Wednesday 4 December
On Tuesday 3 December 2024, to mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), our way, People with Disability Australia (PWDA) hosted A Voice of Our Own – a national online conference created by and for people with disability.
The event began with a welcome from PWDA Interim President, Trinity Ford, who remarked on the significance of disability-led initiatives in advancing equality and justice.
“This is a day that must be not just about us, but also with us, for us, and by us,” she said.
PWDA member, and proud Wiradjuri man and artist, Uncle Paul Constable Calcott gave a moving Acknowledgment of Country reminding attendees of the power of storytelling and the need to respect Traditional Owners of the land.
The conference’s first session was a panel discussion on disability inclusion, moderated by Akii Ngo and featuring leaders from our community, including Dr. Alistair McEwan, Dr. Scott Avery, and Ann-Mason Furmage. The discussion centered on inclusive society, highlighted the need to address overlapping barriers stemming from race, gender, and disability.
Addressing the need for widespread cultural and attitudinal change, Dr Scott Avery said “Intersectionality means recognising that there are people in our communities who don’t have a voice because they are pushed to the margins of society. It’s not just about diversity; it’s about inclusion at every level.”
Dr Alastair McEwin and Ann-Mason Furmage also urged for greater respect and solidarity within our community to combat lateral violence and foster unity.
“Our work as advocates isn’t just about fighting for rights; it’s about building a better world for all people, with or without disabilities.” Dr Alastair McEwin said.
“If we cannot treat each other with respect within the disability community, we will struggle to gain respect from the broader community.” Ann-Mason Furmage said.
Concerns about cost-focused narratives undermining disability rights and the lack of focus on addressing everyday barriers were widely shared. There was also a strong call to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) fully and to strive beyond minimum standards toward genuinely transformative change.
Akii Ngo encouraged attendees to recognise their value, share their stories, and continue advocating for a world that fully respects and includes people with disability. They also called for a shift in societal attitudes toward disability and underscored the importance of co-design and inclusive representation across all sectors of society.
“We want to be treated with respect, with dignity, and valued for who we are as individuals, with lots of varying and different identities,’ Akii said.
The next discussion featured PWDA Board Director Daniel Flynn, and PWDA members Naomi Anderson and Belinda Kochanowska – two leading disability rights advocates and lawyers. Together, these speakers advocated for systemic reforms, better laws to protect disability rights, more inclusive communities, and a united push from our community to bring about real change.
“The power is in this community. It’s the disability community that has the power to drive this change that’s required,” said Belinda Kochanowska.
“Equity of rights and opportunities isn’t just about advocating for ourselves-it’s about creating a society where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued equally,” said Daniel Flynn.
Following a quick break, the conference was reopened by PWDA Board Director Eva Sifis. Eva’s speech was a call to action, inviting our community to collectively reflect on and embrace pride. Sharing her personal journey, Eva illustrated how embracing her disability transformed her understanding of pride, shifting from struggle to empowerment. Eva urged listeners to “own your identity with pride” and see it as essential to self-empowerment.
“Pride is not actually about ego… Pride is awareness of your right to be respected or to be honoured,” said Eva.
PWDA Deputy CEO, Megan Spindler-Smith then hosted the next panel discussion on Disability Pride, featuring Marayke Jonkers, Hannah Solomons, Isabella Choate, Uncle Paul Constable Calcott, and Leigh Creighton.
Marayke Jonkers discussed the importance of recognising and fostering pride in disabled communities, especially for those who may not yet embrace it.
“We get proud by practicing, but we also get proud by being taught,” said Marayke.
She stressed the need for broader societal support and education to help individuals feel proud of their disabilities, like how sports and community events have helped celebrate her achievements.
Hannah Solomons, founder of Disability Pride Sydney, spoke about the importance of creating visible spaces for disability pride, noting the overwhelming participation in the festival and how these spaces empower individuals to feel celebrated and recognised for who they are.
“Charity speaks, pride listens. Pass the microphone, put us on the stage, and center us. We have great things to say,” said Hannah.
Isabella Choate, founder of Disability Pride Western Australia, emphasised the importance and value of integrating disability culture into broader diversity conversations, urging society to recognize the unique experiences and perspectives of people with disability.
“We need to recognize that there is disability culture. There is distinct power within our community, and we need to acknowledge and celebrate that,” said Isabella.
Disability and human rights advocate, Leigh Creighton highlighted the critical role of allies in supporting people with disabilities, especially when they are not present.
“Advocate for people like me when we are not in the room,” said Leigh.
Uncle Paul Constable Calcott shared reflections on the progress and challenges faced by our community, stressing the importance of representation and visibility for fostering disability pride, stating “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Uncle Paul also called for greater accountability and representation of people with disabilities in decision-making roles.
“We take two steps back when we’re not seen in roles that are valued-roles being paid to be the leaders.”
“Let’s stop talking about financial burden and start talking about investment-investing in people with disabilities to contribute back to the community.”
Award-winning musician Eliza Hull delivered a memorable and moving performance. Sharing her story, her journey to Disability Pride and her song Running Underwater.
“My dream is to see a disabled artist win an ARIA. Because so much talent is out there, so much incredible music is being made, and yet it often goes unheard, and underrepresented.
“I just hope that we see greater representation because our stories matter and really, we are what makes the world incredibly beautiful and diverse. I am proudly disabled, happy International Day of People with Disability,” Eliza said.
Following Eliza’s performance, PWDA Member Cat Walker delivered the conference’s last speech, discussing the importance of breaking the bias in evidence-based practices. Cat shared her personal experiences with horses, drawing a parallel between how horses with hidden disabilities taught her about autonomy and choice, and how people with disability deserve to have their needs recognised and understood. She concluded with the powerful idea that, “sometimes the most important evidence is very hard to measure, but responding to the individual need is still the right thing to do.”
Interim President Trinity Ford closed the event, reinforcing the importance and the need to uphold and celebrate the rights of people with disability, urging everyone to recognise the strength of the community stating, “It’s up to us now to continue to work together, advocating for and leading the way in creating the inclusive society that we deserve.”
PWDA is grateful to all the speakers who contributed to this event. PWDA would also like to acknowledge the funding received from Australia’s Disability Strategy – ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Disability Conference Initiative 2024-2025.
Access a recording of the conference.
If you’re not a PWDA member, join for free here.
