Vee

I’m 45 years old and disabled. I’ve never been in a workplace that is accessible or allows me to maintain employment and I’ve never had a secure income.

I have two teenagers who are disabled and look likely to face the same future. We’re all pretty amazing people, we have lots of strengths, intelligence, curiosity, love of learning, humour and creativity.

We are good at a lot of things and could contribute economically and socially if workplaces and systems weren’t inaccessible and if we aren’t living below the poverty line. Low income makes it impossible for us to even meet our basic living needs, let alone have the resources we would need to seek employment.

One of my teens has psychosocial disabilities and faces constant stigma in education and employment. We need education, training, and employment systems that allow all Australian’s to reach their full potential please.