International Day of People with Disability

Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) is celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on 3 December.

DHSV has been working to improve oral health access for people with disabilities, including building partnerships and worked on projects with Disability Accommodation Services, Day Services and Pension-Level Supported Residential Services. Here are a few projects that DHSV was involved in: 

Wise choices are for everyone The George Gray Centre offers day services in Maffra and Sale for adults with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, mental health issues, acquired brain damage or any combination of disabilities. In 2013, GGC received a small grant from DHSV to develop the ‘Wise choices are for everyone’ project to encourage clients to become more actively involved in managing their own oral health and preventing dental disease. They developed a series of posters using clients as positive and empowered role models for oral health and in consultation with Central Gippsland Health Service, the centre provided oral health education sessions for staff and clients. 'Wise choices for everyone' received the Oral Health Project of the Year finalist award in the 2014 DHSV Public Oral Health Awards.

 

Mecwacare Fisher Street team In 2012, the Mecwacare Fisher Street team received a small grant from DHSV to develop the ‘Better Dental Health in Day Services’ project. Their aim was to see a change in food and drink choices made by clients; more fruit and vegetables, more water and less sugary drinks, and eventually improvements in oral health. They also wanted to encourage links to local dental services in a fun and friendly way. They have also helped to promote better oral health to other services through the video they created. In recognition of their work, the Fisher Street staff team were finalists in the 2014 Victorian Disability Sector Awards.

 

Related links

Disability access
Find out about disability access at The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne

Are you a disability support worker?
Oral health resources to support you

 

About International Day of People with Disability

IDPwD is a United Nations sanctioned day that celebrates progress in breaking down barriers, opening doors, and realising an inclusive society for all. Disability organisations, businesses, governments and the community come together at events across the country to mark the occasion and celebrate the achievements of people with disability.