In life, everyone faces challenges and obstacles. But for someone with a disability on the NDIS, life’s challenges can have a much deeper impact and occur more frequently. When this happens, challenges can turn into barriers, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines as: “Factors in a person’s environment that, through their absence or presence, limit functioning and create disability.”
The barriers to disability aren’t always obvious, especially to able-bodied people. OnSide Support Coordinators understand the challenges and can remain alongside you to navigate any barriers that come up.
Let’s take a look at five of the common barriers to participation that people with a disability may face.
Attitude
People’s perceptions of what it’s like to live with a disability is one of the most foundational barriers. Stigma, stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice are some examples of attitudes that can make it difficult for someone with a disability to be able to participate in everyday life.
Communication
Barriers to communication for people with a disability involve anything that affects reading, writing, hearing, speaking and understanding. This could be videos that don’t include captioning, no large print option for people with vision difficulties or even technical language that prevents someone who thinks differently from understanding a message.
Physical
Physical barriers are any objects or structures that prevent or block mobility and access. From steps that someone in a wheelchair can’t use, to a piece of medical equipment that requires a person with a physical disability to stand up to use it.
Policy
These kinds of barriers happen when there’s a lack of awareness or inclusion when it comes to activities or programs being accessible to people with disabilities. Federally funded services, accommodations or even opportunities – government policies need to be inclusive of differently abled people to remove barriers and access to services or programs that people require.
Social
Social barriers to disability are related to where someone grows up, learns and works – their employment, education, income and safety in the home. People with disabilities are less likely to get jobs or complete high school, and are more at risk of experiencing family violence than those without a disability. These barriers can be detrimental to an overall sense of wellbeing and create barriers than prevent growth, earning potential and happiness.
OnSide remains alongside you to remove barriers
At OnSide, our Independent Support Coordination is designed to give you more options in your service providers because your needs are unique and important. We’re independent which means we’re not affiliated with any provider, so when you need something different, we can assist you in finding it. Contact us for an obligation-free chat to learn more.
