Canberra residents with ‘lived experience of disability’ have been invited to apply to join the ACT Disability Reference Group.
The Reference Group is appointed by the Government to ensure that ACT Directorates and the Government itself are aware of the issues and concerns affecting people with disability in the ACT.
Minister for Disability, Rachel Stephen-Smith said members of the group drew on their own experiences and relationships to formulate their advice.
“It is vital that government policies or initiatives affecting people with disability are developed in partnership with people who have lived experience,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“The Reference Group exists to ensure that people with disability are at the table and that their voices and opinions are well represented.
Co-Chair of the Group, Dougie Herd (pictured), said the Group’s work was important because it was one of the ways the Government heard directly from members of Canberra’s disability community.
“We aim to work together to help make Canberra the most disability friendly city in Australia,” Mr Herd said.
“To achieve that goal it really matters that the experiences of people with disability help to shape future policies for a better, fairer, more inclusive Canberra for all,” he said.
Ms Stephen-Smith encouraged Canberrans with disability, carers or people with experience in disability services to apply.
Applications close Friday 22 March.
More information about the Reference Group, including how to apply to join it, can be accessed at this PS News link.
