Sexuality and pride under the spotlight in new disability state plan
A government plan will drive change across key areas over the next four years to promote inclusivity, Dr George Taleporos explains.
A right to expression of sexuality is one of the key areas highlighted for the first time in Victoria's latest State Disability Plan.
Sexuality is often ignored and needs to be addressed, according to InLife board director Dr George Taleporos.
Dr Taleporos was involved with developing the plan as chair of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council.
“I really feel that there is a need for society to recognise that we all have sexual needs and also that we have the right to support when it comes to expressing our sexuality,” Dr Taleporos said.
“We need to recognise that some people need support to express their sexuality and sexual identity. Some people need direct support, or access to information and education.”
Dr Taleporos said the Inclusive Victoria: State disability plan 2022-2026 was a commitment by the government to taking action over the next four years to make the community fairer and more accessible.
“The detail around the specific actions that take place over the next four years will reflect what the community wants. The plan commits to a process of codesign so we need to listen to the disability community and all to better understand where we need to focus the resources,” he said.
Another new key area in this year’s plan is pride and recognition.
“For a long time disability has been seen as something to be hidden away,” Dr Taleporos said.
“It’s time we recognise disability as part of our identity and we very much want people to celebrate that.”
“We need not to be afraid of the word disability - we need to encourage pride in disability..”
Going forward and putting the plan in action will be a joint effort.
“We need to work with the community and work side-by-side, government and community to be really clear about what kind of actions we want to see as a result of these commitments,” Dr Taleporos said.
“It’s a very progressive plan: We need to make sure the commitments of the plan will be put into action.”
- For more details of what’s in the plan read Dr Taleporos’ Linked In article
- Read another Inlife story about George Taleporos: Learning to be an advocate
