1901: On the 1st January, the six colonies federated and the Commonwealth of Australia was formed
1902: The Commonwealth Franchise Act was passed to define who was and was not allowed to vote in Australian Federal elections. Among those who were disqualified from voting were people of ‘unsound mind’
1902: The Adelaide Lunatic Asylum was closed and its patients transferred to Parkside Asylum
1908: The Commonwealth introduced the Invalid and Old Age Pension Act to be administered by The Treasury

1910s

1910: Invalid Pensions were paid from 15th December
1913: The Mental Defectives Act was passed. ‘Lunatics’ were officially known as mental defectives. The term ‘mental defective’ encompassed both mental illness and mental retardation. The Act also provided for the establishment of a receiving house, where potential patients could go for observation and temporary treatment without being certified and sent to the mental hospital
1913: The Parkside Lunatic Asylum changed its name to Parkside Mental Hospital
1915: Legislation was passed making education compulsory for ‘blind, deaf, mute and mentally defective’ children between 6-16 years of age

1920s

1920: Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act was created for veterans’ welfare
1920: Civilian Tuberculosis and Cancer Comfort Fund was formed to bring relief to sufferers of tuberculosis (TB).
1922: The Enfield Receiving House was opened, with 48 beds where people could be admitted as voluntary psychiatric patients
1929: Northfield Mental Hospital was opened

1930s

1931: The Medical Journal of Australia supports ‘sterilisation of mental defectives’
1937: Blind Welfare Association of South Australia established to provide welfare services, support and accommodation to legally blind South Australians
1939: The Crippled Children’s Association of South Australia (CCA) was established for children with poliomyelitis (polio)

1940s

1941: The Commonwealth Government passed legislation that leads to the formation of the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service. This service assisted injured men and women from the armed forces and people on invalid pensions to return to the workforce
1941: Australian ophthalmologist Dr N. M. Gregg, recognised that infection of the mother with German measles (Rubella) during early pregnancy could malform an embryo and cause a characteristic syndrome of congenital malformations
1941: There was a German measles epidemic in Adelaide and an increase in children who were deaf
1942: The Repatriation General Hospital opens to provide medical and practical help and support to servicemen and women
1942: ‘Aboriginal natives’ of Australia became eligible for a pension if they were not subject to a state law ‘relating to the control of Aboriginal natives’. Pacific islanders known as ‘Kanakas’ were also made eligible
1943: Dr Charles Swan and his colleagues in Adelaide identify the relationship between German measles (Rubella) in pregnant women and deafness in their offspring
1945: Australian Advisory Council for the Physically Handicapped formed as a coordinating body for the crippled children’s societies in each state
1945: The SA Tuberculosis Association registered the name Bedford Industries. It started with a woodworking shop at Glenelg for eight men recovering from TB
1946: The Crippled Children’s Association (CCA) started a school for children with cerebral palsy, and a clinic at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital
1946: After meeting other parents through the CCA, Eva E Dennis established the Spastic Children’s Parent Group, a support group for parents of children with a disability. The group later adopted the name The Spastics Group
1948: The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
1948: Helen Keller gave a speech to 1,200 school children at the Adelaide Town Hall (June 30)

1950s

1950: The South Australia Spastic Paralysis Welfare Association (SASPWA) was formed to provide support, services and resources for children and adults with severe and multiple disabilities
1950: The Spastics Group actively raised funds for CCA and SASPWA through appeals and events to expand services and provide transportation
1951: The Crippled Children’s Association began to take children with disabilities other than polio
1952: Lady Bonython opened the Spastics Home at Woodville with the objective of providing a day play school and respite for families
1954: Miss Australia Quest was launched as a major fundraiser for the Australia Cerebral Palsy Association, with proceeds also going to SASPWA
1957: Immunization, using the Salk vaccine sees the end of polio in South Australia
1957: Guide Dogs SA formed to provide training, equipment and support services for people with a sensory loss
1959: The Phoenix Society established to provide employment for the physically disabled
1959: Television broadcasting commences, with NWS-9

1960s

1960: All Aboriginal people other than those who were ‘nomadic or primitive’ became eligible for the Invalid Pension
1960: Channel 9 launched its first on-air appeal - Telethon - in a 24-hour non-stop entertainment show. The appeal raised $25,000 for the Crippled Children’s Association. The ‘Telethon’ marathon appeal continued in that format until 1983
1961: The Miss Telethon Quest began, where entrants raised money for local charities during a one-year period that culminated in a television ceremony crowning Miss Telethon and Miss Charity Queen. The quest continued until 1993 and raised over $5 million for South Australian charities
1962: Patients at Hillcrest and Glenside Hospitals were classified into having a mental illness or an intellectual disability. They found 650 patients with an intellectual disability, with 150 under the age of 14
1963: Australian Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (ACROD) established to provide a voice to disability service providers when talking to government
1964: The Mental Health Amendment Act defined two types of ‘mental deficiency’: intellectual retardation and mental illness
1964: Northfield Mental Hospital changed its name to Hillcrest Hospital
1967: Parkside Mental Hospital changed its name to Glenside Hospital

1970s

1970: South Australia becomes the first state to reform abortion laws.
1971: Strathmont Centre was opened to provide a residential facility with 24-hour-a-day support to people with an intellectual disability
1973: Don Dunstan and the Australian Labor Party returned to Government and commenced extensive social reforms
1973: Northfield Security Hospital was opened to house criminals who were mentally ill. Prior to this they were kept in Z Ward at Parkside
1974: Handicapped Persons Assistance Act passed to provide facilities for disabled children and disabled persons
1975: The General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons
1978: The James A Nelson Centre was opened incorporating a kindergarten and primary school to provide education, training and treatment

1980s

1980: Jeff Heath began Link Magazine as a small state-based newspaper. It became Australia’s leading cross-disability lifestyle magazine
1980: A group of parents opened the Seawinds Day Centre and the Gullywinds Day Centre to provide schooling for children with a disability
1980: The Mentally Retarded Children’s Society of SA Inc changed its name to Orana, which was an Aboriginal word for ‘Welcome’
1981: The United Nations declared it was International Year of Disabled Persons
1981: The Home for Incurables was re-named Julia Farr Centre after one of its founders
1982: The formation and incorporation of the Wheelchair Sports Association of South Australia
1982: Disability Information Resource Centre (DIRC) was established under the South Australian Associations Incorporation Act on 16 December.
1983: DIRC began its operations in June from premises in Hutt St
1983: The South Australia Spastic Paralysis Welfare Association (SASPWA) changed its name to Spastic Centres of South Australia in order to reflect its programme of expansion and decentralisation
1983: Variety SA established to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children
1983: The UN General Assembly proclaimed a Decade of Disabled Persons
1984: The SA Equal Opportunity Act passed to promote equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination based on sex, sexuality, marital status, pregnancy, race, physical or intellectual impairment or age
1984: Richard Llewellyn became the first Disability Advisor to the Premier¼br> 1985: South Australian Associations Incorporations Act enabled non-profit organizations to perform all the functions of a body corporate and limit members’ liability in the event of public injury or damage to property
1986: Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission established by an Act of the Federal Parliament. The Commission investigates discrimination on the grounds of race, colour or ethnic origin, racial vilification, sex, sexual harassment, marital status, pregnancy, or disability
1986: DIRC moved to its current premises at 195 Gilles Street
1986: Disability Services Act passed by the Commonwealth Government to provide services to people with disabilities
1987: Equal Employment Opportunity Act passed by the Commonwealth Government to promote equal opportunity in employment for women and persons in designated groups (including persons with a physical or mental disability)
1989: Leveda formed by a group of parents whose children were moving from Ru Rua Nursing Home to live in the Community
1989: Ru Rua Nursing Home closed down
1989: Arts in Action incorporated to promote access and participation in the arts by all people with disabilities

1990s

1992: Disability Discrimination Act passed by the Commonwealth Government to eliminate, as far as possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of disability
1993: Disability Services Act established by the State Government to provide for the funding and provision of disability services
1993: The United Nations produced the United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
1993: Spastic Centres of South Australia (SCOSA) established two independent organisations, the Community Accommodation and Respite Agency (CARA) and Community Access Services (CAS)
1996: The National Disability Advisory Council was set up to foster links between government, people with disabilities and their families. It provided advice on disability issues to the Minister for Family and Community Services and encouraged consultation between the Australian Government and the disability sector
1996: Abilympics South Australia Incorporated was formed. A not-for-profit organisation established to promote the vocational skills and talents of people with a disability through a range of high profile events.
1998: The State Disability Sports Program was established to expand pathways for people with a disability under the auspices of mainstream sport

The Review of Handicapped Programs

From 1983-1985, the Commonwealth government instituted a review of funding programs for people with disabilities developed under the Handicapped Persons Assistance Act in 1974. The Review of Handicapped Programs took the unusual step of involving people with disabilities and their families in the consultation process. The findings of the Review came out in 1985 in a document called ‘New Directions’.

People with disabilities, their families and carers were critical of the existing services namely, institutional living arrangements, sheltered workshops and activity therapy centres. They wanted access to mainstream services, to be part of and to participate in the community, have access to paid employment and a choice in the services they used.

The Disability Services Act

The Disability Services Act 1986 was a result of the findings of the Review. The Act replaced the Handicapped Persons Assistance Act which was repealed. The main focus of the Act was on disability services i.e. employment, training and placement services, as well as accommodation support, respite and recreation services, and to ensure that organisations funded by the government provided disability services that achieved specific and agreed outcomes. Under the Act organisations unable to meet the new funding criteria were given five years to complete the transition to the new arrangements.

The purpose of the Disability Services Act was to make sure people with disabilities received the services they needed. The Act encouraged more open employment of people with disabilities, as opposed to employment in sheltered workshops. As a result of the Disability Services Act, sheltered workshops were progressively closed down across Australia.

Employment

The Disability Services Act established two new types of service. The first service type was supported employment services, developed to assist people for whom competitive employment at award wages was not possible. The second was the competitive employment, training and placement (CETP) service. It was designed to assist people with disabilities to obtain and retain paid employment in the mainstream labour market. Today, these have evolved into business services and open employment services.

Business Services provide employment for people with a medium to high level of disability who usually need support to remain in paid employment. They are supported in their work through regular job training, career planning and counselling. They work alongside people without disabilities and under equal working conditions.

Open Employment Services are similar to those offered by employment agencies and assist people with disabilities to take on jobs in the regular workforce i.e. open employment. A support worker will assist an individual to find employment and provide them with training in their new job. The support worker, after the initial training period has ended, will usually visit the individual on a regular basis to see how they are going and provide further training, counselling or any other assistance if needed.

Organisations

The following organisations began as sheltered workshops but over time have changed due the impact of the Disability Services Act and society’s expectations of what people with a disability need in the area of employment.

Bedford Industries

Bedford began in 1920 as the Civilian Tuberculosis and Cancer Comfort Fund to bring relief to sufferers of tuberculosis (TB). In 1945 it changed its name to Bedford Industries and started a woodworking shop at Glenelg for eight men recovering from TB.

Today, it provides training, employment and residential and day options services to more than 700 people with disabilities across Adelaide. Bedford operates four sites across metropolitan Adelaide with commercial operations in horticulture, hospitality and packaging. Bedford also assists people with a disability find open employment.

In 2003 it was named SA Training Awards ‘Employer of the Year’.

Accommodation is provided at Balyana in motel style rooms and shared houses with further houses available in the community. Bedford’s Day Option Service (Bedford Community Access) provides community based day options in the areas of leisure, recreation, skills training, education and independent living skills to people with moderate to high support needs.

Orana

Orana began in 1950 as the Mentally Retarded Children’s Society of SA Inc. It was formed by parents who were seeking educational, vocational and training opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities. Over the next few years a number of sheltered workshops were set up and in 1980 the name was changed to Orana, which is an Aboriginal word for ‘Welcome’.

Today, after more than 50 years, Orana provides a range of employment, respite and accommodation services throughout South Australia to over 500 people with an intellectual disability.

Phoenix

The Phoenix Society began in 1959 with the aim ‘to help the physically handicapped to help themselves’. The first building the Society owned was an old cottage in Carrington Street, Adelaide. Its first contract was with the SA Brewing Company for the repair of 40 crates, at a total cost of 17 cents each.

During the 1980’s the Society’s original aim was changed to assist mostly people with an intellectual disability. The Phoenix Society provides vocational training and supported employment to 450 people, mainly with an intellectual disability, who choose not to move to open employment.

The Society operates four factories across metropolitan Adelaide and one in Whyalla with commercial operations in general packaging, mailing, wood maching, assembly work, light engineering assembly, sewing and embroidery, and laser printing.

Barkuma

Barkuma began in 1964 as a branch of the Mentally Retarded Children’s Society. It was incorporated in 1967 and provided a sheltered workshop, training and accommodation services for people with an intellectual or other disability.

Today, it offers a range of services to people with an intellectual disability. It provides supported employment in a range of business enterprises including furniture manufacturing and contract work and also provides opportunities for open employment. Barkuma provides individualised support and specialised support in the areas of counselling, training, community access and advocacy.

Labour force participation rate

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2003 people with a disability and of working-age had a lower labour force participation rate (53%) and a higher unemployment rate (8.6%) than other working-age Australians without disabilities (i.e. 81% and 5.0% respectively).

It was found that labour force participation decreases as the severity of the disability increases. People with a severe disability had a work participation rate of 30%. The majority (58%) of people with a disability and of working-age yet not working reported that they were permanently unable to work. Of that group, 52% of them were aged 55 years or older.

The ABS noted that some disability groups reported higher rates of permanent incapacity than others. For example, 48% of people with a psychological disability whereas 28% of people with a sensory disability reported being permanently unable to work. The ABS concluded that people with a disability may use mainstream or specialist disability services to help them find work. They stated that 10% of unemployed people with a disability were receiving assistance from a disability job placement program or agency.

References

Barkuma. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.barkuma.com.au/

Bedford Industries. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.bedfordindustries.com.au/about_history.htm

Daniels, D. Social Security Payments for the Aged, People with Disabilities and Carers 1909 to 2006 – Part 1. 2007 [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/online/aged1.htm#invalidpension

Life to live. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.dsa.org.au/life_site/text/employment/index.html

Lindsay, M. 2004. ‘Background Paper 2′ 1995-96: Commonwealth Disability Policy 1983-1995 [online]. [Accessed 22nd May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bp/1995-96/96bp06.htm

Orana. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.oranaonline.com.au/services.html

Paid work: Labour force characteristics of people with a disability. 2006. [online]. [Accessed 22nd May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: Link

Phoenix Society. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.phoenixsoc.org.au/about-history-phoenix-society.htm

Equal Opportunity Act

In 1978 the South Australian Government established the Bright Committee. It made recommendations on ways on how to improve the lot of people with a disability using the law and through policy. In 1984 the South Australian government introduced the Equal Opportunity Act to promote equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination based on sex, sexuality, marital status, pregnancy, race, physical or intellectual impairment or age. The Act aimed to: Promote equality of opportunity between the citizens of this State.[and] to facilitate the participation of citizens in the economic and social life of the community. Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA) s6 (3) The Equal Opportunity Act despite its importance only provided some protection of rights and opportunities to people with disabilities.

South Australian Disability Services Act

In the 1980’s de-institutionalisation had begun and the government had the responsibility to provide support services for people with a disability. In 1981 the State Government commissioned a report ‘A New Pattern of Services for Intellectually Handicapped People in South Australia’ focussing on the relationship between institutional and community based services and their service delivery. However, there were no reforms in disability services until the 1990’s. There was a major review on disability services called the ‘Disability Directions Project’ in 1992 and the ‘Disability Implementation Committee’ was formed in 1993 to report on how to implement change. The South Australian parliament passed the South Australian Disability Services Act in 1993 to provide for the funding and provision of disability services. South Australia had agreed, along with the other Australian states and territories to enact legislation that was complementary to the Commonwealth’s Disability Services Act. The Minister of Health, Family and Community Services in a speech on the second reading of the South Australian Disability Services Act stated: We are witnessing a constructive time of social reform, where Governments at all levels, together with non-government service providers, are working closely to provide a better quality of life for all people.It [the bill] thereby serves to endorse and protect the right of people with disabilities to dignity, autonomy and self-determination.

Commonwealth Disability Services Act

In the early 1980s the Commonwealth Government began a review of services for people with disabilities. The ‘Review of Handicapped Programs’ took the unusual step of involving people with disabilities and their families in the consultation process. The findings of the Review came out in 1985 in a document called ‘New Directions’. People with disabilities, their families and carers were critical of the existing services namely, institutional living arrangements, sheltered workshops and activity therapy centres. They wanted access to mainstream services, to be part of and to participate in the community, have access to paid employment and a choice in the services they used. The Disability Services Act passed by the Commonwealth Government in 1986 was a result of the findings of the Review. The Act covered the provision of services for people with a disability, set standards for their delivery and provided for action against services that did not meet those standards. The Act led the way for the inclusion of people with disabilities more widely into the community.

Disability Discrimination Act

During the 1980’s policy changes by the Commonwealth Government focussed mainly on service delivery and income support. By the beginning of the 1990’s the Government turned its attention toward formulating legislation that would eliminate discrimination against people with a disability. In 1992 the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was passed by the Commonwealth Government. It was an extension of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Act of 1986 and represented a step forward in the development of policies to support people with disabilities in Australia. The Act aimed to eliminate discrimination, ensure equality before the law and promote recognition and acceptance within the community of the fundamental rights of people with a disability.

The Disability Discrimination Commissioner is responsible for handling complaints under the Disability Discrimination Act. The Commissioner is a member of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC). HREOC was established in 1986 to promote and protect the rights of all Australians. The Act was similar to legislative developments in other western countries, in particular the Americans with a Disability Act of 1990. It is similar to other Australian legislation created to protect the civil rights of other groups open to discrimination namely the Racial Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Sex Discrimination Act of 1984. The DDA represented a further step in the gradual process by which disability has come to be viewed as a civil rights concern and a community responsibility rather than a charity and later a welfare issue Lindsay, 2004, p.36

References

Life to live. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.dsa.org.au/life_site/text/employment/index.html

Lindsay, M. 2004. ‘Background Paper 2′ 1995-96: Commonwealth Disability Policy 1983-1995 [online]. [Accessed 22nd May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bp/1995-96/96bp06.htm

Turnbull, T. 1998. A social history of disability services in South Australia and a review of previous, current and future policy directions. Adelaide: University of Adelaide

Westhorp, G., Sebastian, A., Morrell, D. & Mayne, M. 1997. Advocacy and people with a disability: A learning package. Mile End, South Australia: Disability Action Inc

Written by Richard Llewellyn when he was Disability Adviser to the Premier, John Bannon from 1984-1991

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, words will never hurt me” : Old Nursery Rhyme

This paper was written in an effort to show the important consequences which words can have for individuals. It also introduces simple day to day definitions which are recommended for general use in government.

1. Background

The disability area is strewn with descriptive words subject to definition. Justice Bright in the “Law & Persons with Handicaps” cited sixty different descriptive phrases from South Australian legislation. He found that most phrases used were interchangeable and further, many were anachronistic or had derogatory connotations. Examples included — lunatic, moron, idiocy, infirm, incurable, incapacitated, imbecile, invalid, diseased, helpless, mental defect. The debate on what to call people with disabilities is for some an argument of semantics. But are words when used as labels in fact harmless? Many believe that the psychological effects of labelling people as ‘invalids’ etc. is as damaging to egos as sticks and stones are to bones.

Further, the principal use by Governments of definitions and descriptive terms is in determining eligibility criteria for various services or resources. For this reason definitions should be precise, consistent, easily understood and non—demeaning. During planning for the 1981 International Year of Disabled Persons (I.Y.D.P.), considerable debate on terminology took place within the United Nations (U.N.) secretariats. A number of proposals for the Year’s title were rejected, including the word ‘handicapped’, which was then used extensively.

The selected title ‘International Year of Disabled Persons’ described the attitude and action which the U.N. hoped would follow, i.e. a recognition of the individuality or people with disabilities. It expressed confidence in the ability of people with a disability to voice their own concerns and administer their own affairs. If the title had been “The International Year for the Disabled” for instance, action would have centred on doing things for the disabled, an amorphous group. Sadly, few governments shared the U.N. concern or understanding in planning for 1981; most appointed able-bodied people to organise and administer I.Y.D.P. committees and activities.

However, South Australia led the way in Australia by appointing an I.Y.D.P. Advisory committee which consisted of people with different disabilities and by employing predominantly disabled people in its I.Y.D.P. secretariat. The consensus at the end of 1981 was that South Australia had achieved more telling results than other States.

2. Definitions

The medical profession has traditionally been the principal decision-maker in disability matters. The language used in describing disability therefore has largely reflected medical interests and orientation. In recent years the most common descriptive words have been ‘impairment, disability and handicap’, using definitions for these words as adopted by the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.).

World Health Organisation definitions have a major flaw as they imply a consequential link between impairment and disability; there is not necessarily a link between these terms and handicap. ‘Handicap’ is a general, descriptive term which may be applied to almost any disadvantageous situation.

For example, speaking only a foreign language in Australia is a handicap but it is neither a medical impairment nor a disability resulting from an impairment. Similarly, being unemployed is a handicap but for most people the reason for not having work (the handicap) is more likely to be due to the economic situation rather than any medical condition or disability.

The implied interchangeability and consequential linkage between impairment, disability and handicap in fact render the W.H.O. definitions ineffective tools for resource distribution, program evaluation and assessment of eligibility. For these reasons, ‘handicap’ should not be used as a definitional term for people but confined simply to its current general use of some barrier outside of people. ‘Disability’ on the other hand, is both a description and a fact, which is measurable against ‘normal’ human functioning. [See “Guide to the Evaluation of Physical Impairment” American Medical Association, 1971].

The question of responsibility is critical in devising acceptable definitions which have a clear, practical applicability. The World Health Organisation definitions perceive responsibility for impairment, disability and handicap as resting with the medical field. It is here argued that the medical field only has primary management responsibility for impairment; primary management responsibility for disability lies with the disabled person, and primary management responsibility for handicap or disadvantage lies with the community.

3. Proposed New Definitions

IMPAIRMENT - The anatomical loss of bodily or mental function resulting from a birth defect or medical condition.

DISABILITY - The measurable long term/permanent functional loss or limitation resulting from a medical impairment or birth defect.

HANDICAP - The social consequence caused by environmental or social conditions which prevent a person from achieving the maximum potential or participation they seek. The major disadvantage in adopting definitions which differ from those of the World Health Organisation is the universality of the latter.

The existence of a common professional language is important for clear communication. However, this difficulty should not be over-emphasised. The proposed definitions are simpler but not totally dissimilar from W.H.O.’s; moreover the major suggested change in the application of the definitions is the exclusion of the term ‘handicap’ from the field of intellectual and physical disability. The advantages of the proposed definitions are that they are clear, comprehensive and suitable for setting eligibility and program funding parameters. In addition, these definitions can help us avoid dependency building if we observe and maintain these boundaries of responsibility.

4. Recommendation

It is recommended that the descriptive phrases ‘people with disabilities’ or ‘persons with disabilities’ be used in all correspondence and reports.

DIRC provides a professional and friendly, free information and referral service to the people of South Australia. It is impartial, apolitical and non-sectarian.

DIRC has a library that offers material on most disabilities and related issues. The main collection has over 2,500 resources in various formats including books, kits, posters, videos, DVDs and CD-ROMs. The periodical collection has over 140 Australian and international journals and newsletters.

DIRC produces the Disability Information Directory South Australia. It provides up-to-date and detailed information on over 650 South Australian disability service and support organisations and it lists disability information services similar in function to DIRC that are located in other Australian states. Also listed are peak national disability organisations. The Directory is also available on-line.

DIRC created and maintains the ‘History of Disability in South Australia’ website. It highlights the contributions people with a disability have made to South Australia and the lives of people with a disability.

DIRC is a unique and extremely important service.

DIRC’s History

The beginning

The Disability Information and Resource Centre (DIRC) had its beginnings in 1979 when a group of eight people with disabilities met to discuss the possibility of establishing an information and resource centre specifically for people with disabilities.

Jeff Heath headed the group and it gained support from a number of individuals active in the disability sector as well as from Link Magazine, the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS), the Department of Local Government Working Party on Information Services and the Bright Committee.

Jeff Heath AM

Jeff Heath AM created Link Magazine to provide a long-term voice for people with disabilities. He was an advocate for people with disabilities, instrumental in forming community organisations and served on a number of boards and committees. He was involved in the establishment of Disabled Persons International, a businessman, nationally recognised lobbyist, author and commentator on disability issues. He was an Inaugural Board Member of DIRC in 1982 – 1984. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2003.

The 1981 International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP) South Australian Government Offices Sub-Council chaired by Richard Llewellyn, had 72 departments working on initiatives to break down the barriers for people with disabilities. A major outcome of its 1982 evaluation of the International Year’s activities was a submission to Trevor Griffin, the Attorney-General that an information and resource centre be established.

Richard Llewellyn

Richard Llewellyn championed the rights of people with disabilities for almost forty years. He started the Club of Physically Handicapped in Adelaide, the first self-help political group in Australia. He was active in the Australian Council for Rehabilitation of the Disabled (ACROD), Executive Director of the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association, played a key role on many national committees, gave countless speeches and wrote many articles on disability issues. He was appointed Disability Adviser to the Premier, John Bannon from 1984-1991. Later, he established a consultancy service specialising in disability access issues.

The concept of an information and resource centre was supported by the then recently formed Disabled Persons International, and a Public Service Association working party on disability. Later, in 1982 the national body Australian Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (ACROD) lent their support and finally the Liberal government endorsed the centre.

The Attorney-General, Trevor Griffin allocated $60,000 toward the establishment of an information and resource centre.

The Hon. Trevor Griffin

The Hon Trevor Griffin retired from the South Australian Parliament in 2002 following almost 25 years as a member of the Legislative Council. He was the Attorney-General in the 1979-82 Liberal government and again in 1993-2001. He also held a number of other Ministerial offices.

“Credit should be given to Trevor Griffin, then Attorney-General, who was the member of the State Government who was willing to accept responsibility for this, and to make sure that adequate government funding was available…Without the government backing assured by Trevor’s support, I doubt if the idea would ever have seen concrete success”.
Professor A. C. Foskett, a member of DIRC’s first management committee

The creation of an information and resource centre was also supported by the Labor Party during the election of November 1982. The Labor Party won the election and when it came into government the Disability Information and Resource Centre (DIRC) was established as an incorporated body under the control of a Board of Management.

DIRC Inc.

On 16 February 1983 the Attorney-General Chris Sumner and the first chairman of the DIRC Management Committee Harry Darcy announced the appointment of Kevern Gill as Director of the newly formed Disability Information and Resource Centre Incorporated.

Kevern Gill

Kevern Gill was chosen as Director based on his many years experience in management and administration and his background in public relations and workforce development. He began work as Director in March 1983 and his initial tasks were to find suitable premises for a centre and to recruit staff.
He selected a converted house at 215 Hutt St, Adelaide as a temporary home for DIRC and employed Beverley Hunter, who was born with spina bifida, as a receptionist/typist. They moved into the house in June 1983.

Bev Hunter

The next ten months were hectic as the staff set about identifying all the organisations in South Australia which were assisting people with a disability.  DIRC employed two project officers, funded under the Job Creation Scheme, to help with the task. More than 350 organisations were identified and personally interviewed using a 34 page questionnaire to obtain detailed information about each group.

A librarian/computer operator, Gunela Astbrink, was employed to create a database on every disability, to facilitate storage and quick retrieval.

“Gunela’s outstanding skills and dedication in establishing a system, which is still in use, cannot be overstated.”
Kevern Gill

During this period a non-medical library of books, journals and magazines dealing with disability was established.

At the end of April, 1984 the centre was ready to open its doors and at 11 am, on 2nd May the Attorney-General, Chris Sumner M.L.C. officially opened the Disability Information and Resource Centre.

DIRC at Hutt St

From left, Kevern Gill, Bev Hunter, Gunela Astbrink and a volunteer

Before DIRC opened its doors to the public in 1984, information about disability was scattered among various disability-based organisations. By 1987 DIRC had collected information on over 400 organisations and listed them in a first-ever directory.

On March 16th, 1987 DIRC launched its 150 page Disability Information Directory at a cost of $20. The Directory provided a comprehensive listing of services and programs provided by organisations in South Australia to meet the needs of people with a disability. The Directory is updated annually.

Kevern Gill spent seven years as Director of DIRC. In 1990, when DIRC was well-established, he retired.

Jubilee 150 Project

“The building is the best of its type in Australia.”
Kevern Gill about DIRC’s permanent home

Late in 1982 the construction of a permanent home for DIRC was officially accepted as a Jubilee 150 project by the SA Jubilee 150 Families, Religion and Cultural Communities Executive Committee headed by Dame Ruby Litchfield.  The project was supported by the Sub-Committee for People with Disabilities led by Mrs Natalie Bowen.

Natalie Bowen & Barbara Worley were both members of the Sub-Committee for people with Disabilities

The Jubilee 150 Committee and the management committee of DIRC identified a vacant piece of government land on Gilles Street and the government allocated the land to them.

Mrs Bowen’s sub-committee approached the Master Builders’ Association (MBA) to accept responsibility, on behalf of the building and construction industry of SA, to build the new centre for free. The Master Builders’ Association agreed and built the new premises for DIRC as their contribution to the State’s 150th anniversary.

A model of the proposed centre

Work on the centre began in June 1985, and nine months later, in March 1986, DIRC’s new premises were completed. Mrs Bowen’s sub-committee was also responsible for acquiring all furniture and equipment valued at $200,000 for the centre.

The official opening of DIRC’s new permanent home at 195 Gilles St was on the 17th June 1986.

Part of the official party pictures at DIRC's opening

From left, MBA President Dick Cook, Brian Fricker, of Fricker Carrington Group, Attorney-General The Hon. Chris Sumner, Dame Ruby Litchfield, Gordon Reid and the Governor of SA, Sir Donald Dunstan

“On behalf of the Government I would like formally and publicly to thank the members of the Master Builders Association, Woods Bagot Architects and everyone who gave their time and their skills or their financial support to this Jubilee 150 project. They include businesses, employer and industry associations, trade unions, service clubs and individuals, whose generous and public-spirited donations capture the spirit of our birthday year.”
Attorney-General Chris Sumner’s speech at DIRC’s opening

A unique and valuable service

In 1990 Neil Lillecrapp became DIRC’s new Director. He is one of South Australia’s most respected disability rights advocates and has worked in a wide range of roles within the disability sector. He has been a social worker, Community Information Officer at the SA Equal Opportunity Commission and served on Boards of disability advocacy organisations.

Neil Lillecrapp

Neil Lillecrapp was DIRC’s Director until he retired at the end of 2006. During his 17 years he continued and improved on the unique and valuable service DIRC provides. Among many of Neil’s achievements was the establishment of EnableNet and instigating and obtaining funding for the ‘History of Disability in South Australia’ Project.

DIRC library

DIRC recognised that the Internet has the potential to enhance, enrich and empower the lives of people with a disability, and saw itself as having a strategic responsibility to ensure that this potential was realised. To do this DIRC developed EnableNet with funding from the State government Department of Human Services.

EnableNet was an on-line disability portal, created and maintained by DIRC. It was an electronic meeting place where anyone with an interest in disability could explore, research, communicate, debate and advocate on issues affecting the lives of people with a disability.

EnableNet poster

EnableNet was officially launched on 15th March 2002.

DIRC reception

A new beginning

“One in five people in Australia (3,958,300 or 20%) had a disability in 2003.”
Australian Bureau of Statistics

In early 2007 Sandy Puddy became DIRC’s Director. Sandy has been working within the disability services sector for more than 20 years and has progressed from support worker and cottage parent to management roles.

Sandy Puddy

On June 28th, 2007 the ‘History of Disability SA’ website went live. The website explores the history of disability in South Australia since settlement in 1836 and records and celebrates the experiences of people with a disability.

On the 14th June 2007, DIRC’s Director received a couriered letter, from the State Labor government, announcing that DIRC had lost half of its funding. A complete review of DIRC’s organisational structure and services was begun and a significant number of cost cutting changes were implemented. This included closing down EnableNet.

Article by Elissa Doherty The Sunday Mail 17/06/07

Despite the cut in funding, staff and management are committed to the long-term survival and success of DIRC. With the support of a proactive Board and dedicated staff, Sandy has expanded and improved DIRC’s services and sought new opportunities. They include assisting organisations with disability action plans, quality auditing and access consulting, establishment of the LifeCare service and organisation of Disability and Ageing Expos. These have contributed to raising DIRC’s profile and creating an income. However, more work needs to be done to create stability and ensure DIRC’s future.

DIRC 's staff

From left, Doug Lyall, Jane Hyde, Sandy Newman, Carolyn Gerhardy and Claudia Brookshaw

“It is the belief that DIRC can make a difference that keeps us focused.”
Sandy Puddy

In South Australia the IYDP raised public awareness of people with a disability and led to a number of Government initiatives.

United Nations
In 1976, the General Assembly proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). It called for a plan of action at the national, regional and international levels, with an emphasis on equalization of opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities.

The theme of IYDP was “full participation and equality”, defined as the right of persons with disabilities to take part fully in the life and development of their societies, enjoy living conditions equal to those of other citizens, and have an equal share in improved conditions resulting from socio-economic development.

By proclaiming 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons, the General Assembly of the United Nations aimed at focusing attention on the enjoyment of disabled persons of rights and opportunities in order to ensure their full participation and integration into society. The effort to find solutions to the problem of disabled persons should be an integral part of national development strategies. There is thus a need to secure the participation of all member States, as well as relevant governmental and non-governmental organisations in the preparation and implementation of the programme of the International Year of Disabled Persons.
Kurt Waldheim, Secretary-General of the United Nations

Australia
The twin UN themes for IYDP of “full participation and equality” were accepted by the Australian Prime Minister and his cabinet, and responsibility for IYDP was given to the Minister of Social Security.

The initial planning for Australia’s participation in IYDP began in 1976 with the National Advisory Council for the Handicapped (NACH) and the Standing Interdepartmental Committee on Rehabilitation (SIDCOR). In 1980, a National IYDP Unit was established in Canberra within the Department of Social Security to provide the overall co-ordination of activities for IYDP.

A comprehensive national structure was established to co-ordinate Australia’s participation in IYDP:

• Council of Commonwealth, State & Territory Ministers for IYDP  - to  co-ordinate Australia’s national response to IYDP
• IYDP National Committee of Non-Government Organisations (NCNGO) - to promote the aims of IYDP throughout the volunteer sector
• State and Territory Committees – to act as an advisory or planning committee to co-ordinate their participation in IYDP
• Secretariat – to service the State Committee and the Minister and act as a co-ordinator and catalyst for activity in the private sector and implement local plans

South Australia
In South Australian the Premier and Cabinet gave responsibility for IYDP to the Attorney General, The Honourable Trevor Griffin M.L.C. This choice of Ministerial responsibility was unique in Australia, as it acknowledged that the issues of IYDP were more matters of rights and equality than of health and welfare.

In May, 1980 the Attorney General appointed an Advisory Council composed of eight people with direct experience of disability. By the end of June, 1980 a Government Offices Sub-Council was formed to co-ordinate the IYDP activities of Commonwealth and State Government Departments in South Australia. A State Secretariat was established using staff from the Bright Committee to service the Minister, Advisory Council and Government Offices Sub-Council and act as co-ordinator and catalyst for activities within the private sector.

South Australia led the way in Australia by appointing an I.Y.D.P. Advisory committee which consisted of people with different disabilities and by employing predominantly disabled people in its I.Y.D.P. secretariat. The consensus at the end of 1981 was that South Australia had achieved more telling results than other States.
Richard Llewellyn   What’s in a name

Special Weeks
The Advisory Council developed a program of Special Weeks to focus attention on issues affecting people with a disability.

• Festival Week  (21st – 28th February) – to show the general public that people with a disability can and do participate in the arts
• Recreation Week  (16th – 24th May) – highlight opportunities available to disabled people and draw attention to their needs
• Education Week  (6th – 12th July) – to consider the challenges encountered by people with a disability from pre-school to tertiary level
• Hidden Disabilities Week  (17th – 23rd August) – to point out the many diseases and disabilities people live with but are not apparent to others
• Employment Week  (19th – 26th  September) – to increase employment opportunities for people with a disability
• Access Week  (17th – 24th October) – to provide the opportunity to raise any issue that inhibited full participation and equality within community life

Other Activities
As well as the programs and activities conducted during the Special Weeks there were many other activities undertaken throughout the year.

The staff of the Secretariat were constantly involved in providing assistance and /or publicity and hardly a week went by without some major event taking place. It must also be remembered that various groups and organisations made their own contributions to the Year, often without any consultation or assistance from the Secretariat.
Breaking down the barriers  p26

Grants
The South Australian Secretariat was responsible for the administration of grants made to mark the International Year of Disabled Persons.

Funds for this purpose came from:

• Commonwealth government  provided $50,000
• State Government  $50,000
• Through out the year the Secretariat received additional funds from various sources, mainly in the form of donations

A Grant’s Subcommittee was established with representatives from Government Departments to provide funds to projects involving people with a disability.

For this year a total of $100,000 has been set aside for grants to groups and organisations to implement programmes related to IYDP. Priority is given to projects run by disabled persons for disabled persons, as well as task-oriented programmes which encourage disabled and able-bodied people to work together to achieve a common goal. All programmes are to promote full participation in community life.
Speech by Attorney General, the Hon. Trevor Griffin M.L.C. at
the official S.A. launch of IYDP on Tuesday, 6th January 1981

Disabled Persons March
On Saturday 12 December a march of disabled people and their supporters took place through the streets of Adelaide. The event was organised by the Club of Physically Disabled and involved people with every sort of disability. The march was funded by a grant to the Club from the IYDP Advisory Council.

About 700 people took part in the march in the pouring rain. Leaflets were handed out along the march, to people on the footpath explaining some of the issues and the various aspects of disability. It was intended that there would be a rally in Elder Park, with entertainment and speakers. Unfortunately, due to bad weather the rally had to be abandoned soon after the march ended.

Despite this the march provided an opportunity for disabled people and their supporters to highlight issues of IYDP.

IYDP achievements
Public awareness, in South Australia of people with a disability increased.

It appears that disabled people are now being recognised as a significant group within the community with legitimate complaints and it seems likely that the experience gained during the Year will provide many disabled people with the confidence and the knowledge required to press for full participation and equality.
Breaking down the barriers  p77

There was continuous improvement in the provision of suitable physical access for people with a disability.

It must also be acknowledged that, apart from the upgrading of government buildings, many private businesses have made substantial improvements in relation to the accessibility of their premises.
Breaking down the barriers  p78

In December 1981 the Attorney General announced a number of initiatives arising from the Year.

• Proclamation of the Handicapped Persons Equal Opportunity Act to come into effect on 1st July 1982. The Act made unlawful certain acts of discrimination in relation to employment and the provision of goods and services. However, the Act only applied to people with a physical disability not to those with an intellectual disability
• An increase in staff to allow the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity to perform her new duties under the Act
• The establishment of a permanent Advisory Council to advise the Government on policies affecting people with a disability
• Investigation into the feasibility of establishing an information and resource centre

References
1981 International Year of Disabled Persons, Break down the barriers, Report on Australian activities: South Australia (I. L. Shephard, Executive Officer), Adelaide: Government Printer

Barriers Broken: 1981 Report; IYDP Government Offices Sub-Council South Australia (R. Llewellyn, Chairman), Adelaide: Government Printer

Llewellyn, Richard 1982. What’s in a Name - A Discussion Paper on Disability Terminology

]]> http://history.dircsa.org.au/1900-1999/international-year-of-disabled-persons/feed/ http://history.dircsa.org.au/1900-1999/arts/ http://history.dircsa.org.au/1900-1999/arts/#comments Sun, 06 Jan 1980 06:32:43 +0000 Doug Lyall http://dev.dirc.local/history/?p=242 South Australia for many years has been recognised as the Festival State and a centre of artistic excellence. Within the disability sector, the arts have and continue to play a significant role in providing individuals with disabilities major therapeutic, vocational and recreational opportunities.

The history of SA’s arts and disability communities is somewhat disjointed and unclear. We are aware that many arts projects have and continue to occur within schools, hospitals and supported accommodation and employment centres for people with disability. However, due to limited time and resources, Arts Access SA is unable to fully document the history of these movements and developments.

History
In 1965, what was probably, the State’s first arts and disability organisation; The Broughton Art Society was established by the late Ian Broughton as The Arts Society for the Handicapped. Ian was a talented artist who had severe muscular dystrophy. He established the Society as a place where artists with disabilities could meet, create works, borrow equipment and learn skills. In 1966, the classes began at Bedford Industries. Then in 1971, thanks to the City of Unley they were able to relocate to an historic tram-barn which they’re still using.

Artists participating in The Broughton Art Society programs continue to mount an annual exhibition, display their works around Adelaide and their artists contribute works to Arts Access SA’s exhibition programs, including A-Frame

Some 23 years later, Arts Access SA began life as Arts in Action (now, Arts Access SA) which emerged from its umbrella organisation, the Recreation Association for People with Disabilities SA. One of the early individuals involved in the foundation of Arts in Action, was the late Dawn Slade-Faull.

Dawn Slade-Faull was a visual artist who advocated for people with disabilities and worked with organisations including the Independent Living Centre, the Intellectual Disability Services Council and ACROD (now NDS). Her friends remembered that her association with Arts in Action “gave her the opportunity to develop a range of initiatives linking her interest in the arts with the needs of people with a disability.”

Not long after the foundation of Arts in Action, Dawn Slade-Faull suddenly died. Her friends established in her memory to keep alive the advocacy and opportunities for visual artists with a disability, The Dawn Slade-Faull Award which gives annual awards. Over the years, they have given numerous awards, including to the renowned South Australian painter, Richard Maurovic, who later chaired the group until 2006.

Dawn was one of a few advocates who played an important role in championing disability rights and access. Richard Llewellyn and his partner, Becky played an important role with Arts SA’s implementation of Disability Action Plans and the improved accessibility of the Adelaide Festival Centre. Meanwhile, Jeff Heath challenged builders and building owners to make buildings accessible. It’s thanks to him that the Hilton Adelaide has disability accommodation.

In early 2007, the South Australian Government through Arts SA announced the launch of a unique arts and disability fund, The Richard Llewellyn Arts and Disability Trust, with $1 million in funds for distribution to arts and disability projects over the next five years.

Disability Arts Advocacy Project
Disability Arts Advocacy Project, formerly known as Reins, Rope & Red Tape was established in late 2005, the project was inspired by the late Jeff Heath and Richard Llewellyn. Both in their unique and passionate manners demonstrated the importance of advocacy to making South Australia’s arts richer and more accessible.

Arts Access SA recognised that there was a need for a new generation of disability activists. While change on a political level is not the goal of this project, the skills that support change practices are. Change at a cultural level can be effected through the arts.

In May 2007, the first round of participants completed the program. While participating they learned many new skills and gained rare and unique opportunities in the arts and disability sectors.

Arts in Action
In 1989, Arts in Action (now Arts Access SA) became an incorporated association, with a charter to create and extend arts opportunities to all people with disabilities throughout the State.

During its first decade, Arts Access SA (AASA) helped and encouraged the formation of three significant and ongoing performing arts organisations, Restless Dance Company (1991), No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability (1993), Tutti Ensemble (1997) and The Jam, The Mix, The Gig (2003). One of the key projects of Arts in Action was the establishment of the High Beam Festival.

High Beam Festival
This festival was conceived and produced by Arts in Action through the direction of Tony Doyle with its first Festival occurring in 1998. Originally it was a directed Festival which featured a mix of events, including: parades, comedy, dance, theatre and concerts with big name artists such as Adam Hills and David Helfgott. From the outset the High Beam sought to be of international significance. In its inaugural year the Swedish Disability Theatre Company Moons Teatern presented a production and conducted workshops with No Strings Attached. In 2006, following a number of reviews, Arts Access SA Board decided to make it an annual event, with two festivals: High Beam Local branding the International Day of People with Disability and High Beam Global, coinciding with the Adelaide Festival and Fringe.

Restless Dance Company
In 1991, Restless Dance Company was founded by Sally Chance and Tania Rose following the MOC Connections project organised through Carclew Youth Arts Centre. From then until 1995, they remained at Carclew.

Sally Chance said, “At the time of founding the company in 1991, my motivation had its basis in social justice. I aimed simply to redress the historical imbalance of dance not including performers with a disability and to demonstrate that people with a disability could make dance too.”

The methodology Sally used was an evolving one which was based on the ideas of ‘reverse integration’, where young people without a disability entered the unknown creative space of people with disabilities, which they didn’t automatically own or understand.

As the company developed, the company’s culture changed from simply celebrating difference to redefining the nature of dance in their terms. Sally remarks, “This I believe, is the secret of the company’s artistic success. Restless Dance Company’s dance theatre offers audience a unique world view, which comes from being a clear and truthful voice.”

One of the aspects which make Restless unique is that its methodologies have evolved from the dancers’ influences. They have allowed dance to become their language, where dance is used to express their attitudes and concerns.

Restless has regularly premiered new works at the Adelaide Come Out and High Beam Festivals. In 2000, they performed at the Sydney Paralympics. In 2005, as a first, the company co-produced, Vocabulary with Garry Stewart’s internationally acclaimed, Australian Dance Theatre.

No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability
No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability was founded in 1993, by Helen Flinter-Leach who was their inaugural Artistic Director until 1997. In 1997-99 and 2004 to now, PJ Rose was and is their Artistic Director.

Each year, No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability creates a new production which has been premiered at the Adelaide Fringe, High Beam Festival and the Awakenings Festival in Horsham, Victoria.

The company is a community-based theatre company of people affected by disability. The works which they create are ones influenced by the perspective of the members. To develop a constant pool of actors, weekly workshops take place which are tailored to the individual needs of the participants.

In 1998, No Strings Attached undertook an international exchange with MoomsTeatern at High Beam.

Tony Doyle Visions
Prior to Tony Doyle’s appointment as Director of Arts in Action, he established Music Works, which was the predecessor to Club Contagious, which was a hugely successful project that regularly occurred at the Lion Arts Centre. Following leaving Arts in Action, Tony further cemented his reputation as an events manager, producing popular events such as Somersault and the reinvigoration of The Music Works as a regular weekday event on the first Tuesday of the month, The Music Works designed primarily for Day Option participants occurs at The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel. Tony’s work in Somersault has been to create visual environment and his signature piece the Seetainer has been featured at many community events including the Port Festival and Horsham Awakenings Festival.

The Jam, The Mix, The Gig (JMG)
JMG is a contemporary rock band with a continually changing make-up, depending on the instrumental resources required for each song. Led by composer and music director, Robert Petchell, JMG primarily performs original songs composed by its members.

The genesis of JMG evolved in September 1993 out of the development of the Fine Lines Band. It began with jam sessions in the Semaphore and Port Adelaide area, with the core participants becoming the Fine Lines Band. In 2001, Fine Lines Band became independent, led by Cass Cassebohm.

JMG regularly performs at its home, The SA Folk Centre, Mental Health Week and at Arts Access SA’s Club Cool and High Beam. In June 2007, JMG launched its inaugural CD, Special Days at Arts Access SA’s Club Cool.

Tutti Arts
In 1997, Pat Rix began a small singing group with Minda residents with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Over the last ten years, Tutti under Pat’s leadership has developed a number of programs: Tutti Choir – the performing choir; Club Tutti – a non performance training choir; Tutti Arts – a day option performing and visual arts program in partnership with Minda; Tutti Kids an after school music and drama program for primary school aged children; and The Big Country Choir which was established in originally in conjunction with Arts Access SA for the 2004 High Beam, a project working with inclusive groups in the Clare and Barossa Valleys.

Tutti is a unique model and organisation. Their long-term relationship with Minda Inc makes it possible for them to provide vocational training and to work with a broad cross-section of the community.

Tutti Choir who perform with up to 70 participants with half who identify with having a disability regularly give concerts and participate in performance projects such as their acclaimed international collaboration, Northern Lights Southern Cross, which premiered at the 2007 Bundaleer Forest Weekend.

Adelaide Festival Centre Patrons Reference Group
The Adelaide Festival Centre in the early 2000s established the Patrons Reference Group to assist the Centre with becoming a more accessible and disability friendly building. In 2003, the building underwent major redevelopments to the tune of $23 million which allowed for many improvements in terms of the buildings accessibility and seating.

Much of this eventuated, because of Richard Llewellyn’s advocacy. For far too many years he had been going to shows, where to see it he had to put his neck on a 45 degree angle.

Club Cool
In 2006, 11 years after the establishment of Club Contagious, Adelaide’s only ongoing socially inclusive event, featuring performances of contemporary music and comedy won the South Australian Small Business Award in the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnerships Awards and was selected as one of three finalists for the National Small Business Award.

Club Cool provides performance opportunities to musicians and artists with a disability - at least 25% of performers are from this group. It is an outlet for disability arts products that require a “stepping stone” approach to mainstream opportunities. It is a healthy, friendly and integrated environment with a mix of disabled and the general public. It establishes and builds social contacts and personal confidence to promote healthy lifestyles in a supportive community network.

The Big Country Choir
In late 2003, Arts Access SA established the Big Country Choir, as a project so that country South Australians from the Clare and Barossa Valleys, Port Pirie and Wallaroo could be a part of High Beam 2004, directed by Susan Maley. The project led by Pat Rix and Robert Petchell was such a success that it continued on after High Beam. In early 2007, Tutti Arts were given this project to manage by Arts Access SA. Big Country Choir played a significant role in Northern Lights, Southern Cross.

Arts Access SA (Arts in Action’s Name Change)
During 2004 and 2005 Arts in Action undertook significant consultation within the arts and disability sector to consider its long term future. This process resulted in a confirmation of the organisation’s role as the peak association for the sector with an endorsement to advocate for the sector.

Following the resignation of the General Manager Jayne Boase, an Executive Director, Peter Tregilgas was appointed in February 2006. Arts in Action changed its name Arts Access SA in May 2006, reflecting the change in the organisation as a peak-body focussing its energies on communications, policy and supporting the sector.

Radio Cool
As part of its communications focus, Arts Access SA established its weekly radio show, Radio Cool in late 2006, which broadcasts every Sunday from 1-2pm on Radio Adelaide, 101.5FM. Presented by Arts Access SA’s volunteers it features music by people with a disability, interviews, events listings and discussions of major disability and access issues. From February 2007 the Radio Cool show has been presented live to air for the Governor Hindmarsh on the last Sunday of each month as part of the Club Cool.

The Future
With the increased awareness of the sector and the growth in partnerships between peak-bodies and arts organisations, the future is looking so bright that we are going to need shades to protect us from the glare of High Beam and the State’s many other exhilarating arts and disability projects.

The challenges for the sector however remain significant. While the SA should be rightly proud of the performing arts thrust created by JMG, Tutti, No Strings Attached and Restless, the visual arts scene remains uncoordinated, without effective workshop facilities and without a designated galley. A venue to accommodate both visual and performing arts presentations and studio development needs significant resources and consideration. The capacity for artists to work in new media and film is also an area for future development.

The arts field is a broad one which is an opportunity for professional arts practise and creative participation by people with a disability. The creative industries is more however that the artist or performer. The arts industry has the capacity to absorb people with a disability in a range of employment opportunities. Vocation and employment in the arts and creative industries remains a key challenge in the future.

Prepared by Arts Access SA
This document is work in progress, prepared at the request of the Disability Information Resource Centre. As Arts Access SA progresses to its 25th anniversary of formation, we are undertaking further in-depth historical research.

We apologise in advance for any inaccuracies or omissions and any offence or concern that they may cause. If you are aware of them, please send them to: info@artsaccess-sa.org.au or phone Arts Access SA on 8224 0799.

United Nations
It was the United Nations that played an important role in changing peoples attitudes towards people with a disability. It began in 1946 when it produced its Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This was followed by:
• Declaration on the rights of Mentally Retarded Persons(1971)
• Declaration of Rights of Disabled Persons (1974)
• International Year of Disabled Persons (1981)
• Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1992)
• United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (1993)

Standard Rules
The United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities has a section on the ‘fundamental concepts of disability’ that state:

The term ‘equalisation of opportunities’ means the process through which the various systems of society and the environment, such as services, activities, information and documentation, are made available to all, particularly to persons with disabilities.

The principle of equal rights implies that the needs of each and every individual are of equal importance, that those needs must be made the basis for the planning of societies and that all resources must be employed in such a way as to ensure that every individual has equal opportunity for participation.

Persons with disabilities are members of society and have the right to remain within their local communities. They should receive the support they need within the ordinary structures of education, health, employment and social services.

Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities
for Persons with Disabilities

These actions have helped raise the level of awareness about the rights of people with disabilities in Australia and throughout the world.

Normalisation and Social Role Valorisation
The theory of Normalisation was developed by Neils Bank-Mikkelsen in Denmark and Bengt Nirje in Sweden during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Bengt Nirje is usually credited with the first definition of normalisation.

The normalization principle means making available to all mentally retarded people patterns of life and conditions of everyday living which are as close as possible to the regular circumstances and ways of life or society.

Bengt Nirjie 1982

Bank-Mikkelsen and Nirje’s theory of normalisation was based on a general human rights framework with the aim of achieving ‘normal’ living conditions for people with intellectual disabilities.

Normalization involves the acceptance of people with disabilities, with their disabilities, offering them the same conditions as are offered to other citizens. It involves…the normal conditions of life – housing, schooling, employment, exercise, recreation and freedom of choice.

Bank-Mikkelsen 1976

Wolf Wolfensberger saw the potential of the theory and developed it during the 1970’s & 1980’s and called it Social Role Valorization. He suggested that some groups, including people with disabilities who differ in any way from societal expectations or desirability are devalued by society and as a result are badly treated. His theory suggests that by building a positive image for devalued groups and their members and building up their competence in roles that society values i.e. worker, partner, parent etc will overcome that devaluing and increase their rights and opportunities. Wolfensberger suggests that human service providers should build a positive image and help build the skills and competence of their clients.

State and Commonwealth Governments
The theories of Normalization and Social Role Valorisation have had a significant effect on the way services for people with disabilities have been structured throughout the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.

The early 1980’s saw a shift in emphasis in Disability Services by both State and Commonwealth Governments, from a financial focus, to service quality. Wolfenberger and Normalisation theory had a significant effect on government policy, and influenced changes…and the development of new Commonwealth legislation.

Turnbull 1998 p6

In the early 1980’s the Commonwealth Government began a review of services for people with disabilities, which led to the Disability Services Act 1986. The Act enabled people with disabilities to be included into the community in terms of housing, education, employment, accessibility to services and equal opportunities.

The State and Commonwealth Governments also passed important anti-discrimination and equal opportunity legislation during the 1980’s and 1990’s. This legislation has produced positive changes and real improvements in the quality of life for people with disabilities.

References

Bank-Mikkelsen, N. 1976, Misconceptions on the principle of normalisation. Address to IASSMD Conference. Washington, D.C.

Nirjie, B. 1982. The basis and logic of the normalisation principle. Sixth International Congress of IASSMD, Toronto

Osborn, J. 2007. An overview of Social Role Valorization theory. [Online]. [Accessed 26 June 2007]. Available World Wide Web:
http://www.socialrolevalorization.com/resource/OSBURN_SRV.htm

Turnbull, T. 1998. A social history of disability services in South Australia and a review of previous, current and future policy directions. Adelaide: University of Adelaide

Westhorp, G., Sebastian, A., Morrell, D. & Mayne, M. 1997. Advocacy and people with a disability: A learning package. Mile End, South Australia: Disability Action Inc

Wolfensberger, W 1991. A brief introduction to social role valorization as a high-order concept for structuring human services. Syracuse, NY: Training Institute for Human Services Planning, Leadership and Change Agentry (Syracuse University)

Consequently, they began setting up ‘sheltered workshops’ in order to provide employment and training for their children. The term ‘sheltered’ implied sheltering people with disabilities from the challenges of competition in open employment.

1960’s – 1970’s

In 1967, the Commonwealth government passed the Sheltered Employment (Assistance) Act providing grants to non-profit organisations to establish and equip sheltered employment and supported accommodation. This Act enabled the Phoenix Society to access 2-for-1 funding for Capital works and purchase a new site in Torrensville, where it still operates today.

The Commonwealth government also introduced a Sheltered Employment Allowance (SEA) in 1967 for individuals working in sheltered workshops. They were paid at the same rate as those on an Invalid Pension but a means test was structured to allow for their earnings. If they earned more than $10 per week (Single) or $17 per week (Married) their SEA was reduced by one dollar for every two they earned.

Commonwealth funding was further increased as a result of The Handicapped Persons Assistance Act in 1974. Subsidies were given to eligible organisations that provided training, therapy and rehabilitation. The Act gave official status to activity therapy centres. These centres promoted personal development for people with a disability that enabled them to achieve maximum independence and self-sufficiency. As a result some sheltered workshops sought reclassification as activity therapy centres.

1980’s

From 1983 to 1985, the Commonwealth Government undertook a review of funding programs for people with disabilities, which resulted in the Disability Services Act in 1986. The Act encouraged more open employment of people with disabilities, as opposed to employment in sheltered workshops. As a result of the Disability Services Act, sheltered workshops were progressively closed down across Australia.

Organisations

The following organisations began as sheltered workshops but over time have changed and adapted to government and societies expectations of what people with a disability need in the area of employment.

Bedford Industries

Bedford Industries is a not-for-profit organisation and provides training, employment and accommodation services for more than 700 people with disabilities across Adelaide. Bedford began in 1920 as the Civilian Tuberculosis and Cancer Comfort Fund to bring relief to sufferers of tuberculosis (TB). In 1945 it changed its name to Bedford Industries and started a woodworking shop at Glenelg for eight men recovering from TB.

On Goodwood Road, at Panorama the Cowan Building was built with 10,000 square feet of factory floor space. It was officially opened in 1950 and a sewing business started. In 1960 Bedford Industries opened its doors to people with all types of disabilities. A fleet of 28 buses was purchased to transport employees to and from work each day.

In 1962 training commenced in book-binding, boot and shoe repair, office procedures, food preparation and service and packaging.

In 1976 the Katuni Adult Training Centre was opened at Edwardstown. Over the years Bedford established engineering and printing departments, grounds maintenance, commercial cleaning, packaging and furniture manufacturing divisions.

In 1974 Balyana, a residential centre was opened by the Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam. Bedford has become a recognised leader in the provision of disability services nationally. In 2003 it was named SA Training Awards ‘Employer of the Year’.

Orana

Orana is a not-for-profit organisation that provides employment, accommodation and respite services to over 500 people with an intellectual disability. Orana began in 1950 as the Mentally Retarded Children’s Society of SA Inc. It was formed by parents who were seeking educational, vocational and training opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities.

The society’s aims were:

1. To seek education or training facilities for people with intellectual disabilities

2. To establish “sheltered workshops

3. To establish residential hostels

Over the next few years a number of sheltered workshops were set up and in 1980 the name was changed to Orana, which is an Aboriginal word for ‘Welcome’. Today, after more than 50 years Orana has continued to grow. It provides accommodation and respite services, an extensive range of services to local and interstate businesses and offers a variety of employment and training options to people with disabilities.

Phoenix

In 1959 the Phoenix Society commenced with the aim ‘to help the physically handicapped to help themselves’. The first building the Society owned was an old cottage in Carrington Street, Adelaide. Its first contract was with the SA Brewing Company for the repair of 40 crates, at a total cost of 17 cents each. Additional contracts were found for their 16 physically disabled employees.

Within a couple of years, the Society had 45 employees, mainly physically disabled people. The Society continued to grow and, with the assistance of Government they moved to larger premises on Glen Osmond Road where they did different types of work including woodworking and assembly functions.

In 1967 the Society purchased a new site in Torrensville. By the end of the sixties, they had a workforce of 85. By the early eighties the Society had the number of employees increase to as many as 324. A site was established at Gepps Cross to provide employment opportunities for people living in the Northern suburbs. The Society’s original aim ‘to help the physically handicapped to help themselves’ changed to assist mostly people with an intellectual disability.

The Society experienced its most dramatic growth during the 1990’s and operated as a business service, rather than a traditional sheltered workshop. It became a genuine place of employment for people with disabilities who chose not to move to Open Employment. It has opened new commercial factories in Elizabeth and Whyalla and streamlined its operations at Torrensville and Gepps Cross. Over the years the Society has changed but it continues to help and support people with disabilities.

Barkuma

Barkuma began in 1964 as a branch of the Mentally Retarded Children’s Society. It was incorporated in 1967 and provided a sheltered workshop, training and accommodation services for people with an intellectual or other disability.

Today, Barkuma offers a range of services to people with an intellectual disability. It provides supported employment in a range of business enterprises including furniture manufacturing and contract work. It also offers an employment service, provides individualised support and specialised support in the areas of counselling, training, community access and advocacy.

References

Barkuma. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.barkuma.com.au/

Bedford Industries. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.bedfordindustries.com.au/about_history.htm

Life to live. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.dsa.org.au/life_site/text/employment/index.html

Lindsay, M. 2004. ‘Background Paper 2′ 1995-96: Commonwealth Disability Policy 1983-1995 [online]. [Accessed 22nd May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bp/1995-96/96bp06.htm

Orana. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.oranaonline.com.au/services.html

Phoenix Society. 2007. [online]. [Accessed 15th May 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.phoenixsoc.org.au/about-history-phoenix-society.htm

Westhorp, G., Sebastian, A., Morrell, D. & Mayne, M. 1997. Advocacy and people with a disability: A learning package. Mile End, South Australia: Disability Action Inc

Sport plays an important role within Australian society. Many Australians are involved in sport and recreation and enjoy the associated benefits of enjoyment, social interaction, health and fitness, personal achievement, national pride and community involvement. Numerous sporting programs have been established for people with disabilities, and there are many opportunities for people with disabilities to get involved in sporting competitions and events on a state, national and international level.

Sport Australians love their sport whether they are playing the game or supporting their favourite team. Sport plays a very important role in how Australia defines itself as a country, and how Australians articulate their sense of belonging to their nation. [Goggin, G. and Newell, C. 2005 p74] However, throughout much of the twentieth century people with a disability were discriminated against and excluded from participating in sport. We learn in school that sport is important for social recognition and success, but that it is not for those who are sickly, too fat, the bookish, frail – or disabled. Ibid. p75 Sport first became important for people with a disability during World War II when it was used as rehabilitation on veterans and civilians with spinal injuries. Since then more people with a disability have become involved in sport in Australia. The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act in 1992 meant it was unlawful to exclude a person on the grounds of a disability from a sporting activity. As a consequence people with a disability have been taken seriously in sport.

Disability Discrimination Act Under Section 28 of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) it is unlawful to exclude a person or their associates, on the grounds of a disability from a sporting activity. This includes those involved in a coaching or administrative capacity. The DDA does not apply if:

• The person is not reasonably capable of performing the actions reasonably required in relation to the sporting activity; or
• people who participate in the sporting activity are selected by a method which is reasonable on the basis of relevant skills and abilities; or
• a sporting activity is conducted only for persons who have a particular disability and the person does not have that disability

Deaf Sports Australia People with a hearing disability have taken part in sport for over a century. It began with a friendly cricket match between South Australia and Victoria in 1895. This lead to Interstate Deaf sporting carnivals every two or three years in different Australian capital cities. In 1954, the Australian Deaf Sports Federation (ADSF) was formed to coordinate interstate sporting competitions. After a ten year break the Australian Deaf Sports Carnival resumed in Sydney in 1964/65. The Carnival was the forerunner of the Australian Deaf Games now held every 3 or 4 years. In 1955 the ADSF affiliated with an International organisation of sports for the deaf Comité International Sports des Sourds. CISS is responsible for all International competitions, including the Deaflympic Games (previously known as World Games for the Deaf). The ADSF became Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) in 1999.

Stoke Mandeville Games During the mid 1940’s sport was introduced as part of the treatment for war veterans and civilians with spinal injuries. In 1944 Dr. Ludwig Guttmann opened, at the request of the British Government, a spinal injuries centre at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The doctors quickly recognised the physical and psychological benefits from sport so they introduced the patients to polo, basketball, badminton, archery and table tennis. In 1948, the hospital held the first Stoke Mandeville Games that included sporting competitions for patients from other rehabilitation centres around Britain. It was the first competition organised for wheelchair athletes.

Paralympic Games In 1952, Dutch ex-service men attended the Stoke Mandeville Games and established the International Stoke Mandeville Games Committee (ISMGF). In 1960 an Olympic style event for athletes with a disability was held in Rome. The games were conducted parallel to the Olympic Games and became the Paralympic Games. The Rome Games were organised for people with a physical disability, and in particular, those with a spinal cord injury. About 400 athletes, from 23 countries including Australia competed.

Over the years the range of paralympic sports has expanded:

• 1976 Toronto - events for blind or partially sighted athletes and amputee athletes
• 1980 Arnhem - athletes with Cerebral Palsy participated in the Games
• 1996 Atlanta - events for athletes with intellectual disabilities were included for the first time.

The International Paralympic Committee was founded in 1989. Its mandate was to organise, supervise and coordinate the Paralympic games and promote sport for athletes with disabilities.

In 1990 the Australian Paralympic Federation was established. In 2000 Australia hosted the Paralympic Games in Sydney. The events covered six categories of disability:

1. spinal cord injury
2. amputee
3. cerebral palsy
4. les autres (a range of locomotor disorders)
5. vision impaired
6. intellectual disability

The Sydney 2000 Paralympics was host to 3843 athletes from 125 countries.

Special Olympics Unlike the Paralympics, the Special Olympics are not designed for elite athletes with disabilities. The Special Olympics are a year round training program and competition for people with an intellectual disability. The program offers a variety of sporting activities and provides the opportunity for everyone irrespective of their level of ability, to take part.

The Special Olympics began in 1968 when Eunice Kennedy-Shriver, sister of former US President John F Kennedy organised the first International Special Olympics Games in Chicago. Since 1968 the organisation has grown and today more than 1.4 million athletes are taking part in over 150 countries.

Australia first became involved in the Special Olympics in 1976 and now the program runs in all the States and the ACT. About 2000 athletes participate in 39 regions throughout Australia. Once every 4 years National and International Games are held.

SA sporting organisations There are a number of sporting organisations in South Australia that enable people with disabilities to participate in sport, recreation and community activities.

BlindSports SA The Association of SA Blind Sporting Clubs is the representative body of blind and vision impaired sports people. It actively encourages blind and vision impaired people to participate in competitive and recreational sports of all kinds.

Blind Sporting Council The Blind Sporting Council was established in 1996 and provides funding, assistance and support to people who are blind and vision impaired to enable them to participate in sport, recreation and community activities.

Deaf Sports Australia Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) is the peak body for deaf sport in Australia. There are 12 National Deaf Sporting Organisations and 5 States affiliated with DSA.

South Australian Deaf Recreation Association is affiliated with DSA and provides access to local, national and international sport for athletes with hearing impairments.

Riding for the Disabled Association Provides recreational and therapeutic horse riding sessions for people aged 5-75 years.

Sailability SA Integrates people with a disability into the sport and recreation of sailing.

SASRAPID The South Australian Sport and Recreation Association for People with Integration Difficulties Incorporated (SASRAPID) was established in 1982 and is an organisation that assists people with integration difficulties to become involved in sport, recreation and leisure activities.

Special Olympics SA Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for all Australians with an intellectual disability. It provides the opportunity to develop physical fitness, participate in the sharing of skill and friendship with their families, other Special Olympians and the wider community.

Wheelchair Sports SA Wheelchair Sport was originally introduced into South Australia in the early 60’s as part of the total rehabilitation program for individuals with a spinal injury. Since its introduction, there has been a rapid growth and development of wheelchair sport. This has lead to the formation and incorporation of the Wheelchair Sports Association of South Australia in 1982. It is now known as Wheelchair Sports SA. Wheelchair Sports SA is responsible for the management of sport and recreation for people with a physical disability including paraplegia, quadriplegia, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries and other physical disabilities in South Australia and is recognised by the State Government and the Office for Recreation, Sports & Racing as the governing body. Its aim is to ensure that people with a physical disability are provided with the maximum opportunity to participate in sport and recreation.

References

Australian Paralympic Committee. 2007. [Online, accessed 10th June 2007]. URL: http://www.paralympic.org.au/apc_sub.asp?id=103>

Deaf Sports Australia. 2004-2005. [Online, accessed 10th June 2007]. URL: http://www.deafsports.org.au/aboutus/history.php Goggin, G. and Newell, C. 2005.

Disability in Australia: Exposing a social apartheid. Sydney: UNSW Press Special Olympics. 2007. [Online, accessed 9th June 2007]. URL: http://www.specialolympics.com.au/index.php?submenu=Home_Menu&src=gendocs&link=History&category=Main

Sport SA. 2007. [Online, accessed 2nd June 2007]. URL: http://www.sportsa.org.au/main/home

Wheelchair Sports SA. 2007. [Online, accessed 11th June 2007]. URL: http://www.wheelchairsports-sa.org.au