Skip to main content

Leading Disability (International Day of People with a Disability 2020)

 Celebrating International Day of People with a Disability is something I’ve been looking forward to for months because this year I have made it my mission to focus on great community leaders with a disability. 

My social media feeds in 2020 are full of people I have decided to model myself after. 

This all started when I learned about Amberley Synder, a kick arse rodeo cowgirl who hasn’t let her disability stop her. Apart from her awesomeness on the rodeo circuit her motivational speaking blew me away. 

Then I started to hear about Kyle Maynard, a wrestler and MMA fighter with a disability. Kyle is proof that there is a fighter in all of us. 

Then of course no list of great leaders with a disability would be complete without talking about my man Dylan Alcott who continues to smash it on the tennis court, in the media, and as an entrepreneur. 

Being a poet, public speaker, political activist, and professional actor, I of course cannot forget the leaders with a disability that are killing it in the artistic world. 

First in this category is the Archibald Prize finalist Digby Webster. 

Also in the artistic category, my fellow actor Bridie McKim still stealing the show on The Heights. 

I was also happy to come across the author of ‘Strangers Think My Girlfriend is my Nurse’ Shane Burcaw. Thank you Shane for proving people with disabilities can be best selling authors. 

People with disabilities have also been changing the media landscape this year. The best example of this is the ABC Disability Affairs reporter Nas Campanella. I always look forward to her reports. 

Another one of my favourite examples of this is YouTuber turned British broadcaster, Jessica Kellgren-Fozard.

All these examples of leaders with a disability I have just given are proof that people with disabilities are capable of working at the top echelons of society and should be celebrated on this International Day of People with Disabilities but we should also be mindful that the gap between the high achievers with a disability and everyday people with disability does not get too big. The hours of harrowing testimony at the Disability Royal Commission is proof that there is still more work to be done. 



Leading Disability


Does my disability lead me or do I lead disability?

There are people with disability who take the lead in all walks of life

On our TV screen, our radio, and international sport. 

Every victory is hard fought. 


There are people with disabilities in Parliament House and in Playhouse Theatre.

Just by watching these great leaders it will turn you into a true believer.

People with disabilities rule basketball and tennis courts as well as the court of law.

If you’re looking for someone to be at the front when times get tough, you can turn to a person with a disability that’s for sure.


There are many people with disabilities who are a part of the elite because quite simply we are hard to beat.

So as we lead up to the top of the hill, we must remember to take along our brothers and sisters in wheelchairs with us still.

Never forget that it is a leader’s job to speak up when things are not quite right.

The Disability Royal Commission gives us royal permission to speak out as a proud act of sedition.


Chris Van Ingen | 3 December 2020

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Together Project

This blog post is the third in the series inspired by my reflections on the abuse and neglect suffered by people with disabilities. The Together Project is an art collaboration designed to create a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. For me watching people's creations has made me reflect on my own life experiences. I know statistically between 85 to 90 % of people with disabilities may experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. Until recently I would have said that I do not fit into that category but I am speaking up in this blog to demonstrate that abuse can be severe or subtle. Please read my poem 'Lock Box' to discover my true experience. For anyone that is interested in getting involved the exhibition will have a space at the 'Having A Say' Conference 2019 because together we can find a way. Lock Box A moment in fear all I hear is the ticking of the clocks.  I have an unhealthy obsession with security; I hide everything...
1 comment
Read more

More Than Politics

 Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard.  This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big.  My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter.  If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right.  All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Philosopher Actor

 Centuries ago there was an ideal philosophical concept known as the Philosopher King . The idea being to be a great ruler you should be a philosopher because philosophy leads you to the best life where you are courageous, moderate, just, and wise.  I have modified this concept as my new approach to life instead of becoming a Philosopher King I aim to be a Philosopher Actor. It is said by the ancients that the aim of philosophy is to lead a good life. My good life is to be a good husband, man, and actor.  I recently have been doing a deep dive into Uta Hagen's books:  A Challenge for the Actor , and Respect for Acting . She advocates for an almost monk like discipline towards the arts and the acting craft.  I have always felt this level of commitment to my acting but I didn't want to be considered too extreme but after reading Uta's books I feel I have permission to do so. I have also been reacquainting myself with the philosophy of Schopenhauer and the Taoists....
Post a Comment
Read more