Speak Out OCTOBER 2021 DIGITAL EDITION

Disability Royal Commission and advocacy update

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was established on 5 April 2019 following calls for investigation into the deaths of several people with disability in residential facilities that came to light during the Royal Commission into Aged Care. The Association has been involved in the Disability Royal Commission from the earliest stages, contributing to discussion around the terms of reference, in addition to providing direct feedback regarding their Accessibility and Inclusion Strategy. This resulted in changes to the strategy to include AAC, in addition to all Disability Royal Commission staff receiving training in accessible and inclusive communication. To date the Association has submitted eight separate responses to issues papers including the following areas affecting people with disability: • education and learning • residential facilities and group homes • the criminal justice system • healthcare for people with cognitive disability

professionals in regards to people with cognitive disability. Following this hearing, the Association was also invited to provide written feedback to propositions that came out of the hearing. Overall, there is a greater awareness of communication disability, in that people with communication disability have been specifically referred to throughout the Royal Royal Commission quick facts 5 April 2019 the Royal Commission was established 13 separate issues papers have been released for feedback 2639 submissions received so far 16 public hearings have been held 410 private sessions have occurred October 2020 interim report released 29 September 2023 the final report is due

• rights and attitudes • restrictive practice • safeguards and quality • promoting an inclusive society.

These submissions have been well received by the Disability Royal Commission, with Speech Pathology Australia being quoted nine times in their response reports, and referred to an additional nine times in their Interim Report delivered in October 2020. Additionally, on 2 March 2021, Speech Pathology Australia's CEO Gail Mulcair, Manager Professional Standards Stacey Baldac and Senior Advisor Disability Amy Fitzpatrick were invited to attend a virtual public hearing to give evidence about SPA’s submission about the education and training of health

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Speak Out | October 2021