Cristina Ricci 25 September 2012 The National Voice of Young Australians with Disabilities

“PASSION”

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Nelson Mandela

In this session: we will be sharing with you some results from a recent survey with young people with disability talking about what does a national voice of young people with disability mean asking you what you need to make your collective voice louder and effective so you can bring about the change you need to fulfil your life goals, be included in society and enjoy all your human rights.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – “The DisCo”

Disability Convention - DisCo Article 4 - General obligations (3) In the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the present Convention, and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities, governments shall closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities, including children with disabilities, through their representative organisations.

Disability Convention - DisCo Article 3 - General principles Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons; Full and effective participation and inclusion in society; Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities

Voice of young people with disability in Australia Disability organisations (DPO’s) – very few have young people with disability as members Youth organisations - very few have young people with disability as members Disability organisations that have a specific focus on young people with disability –Children with Disability Australia – national peak body which represents children and young people with disability (aged 0-25) and their families. –Youth Disability Advocacy Service (Victoria) – the only state- based disability advocacy service in Australia which exists specifically to represent and work on issues of concern to young people with disability

Survey In your own words: the voice and opinions of young people with disability The survey aimed to capture the views of young people with disability about how you are able to speak up, about what happens in your life and what matters most to you. 200 young people with disability, 13 and 26 years of age, from across Australia via an online survey (May-July 2012) The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition and the Australian Human Rights Commission in consultation with the Youth Disability Advocacy Service and Children with Disability Australia

1.What does having a voice, being represented nationally mean to you?

2. National voice / representation of young people with disability - What do you think it should look like? What are the key elements and essential features?

3. What supports do you need and what do you want to do to make the national voice of people with disability loud and effective?

Never underestimate the ability of a small group of dedicated people to change the world. It is the only thing that ever has. Eleanor Roosevelt