Resources + Glossary
Glossary of Terms
Access – The dictionary definition of access is as follows: the ability, right, or permission to approach, enter, speak with, or use. In the context of disability, access is used to describe a person with a disability and their ability to connect and use the same services and experiences a person without a disability is able to. For example, when you enter a building or public transport which provides a wheelchair ramp, if Australian sign language (AUSLAN) has been provided for people with a hearing impairment at an event or broadcast, these are efforts to provide disability access. Disability access is anything that allows a person with a disability to participate equally with their peers and people in the community which do not experience disability.
Capacity building – A strengths based, holistic approach which allows individuals who experience disability to develop skills and knowledge which encourage equity and community participation, in turn increasing access, choice and control. This takes place alongside but also includes friends, family and carers encouraging skills and development in these support systems. Some examples of the ways that someone might build capacity from their support coordination services is understanding NDIS processes, feeling confident to phone providers and know what to ask, and understanding the services that can be paid for from the different sections of an NDIS plan.
Disability – The medical model of disability describes disability typically in ways such as: Total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions (The Disability Act 1992). Describes a person’s impairment of body or function, a limitation in activities or a restriction in participation when interacting with their environment.
However, using the social model of disability, disability is not viewed as personal deficits, but rather that the physical and social environments that people live in are what disables people and limits their ability to participate fully in society. Contemporary Coordination use the social model of disability when considering individuals and the disability they experience. We do not disregard the challenges that people face or the impacts of their disability on their life, but we recognise that the environment should be challenged to become more accessible. Some examples of environments that can be disabling for people are attitudes, buildings that do not have ramps, and very loud places.
LGBTQIA+ is an acronym which is used to represent the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, (Questioning), Intersex, Asexual and Agender + communities. The + is to represent that communities that fall outside heterosexual or cisgender identities are broad and creates space for additional identities yet to be defined and also represents the flexible nature of the community itself.
NDIS – National Disability Insurance Scheme. A new way of providing support for Australians with disability, their families and carers.
NDIA – National Disability Insurance Agency. The Commonwealth government organisation administering the NDIS.
Participant/Provider – The terms participant and provider are used to describe disability services and the individuals who use them. A provider is an individual or entity which provides services to an individual with disability, a participant is the person who is using the service. In the context of Contemporary Coordination, we are the provider and those who engage in our services are the participant.
Psychosocial Recovery Coaching – A recovery coach is an NDIS funded worker that has mental health knowledge. A recovery coach will spend time with you, and people important to you, to get to know you and understand your needs help you to find out about different services and supports, and how these can help you. For more info see the full NDIS PDF describing Psychosocial recovery coach information here.
Resources
Crisis Numbers
Emergency Services
000
Mental Health Triage
13 14 65 – Website
Lifeline
13 11 14 – Website (Text and web chat options)
LETTS (Lived Experience Telephone Support Service)
1800 013 755 – Website
Q-Life (LGBTQIA+ Peer Support)
1800 184 527 Website (Web chat options)
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800 – Website (Web chat options)
Autism Connect
1300 308 699 – Website (Web chat options)
Articles and Literature
Reimagining the Future of Disability Post the COVID-19 crisis – Written By Rachel Lafain
Contemporary Coordination Documents
The Difference is in our Values Document
Privacy & Confidentiality Policy
Resource Complaints Support for Participants
Social Model of Disability Information Links
https://pwd.org.au/resources/models-of-disability/
NDIS Links
NDIS Glossary
https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/glossary
NDIS Code of Conduct
https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about/ndis-code-conduct
Contemporary Coordination acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We also acknowledge that we work on the traditional country of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide plains. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land, and we pay respect to Elders both past, present and emerging.
Contemporary Coordination is committed to establishing and maintaining inclusive environments for staff, participants and community members. We acknowledge, value and celebrate people from all backgrounds, abilities, bodies, cultures, genders, sexualities and world views. Contemporary Coordination provides respect for all people, and works to ensure safe and inclusive environments for everyone.
