Advocating for Human Rights

​Cody Barrett is a resident from one of our Burleigh Waters homes who has recently stepped up to advocate for people with disability and make his voice heard by joining our Human Rights Advisory Committee.

At just 22 years old, Cody’s lived experience with disability has made him wise beyond his years and ignited a passion in him for making the world a better place for all.

“At the first committee meeting I attended, we got right into discussing the hard stuff. We talked about everything from social-sexual education, the language we use for people with a disability, support worker expectations, and safety in Aruma homes. I enjoyed being in the room with all parts of Aruma, including other participants, staff, our chief executive officer, and even board members. I’m proud to be a voice for people with a disability,” said Cody.

According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, “People with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty, live in poor quality or insecure housing and have low levels of education. They are often socially isolated, with fewer opportunities to participate in community life.”

Aruma prides itself on being a human rights organisation that believes in changing those statistics. In 2015, it established the Human Rights Advisory Committee to do just that.

“The Human Rights Committee discusses not only what’s happening at Aruma but also what’s happening in the world around us. Our team are not afraid to ask the hard questions. We’ve spoken out to media and even had audiences with NDIS Minister Bill Shorten and His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley,” said Aruma’s Human Rights Lead, Judy Topper.

Cody was removed from his parents at a young age, and he then bounced between foster homes before joining Aruma’s children’s services at 14 years old. At 18, he transferred into the adult services and moved into the Supported Independent Living home that he resides in today.

He shared, “When I joined Aruma, I finally felt like I was part of a home. I was made to feel welcome and as though I belonged. This has enabled me to achieve many goals. In the last two years, I have had the Public Trustee removed and become my own decision-maker, which I am very proud of.”

Aruma Manager of Shared Living, Nathan Lawrie, has been there every step of the way and couldn’t be prouder of Cody’s recent decision to join the Committee.

“One thing I admire about Cody is his passion for advocacy and ability to speak his mind. Cody is an amazing young man who can achieve anything he puts his mind to,” said Nathan.

Aside from his advocacy work, Cody is also a talented sportsman. In 2019, he joined the NRL Titans Leaguability team, and just two years later, he was awarded ‘Player of the Year’ at the Gold Coast Titans’ annual awards night.

Cody shared, “I don’t like using the word disability because it’s more important to look at your abilities. I hope that by sharing my achievements and working with the Human Rights Advisory Committee, I can inspire other people with a disability to achieve their goals.”

A version of this story was also published in the Burleigh Wave.