I feel really, really lucky to be chairperson of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council. I’m really determined to make sure people to know who we are and what we’re doing. We have this beautiful opportunity with the Disability Inclusion Bill to make sure that we build a framework that is inclusive of the voices of so many people with a disability and their parents, carers, or whoever supports them.
I feel like I have a huge responsibility. I want to get out there with the VDAC councillors, get out there and meet people and champion their voices.
Disability inclusion is also about meeting people where they are at. This is a very diverse disability community in Victoria. Whatever language, choices or attitudes you have towards your disability or disability in your family or community, that’s okay.
Personally, I’m very proud to be autistic. It’s given me loads of strengths in my life and loads of quirks. People who are autistic have a great focus, have different concentration and listening skills, but it’s been a process for me to identify that way. And whatever your process out there, whatever your choice is, we are all about meeting people where they are at.
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