YouthWorX NT in collaboration with the National Disability Coordination Officer has worked with a series of remote Northern Territory Indigenous communities to identify Indigenous perspectives on ‘Disability’. The perspectives have been compiled into a DVD comprising interviews with Indigenous people with a Disability. Key Community Members also highlight their perspective on how disability is perceived and accepted within their community. The aim of the project is to assist in raising Disability Awareness within Indigenous Communities.
Interviews were conducted with people from a range of age groups and communities. People were asked to identify themselves and indicate their social history as a means of gauging their experiences. Participants were also asked questions that explored their disability in respect to how it may have influenced their goals and achievements in life. Qualitative questions enabled interviewees the opportunity to respond from their perspective, regarding disability, with in some instances no reference to the disability at all. These responses highlight the various perspectives on disability of those of Indigenous people and their culture.
The importance of Indigenous perspectives on Disability arises from the unique kinship relationships that exist in Indigenous communities. These kinship ties provide a safety net encompassing all those that are inter-related. These responsibilities can be limiting (in a western sense); however responsibilities for people with disabilities can be far greater. With this in mind, and with more and more Indigenous people entering the Community and Health Services industry, raising the awareness of these perspectives and promoting its importance is essential.