What’s next?

The Disability Royal Commission may not make all the same recommendations that we would – or that you would. Media and public discussion in the second half of 2023 may be confronting for our community, as public figures and news outlets react to the report and make statements about controversial issues with very real effects on people with disability. It’s important to support each other as a community, and to set boundaries around our engagement with this discourse as individuals.

Here are some ways you can prepare:

• Organise support and self-care in advance, whatever that means to you. Warn family and friends that the final report is coming up, and tell them what you need from them. Free counselling is available for people with disability, their families and carers, and anyone affected by the Disability Royal Commission.
• Connect with other people with disability – we’re stronger together. Consider becoming a member of PWDA, and/or another Disabled People’s Organisation or local peer support group.
• Get informed. The more you understand about the issues, the more confident you can be when they come up in conversation. Check out our DRC resources for explanations and links to more information.
• Line up your allies. Does your local member of parliament support disability rights? Let them know how important the government’s response to the DRC recommendations is to you and your community.
• Think about your limits. Are there some topics you want to avoid altogether, or discuss only with people you know and trust? You can:
  • Prepare and practice a polite way to end or redirect a conversation.
  • Mute or block certain keywords on social media.
  • Ask someone you trust to check in with you if you seem to be engaging in a way that isn’t good for you.

  As always, if you need support advocating for your rights around any kind of disability issue, PWDA’s individual advocacy services are free, independent and confidential. Find out more at our website.