At the heart of Life Without Barriers, the lived experiences of those we support isn't just acknowledged - it is the driving force behind tailored, impactful interventions.
Image: A man with short, dark hair, wearing a light blue shirt, smiles at the camera.
Malcolm’s story is a shining example of this approach, demonstrating how collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and listening to someone’s personal history can significantly enhance their quality of life.
Malcolm*, a proud Aboriginal man and a member of the Stolen Generations, has faced numerous challenges throughout his life. Diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Depression, and Type 2 Diabetes, his journey has been complex, marked by behaviours that often required immediate intervention to ensure safety. But when Malcolm chose to work with the Behaviour Support team at Life Without Barriers, his life began to change.
The team, guided by a trauma-informed approach, prioritised understanding Malcolm's personal history. Recognising the profound impact of his past, they worked closely with him, his family, and other support networks to develop a comprehensive, personalised support plan. This plan was centred on one key objective: eliminating restrictive practices that had previously been a routine part of Malcolm’s care.
"At Life Without Barriers, we work with individuals like Malcolm, not for or to them," said Susanta Bidari, Behaviour Support Practitioner.
This philosophy shaped Malcolm's journey, as the team focused on proactive strategies and environmental adjustments, involving Malcolm in every step of the planning process. This approach not only respected his autonomy but also fostered a sense of empowerment.
One of the most significant changes in Malcolm's support plan was the shift away from restrictive practices. This transition was reflected a commitment to Malcolm’s dignity and aligning with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). By placing Malcolm at the centre of his behaviour support plan, Malcolm’s quality of life saw a marked improvement.
He experienced fewer incidents requiring intervention and began engaging more in meaningful activities. His connection to his community and culture grew stronger, contributing to a deeper sense of identity and purpose.
Image: A man with short, dark hair, wearing a light blue shirt, stands next to a table, smiling at the camera.
With this comprehensive support, Malcolm began participating in hobbies he once loved, such as drumming and music. These activities have given him a renewed sense of belonging, reduced feelings of isolation, and enhanced his social inclusion. Through consistent, empathetic support, Malcolm’s mental health has improved significantly, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
"By listening to Malcolm, respecting his history, and involving him in his support planning, we achieved outcomes that went beyond reducing restrictive practices—we enhanced his overall quality of life," said Bidari.
Malcolm’s journey is a powerful example of how a person-centred, trauma-informed approach can lead to meaningful, lasting change. At Life Without Barriers, the lived experiences of those we support aren’t just guiding principles—they are the blueprint for a better, more inclusive future.
Life Without Barriers' values of relationship, courage, imagination, responsiveness, and respect have been integral in building a strong, trusting relationship with Malcolm, allowing us to create lasting connections and foster an environment where real change can occur.
By encouraging Malcolm to take an active role in his support plan, he has lead the changes he wants to see in his life.
The Behaviour Support team work closely with individuals to make sure that they are a good match. Reach out to the team to see how they can support you. BehaviourSupport@lwb.org.au
*Name changed to protect the person in this story.
