Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
WWDA Youth Network Position Statement 2 Decision-Making

WWDA Youth Believe
All women and girls with a disability have the right to make informed choices and be listened to.
All women and girls have the right to support and information to make smart choices.
Knowing about rights requires access to accurate and accessible information.
Decision-making is a human right for all, not a privilege that only some people can enjoy.

The Facts
Young women and girls are often denied their right to make decisions about their bodies and lives.
People with disability are often discriminated against when it comes to decision-making.
The views of parents, carers and professionals are important, but should not override your right to make choices about your body and how you live.
The right to decision-making is an important part of deciding on your future.

What It Means
Informed Choice
To make a decision or choose to something after you have been provided with information and support to understand the consequences of making that choice.
Discrimination
Being treated unfairly or differently because of who you are, where you live, what you believe, or because you have a disability.
Human Rights
Rights to freedom, dignity and fairness that all people have, no matter their race, ethnicity, nationality, age, sex, gender, sexuality, disability or political beliefs. Human rights are protected by international law.

Learn More
Human Rights and Decision-Making
Human rights are protected under international law. These rights are described in documents called conventions or treaties. Countries such as Australia can agree to be bound by these laws.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
The CRC describes and protects the human rights of children and young people. Check out the “For Youth” page to learn more about your rights: 
www.unicef.org/rightsite/433.htm 
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The CRPD describes and protects the rights of all people with disability. You can find an easy to understand version of the convention at:
www.unicef.org/publications/index_43893.html 
Planning Your Way
A resource for young people with disabilities who want to have more control over their planning and supports…. and their life. Find it at the Youth Disability Advocacy Services (YDAS) website: 
http://www.ydas.org.au/planning-your-way
Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) Human Rights Toolkit
WWDA has created a toolkit for women and girls with disability to learn about their human rights and demand their rights.
www.wwda.org.au/papers/toolkit 

Help & Support
In an Emergency
If you or another person is in immediate danger, Call 000 (Triple Zero)
eheadspace
The eheadspace online and telephone service supports young people and their families going through a tough time. Visit: https://www.eheadspace.org.au/ 
Kids Helpline
If you need to talk about anything, you can call, email, or have an online chat with Kids Helpline. Visit www.kidshelpline.com.au or call 1800 55 1800
1800 RESPECT
Support if you have or are currently experiencing sexual, domestic or family violence. Visit www.1800respect.org.au or call 1800 737 732
Disability Advocacy Services
A disability advocate can help you to access support around your human rights. To find an advocate near you, visit: http://finder.dss.gov.au/disability/ndap/ 
Get Involved
United Nations Youth Association Australia (UNYA)
UN Youth Australia is a national youth-led organisation that aims to educate and empower young Australians on global issues. Visit: www.unyouth.org.au 
Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
WWDA represents more than 2 million disabled women and girls in Australia. We are run by and for women with disabilities. We operate as a transnational human rights and systemic advocacy organisation. www.wwda.org.au
WWDA Youth Network
WWDA Youth Network aims to empower young women and girls with disabilities to become strong, confident, proud and educated on their rights and options. Follow us and get involved at:
Web		http://youth.wwda.org.au 
Facebook	http://www.facebook.com/WWDAYouth 
Twitter		http://www.twitter.com/WWDA_Youth
YouTube		http://goo.gl/BqDQ47 
Instagram	http://www.instagram.com/WWDA_Youth 

Publishing Information
WWDA Youth Network, Position Statement 2: Decision-Making, Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA): Hobart, Tasmania, 1st Edition, June 2017. 
ISBN: 978-0-9775305-7-1
The development of this position statement was made possible through project funding from the Australian Government, Office for Women. WWDA thanks the women and girls with disability who contributed to the development of this statement. 
Prepared by Cashelle Dunn and Chris Brophy.
For further information, please access the full Human Rights Toolkit and comprehensive WWDA Position Statements available at, http://www.wwda.org.au/papers/toolkit 
© Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) 2017.