People with a Disability
Our work with communities, a home for People with Disabilities
At QC, we are committed to supporting people with disabilities, particularly within our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Sistergirl and Brotherboy (LGBTIQA+SB) communities. Our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and feel empowered, regardless of their abilities. We understand the unique challenges faced by our community and are dedicated to providing services and resources that enable people living with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.
Who We Are
QC’s Disabilities Work focuses on providing a safe and inclusive space for people with disabilities, especially those who identify as LGBTIQA+SB. We recognise that living with a disability in our LGBTIQA+SB communities brings unique challenges, and we’re here to provide the support, resources, and community connection that can make all the difference.
Our services are designed to ensure your voice is heard, your identity is respected, and your life experiences are valued.
Our Partnership with QAI
QC is proud to partner with Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion (QAI) to support and empower LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy communities living with disabilities.
This partnership is built on shared goals to:
-
Understanding our communities: By sharing insights and data, we aim to better address the unique needs and experiences of those living at the intersection of disability, gender, and sexuality.
-
Creating spaces to belong: Together, we’re working to ensure all our communities have access to inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environments.
-
Advocating for change: Through collaboration, we strive to break down barriers and create a future that celebrates diversity and promotes equity.
At QC, we believe that intersectionality is at the heart of belonging. This partnership with QAI allows us to take meaningful steps toward creating a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Our Past Work: QC ILC
Over recent years, our work in this area has been known as QC ILC (Information, Linkages, and Capacity Building), and it was delivered through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). QC ILC focuses on supporting people with disabilities by providing information, fostering connections, and building the capacity of individuals and organisations to create more inclusive services and space for our LGBTIQA+SB communities living with a disability or disabilities.
We aimed to bridge gaps in knowledge, services, and resources, helping people access the support they needed and empowering them to live independently. Our ILC work laid the foundation for QC's Disabilities Work today, and we continue to build on that legacy as we expand our services. More to come soon!
Meet Our Team
Our Disabilities Team at QC is passionate about empowering people with disabilities and creating inclusive spaces for our LGBTIQA+SB communities. Led by Annabelle Oxley and Mitch Medcalf, our team works tirelessly to support individuals, connect communities, and advocate for accessibility, shining a light on empowerment.
Annabelle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in supporting people with disabilities, intersectionality, and personal empowerment and is at the forefront of research and policy. Her dedication to inclusivity and accessibility is evident in everything we do.
Mitch, aka DJ Galleon, has been our incredible liaison for our disabilities communities with QC, working to amplify the voices of those living with disabilities in the LGBTIQA+SB communities. Mitch is committed to ensuring that all our community members receive the care, respect, and resources they need.
Our team is always available to assist you and answer any questions about our services, events, or ways you can get involved.
Join Our Steering Committee
At QC, we believe that collaboration with our communities is key to creating meaningful engagement. That’s why we invite individuals living with disabilities, their allies, and advocates to get involved with our Disabilities Steering Committee. This committee plays an essential role in guiding the direction of our disability work, ensuring that it meets the real needs of our community.
If you’re passionate about disability rights and would like to contribute your voice, we’d love to have you on board. For more information or to express your interest, please email Annabelle Oxley at aoxley@qc.org.au and Mitch Medcalf at mmedcalf@qc.org.au.
More to come with our Disabilities Work
There is more to come for this work to continue in the future at QC. Through our disability-focused work, we are committed to making sure that people living with disabilities in our LGBTIQA+SB communities can access the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Check back in or contact us for updates on our work that will be coming soon.