It’s a privilege

Boandik reflects on its role serving the community

On December 3, Australians will join celebrations occurring around the world marking International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) 2022 and Mount Gambier’s aged care and NDIS service provider Boandik will be a part of that celebration. IDPwD is an annual international observance sanctioned by the United Nations, which aims to promote awareness and understanding of people with disability.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 4.4 million Australians have some form of disability. Another purpose of IDPwD is to mobilise action to create more equitable societies. Rural communities, such as the Limestone Coast, can play an important part in driving cultural change.

“…rural communities are often leaders in community inclusion and providing support as a community to those living with disability…” Nathalie Goodall (Boandik disability services coordinator)

“Rural communities are often leaders in community inclusion and providing support as a community to those living with disability, and it’s very important that this continues,” Boandik disability services coordinator Nathalie Goodall (pictured above) said.

“We are proud of the skillset of our workforce, and the retention of highly trained and skilled workers who undertake regular professional development to ensure those skills remain current.”

It’s also a day when the people working in the disability services industry reflect on their time as providers of support and care. “After well over a decade in the industry, it remains a privilege to support those living with disability,” Ms Goodall said.

“International Day of People with Disability is a day when I personally reflect on that privilege.” Boandik chief executive officer Declan Moore said it is a day to celebrate and recognise the contribution of Australians with disability in our community. “It is also a chance to recognise the diversity of our community,

“…a chance to recognise the diversity of our community, and to challenge our perceptions and attitudes about disability..” Declan Moore (Boandik chief executive)