But for women and gender diverse people with disabilities, respect and agency aren’t a given. They experience higher than average rates of discrimination, violence and abuse.
That’s why Respect Victoria has partnered with Women with Disabilities Victoria to bring the voices and expertise of women and gender diverse people with disabilities to the front.
This campaign explores respect, ableism and agency, workplace access, dating and fashion, disability pride – and the power of handstands.
In 13 short videos, each person who shared their story in this project unpacks the stereotypes that people with disabilities continue to face and the biases that all of us can hold.
Stereotypes about abilities, wants, and needs. Tick box accessibility plans in workplaces. Biases about who should make decisions, dating and relationships, who deserves to ask for care and who should be respected.
“I don’t want to be special; I just want to have choice.” – Kat
When we take away agency and access for people with disabilities, we make violence against them more likely.
Over one-third of women with disabilities experience one or more forms of intimate partner violence.
Ending this violence against women and gender diverse people with disabilities starts with open conversations, challenging our own biases, and taking action to ensure that everyone is safe and equal.
“I’ve had enough of pity. I know what I want and I know what I deserve, and with the power I’ve gained over the years I will achieve that.” – Marie
What can you do to help create change?
- Listen to – and amplify – the voices and expertise of women and gender diverse people with disabilities. Start by sharing the videos from this campaign on your social media, in your workplace, with your family and friends.
- Challenge your own and others’ biases about people with disabilities. Whether it’s dating, hosting an event or at the office – what stereotypes are you holding onto?
- If you’re an employer, ensure the rights, dignity and agency of disabled staff members are upheld. This includes ensuring the right policies are in place, as well as ensuring you are talking to the person about what they need instead of making your own assumptions (as you would with anyone else!). Consider how you can recruit and promote people with disabilities in your workforce.
- If you’re creating content, feature the stories and expertise of people with disabilities on your platforms, and learn how to make sure your communications are accessible.
- If you’re organising an event – whether it’s a work meeting or your next birthday party – consider the logistics that mean everyone can participate. Whether it’s the venue or timing or type of activity – ask people what they need.
- If you run a business, think about how you can make your space and products accessible for customers with disabilities in a way that feels authentic and joyful. Whatever it is, make sure any action you take is intentional, not tokenistic. It’s okay to get it wrong, and to ask questions.
Other resources
Learn about how to make your workplace or community space more inclusive and accessible. Your action contributes to a world where women and gender diverse people with disabilities can be safe, equal and respected.
- Resources and training opportunities – Women with Disabilities Victoria
- Changing the Landscape – Our Watch
- Choose Inclusion campaign – Australian Disability Network
- Accessible and inclusive workplace guidelines – Australian Human Rights Commission
Support pathways
If you are experiencing family violence, concerned for your safety, or in an emergency situation please call 000 for urgent police assistance.
If you need support or advice, please reach out to a recommended violence support service or disability advocacy support service.
Respect Victoria and Women with Disabilities worked with Sam Biddle and his team to produce these videos and appreciate the care they all took to create a safe, inclusive and accessible environment. These videos were filmed on the lands of the Kulin Nations.
