Disability group’s Collie sessions

ADVOCACY WA, which assists those living with disabilities, will host free community sessions at the Collie Family Centre, starting on Monday.

Designed to deal with issues that impact people with disability, the group’s projects allow participants and their families and carers to identify and remove barriers for long-term change.

In November last year, a group of locals shared stories about living with disabilities in the community and suggested improvements.

Silvia Chiera was part of the group and has experience with the organisation’s services.

“When I became an NDIS member, I had to find a care provider, and I couldn’t find anyone local, so I was using a non-local provider,” she said.

“As time progressed the contract wasn’t working for me. That’s when Advocacy WA stepped in and they helped terminate the agreement.

“They communicated for me, and I thought it was better coming from them.

“They also taught me how to navigate other agreements, and speak up for myself.

“They gave me the confidence to terminate another provider myself, and now I’ve got a better understanding and more confidence.

“After having gone through that with Advocacy WA, they encouraged me to go ahead and do it myself, without having to call on them again. They’ve really helped boost my confidence.”

Ms Chiera said she encourages oth- ers to seek the help of Advocacy WA if they need assistance in making decisions, or navigating difficult situations.

“If there are people who need help, they will teach you how to be your own advocate on any issues within life.

“It’s good to have them behind you when you’re making decisions for whatever reason.”

Ms Chiera said the November discussion was useful because it brought together a range of people.

She said it was interesting to see how

Advocacy WA could also help parents of children with disabilities.

“At the workshop there were parents who were having issues, and it was interesting to see how Advocacy WA could help people who are in a different situation to me,” she said.

“They were coming from a different perspective, but it was nice to see the help that was available to those parents.”

Advocacy WA’s discussions are set to become a monthly event, and are open to anyone. Dates are set for the first half of the year

Organisers are focussing on building on ideas presented in the first workshop.

Ms Chiera said she will attend the follow-up meetings.

Bookings for Monday’s session are essential for catering purposes.

Sessions are free and are at Collie Family Centre at 5 Forrest Street from 10am to 1pm on January 30, February 20, March 27, May 17 and June 21.