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Human rights are universal and fundamental, intended to ensure every person can live with dignity, equality and respect. Yet, for people living with disability, these rights are often compromised due to systemic barriers, lack of proper support and societal attitudes.

At Melba, we place human rights at the forefront of everything we do. We do this by adhering to The Melba Way, which is a framework that prioritises the rights, autonomy and dignity of people with disability. This approach actively combats the risks of human rights breaches in several key ways:

Person-led support
The Melba Way is built on the principle that each person with a disability is an individual with their own needs, desires and goals. By offering person-led support, Melba ensures people we support get support tailored to their preferences, fostering independence and ensuring their rights are at the forefront of every decision.

Empowerment and choice
One of the core pillars of The Melba Way is to provide people with disability real choice and control over their lives. This combats the violation of the right to autonomy and freedom of movement.

Commitment to inclusion
The Melba Way focuses on breaking down the barriers that often isolate people with disability from participating fully in society. Whether it’s supporting access to employment, education, or social opportunities, Melba ensures the right to participate in cultural and public life is fully realised for every person.

Zero-tolerance for abuse
In recognition of the increased vulnerability of people with disability to exploitation or mistreatment, Melba has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. This robust protection framework includes regular staff training, clear reporting mechanisms and thorough investigation processes to ensure the right to freedom from degrading treatment is upheld.

Advocacy for systemic change
Melba doesn’t just focus on individual support; it also advocates for broader systemic changes that can address the root causes of human rights breaches. By engaging with government bodies and influencing policy, Melba works to improve the overall system of disability support, aligning it more closely with human rights frameworks.

Mental health and well-being
The Melba Way recognises the importance of mental health in overall well-being. By promoting mental health awareness and providing emotional support, Melba ensures people we support are treated holistically, safeguarding their right to health.

Human rights are not optional; they are essential for ensuring dignity, equality and freedom for all. A collaborative effort across society is needed to safeguard these rights, ensuring that people with disability can enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities as everyone else.