Independence and inclusion will mean something different for every adult with CP, and may change as they age. For some, independence may mean being able to physically do as much as possible by themselves, and for others, independence is about feeling in control or in charge of the things happening in their lives.

Inclusion means treating every person as a valuable and capable member of society, regardless of differences. We all have the right to live free from unnecessary restrictions, to make choices about our lives, to have those choices respected, and to feel included and listened to.

For all adults with CP, barriers need to be overcome so you can participate in meaningful ways, including for:

• training and further education
• career and work
• living independently
• socialising
• sport and leisure activities.

You may be well supported by your family, friends and healthcare team to set your goals, adapt to change and make plans in your life. However, you may feel your family members and carers are overprotective at times. If you are looking to increase your independence and be included, let them know when you feel you’re not being listened to, or if you’re not being given the chance to make decisions.

Sometimes, the desire to be more independent can make asking for help a bit difficult. It is worth remembering that:

• adults with CP who want to do everything themselves, without support, often find it harder to cope with changes, and experience more soreness and fatigue than those who accept help
• wear and tear on the body generally appears to be less in those who accept help, compared to those who don’t
• those who accept help often have more energy to do the things they enjoy and to socialise.

Having an income can help you on the path to independence. When you start thinking about goals for work or a career, you may be able to find a job on your own and maintain the job without support. You can also access support to create a CV or find a job, and then have the support gradually reduced.

If you require increased support to find and apply for jobs, a support worker can help you to get there, or assist you to physically do your job with extra supervision support, if you need it.

If you’re not working, there are options for a regular income or reduced rates for some services. Visit the Australian Government’s Services Australia website for details about payments you may be eligible for, including:

• the Disability Support Pension
• a Health Care Card
• regular unemployment benefits
• Youth Allowance or Austudy – the main income support payment for students and apprentices
• the Youth Disability Supplement – an extra payment if you are a young person with a disability and on some type of income support
• help with living costs
• a carer allowance.

Community inclusion services can provide you with support if you’re unable to maintain 20 hours or more per week of supported employment. Programs range from one-on-one support to group settings, and may include accessing day centres to learning valuable life skills, finding new hobbies and making new friends.

There may also be a range of other things relating to independence or inclusion that you would like to receive support for. This could include counselling, financial and legal advice, or advocacy.

Advocacy agencies can help you to find your voice, to be independent, to choose what you want, and to take steps to achieve your goals.

For a list of agencies that can help with advocacy and legal support, visit the Disability Advocacy Finder on the Ask Izzy website.

Some of this information is provided and produced courtesy of The Future Thinking Project, Ability WA.