Introducing My Health My Communication
Welcome to the launch of My Health My Communication. This project aims to improve communication between health staff and people with intellectual disability, autism, acquired brain injury, and Down syndrome. At this stage, we want to start a conversation, share information, and find solutions together to improve the hospital experience for people with communication disabilities.
You can get involved at any point whether you are a person with a disability, a support worker, a carer, a nurse, doctor, or hospital staff. We’d love to hear from you. Being involved means telling us about your experiences or even just being placed on our email list for regular updates.
Introducing My Health My Communication
Welcome to the launch of My Health My Communication. This project aims to improve communication between health staff and people with intellectual disability, autism, acquired brain injury, and Down syndrome. At this stage, we want to start a conversation, share information, and find solutions together to improve the hospital experience for people with communication disabilities.
You can get involved at any point whether you are a person with a disability, a support worker, a carer, a nurse, doctor, or hospital staff. We’d love to hear from you. Being involved means telling us about your experiences or even just being placed on our email list for regular updates.
We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present, and emerging.
We are here to celebrate a partnership between DARE Disability Support
and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
Our goals are to support health care workers and people with communication disabilities including people with intellectual disabilities autism, down syndrome, and acquired brain injuries.
If you’re a person with a disability and you’re watching this, this project is about improving communication for you when you go to hospital. Your stories and feedback can help us make communication better for everyone.
if you’re a healthcare worker, a support worker, working with people with disabilities, your involvement can also play a vital role. We have an exciting opportunity to start working together.
This launch is not limited by time, you can get involved at any stage over the next three years. To be involved, stay up to date with our Facebook, Twitter, and with information that will continue to be added to this website.
Thank you, I look forward to talking to you.
GRAHAM: Hi, my name is Graham and I’m part of the My Health My Communication project. I would like to introduce The Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley.
HER EXCELLENCY: One in five australians has a disability over one quarter also have a communication disability. All Australians are entitled to the right to equal access to health care and to be able to communicate and understand their health care needs. As Governor of New South Wales, I congratulate DARE Disability Support and Nepean Blue Mountains Health District on partnering on their project My Health My Communication. Creating a range of resources, this project will enable better understanding and health outcomes for those who have a communication disability. I encourage all Australians, those with disabilities, their supporters, healthcare workers, and the wider community, to get involved, and to contribute to this project. On behalf of the people of New South Wales thank you for making healthcare inclusive of everyone in our community.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC
Governor of NSW
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC is the 39th Governor of New South Wales. Prior to her appointment as Governor, Her Excellency had a distinguished law career spanning 43 years, which included being appointed to the Queen’s Counsel, being made judge of the Federal Court of Australia, being the first woman appointed to the New South Wales Court of Appeal, and the first as its President, and much more.
Earlier this year, Her Excellency attended DARE Disability Support to find out more about DARE’s work and the Are You Inclusive program. She now supports us as we open the new My Health My Communication project.
GRAHAM: Hi, my name is Graham and I’m part of the My Health My Communication project. I would like to introduce The Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley.
HER EXCELLENCY: One in five australians has a disability over one quarter also have a communication disability. All Australians are entitled to the right to equal access to health care and to be able to communicate and understand their health care needs. As Governor of New South Wales, I congratulate DARE Disability Support and Nepean Blue Mountains Health District on partnering on their project My Health My Communication. Creating a range of resources, this project will enable better understanding and health outcomes for those who have a communication disability. I encourage all Australians, those with disabilities, their supporters, healthcare workers, and the wider community, to get involved, and to contribute to this project. On behalf of the people of New South Wales thank you for making healthcare inclusive of everyone in our community.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC
Governor of NSW
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC is the 39th Governor of New South Wales. Prior to her appointment as Governor, Her Excellency had a distinguished law career spanning 43 years, which included being appointed to the Queen’s Counsel, being made judge of the Federal Court of Australia, being the first woman appointed to the New South Wales Court of Appeal, and the first as its President, and much more.
Earlier this year, Her Excellency attended DARE Disability Support to find out more about DARE’s work and the Are You Inclusive program. She now supports us as we open the new My Health My Communication project.
The Honourable Gareth Ward
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services
As Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth is responsible for many of New South Wales social policy and human services including children in care, homelessness, and disability services. While these are all challenging areas, he sees these as the most important.
Gareth has first hand experience with disabilities as he was born with Oculocutaneous Albinism, and has been legally blind since birth. He now helps us launch the My Health My Communication project.
MICHAEL: Hi, I’m Michael. I’m part of the project. I’d like to introduce Gareth Ward.
GARETH: G’day, I’m Gareth Ward, the Minister for Families, Communities, and Disability Services. I want to congratulate DARE Disability Services and the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District on the launch of My Health My Communication. Around one in five Australians have a disability and around a quarter of these have communications disabilities. We want to break down those barriers and what this program is all about is making sure that people with
disabilities can be connected to key and important government services that change their lives. This is an incredible program and I really want to commend everyone involved for making sure that no matter your disability you’re able to live life to the full and this is another great step forward in using modern technology to connect people to the services they need.
MICHAEL: Hi, I’m Michael. I’m part of the project. I’d like to introduce Gareth Ward.
GARETH: G’day, I’m Gareth Ward, the Minister for Families, Communities, and Disability Services. I want to congratulate DARE Disability Services and the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District on the launch of My Health My Communication. Around one in five Australians have a disability and around a quarter of these have communications disabilities. We want to break down those barriers and what this program is all about is making sure that people with
disabilities can be connected to key and important government services that change their lives. This is an incredible program and I really want to commend everyone involved for making sure that no matter your disability you’re able to live life to the full and this is another great step forward in using modern technology to connect people to the services they need.
BELINDA: Hello, I’m Belinda and I’m the ambassador for the project. I’d like to welcome Marise Payne.
MARISE: No one person’s health needs are the same as the next. Choice, flexibility, and control are essential. This is especially true for people who live with disability.
So, at the heart of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is participants, families, and carers shaping their own NDIS plans to best support their needs. We know that it is important that the NDIS is in step with local health systems and that’s why My Health My Communication is so important because it will help bring your voice to the forefront when interacting with mainstream health services.
It’s been co-designed by and for people with disability. It will make it more intuitive to engage with our local health systems from the Blue Mountains to the Hawkesbury and at Penrith.
Addressing barriers which prevent individuals from making their own choices is something I’m very passionate about especially for women and girls. As Minister for Women on the eve of International Women’s Day earlier this year, I launched the Our Site website alongside the impressive Trisha Maloney, the National President of Women with Disabilities Australia.
Our Site is a virtual platform for women and their carers to understand their rights and to inform them on critical issues such as safety, sexual and reproductive health. Much like My Health My Communication, Our Site is about ensuring that women with disability are empowered to make choices about their lives on their own terms.
In this vein, I recall the words of Stella Young, much-loved comedian journalist and disability rights advocate who sadly passed away in December 2014. Before a TEDX event, Stella remarked that no amount of smiling ever turned stairs into a ramp. I trust that My Health My Communication will its own way assist you to turn stairs into ramps, confident that you are supported by local health organisations the NDIS, and organisations like DARE.
Senator the Honourable Marise Payne
Senator for NSW, Minister for Women.
Marise Payne has more than two decades of parliamentary experience. She is a former Minister for Human Services, and has held several shadow ministries. Marise has come to know Western Sydney well over the past twenty years she has been based there and works with local businesses to help the region reach its greatest potential.
Earlier this year, Marise helped launched Our Site, a website by and for women and girls with disability. Now she helps us launch the new My Health My Communication project.
BELINDA: Hello, I’m Belinda and I’m the ambassador for the project. I’d like to welcome Marise Payne.
MARISE: No one person’s health needs are the same as the next. Choice, flexibility, and control are essential. This is especially true for people who live with disability.
So, at the heart of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is participants, families, and carers shaping their own NDIS plans to best support their needs. We know that it is important that the NDIS is in step with local health systems and that’s why My Health My Communication is so important because it will help bring your voice to the forefront when interacting with mainstream health services.
It’s been co-designed by and for people with disability. It will make it more intuitive to engage with our local health systems from the Blue Mountains to the Hawkesbury and at Penrith.
Addressing barriers which prevent individuals from making their own choices is something I’m very passionate about especially for women and girls. As Minister for Women on the eve of International Women’s Day earlier this year, I launched the Our Site website alongside the impressive Trisha Maloney, the National President of Women with Disabilities Australia.
Our Site is a virtual platform for women and their carers to understand their rights and to inform them on critical issues such as safety, sexual and reproductive health. Much like My Health My Communication, Our Site is about ensuring that women with disability are empowered to make choices about their lives on their own terms.
In this vein, I recall the words of Stella Young, much-loved comedian journalist and disability rights advocate who sadly passed away in December 2014. Before a TEDX event, Stella remarked that no amount of smiling ever turned stairs into a ramp. I trust that My Health My Communication will its own way assist you to turn stairs into ramps, confident that you are supported by local health organisations the NDIS, and organisations like DARE.
Senator the Honourable Marise Payne
Senator for NSW, Minister for Women.
Marise Payne has more than two decades of parliamentary experience. She is a former Minister for Human Services, and has held several shadow ministries. Marise has come to know Western Sydney well over the past twenty years she has been based there and works with local businesses to help the region reach its greatest potential.
Earlier this year, Marise helped launched Our Site, a website by and for women and girls with disability. Now she helps us launch the new My Health My Communication project.
LIAM: Hey everyone, I’m named Liam. I live in the Blue Mountains. I’m ready to talk. Welcome back Susan Templeman.
SUSAN: It’s been a pleasure to be associated with DARE Disability Support for many years. DARE’s fabulous Are You Inclusive project and the Blue Mountains Disability Roundtable are both great examples of the way DARE helps educate and lead in our community. Each time I visit DARE I’m encouraged and inspired by new developments and the successes of this dedicated team. DARE’s newest initiative a partnership with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District reflects the passion both organisations share in making sure people with disabilities communicate effectively with their health care providers and vice versa.
I’m excited to be involved with My Health My Communication in collaboration with these two organisations.
By partnering with people with disabilities and healthcare providers this project will help to find new ways to empower people with disabilities to express their needs and manage their interactions with the health sector. It’ll also help health care professionals better communicate and understand the needs and wishes of people with a disability and that means far better health outcomes. DARE’s activities to support people with a disability reflect a service committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for people in our community.
Susan Templeman MP
Member for Macquarie
Susan Templeman was elected to the Federal Parliament in 2016 and has a background in journalism and as a small business owner. She has lived in the Blue Mountains for over 25 years.
Susan has been involved with DARE Disability Support often over the years and was excited support our latest project My Health My Communication.
LIAM: Hey everyone, I’m named Liam. I live in the Blue Mountains. I’m ready to talk. Welcome back Susan Templeman.
SUSAN: It’s been a pleasure to be associated with DARE Disability Support for many years. DARE’s fabulous Are You Inclusive project and the Blue Mountains Disability Roundtable are both great examples of the way DARE helps educate and lead in our community. Each time I visit DARE I’m encouraged and inspired by new developments and the successes of this dedicated team. DARE’s newest initiative a partnership with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District reflects the passion both organisations share in making sure people with disabilities communicate effectively with their health care providers and vice versa.
I’m excited to be involved with My Health My Communication in collaboration with these two organisations.
By partnering with people with disabilities and healthcare providers this project will help to find new ways to empower people with disabilities to express their needs and manage their interactions with the health sector. It’ll also help health care professionals better communicate and understand the needs and wishes of people with a disability and that means far better health outcomes. DARE’s activities to support people with a disability reflect a service committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for people in our community.
LIAM: Hey everyone, I’m named Liam. I live in the Blue Mountains. I’m ready to talk. Welcome back Susan Templeman.
SUSAN: It’s been a pleasure to be associated with DARE Disability Support for many years. DARE’s fabulous Are You Inclusive project and the Blue Mountains Disability Roundtable are both great examples of the way DARE helps educate and lead in our community. Each time I visit DARE I’m encouraged and inspired by new developments and the successes of this dedicated team. DARE’s newest initiative a partnership with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District reflects the passion both organisations share in making sure people with disabilities communicate effectively with their health care providers and vice versa.
I’m excited to be involved with My Health My Communication in collaboration with these two organisations.
By partnering with people with disabilities and healthcare providers this project will help to find new ways to empower people with disabilities to express their needs and manage their interactions with the health sector. It’ll also help health care professionals better communicate and understand the needs and wishes of people with a disability and that means far better health outcomes. DARE’s activities to support people with a disability reflect a service committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for people in our community.
Susan Templeman MP
Member for Macquarie
Susan Templeman was elected to the Federal Parliament in 2016 and has a background in journalism and as a small business owner. She has lived in the Blue Mountains for over 25 years.
Susan has been involved with DARE Disability Support often over the years and was excited support our latest project My Health My Communication.
LIAM: Hey everyone, I’m named Liam. I live in the Blue Mountains. I’m ready to talk. Welcome back Susan Templeman.
SUSAN: It’s been a pleasure to be associated with DARE Disability Support for many years. DARE’s fabulous Are You Inclusive project and the Blue Mountains Disability Roundtable are both great examples of the way DARE helps educate and lead in our community. Each time I visit DARE I’m encouraged and inspired by new developments and the successes of this dedicated team. DARE’s newest initiative a partnership with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District reflects the passion both organisations share in making sure people with disabilities communicate effectively with their health care providers and vice versa.
I’m excited to be involved with My Health My Communication in collaboration with these two organisations.
By partnering with people with disabilities and healthcare providers this project will help to find new ways to empower people with disabilities to express their needs and manage their interactions with the health sector. It’ll also help health care professionals better communicate and understand the needs and wishes of people with a disability and that means far better health outcomes. DARE’s activities to support people with a disability reflect a service committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for people in our community.
I understand disabilities because I’ve got a disability myself. I had a hit and run when I was little in 1985 so I do suffer with a limp and a brain brain damage and um weak side so I think that’s why I understand I would understand it for because I’ve lived with it all my life.
WHAT COULD DOCTORS AND NURSES DO TO COMMUNICATE BETTER?
Sit down and explain, you know, this is what’s going to happen. More understanding like, not so medically, but easy words and simple words not so hard words where they can’t understand. Taking more time, thinking what they’re doing, what, thinking what sort of patient they’re dealing with, um and the disability, yeah a bit more understanding.
WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT?
Because, um, they should, everyone should be, should be treated equal, the same, because they’ve got feelings too. The doctor’s and nurses being kinder can also change a person.
HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED?
We have a website and this is where you can learn more about the project. If you have some ideas Kathryn and I would love to hear about it. Thank you very much and we’re ready for some change. Let’s do it together!
Belinda
Project Ambassador
Belinda is a supported employee at DARE Disability Support, and now she is the project ambassador for My Health My Communication.
She is excited to help improve communication in local hospitals between health staff and people with communication disabilities.
I understand disabilities because I’ve got a disability myself. I had a hit and run when I was little in 1985 so I do suffer with a limp and a brain brain damage and um weak side so I think that’s why I understand I would understand it for because I’ve lived with it all my life.
WHAT COULD DOCTORS AND NURSES DO TO COMMUNICATE BETTER?
Sit down and explain, you know, this is what’s going to happen. More understanding like, not so medically, but easy words and simple words not so hard words where they can’t understand. Taking more time, thinking what they’re doing, what, thinking what sort of patient they’re dealing with, um and the disability, yeah a bit more understanding.
WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT?
Because, um, they should, everyone should be, should be treated equal, the same, because they’ve got feelings too. The doctor’s and nurses being kinder can also change a person.
HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED?
We have a website and this is where you can learn more about the project. If you have some ideas Kathryn and I would love to hear about it. Thank you very much and we’re ready for some change. Let’s do it together!
About My Health My Communication
Kathryn Woods | About the Project
Project Manager
Kathryn Woods is the project manager from DARE Disability Support. Kathryn has a background in Coordination of Supports and Community Programs for people with disabilities, and nursing She is spearheading the project to improve communication between hospital staff and people with communication disabilities.
Our service has supported people with disabilities for over 50 years. On many occasions, our staff and teams have assisted people with disabilities when they’re going to hospital. We have a great relationship with our local hospitals and medical teams in our community and we know that there is a big difference in health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, and down syndrome. We have more information about this in our fact sheet.
We want to design a program that will support healthcare workers and people with disabilities to communicate better. I would like to talk to you about your experiences and ideas. Your feedback can make a very big difference.
Karen Alexander | Project Goals
Senior Project Officer
Karen Alexander is the Project Officer from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. She has worked in Occupational Therapy in hospitals for over 30 years and now brings her knowledge of the health industry to this new project.
Our project is about improving communication. We asked people with disabilities about how they felt about the support they had from our healthcare workers in our local hospitals. The answers showed us that we can do better in how we talk about things like things that will happen coming into hospital, what will be done and where, how long it will take, how it will make you feel, and the things that should happen when going home from hospital, talking about any worries or fears about things that will happen at hospital, choices about healthcare need to be better explained, and it would be better if healthcare staff can try to answer questions, or talk about health in a way that is easier to understand.
We want to make our hospitals better. We are ready to work with you and find ways that we can do things better together.
Dawn Hutley | Making Change Happen
Clinical Redesign Officer
Dawn Hutley is the Clinical Redesign Officer from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. She has worked in health for over 20 years and completed the Redesign Project Management Program through Agency for Clinical Innovation. She brings her expertise in clinical redesign to the My Health My Communication project.
My job on our team is to assist, guide, and support My Health My Communication project by using the redesign methodology. You can find out more about clinical redesign in our fact sheet.
There are six important steps to making change happen, and these are –
- planning what we want to achieve, and involving people who will be impacted in the project,
- talking to people working together to understand how things are happening, what the problems are and how can we change things to make things better,
- asking each other questions, sharing each other’s stories about things that have happened, things that worked, and things that could have been done better,Â
- getting everyone’s ideas together, and we can test new ways of doing things until we find the things that work best,
- checking to see if our changes are working or if more work needs to be done, and we keep working together until we are sure about the best way to do things, andÂ
- finally, we share what we have learned with all our health care workers to make things better for everyone.
Linda Mortimer | Here to Help
Specialist Disability Clinician
Linda Mortimer is the Specialist Disability Clinician from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. Linda has worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for over 30 years and now is a Specialist Intellectual Disability Clinician. She has worked specifically with adults with intellectual disability and high medical support needs.
Hi there, my name’s Linda Mortimer I’m a nurse and a Specialist Intellectual Disability Clinician with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
My role was created to build the capacity of health care professionals and other staff in our hospitals and community to improve our ability to support people with intellectual disabilities.
I’ve worked in health and disability services for a long time. I really care about people with intellectual disability. I care that you have choice and control, that you are respected, and you’re able to access all services and information to maintain your best health.
I want us to work together so that we can make sure that you have the best supports that you need when you’re unwell and go to hospital. Our staff are ready to listen to you and learn more about you. I think working together we can really improve our understanding of you and your needs. Thank you.
About My Health My Communication
Kathryn Woods | About the Project
Project Manager
Kathryn Woods is the project manager from DARE Disability Support. Kathryn has a background in Coordination of Supports and Community Programs for people with disabilities, and nursing She is spearheading the project to improve communication between hospital staff and people with communication disabilities.
Our service has supported people with disabilities for over 50 years. On many occasions, our staff and teams have assisted people with disabilities when they’re going to hospital. We have a great relationship with our local hospitals and medical teams in our community and we know that there is a big difference in health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, and down syndrome. We have more information about this in our fact sheet.
We want to design a program that will support healthcare workers and people with disabilities to communicate better. I would like to talk to you about your experiences and ideas. Your feedback can make a very big difference.
Karen Alexander | Project Goals
Senior Project Officer
Karen Alexander is the Project Officer from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. She has worked in Occupational Therapy in hospitals for over 30 years and now brings her knowledge of the health industry to this new project.
Our project is about improving communication. We asked people with disabilities about how they felt about the support they had from our healthcare workers in our local hospitals. The answers showed us that we can do better in how we talk about things like things that will happen coming into hospital, what will be done and where, how long it will take, how it will make you feel, and the things that should happen when going home from hospital, talking about any worries or fears about things that will happen at hospital, choices about healthcare need to be better explained, and it would be better if healthcare staff can try to answer questions, or talk about health in a way that is easier to understand.
We want to make our hospitals better. We are ready to work with you and find ways that we can do things better together.
Dawn Hutley | Making Change Happen
Clinical Redesign Officer
Dawn Hutley is the Clinical Redesign Officer from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. She has worked in health for over 20 years and completed the Redesign Project Management Program through Agency for Clinical Innovation. She brings her expertise in clinical redesign to the My Health My Communication project.
My job on our team is to assist, guide, and support My Health My Communication project by using the redesign methodology. You can find out more about clinical redesign in our fact sheet.
There are six important steps to making change happen, and these are –
- planning what we want to achieve, and involving people who will be impacted in the project,
- talking to people working together to understand how things are happening, what the problems are and how can we change things to make things better,
- asking each other questions, sharing each other’s stories about things that have happened, things that worked, and things that could have been done better,Â
- getting everyone’s ideas together, and we can test new ways of doing things until we find the things that work best,
- checking to see if our changes are working or if more work needs to be done, and we keep working together until we are sure about the best way to do things, andÂ
- finally, we share what we have learned with all our health care workers to make things better for everyone.
Linda Mortimer | Here to Help
Specialist Disability Clinician
Linda Mortimer is the Specialist Disability Clinician from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. Linda has worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for over 30 years and now is a Specialist Intellectual Disability Clinician. She has worked specifically with adults with intellectual disability and high medical support needs.
Hi there, my name’s Linda Mortimer I’m a nurse and a Specialist Intellectual Disability Clinician with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
My role was created to build the capacity of health care professionals and other staff in our hospitals and community to improve our ability to support people with intellectual disabilities.
I’ve worked in health and disability services for a long time. I really care about people with intellectual disability. I care that you have choice and control, that you are respected, and you’re able to access all services and information to maintain your best health.
I want us to work together so that we can make sure that you have the best supports that you need when you’re unwell and go to hospital. Our staff are ready to listen to you and learn more about you. I think working together we can really improve our understanding of you and your needs. Thank you.