As we approach the end of Pride Month, a month dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ voices, celebration of LGBTQ culture and the support of LGBTQ rights, MND NSW would like to share some resources that may be useful for our community members.
LGBTQIA+ Australians regularly experience disadvantage and are less likely to access support services because they fear, or have experienced, discrimination from these services. So, we are sharing some resources from organisations that can help support LGBTIQA+ people living with MND.
What LGBTIQA+ people with disability are saying
A webinar hosted by the Pride Foundation Australia and Deakin University in March 2021 highlights the launch of the More Than Ticking a Box 2021 report. This was a world-first qualitative study on the lived experiences of LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities, led by Deakin’s Dr Amie O’Shea, Lecturer in Disability and Inclusion.
The webinar showcased projects and research which provided information and practical support for individuals, organisations and LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities in Australia. You can watch it HERE.
Pride Foundation Australia
Pride Foundation Australia provides funding for projects that address the systemic disadvantage of LGBTQIA+ communities and individuals in Australia. Pride Foundation Australia funds commissions and supports research and publications that contribute to the increased health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ Australians. Here are some of the publications and resources that have been produced: Our Publications | Pride Foundation Australia
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, (formerly the National LGBTI Health Alliance), is the national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people and other sexuality, gender and bodily diverse (LGBTIQ+) people and communities. LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
NDIS Information
The NDIA is committed to ensuring that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people with disability have an equal and equitable chance to benefit from NDIS.
The NDIA LGBTIQA+ Strategy outlines our commitment to being respectful and responsive to the diverse needs of people with disability who identify as LGBTIQA+, their families, carers and communities. The strategy was developed in consultation with people with disability who identify as LGBTIQA+ and peak organisations in the LGBTIQA+ community and disability sector. LGBTIQA+ Strategy | NDIS
QueerAbility: A Toolkit to Access the NDIS
This toolkit was produced by ACON with support of People with Disability Australia, funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency through the ILC grants scheme. ACON was established in 1985 to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in NSW and remains a proud community organisation that works with a diverse range of people to provide services and programs locally, state-wide and nationally. People with Disability - ACON
- Is the NDIS right for you?
- Starting your NDIS application
- Your NDIS application was successful – What next?
- Your NDIS application was unsuccessful – What next?
- Self-care and other supports
- Language used
- Useful Links
Webinar: LGBTI People and the NDIS
MindOUT and People with Disability Australia (PWDA) have worked together to create a webinar resource targeting LGBTI people who are, or will be, accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
This webinar video covers the human rights and social model principles of the NDIS, provides information on eligibility, what the NDIS does and does not cover, as well as answer questions specific to the needs of LGBTI people accessing the NDIS. Published February 2017 - Webinar: LGBTI People and the NDIS - LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
My Aged Care Information
Older people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity should be able to access aged care services that are responsive and respectful of their care needs and consider their history and any experiences of discrimination and marginalisation. Given their experiences of discrimination and limited recognition of their needs by service providers, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or intersex (LGBTI) have been identified as having special needs for aged care. Support for LGBTI people | My Aged Care
Actions to Support LGBTI Elders: A Guide for Consumers
This guide helps lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, and intersex (LGBTI) elders to express their needs when speaking with aged care providers. It can also help people working in aged care to better understand LGBTI needs. Published February 2019 - Actions to Support LGBTI Elders: a Guide for Consumers | Australian Government Department of Health
Mosaic App
The Mosaic app is designed to empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people to better plan and manage their own care, to support them to be active participants in decisions around aged care services they receive, and to improve overall health outcomes. Containing resources for LGBTI people, their partners, families of choice, aged care workers, and aged care service providers, the app is designed so that everyone can make informed choices and build safe and inclusive practice.
Choosing an LGBTI Inclusive Ageing and Aged Care Service
A multipurpose tool to support people who are beginning to access ageing & aged care services. The factsheet provides a series of questions that can help people to decide if a service is LGBTI inclusive. Published July 2016 - Choosing an LGBTI Inclusive Ageing and Aged Care Service - LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
10 Questions to Ask About LGBTI Residential Aged Care
This brochure is designed to help you when deciding which residential aged care home meets your needs. Published March 2018 - 10 Questions to ask about LGBTI residential aged care
Alice’s Garage
Alice’s Garage is a Victorian based social enterprise empowering older LGBTI people. We strengthen the voices of older LGBTI people, draw on their knowledge and skills to address the challenges they face and build communities where LGBTIphobia and ageism are addressed. Our purpose is to address the inequalities older LGBTI people face related to ageism and the legacies of our LGBTIphobic histories. On this page there are some links to further resources: Alice’s Garage - A social enterprise empowering older LGBTI Australians
Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)
ACON Health is the auspice that provides LGBTI CVS services in New South Wales. Contact them if you have questions about the services, want to refer someone or yourself for visits, or would like to become a volunteer visitor. Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) LGBTI contact – NSW
Resources for LGBTIQ+ Carers
Are you an LGBTI carer? Find support and services to help you.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway helps carers. Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative for anyone who is an unpaid carer. If you care for a family member or friend, then Carer Gateway could help you.
Carers can be any age. Carers can provide any sort of care – some carers look after another person 24 hours a day and help with daily living, while other carers look after people who are fairly independent but who sometimes need help. Carer Gateway
CarerHelp: Being an LGBTIQA+ carer
This website aims to support people in Australia who are caring for a partner, relative or friend living with a life limiting illness. CarerHelp has been developed as part of the Australian Family Carer Toolkit Project and it aims to ensure that Carers are more informed and better prepared for their role. Being an LGBTIQA+ carer
LGBTI-Inclusive Ageing & Aged Care
This guide to is to assist you with ideas for questions to ask before deciding whether or not you will access an ageing and aged care service. This includes services providing home care, residential care, or any other aged related care that you may need. LGBTI-Inclusive ageing & aged care
Dementia or cognitive change
LGBTI and Dementia: Understanding Changes in Behaviour
Understanding why a person with dementia is experiencing changes in behaviour is critical to developing effective person-centred care. When caring for an LGBTI person with dementia, the right background and knowledge can be lacking. Published February 2022 - LGBTI and Dementia
This guide was prepared by Dementia Australia for LGBTI people living with dementia, their families, friends and care partners. Dementia Australia is the national peak body for people impacted by dementia in Australia and you can find more resources and information here: LGBTI resources | Dementia Australia
Coronavirus
This is a central place for LGBTI organisations (the full members of LGBTIQ+ Health Australia) that are working to support LGBTI people throughout the changing COVID-19 environment. LGBTI Organisations and Policy: COVID-19
Planning for the future
It’s important to reflect and talk about what we value and what our preferences are with the people who support us. These conversations can help those who care about us most to better understand our wishes when it comes to our care and planning for the future.
Respect My Decisions - It's My Right!
This resource addresses the specific needs of the LGBTI people in relation to planning in advance for the end-stage of life. It explains how you can make your wishes known about your future healthcare, lifestyle, finances and property, in case the time comes when you cannot speak for yourself, and what your options and rights are. Published June 2011 - Respect my decisions - it's my right! - LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
CareSearch
The CareSearch Project consolidates online palliative care knowledge for health professionals, people needing palliative care and their families, and for the general community. Their blog informs and provides a platform for sharing views, tips, and ideas related to palliative care from community members and health professionals. CareSearch
Safeguarding the End of the Rainbow
This guide tailored for older LGBTI community members on how to plan for future care and medical needs, finances and estate, and funeral and burial wishes. The guide was produced by COTA Victoria together with Transgender Victoria, and so some references may not be applicable to NSW. Published March 2018 - Safeguarding the End of the Rainbow
Dying Matters
Dying Matters is a British campaign that’s trying to break the stigma, challenge preconceptions and normalise public openness around dying. In this video from 2012 we hear the powerful personal experiences from LGBTI people nearing the end of life and those caring for them, highlighting the importance of meeting everyone's end of life needs sensitively. End of Life Care for LGBT People - YouTube
When using the acronym LGBTI we are using the language that is known within the ageing and aged care sector. We recognise and acknowledge that there are people of diverse relationships, bodies,
sexualities and genders that are not reflected within this acronym.