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By Kim Fairbairn-Baker, Golden Square http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/1498824/education-needed-about-disability-freedoms/?cs=82 It is with great interest that I have been following the recent discussions about those who have a disability. First, the cloud of controversy over the behaviour of Bendigo councillors in regard to a young woman with a disability dancing at a public event. Second, the recent letter (“Disability scheme leaves others with less security”, Jiri Kolenaty, May 9) in the Bendigo Advertiser about the expensive and negative consequences of an NDIS. First, the matter of councillors’ behaviour. I agree with Councillor Elise Chapman – people with a disability need to be seen by their communities in a valued way that is both respected and dignified. The question is: should this be any different than for her peers of the same age dancing in similar ways? It appears rather that the problem was with a small representation of the Bendigo community who were both ignorant and thoughtless in responding to this young woman’s dancing. Further, I don’t doubt the intent of councillors may have been motivated by good intent and that they deemed their actions necessary for the young women’s “protection”, but please be reminded that institutionalisation created the likes of Kew Cottages, which also claimed to be for “protection”. Second, the ignorance surrounding the adoption of an NDIS seriously needs to be addressed. Thank you for the letter from Noela Foreman (“Some have stunning ignorance of disability”, May 11), which clearly outlines the disappointment felt by individuals and families when this ignorance is voiced. The author of the original letter, as Noela states, has a significant lack of understanding and awareness of the inequity faced daily for people with a disability. Does the writer not know that Australia has one of the poorest employment and education rates for those with a disability than any First World country? Are they aware that people with disabilities often need to live at home with their families until they or their carers die because there is insufficient care or support available? Do they know that many if not most people with a disability usually need to resign themselves to living on a disability pension as their only form of income for the rest of their lives? People with disabilities want to contribute more to their communities, including economically, as do their carers and families, but this access is only enjoyed by a few. An NDIS is a way to enable more economic contributions to be made. I was disheartened that the NDIS was labelled as a “charity”. Let me state boldly: IT ISN’T. It ensures that Australians with significant disabilities (as all Australians may become) have access to human rights. Perhaps this writer could consider the freedoms and choices they have in a day that Victorians with disabilities never have or have had, i.e. a shower each day! The issue of a young woman allegedly dancing inappropriately or the NDIS being seen to be an economic mistake lies with the conscience, education and values of our community. Communities are a collective of individuals and as such we all take responsibility for giving people with disabilities “a fair go”. Access to human rights in our great country for those who have (or may have in the future) a disability should not be held accountable to a budget. To think so is un-Australian! I welcome the Bendigo Advertiser to educate the community about the NDIS. I also ask that the good folk of Bendigo who know the value and contributions that people with disabilities make, help advocate for this cause.