News
Many in the disability community struggle to have their needs understood during emergency situations, but a new campaign is helping emergency workers recognise and respond to people’s varying access requirements.
The National Assistance Card scheme, an assistance program which has been operating for three years nationwide after starting in Tasmania over 20 years ago, has launched its new My Card, My Voice campaign, according to the website.
According to the National Assistance Card website, The Australian Government Department of Social Services provided funding to the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania to expand the assistance card system nationally, with the project now being funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Executive Officer at the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania, Marie-Claire Couper, says the campaign is calling on the wider community to recognise the program as it aids people with disability in communicating their needs when they feel distressed.
For people who find it difficult to communicate, everyday situations can quickly become overwhelming and unsafe.
Marie-Claire Couper
In January, the National Assistance Card program recently expanded to include people within the autistic community, according to the national website.
South Australian disability advocate, Khadija Gbla, describes herself as a Black Autistic person and believes the intersecting parts of her identity adds extra layers of complexity when trying to communicate.
With my accent, disability, and race, interactions are not always safe or understood. The National Assistance Card gives me something tangible I can show, which helps people understand my needs, support me appropriately, and treat me with dignity.
Khadija Gbla
Powerd Media contacted a spokesperson for the National Assistance Card organisation, who revealed that a survey of its cardholders had been conducted in back in July. Of the 154 survey respondents, 68% of participants felt more comfortable asking for help.
However, Powerd Media also learned that some cardholders reported experiences where emergency workers did not know how to respond when the Card was presented or ignored it altogether.
In light of this, New South Wales SES have shared a dedicated information document for emergency services on their website, which allows responders to educate themselves on how to approach situations where individuals may require a different method of communication.
South Australian CFS Community Risk Reduction Manager, David Hughes, believes clear communication can save lives.
“The National Assistance Card helps emergency responders understand and provide the support people need during a crisis,” he claims.
Survivor of the 2004 Boxing Day Thailand Tsunami, Lizz Hills, lives with an acquired brain injury. She says she carries her card everywhere.
People don’t always understand how big these challenges can feel for someone with a hidden disability. The Card gives me freedom and confidence, knowing I have support if I get stuck
Lizz Hills
Looking forward, the National Assistance Card organisation hopes that the program will expand to include all people with disability across Australia, as stated on the website.
If you would like to know more, click here.