health service.” – Monica Finnigan: Director of Safer Care.
“Advocating for systemic change to create more opportunities for people with disabilities requires a multi-faceted approach that is rooted in empathy, understanding, and strategic action. As a leader, I strive to ensure my actions reflect my commitment to inclusion. This means actively listening to people with disabilities, implementing inclusive practices, and encouraging others to do the same.” – Alison Watts, General Manager, Acute Medical and Sub-acute Care
What are some small, everyday actions that everyone at Peninsula Health can take to contribute to an inclusive and supportive workplace?
“Speak to the patient in the first instance and introduce yourself, clarify communication needs and be creative in engaging their care. Promote awareness around misconceptions and assumptions around people with a disability as disabilities can be invisible. Treat everyone with respect and avoid judgement recognising each person’s strengths and be flexible in the provision of care for anyone with a disability.” Disability Services Team, Peninsula Health
“More inclusive language, more inclusive activities, create a positive environment by encouraging people to see how disabled people are amazing and a disability can happen to anyone at any time. We can also ask those with disabilities what they need and how we can support them.” Vanita Binaisse, Employee with a disability working in our Infection Prevention and Control Unit.
The Disability Services Team (DST) at Peninsula Health plays a central role in supporting Peninsula Health’s vision of more supportive workforce, and empowers both staff and patients to navigate healthcare barriers, whilst advocating for inclusive care practices.
The service provides comprehensive disability needs assessment, support navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and assistance with communication and accessibility.
Find out more about our disability services.