How this Senior Territorian is seeking justice for people with disability

At birth, the parents of disability advocate Dr Robyne Burridge OAM were told her diagnosis of cerebral palsy was so severe that she would struggle to hit milestones like sitting up, let alone walking and talking.

Determined even then to prove her strength, Dr Burridge – who is now a Senior Territorian – went on to defy medical odds, gaining physical prowess and talking coherently before the age of two.

This grit and resilience have been evident throughout her life and career. Talking to Informa from a hospital bed, where she is recovering from a major illness, Dr Burridge said she will stop at nothing to win positive outcomes for the NDIS applicants and people with disabilities she advocates for.

Sometimes knocking on the doors of ministers to seek justice for her clients, Dr Burridge is known affectionately as “a terrier with a bone” – and is proud this reputation makes policymakers think twice before dismissing her.

“Ministers know they need to respond to me right away, otherwise I’ll keep at it!” she said, ahead of the National Disability Summit . “I will keep going until justice has been won.”

When she is not staging these peaceful – yet persistent – protests, Dr Burridge enjoys giving presentations to schools and community groups about her experiences. She regularly talks to occupational therapy students at Charles Darwin University, where she holds an Honorary Doctorate.

Neither this, nor her advocacy work – both of which have earned her an OAM in 2020 – have ever been about money, she says, rather creating positive change in the lives of people with disability.

“I’ve received so much strength and encouragement from my family and friends and I’ve always wanted to thank them in some way. Whether that is through supporting people who live with disability themselves, or people who want to work in the field.

“Sometimes all you need to do is ask an inspiring physio or speechy (speech pathologist) what they want to achieve in their career, and it helps them get on the right track and do great things,” she said.

Helping NDIS go further

Dr Burridge has also done great things in her own work, having reversed countless NDIS rejections.

In one case a mother with a young boy with Tourette’s was ready to give up her fight for assistance, after being told her son did not meet NDIS criteria.

When Dr Burridge stepped in upon referral, she insisted the case had been misevaluated, and the decision was overturned.

The boy now receives support both at home and school and is thriving, according to his mother,” Dr Burridge said.

In another case, a person with severe disabilities was told her funding for a second support worker would be discontinued, even, though the individual relied on two 24/7 carers.

“I got the NDIS to come out to the house to meet her and her family face to face, so they could see the extent of the support she required. Of course, when they did this, they agreed she absolutely needed it, and the decision was reversed. The case has just been reviewed and is not going to be reviewed again for another two years.”

Dr Burridge has helped hundreds more people through an advocacy organisation called IdA (Integrated disability Action Incorporated), which she helped found in 1996.

This, and her lived experience of disability, have given Dr Burridge unique insight into disability policy and where opportunities might lie for reform.

Talking at the upcoming National Disability Summit , she will share her recommendations for this, along with further details of her story.

This year’s event will be held 19-20 September at the Crown Promenade Melbourne.

Learn more about the Summit and register your tickets here.