Diversity and Inclusion 
Removing barriers and improving the quality of services

Diversity describes the personal characteristics and attributes that help shape who we are and what is important to us. 

Valuing diversity and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment is about recognising, respecting and drawing on the positive aspect of difference whilst proactively challenging discrimination and removing the barriers and disadvantage that people can experience. The positive steps we take to empower people and communities to be active participants and leaders is at the core of creating inclusive access.  Developing services that respond to the diverse backgrounds, interests and needs of people will ensure they feel valued and are receiving services that are appropriate and person centred.
Practice that is inclusive, person-centred and responds to each consumers diversity recognises the many different characteristics of each consumer, the communities they belong to and unearned privileges or disadvantages they have experienced. The CHSP manual particular focus on the following characteristics referred to as special needs groups:
  • People from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
  • People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
  • People living with dementia
  • People who experience financial or social disadvantage
  • People known as “Forgotten Australians” and children who lived in government run institutions
  • People who are homeless and those at risk of homelessness
  • People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex
  • Parents separated from children by forced adoption or removal
  • People living in rural or remote communities
  • Veterans
 
While the above characteristics are identified as special needs groups, they do not represent all aspects of diversity and organisations must consider diversity in its broadest terms and the power dynamics that impact individuals and communities. Adopting this approach aligns with the principles and framework of intersectionality. Service providers need to not only understand diversity, but respond to the systems and structures that create inequity, oppression and discrimination. These concepts are explored further in Connecting the Pieces video and resource and the Diversity Wellness and Reablement 101 online education
The ESDT celebrates the diversity of the EMR and actively supports our funded service providers to make their services inclusive and accessible for everyone.  We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and offer respect to elders past, present and emerging.

The ESDT is supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Visit the Department of Health website (http://www.health.gov.au/)  Disclaimer: Although funding for this website has been provided by the Australian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government. 

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