A Visionary’s Journey in the Disability Sector
River Night, a father, full-time carer, and an individual living with a disability, has been a beacon of change in Australia’s disability sector. With nearly three decades of experience, Night’s insights into the sector’s challenges and potential reforms are both enlightening and alarming.
A Landmark Event for Change
Together with co-founder Mike Clark, Night recently orchestrated the largest event in Australia’s history for the NDIS and Disability sector. “I was overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and support we saw from people with disability and good provides in getting rid of these ‘shonky businesses’, rallying together to work on how we safeguard ourselves in a sector that is in deep need of better regulation and a brush fire to clean out the bad eggs”, River shared.
The Silent Struggle of Millions
Despite the significant number of Australians affected by disability – over 4.4 million – Night observes a cultural hesitancy to discuss disability and diversity. He laments, “What truly makes me sad is that after 10 years of NDIS we are still asking for things as simple as being treated as a human being by its processes.”
Night’s extensive experience spans working with government bodies, youth detention centers, forensic centers, national boards, and various community programs. He has also been a voice for the disabled in the media, ensuring their stories and challenges are heard.
A Groundbreaking Initiative
Recalling the inception of their landmark event, Night said, “3 years ago I reached a point where I said enough is enough.” He emphasized the need for a more inclusive and engaging event format, which led to the launch of their first event in Brisbane. This event, despite minimal lead-up and no external funding, became the largest of its kind in Australia, drawing attention from advocacy groups and sector leaders nationwide.
A Plea for Immediate Action
Night stresses that the disability sector’s issues are well-known to those within it. He states, “The disability sector does not need a Royal Commission to find what is wrong. We all know it, we all live it.” He further highlights the inefficiencies and challenges in dealing with the NDIS, recounting his personal experience of waiting months for a simple phone conversation with an NDIS representative.
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The Road Ahead
While acknowledging the efforts of the NDIS Review and Royal Commission, Night fears they might be delaying much-needed reforms. He warns against the dangers of automation and standardization in a sector that requires individualized attention and care.
Night’s ultimate wish? A more vigilant system of checks and balances. “If I had one wish that could be granted immediately it would be to send these independent agencies in to visit every person in out of home supported accommodation regularly as we used to, to catch the shonky practices and make sure all providers know someone is watching and someone is checking holding to account providers and NDIS.”
In a nation where millions are affected by disability, voices like River Night’s are essential in ensuring that their needs, challenges, and rights are not just heard, but acted upon.
