Meet Ruth Faragher, a 29-year-old with Down syndrome who’s smashing stereotypes and changing the definition of independence for adults with intellectual disabilities. Living in a shared house and managing her finances, Ruth exemplifies the potential of individuals with disabilities to navigate adult life. Her odyssey has gone beyond friends’ vacations to include an explorative cruise and work opportunities at a number of universities.
Ruth’s commitment to social justice and advocacy is infectious and inspiring. She will join forces with her mother, Professor Rhonda Faragher, on an arts based project to fill the safety gaps exposed by the disability royal commission. In 2023, this commission did just that, with the release of over 200 recommendations for transformative change. It fearlessly shined a light on the systemic injustices people with disabilities face, such as violence, abuse, and neglect.
UCSD Professor Rhonda Faragher underscores the vital role of autonomy in the lives of those with disabilities. She argues that being overprotective keeps us from realizing our potential.
“The more you protect people, the less they have the opportunity to learn and grow and to develop their own autonomy,” – Professor Rhonda Faragher
Collaboration for Change
Our next collaborative project will be focused on translating the royal commission’s findings into practical, on-the-ground solutions. Darryl Steff, the CEO of Down Syndrome Australia, has been instrumental in this effort and he has been a national leader. He is doing a PhD at the University of Queensland. He echoes Professor Faragher’s sentiments about the need for significant changes in the community’s approach to supporting individuals with disabilities.
“Overall, given the shocking stories that were heard during the royal commission and the continued experience of people with disability not being safe in their homes and communities — we would like to see a whole lot more action and movement in this space,” – Darryl Steff.
The royal commission’s recommendations call for co-designed research that includes the insights and perspectives of those with disabilities in decision-making processes. This is our first step towards empowering more people like Ruth, and ensuring their voices are the loudest.
Mary Sayers, our smart growth campaign director, is the leading force behind this initiative. She advocates for focusing disability studies research efforts on addressing the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
“Putting people with disability at the forefront of that research can really impact on policy and practice,” – Mary Sayers.
Embracing Independence
Ruth’s experiences are a testament to her family’s steadfast backing in her quest for self-sufficiency. She’s never been shied away from approaching something new and seeing what opportunity lies in front of her.
“Sometimes I make mistakes, but everyone does,” Ruth admits, displaying a mature understanding of growth through experience. She understands the importance that support workers have in guiding her through her independence.
“Support workers need to know how to decide what to do,” – Ruth Faragher.
This collaborative, art-based project confronts the harmful perception of trans individuals’ safety directly. Beyond this, it creates a culture that inspires everyone, including those with disabilities, to reach their full potential. This initiative’s funding is specifically meant to encourage and promote collaboration-building between research teams. It fosters collaboration and idea exchange to ensure you are getting third-party, non-biased perspectives on the right issues.
TNC head of advocacy Mary Sayers says this funding round represents a key step in the direction of the co-designed research called for by the royal commission.
“This first funding round supports co-designed research that was recommended by the royal commission, that people with disability are at the forefront of the solutions that are needed in their life,” – Mary Sayers.
Looking Ahead
Since the royal commission’s final report, Leaving no-one behind, we have failed to further that progress. None have assuaged the deep disappointment many still feel toward the glacial pace of change. Now is the time to act, advocates such as Mary Sayers remind us. They want to ensure that people with disabilities are safe and nurtured in their communities.
“It’s early days, but these projects we’re funding represent a new way forward,” – Mary Sayers.
Ruth Faragher embarks on a thrilling new arts initiative with her mother and other community leaders. Her story is a testament that there’s hope for a future where people with disabilities can fulfill their dreams of autonomy. Her journey serves as a reminder that with appropriate support and opportunities, adults with intellectual disabilities can lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
