Episode 6: Human Rights and Disability

This week, GET REAL looks at the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – and how it impacts on the disability sector and our work today.

Together, the United Nations Convention, plus Australian and State legislation and policies, create a robust regulatory framework to protect the human rights of people with disabilities. In addition, organisations that advocate for and provide services to people with disabilities are instrumental in helping to ensure that they can - and do - exercise their rights.  

Despite this, there are still many challenges to ensuring the fulfilment of everyday rights for people with disabilities, particularly those with cognitive and mental impairments, and vulnerable groups such as women, remote communities and indigenous peoples, especially in these challenging times with COVID19. On this episode, guests include:

• Leah Van Poppel, CEO,  Women with Disabilities Victoria; and 
• Isabel Calvert, ermha365’s Social Policy and Advocacy Advisory and former Social Policy Adviser in the United Nations Disability Program,

For more information on:

• ermha365, complex mental health and disability services - https://www.ermha.org/
• Women With Disabilities Victoria, the peak body in Victoria for advocacy on disability issues regarding women - https://www.wdv.org.au/
• The Royal Commission on Disability (see Issue Papers for public response)  https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/policy-and-research/issues-papers

ermha365 provides mental health and disability support for people in Victoria and the Northern Territory. Find out more about our services at our website.

Helplines (Australia):
Lifeline 13 11 14
QLIFE 1800 184 527
13 YARN 13 92 76
Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467

ermha365 acknowledges that our work in the community takes place on the Traditional Lands of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and therefore respectfully recognise their Elders, past and present, and the ongoing Custodianship of the Land and Water by all Members of these Communities.

We recognise people with lived experience who contribute to GET REAL podcast, and those who love, support and care for them. We recognise their strength, courage and unique perspective as a vital contribution so that we can learn, grow and achieve better outcomes together.