This week we came together for Disability Pride Month to celebrate the diversity and achievements of people with disability.
This month aims to reject the stigma of disability being ‘less than’ or ‘different’ and instead to redefine disability as a natural part of human diversity.
CEO, Rita Butera opened the event by acknowledging the progress we have made since launching our Disability Action Plan (DAP) in 2024, and reflecting on the work that’s still ahead of us.
Rita said, “One example is a new question we’ve added to our booking process. It gives clients the opportunity to tell us about any conditions, injuries or support needs that may affect their breast screening appointment. this simple change has broadened our understanding of disability, and highlighted needs that may not always be visible, including mobility challenges and other hidden disability so we can better support our clients”
Our keynote address was delivered by Sandee Facy and Arpita Jauhari from Hidden Disabilities Sunflower AUS/NZ, who presented on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. The program helps people with non-visible disabilities discreetly signal that they may need additional support, allowing them to share that they “may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time” in public settings.
Director of Quality and Clinical Care Catherine Langford presented on some of the DAP actions that have been implemented in the past two years to create an inclusive environment for our clients and colleagues.
Jane Geeson, People and Culture Manager shared insights into the benefits of the Hidden Sunflower from a workplace perspective. She reminded us that we only see people as they appear, but it’s important to be mindful that people might be dealing with things that we can’t see.
As a population screening service with a strong health equity lens, we are continuously working to create equitable participation and improve client experience. People with disability are a key strategic focus group and we are working through the implementation of our first DAP.
Through this work we are learning more about the types of disability that affect our client’s screening experience, with many of them being considered hidden or invisible.
For more information, visit our Disability Action Plan (DAP) or contact Liezl Oliver, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at BreastScreen Victoria via loliver@breastscreen.org.au.
Banner image description: Left to right: Sandee Facy, Head of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Rita Butera, CEO BreastScreen Victoria and Arpita Jauhari, Business Development Specialist at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
