“To have such a high level of support that I need when I travel overseas … then to be able to go home at the end of the day and have my own independence but still have someone I can call if I need them in my alone time is something that I really treasure,” shares Paralympian, Jamieson Leeson.
In this Helping Hands panel discussion, Jamieson is joined by Laura Cowell, CEO of Australian Operations at TLC Disability Services; and Dr. Louise Gosbell, disability researcher and advocate, to explore the topic of disability and support.
In 2024, disability support funded by the NDIS enabled Jamieson to train for and reach one of her biggest life goals yet; to compete at the Paris Olympics in the sport of Boccia. With several medals to her name from this and other domestic and international tournaments, NDIS support and the high level of care it provides to Jamieson is enabling her to accomplish many of the same life goals as those who don’t live with a disability.
At an organisational level, the purpose of the NDIS is to do exactly that, agrees Laura Cowell.
“The NDIS is a government initiative … (It) is really about empowering people to reach their goals to live their best life. It provides the ability for people to access the support and services they need to do that.”
However, despite NDIS support, many barriers still exist for those living with a disability, explains Louise, which prevent them from being able to participate in life’s activities on an equal basis with others.
These barriers, she says, tend to fall into one of three categories;
Considering the extensive barriers people living with disability face, Louise asserts that it’s not enough to only support disability at an institutional level. All of us have the ability – and the responsibility – to learn more about the difference we can make in our own spheres of influence and put those good intentions into action.
“I always like to think about hearing the voices of people with disability … hearing from them (about) what we can do to make this better … where I have influence on a personal level as a mother, as someone in a workplace, as a researcher – using the tools and the experiences that I have to the best of my advantage to be able to make a difference.”
We must also not forget, encourages Laura, to care for the carers – for those who come alongside people living with a disability to support their needs in every capacity. Their important roles are vital to the challenge of enabling those with disability to live their best life, and we must ensure that their physical, emotional and mental health is also adequately monitored and cared for.
Jamieson, who has the support of a one-to-one carer every day, completely agrees.
“I wouldn’t be leaving my house if it wasn’t for my carers every day, so to ensure that they’re just as healthy as I am … they play a pivotal role in making sure that I am succeeding in life, it’s crucial for them to be healthy and fit.”
See the DISABILITY AND SUPPORT discussion and the full catalogue of Helping Hands panels at helpinghands.tv. Catch up on full episodes of Helping Hands on 9NOW.
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* Our panellists, Laura Cowell, Dr. Louise Gosbell and Jamieson Leeson, and the Helping Hands producers are available for interview on radio, TV and online to discuss this topic. Get in touch at helpinghands.tv/contact/
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