South Australia’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, Helen Connolly, has launched her latest report: From Checkbox to Commitment – what children and young people living with disability said about identify, inclusion and independence. The report is the culmination of a targeted listening project the Commissioner undertook throughout 2020/21, specifically aimed at hearing directly from children and young people with disability aged 9-22 years.
The Commissioner’s report aims to amplify the voices of children and young people living with disability and in their words documents their diverse and unique perspectives on their own lives and the world around them. Although many of their points of view are similar to those of other young South Australians, children and young people living with disability raised issues that reflect their own particular priorities.
Key messages contained in the report include ensuring children and young people living with disability are more than their disability. They want opportunities to participate in decisions and share their views on a broad range of topics not limited to disability. They also want support to build friendships and attend social outings on their own terms, as well as more opportunities to interact with “mainstream kids”. Educating service providers and the wider community on living with disability should be a priority to avoid ongoing exclusion.
Read the full media release here
Download the full report here
