When the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was passed in 1992, 25 years ago, it was one of the world’s first comprehensive declarations of equality for peoples with disabilities. Even today, as a result of this legislation, millions of people with disabilities are no longer denied the opportunity to get on a bus, get a decent education, attend sporting and entertainment facilities, and live successful productive lives.
Instead of being isolated and hidden from society, kids with disabilities all over Australia are graduating from high school and university and gaining employment and contributing in a meaningful way to society as a whole.
This transformation in our society did not happen by accident, and it did not change overnight. Small Grassroot movements demanded change and it took years and a cultural change in both the minds of the government, commercial interests and the public. One of Australia’s greatest influences was the disabled Olympics and the success our Australian athletes showered on us through their hard work and determination.
The Local government ( Council ) have responsibilities under the D.D.A that include access to places where government programs are being run, equal access on laws and government programs, access to government facilities and information and access to court buildings and voting places.
Complaints in regards to any form of disability discrimination can be made to the Northern Territory Antidiscrimination Commission and in the workplace by fair work Australia under the Fair work act.
Despite the progress that has been made over the past two decades, we unfortunately still live in a world where people with disabilities have fewer work opportunities and where the rights of people with disabilities are not always protected and respected.
The City of Darwin has the opportunity to make a tremendous impact in employment and opportunity for the disabled. Running programs in conjunction with private industry and setting up partnerships with private industry Companies like HPA (Helping people achieve), disabled individuals could have not just access to employment but an equal voice in advising of maintenance and improvements that would lead to greater accessibility and enjoyment of the Darwin surrounds.
Remember you can fight for disability rights! Help me help you this August Council elections 2017.
Lets create a better Vision for Darwin!
Note :
Written and Authorized by Sam Wilks. The views included may not be those of others mentioned in the article but are those of Sam Wilks. If you have other idea’s feel free to comment below. Idea’s and differing opinion is recognition of a free and just democratic society. A Society I am happy to live in. Please however try not to be abusive or discriminative, you may be. But if I feel that your opinion may be harmful or is reported as being harmful, I will delete it.