Disability inclusion
To ensure we deliver a high-quality service, we actively engage consumers in the development and design of our program and services. We value diversity and inclusion and appreciate the variety of perspectives that it brings to our organisation. With representatives from all different backgrounds, our Consumer Network and Consumer Advisory Group provide advice and feedback at every level of the organisation. Members of the Consumer Network can choose which projects to get involved in depending on their interests and availability. One of the members that has been most generous with her time, knowledge and lived experience is Annie Fisher.
“Annie has been a strong and encouraging advocate for women with disability. Her insights will always be part of the fabric of the work we do in providing equitable access to our program.” Liezl Oliver, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at BSV.
Annie joined our Consumer Network to advocate for the importance of breast screening and to offer lived experience of disability to help improve our breast screening services. 1.2 million Victorians have disability, almost 400,000 Victorians need help in their day to day lives due to disability. Creating equitable access to breast cancer screening for everyone is an incredibly important strategic focus for us.
“I have always found the radiographers extremely professional and gentle,” Annie states when asked about her experience with our service, “they ask what I am capable of, in terms of how long I can maintain required positions for. It’s a delicate balance of getting the images needed for the breast screen and understanding I may not be able to hold myself in certain ways for a long time with my disability. I wish for every person with disability to have the safe & respectful experiences I have had.”
To help ensure everyone with disability has an experience like Annie’s, we have recently launched our first Disability Action Plan (DAP). This Plan outlines a practical roadmap to help us achieve equity as an employer as well as a health care provider. As part of the DAP Working Group, Annie’s knowledge and lived experience have played a vital role in the development of the DAP. Annie: “Through my involvement in this work, I can clearly see the priority BSV places on providing equitable access to the service. From executives to service staff; the organisation is willing to seek feedback and listen to advance the rights of people with disability across the community.”
Annie says it is the radiographers' communication and understanding that makes all the difference to client care. Together with our State Radiographer Sarah Mills, Annie was the driving force behind the Disability Forum that was held in August of this year. The Forum, attended by 60 radiographers, both online and in person, focused on creating a better screening experience for clients with disability, as well as for the radiographers performing the breast screens. Sarah said: "The Forum was a great opportunity for radiographers to learn from real experiences. It reflects our values of continuous learning and ensuring we meet the needs of all clients, particularly those with disability, as well as supporting our radiographers to screen these clients."
Annie’s support and insights have been invaluable for the ongoing work we do to create a better screening experience for people with disability.
Are you passionate about women's health, like Annie, and do you want to help us improve our services? Join our Consumer Network.