Humanity Platform

 With 2022 being a year of elections around the world, including Australia, it makes our vote very important in the defense of democracy. Politics tragics like myself know that politics is at its best when it is a contest of ideas that represents all people. Leadership is about creating a healthy community and making sure everyone has access to healthcare. This is especially important at the moment given that we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic despite what political leaders would like for us to believe. Healthy people cannot exist without a healthy economy and a healthy community and economy cannot exist without a healthy climate.  A leader is responsible for a working economy. In my opinion, a working economy is one that works for everyone and the very fact that the gap between the richest people in the world and the poorest people keeps growing shows that our economy is not working. For decades corporate elites have talked about the policy of trickle down eco...

 Defend our NDIS; people have had enough of cuts and changes to the NDIS. The Every Australian Counts campaign has organised a national day of action and events across Australia to take place on 28th of April.  I have been involved in the NDIS from the initial trial phase through to today. People may remember that I was involved in an advertising campaign spruiking the benefits to come once the scheme was up and running.  ‘You’re in charge! Yes we are, aren’t we!’ For awhile this was the truth for participants like myself. I have been very lucky and received 90 percent of what I need from NDIS.  The question is would I have received the same benefits if I was not a skilled disability advocate?  People with disabilities want the original version of the scheme that was promised without having to fight for a reasonable request. It would be a more efficient scheme if the government put the millions of dollars in legal fees into service delivery instead.  Accord...

 There are times in our life when it's important to remember, no matter who we are and where we're from, we can all be David. Thousands of years ago a teenage boy went toe to toe with a fierce warrior to defend his nation when everyone was too afraid to. It is my belief that peace should be everyone's default position in their minds and hearts.  No individual person, government, or country has the right to attack another.  To ensure this is the case every citizen should have the skill and will to defend themselves; on the condition it is only done as an act of defense.  "So don't you be afraid of giants in your way. With God, you know that anything's possible. So step into the fight, He's right there by your side, the stones inside your hand might be small but watch the giants fall." ~ Francesca Battistelli, 'Giants Fall'. If we believe in democracy, freedom, and human rights we must be willing to join shoulder to shoulder against what the Aust...

 It cannot be denied that my forty years on this planet wouldn't be the same without some important assistive technology. I am independent because of an electric wheelchair, a free standing hoist, and a very special automatic front door just to name a few of my assistive devices. Advances in technology have allowed me to have lighter, more portable ramps for easier access; voice activated software from my laptop to smartphone has enabled faster and simpler communication. My life is living proof of the power assistive technology has to a person with a disability but what happens when good tech goes bad? My wheelchair is my only access to mobility and in the past when something went wrong it was quite often a simple mechanical fix that my dad could perform. Now my chair runs on a computer software program which does allow for increased capability of the chair but when it breaks down there is no simple fix. Error warnings with convoluted number systems will pop up and instantly immobi...

 In life it is important to understand boundaries and how to be a boundary rider. In my experience there are three ways to look at boundaries: one, personal boundaries; two, attitude boundaries; and three, social boundaries. The key to all three types is to know when to set boundaries and when to push the boundaries.  It is important to understand your personal boundaries. For me, this means understanding what you will and won't let other people do to you. It is an individual choice that each person must make. As part of personal boundaries you must also decide your own moral choices that you yourself will not cross. Once you have made these decisions you have the right to protect them and be aware that in democratic countries these rights are legally protected, no matter your age, race, or gender.  The second type of boundaries are attitude boundaries. When I say this I am referring to negative attitudes and voices in our own heads. These are the most difficult boundarie...

 Another year has begun, I am determined to make it a 22 caliber year. I plan to do this by going back to my first principles.  Educate, motivate, protect, and lead with courage.  Over the past years, I believe I have been making things too complicated. When I have been my most successful is when I have followed these first principles.  I am going back to day one with my acting where my goal is simply to be the best student of acting there has ever been. By doing this I hope to achieve my remaining acting goals within the next five years.  I am going back to day one with my speaking and disability advocacy as I have recognised while many people consider me a leader in this area, I know myself that I’m still not the best I can be and I am determined to join my voice to the many brothers and sisters with a disability who are trying to make a difference for our community.  I am going back to day one with my poetry. I am going to join as many poetry groups as I...

 Every third of December I make it my mission to highlight people with disabilities who are winning the game of life as well as highlighting some areas that need further improvement if we are to all be included in today’s society.  2021 was easier than most years to find people with disabilities that are winning at life. Our Australian Paralympic team smashed it at the Tokyo Olympics bringing home more gold for Australia than their able bodied counterparts yet it was only after a protest that the Paralympic athletes that won medals were offered the same compensation.  I was particularly proud of and inspired by, not in the patronising sense: Riley Batt, the captain of the wheelchair rugby team; the amazing Shae Graham, the first Australian woman to make the rugby team; Paige Greco, who dominated the cycling track; and like every Australian team ever, the Paralympics swim team ruled the pool. Let us not forget my favourite para athletes Madison de Rozario and of course Dyl...