Life Without Barriers

This year, Life Without Barriers' annual report is a celebration of how lived experience has guided us as we partner with people to change lives for the better, enabling us to live our purpose more fully and exemplifying our values of respect, responsiveness, courage, imagination and relationships. Throughout the year, partnering with people in the communities we support has led to us delivering better services, removing more barriers and sewing more seeds for a better future. Dive in here: https://ow.ly/Js3h50Ugn9h ID: 1. Collage of images of people supported by Life Without Barriers. Text: Lived Experience Guides Us. Annual Report 2023-24. 2. Collage of images of people supported by Life Without Barriers. Text: Our year in review. 21,203 People were supported by Life Without Barriers across Australia. 5,133 People with disability chose us as their disability support partner. 3. Collage of images of people supported by Life Without Barriers. Text: 5,936 Children, young people and families supported. 1,619 People with mental health requirements supported. 7,175 Older Australians chose us to provide at-home services. #LifeWithoutBarriers #YearInReview #LivedExperience

✨ As 2025 approaches, we want to say thank you for following along with us during 2024. Your continued support this year has allowed us to keep sharing the moments that matter — from the people we support to the amazing teamwork that drives positive change in our communities. 🎄🎅Our Social Media team is taking a break until the New Year. We wish you a fantastic holiday season and look forward to sharing more of our stories with you in 2025! ID: Collage of photos featuring Life Without Barriers staff and the people we support celebrating the holiday season against a green background. Text: Happy Holidays! Our Social Media team is taking a break until January 13. #LifeWithoutBarriers #HappyHolidays #YearEndReflections #CommunityConnections #NewYear2025 #ThankYou2024

Our Victorian carers, young people and staff came together for a special Christmas celebration filled with fun and connection. From carnival games to craft stations and a hands-on reptile encounter, there was something for everyone to enjoy. A big thank you to Total Beauty Network for their generous donation of $5000 worth of beauty products for our carers – a thoughtful gesture that recognised and celebrated their vital role in our community. 🎅 Explore more stories about how we have celebrated the festivities across Life Without Barriers here: https://ow.ly/iZrk50Ut2ml ID: 1. A group of people wearing festive clothing and holding up accessories in the photo booth. 2. An individual with blonde hair wearing a red dress holds a reptile and smiles at the camera. 3. Santa and his helper handing out presents. 4. An individual wearing an elf costume smiles at the camera with a snake around their neck. 5. Santa holding a string of bells. #LifeWithoutBarriers #FosterCarers #ChristmasCelebrations #Victoria #FestiveFun

"Kylie helped me see the value in what I’ve already accomplished. She encouraged me to step back and reflect: 'You’ve done all of this already. Now, take those skills and tailor them to different roles.'" Through the University of Wollongong's Mentoring Program, Ashley Darvell, a final-year Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) student, was paired with Kylie Gorman, our Director of Disability and Mental Health for NSW/ACT. At Life Without Barriers, we understand the value of on-the-ground experience and the power of thoughtful guidance during career development. With Kylie’s support, Ashley gained new perspectives, and renewed confidence, leaving her feeling better equipped as she takes her next steps in her career journey. ID: 1. Kylie and Ashley standing together, smiling at the camera. 2. Kylie and Ashley engaging in conversation. #ThisIsUOW #Student #Mentor #LifeWithoutBarriers

"Relationships are a fundamental part of life, and it’s crucial we address the systemic and social barriers that can prevent people from experiencing safe, respectful, and meaningful connections." Jacqui Astolfi, Manager National Hubs and Projects, Centre for Practice Excellence. The Relationships, Intimacy and Sexuality Project is about breaking down barriers, fostering a culture of respect, and empowering people with disability to pursue respectful, consensual and safe relationships. https://ow.ly/3KjE50UqiKG Video: A hand draws an animation on a white board of scenes and diverse representations of people that follow the information shared by the voiceover. This video has captions and sound. #Relationships #SexualSafety #Consent #Disability #PeopleWithDisability

Yesterday, our Cultural Justice and Reform Unit held a Reconciliation Recognition Awards ceremony to acknowledge the contributions and steps the Life Without Barriers community has taken towards our Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan. Awards given included Lifetime Recognition to Reconciliation, Transformation Award and Respect Award. In a year that has seen both highs and lows for Reconciliation in this Country, Life Without Barriers has remained steadfast in our commitment. We believe that Reconciliation must be lived through action, held in our hearts, and demonstrated by walking the talk. It was a moving celebration, ending with a powerful reminder of the importance of recommitting to Reconciliation—Now More Than Ever. ID: 1. Claire Robbs, Uncle Les Ahoy, his partner Marie, and Shannon Mackie smile at the camera. 2. Uncle Les Ahoy and Claire standing together at the podium. 3. Claire standing at the podium, addressing the audience. 4. Servena McIntyre standing behind a podium, addressing the audience. 5. Claire standing in front of the audience, delivering a speech. 6. Servena and Paula Head standing behind the podium, smiling at the camera. 7. Grant and Lo performing. #Reconciliation #ElevateRAP #ReconciliationActionPlan

"They know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are much better at getting the results that we need." Catherine Liddle, CEO, SNAICC - National Voice for our Children. According to the Family Matters report, Aboriginal-run family services outperform others when it comes to keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care safe. Yet only 6% of child protection funding goes to Aboriginal-led organisations. It’s time for that to change. Allies For Children is committed to letting the Aboriginal sector lead when it comes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care - because they know what works in their communities. https://ow.ly/5pEK50Ugoel ID: The sun shines behind the silhouette of a pregnant woman walking outdoors. #FamilyMattersReport #ClosingTheGap #AboriginalAndTorresStraitIslanderChildren

"We know that children and young people’s participation is so important for creating a child safe culture." Melinda Clarke, Manager, Child Safe Organisation. In a world where decisions about their lives are often made by adults, children and young people often find themselves without a seat at the table. The research project and podcast series, 'Did You Hear Me?', provides a platform for young people to share their experiences of participation in community services. Children and young people are experts in their own lives, and it’s time for us to truly listen. https://ow.ly/A0ME50UiICy Video: A compilation of B-Roll footage of young people interacting with each other, carers and support staff. The dialogue appears as highlighted lines of text on the screen. This video has captions and sound. #DidYouHearMe #LivedExperience #YouthVoice #Podcast #ResearchProject Western Sydney University Uniting Mission Australia

"It’s a big learning curve, but I want to make sure everyone is on the same page." As he navigates his romantic life, Daniel is learning the importance of communication and transparency, balancing feelings and expectations. https://ow.ly/7ecI50Ugo51 ID: Daniel wearing a blue shirt stands outdoors, smiling. #IDPwD #IDPwD2024 #SupportCoordination #Disability #PeopleWithDisability #Relationships International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD)

Congratulations to Emma Bennison MBA GAICD, Chief Innovation Office, on receiving the Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 2024 National Awards for Disability Leadership!🎉 “Like so many disabled leaders in Australia, I learned an enormous amount about leadership from Lesley Hall over the years.” Emma said. Emma’s dedication to the disability rights movement has spanned from arts to advocacy to service delivery, where she has achieved significant outcomes for people with disability. Congratulations to all finalists and award recipients on your well-deserved recognition. ID: Emma wearing a white and black patterned top, standing outdoors. #DisabilityAwards2024 #DisabilityLeadership #DisabilityLeaders #LesleyHallAwardForLifetimeAchievement Disability Leadership Institute