New voice for people from multicultural communities with a disability – Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District

When you can’t speak English well and also have a disability, speaking up for yourself to ensure fair treatment can be more than a challenge. Athena Papadatos is Shepparton’s first multicultural peer advocate for people with a disability. “My job is to empower people with a disability from multicultural backgrounds to speak up for themselves,” she said.

When you can’t speak English well and also have a disability, speaking up for yourself to ensure fair treatment can be more than a challenge. Athena Papadatos is Shepparton’s first multicultural peer advocate for people with a disability. “My job is to empower people with a disability from multicultural backgrounds to speak up for themselves,” she said.

“I also want to raise awareness of what self-advocacy is, and I’m forming a support group,” Ms Papadatos said. Her new role is supported through an Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria project via the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District. Shepparton Ethnic Council development officer Thon Thon said Ms Papadatos would be a great support for his work helping new migrants transition to Australian life.

“She can be the first go-to person for disabled people who don’t understand English. She can advocate on their behalf,” Mr Thon said. Mr Thon estimated there was at least 100 people from multicultural backgrounds with a disability in the Shepparton area. Ms Papadatos said people with a disability from multicultural backgrounds faced unique challenges.

“I’ve seen challenges for people accessing public transport and NDIS services. I find disabled people with multicultural backgrounds are often hidden. “Not being able to speak good English means they are often stuck at home and rely on family members to help them instead of being able to help themselves,” she said. “I can find them interpreters and put them in touch with other services,” she said.

Ms Papadatos, 40, is from a Greek background and was born with cerebral palsy. She said her life was about being organised and planning ahead. “I live my life according to routines. I have carers and I use taxis – but I often have to plan two weeks ahead,” she said. “Life has been a journey for me. There has always been mountains to climb to achieve my personal goals. Now I want to help others,” she said.

She is a member of Greater Shepparton City Council’s Disability Advisory Committee; she has volunteered for several organisations and has undertaken TAFE courses and work experience programs. Ms Papadatos will join an online NDIS and self-advocacy group meeting on Tuesday, August 10 from 10 am to 12 pm. To join the group, phone Aiim Choices on 5849 2682 or email mjudd@aiim.com.au

Interested people can also join Ms Papadatos for a face-to-face discussion on Tuesday, August 17 from 1 pm to 3 pm at Shepparton’s Aiim Choices office at 138 Welsford St, Shepparton. Phone 5849 2680 for more information.

Shepparton's Athena Papadatos aims to help people from multicultural backgrounds with a disability speak up for themselves and access vital services. — Shepparton’s Athena Papadatos aims to help people from multicultural backgrounds with a disability speak up for themselves and access vital services.

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	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District acknowledges the Yorta Yorta People of the land which comprises the Goulburn Valley. We pay respect to tribal Elders, past, present and emerging and we celebrate their continuing culture and acknowledge the memory of their ancestors.
	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District is a peak body whose mission is to promote and represent the social, cultural and economic well-being of ethnic communities in the Goulburn Valley Region through the provision of quality and innovative settlement, refugee support, community development, and information and advocacy services.