FREE workshops for First Nations people who are living with disabilities, their families, carers and community will be held in Shepparton next week. You can go along to yarn, share stories and learn more about your human rights.
“As disability advocates, we see discrimination too often and we want to highlight to the community that you do have rights,” said Rights Information and Advocacy Centre (RIAC) CEO, Karryn Goode.
“First Nations people that have a disability or other marginalised groups may not be sure of their rights, or unfortunately they can be willing to accept mistreatment.”
Advocacy is acting on behalf of someone to protect their rights. Advocates are like lawyers, in the sense that they help clients to express their own will and preferences. Advocates step in where there are power imbalances, such as between individuals and their employers, government departments or even with disability support services. Organisations like RIAC work to empower vulnerable people through education and support.
“We always talk about building someone’s capacity to self-advocate or to be able to advocate on behalf of family members.”
Thanks to Victorian State Government, RIAC will offer free, face-to-face Uncle Lester Bostock human rights workshops delivered by people with lived experience in a culturally sensitive setting. Catering will be provided.
Workshops take place Thursday, March 31, 3-5pm at Quest Shepparton, 117-183 Welsford Street. To RSVP, phone RIAC Intake on 5222 5499 or learn more at http://fpdn.org.au/training
