Victorian Disability Advisory Council (VDAC) members joined Victorian MPs for a panel discussion on 30 May.
Led by VDAC Chair Chris Varney, five VDAC members shared their insights on themes such as housing, health, education and employment. The discussion covered issues faced by people with disability as well as what’s working well and what needs to change.
The event aimed to help promote awareness of VDAC’s role and work. It also gave VDAC members and MPs an opportunity to ask questions, meet and chat.
Parliamentary Secretary Iwan Walters facilitated the event. Minister for Disability Lizzie Blandthorn MP also spoke at the event.
VDAC provides valuable advice to government to help make Victoria more inclusive and accessible. The council also supports the implementation of Inclusive Victoria: state disability plan 2022–2026.
Reflections from VDAC members
At the event, Chair Chris Varney encouraged the audience to reflect on the diverse stories and lived experiences of people with disability, and how these stories can translate into action.
Chris Varney reflected while there is always room for improvement, great outcomes have been achieved in recent years including reforms in disability inclusion in schools and disability liaison officers in hospitals. Chris encouraged all MPs to consider employing people with disability for the rich and diverse skills and experience they bring.
VDAC member Martin Heng spoke about the diversity of VDAC:
“VDAC is intentionally diverse so that its reach is as broad as possible. This diversity is not just in terms of the different domains of disability – sight, hearing, mobility and cognitive – but also in terms of social and professional backgrounds, culture, metro and regional, the young and old (that’s me), and having representatives from the aboriginal and LGBTIQ+ communities.”
Second-term VDAC member Amanda Lawrie-Jones spoke about the importance of co-design:
“Co-design is the number one thing we would like every MP to consider for every project, initiative and investment. We want all parts of government to engage with and listen to people with disability right from the start,” she said.
VDAC member Amir Brand-Abdi spoke about the importance of universal design:
“I want people to think of compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act as the floor; not the ceiling. Universal design benefits everyone,” said Amir.
VDAC member Laura Pettenuzzo challenged everyone to call out ableism when they see it in their communities and everyday life:
“If you see ableism, say something – we know ripples can create waves,” Laura said.
Find out more about the Victorian Disability Advisory Council online
New information about VDAC is now online to help the community better understand their role.
VDAC members bring a wealth of skills and experience related to inclusion and issues that matter to people with disability.
You can now go to the VDAC webpage to see more about the council’s:
- priorities, action areas and work plan
- achievements for 2023
- participation in advisory committees and working groups
- members’ experience and focus areas.
To see more please go to the new VDAC priorities, action areas and work plan for 2024 webpage.
To find out more go to the VDAC webpage.
You can also visit this page to watch a series of videos about VDAC members celebrating disability pride and diversity.