December 3rd is the International Day of People with Disability. The Benevolent Society wishes to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of the 4.4 million people living with a disability in Australia.
We have a large team of specialists who do a wonderful job providing support services to people with disability all over the country. One of the team is Kunverpreet, who is our behaviour support specialist in Broken Hill, New South Wales.
Meet Kunverpreet
Kunverpreet started his career as a GP, practicing in India and China. Always up for a challenge, he then completed a Master’s in Public Health from Deakin University. Kunverpreet has been able to draw on these experiences in his role at The Benevolent Society.
“As a GP, I noticed differences between the behaviours of people with the same diagnosis,” he said. “I found this very interesting and it was the inspiration behind me becoming a behaviour support practitioner.”
After securing the behaviour support practitioner role with The Benevolent Society in early 2021, Kunverpreet packed his bags and moved to Broken Hill, making him the only community-based behaviour support practitioner.
“Catering services to the individual needs of a client is what drew me to the role,” he said. “I thoroughly enjoy what I do – it’s challenging, rewarding, and my clients are fantastic people. Living in the community has helped me to build relationships with my clients and their families, which has been invaluable to me in all aspects of my job.”
Supporting Members of the Local Community
Kunverpreet says a vital part of his role is working with his multi-disciplinary team to help clients connect to the most beneficial services and supports.
“My clients live with mental health and general health disorders,” he explains. “Most people have genetic disorders associated with intellectual difficulties. I am proud to assist people of all ages with disabilities to improve their quality of life, acquire new and valued skills as well as facilitate increased community and social inclusion."
“During the recent COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, many of my clients engaged in behaviours more frequently because they were unable to participate in usual daily activities that they enjoy. This meant interventions needed to increase, which we conducted virtually and in-person when it was essential to do so.”
“Around the world, over one billion people live their life with some form of disability. The International Day of People with Disability means a lot to me as it increases awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability by celebrating their achievements and contributions.”
On living in Broken Hill, Kunverpreet says he loves living in the tight-knit and friendly community.
“The people are very friendly which makes living and working here a pleasure,” he said. “The stunning night sky and abundance of dogs roaming the quiet streets have also been a highlight – and there’s no traffic!”
To find out more about what disability support services are offered at The Benevolent Society, call our support centre at 1800 236 762 or visit our services page here.