Citizen Advocacy

Citizen Advocacy

 
Rosey Olbrycht was welcomed as our guest speaker by Deb Williams. Her topic was Citizen Advocacy.
Rosie is very familiar with the Rotary organisation being a member of an Adelaide club and a previous exchange student to Brazil in 1977.
Her service to the community has been a long and valuable journey.
Rosey spoke primarily about the difficulties encountered by the people with an intellectual disability. What is life like for these people? How do we address their problems?
 
Guest Speaker Rosey Olbrycht
Rosey Olbrycht was welcomed as our guest speaker by Deb Williams. Her topic was Citizen Advocacy.
Rosie is very familiar with the Rotary organisation being a member of an Adelaide club and a previous exchange student to Brazil in 1977. Her service to the community has been a long and valuable journey.
Rosey spoke primarily about the difficulties encountered by the people with an intellectual disability. What is life like for these people? How do we address their problems?
  • 90% of Australian women with an intellectual disability have subjected to sexual abuse with more than two thirds having been sexually abused before the age of 18 years.
  • 48% of people with an intellectual disability have experienced physical violence
  • 1.9% of people with a disability have experienced sexual abuse
  • People with a disability are more likely to be disadvantaged across a number of domains including poverty, unemployment, poor housing and social exclusion.
Some of the negative experiences commonly encountered by those with a disability are:
  • Rejection, isolation and rejection
  • Feel devalued
  • Dependence and low expectations
  • Lack of control
  • Limited opportunities and experiences
  • Abuse, ridicule and neglect
  • Lack of relationships
  • Vulnerability and exploitation
What makes a difference to their quality of life?
  • Safety
  • Real relationships
  • Having a home
  • Choice and control
 
Citizen advocacy encourages people to reach out to make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable.
Advocates are not paid – it is not a job. Nothing is reimbursed. It is purely a volunteer activity. Members were provided with contact details of the organisation for those who may be able to get involved.
Rosey would love to hear from Rotary members of your friends and family – there are people in our town who would benefit from our time and efforts.
 
Guest Speaker Rosey Olbrycht is presented with her thank you certificate by Chair Deb Williams
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