As one of WA’s leading disability advocates, Samantha Connor believes that WA is about to enter into a new era of empowerment for people living with disability.
Ms Connor is a visual artist, magazine editor, scout leader, wheelchair user, mother of six children (two of whom have disabilities) and vocal advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
At the celebration of International Day of People with Disability, organised by not-for-profit organisation MercyCare and held in West Perth on 3 December, Ms Connor actively lobbied for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
She delivered a compelling speech informing the audience that the NDIS will mean a new era of empowerment for people with disabilities.
“The NDIS is designed to improve disability services and provide meaningful choice and control for people with disabilities,” Ms Connor said.
“For a long time, people with disability have been struggling to get the support they need to be who they are – it is exciting to see organisations like MercyCare making the commitment to bridging the gap between a disabled life and a good life,” she added.
MercyCare has recently become an approved service provider through the NDIS.
NDIS Project Manager, Gill Watts, said it was a fantastic opportunity for MercyCare to extend its services and assist more people with disabilities.
Ms Watts emphasised that MercyCare has already begun delivering NDIS services in the two trial regions, including the Perth Hills and Kwinana/Cockburn, and plans to extend this right across the Perth Metropolitan area once the scheme is fully implemented.
She went on to say that MercyCare had an unwavering commitment and proven track record of providing high quality services to West Australians.
“We are confident we can build on our significant experience and knowledge to deliver services under the NDIS that make a real difference to the lives of people living with a disability and those close to them,” Ms Watts said.
“MercyCare offers flexible services that are tailored to the individual and their changing needs. The person drives the process.
“We listen to what it is they want and then we work in partnership to make it happen,” she concluded.
MercyCare’s Chief Executive Officer, Chris Hall, stated that the organisation was committed to creating positive outcomes for people to lead full, socially inclusive and independent lives in their community.
He pointed out that witnessing the efforts which MercyCare support workers go to in order to create tangible outcomes for people with disabilities was a very rewarding experience.
MercyCare is a leading Catholic provider of aged care, family, health and community services. With more than 700 staff employed and 150 volunteers, the organisation delivers more than 40 programs and services, from over 30 locations throughout Western Australia.
For more information on MercyCare, visit www.mercycare.com.au