Post Polio Victoria Inc
Our Mission Through engagement and collaboration with communities, we will advocate for the outcomes and equal and equitable access for people with polio to enable all to thrive We have been actively advocating for the needs of polio survivors and promoting awareness of the ongoing health issues faced by those living with the late effects of polio. Following the return to work post COVID, we have found there are many things that we need to advocate on behalf of our members the impending changes to both My Aged Care (MAC) and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) This year this has seen us networking, contacting and researching all the issues we are facing, including the social and welfare aspects of our state and federal systems. The complexities of all of these has led us to several changes, we have a MOU with Elder Rights Advocacy, increased affiliations with peak bodies and most importantly liaising with Government Ministers at all levels to assist us in understanding and changing issues that will reflect the benefits for our members. This has led to website updating, and communicating with our members via monthly bulletin and multimedia. We held a hybrid pre conference workshop together with the Australian Association of Gerontology Recognition at Last, people ageing with Post Polio Syndrome , a policy paper was developed as an outcome for health professionals and polio and survivors, and this was circulated widely. As a result of this, we recognised the value of having a short, sharp and pertinent video clip, which became the documentary Lives Well Lived This documentary ultimately was entered into a National Disability competition. The purpose was to raise awareness of the life difficulties of three individuals. We have been speaking with and politicians, media and attending conferences wherever possible to speak and learn about the issues and share this information with our members. This year we have worked tirelessly in advocating and raising awareness of the plight of polio survivors, many of whom are not receiving adequate support in the home. We have met with various Ministers addressing these issues. We also lodged submissions with the Royal Commission into Aged Care as well as submitted statements to the NDIS review focusing on Human Rights elements. We continue our work with Polio Services Victoria, by sharing information from our members with their concerns and how best to help them. We often receive enquiries via the Website seeking advice on polio, post polio, and ageing in the health systems in which we engage. We provide information, and lived experience for all concerned. We received calls from people who just want to talk, cause they are lonely and have no one that will listen/care or understand. Sadly. We submit submissions to the governing bodies about our needs, seeking change, support and advice.