Social Spotlight

The other day I was taking a look at my Instagram page and realised that a secret life mission has snuck up on me.

One look at @travelling_minstrel will show you that I have many areas of life that I am trying to put a spotlight on.

In one week I cover posts from the Pope through to zero pollution by 2050.

Some people might think that my blog posts show a person who has no single political agenda but it is as simple as this instead of using my social media for likes, friend requests, pokes etc. My social media platforms are a social spotlight on areas of life that we can improve to make a better world.

I use my skills and artist life to be what I call a word warrior. My disability means that I cannot physically take action to change the world but through my acting, professional writing and poetry I do try and use my words.

Instead of now dreaming of being the next Bill Gates billionaire I now pledge, should I ever become rich, I will give 99% of my fortune to causes that help the world humanitarily and environmentally. With that in mind I say to us all let's not waste the platforms we have on trivial things but for a spotlight for social change.

"You have a microphone - use it to say something."

~ Dalai Lama

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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...

A Vision for an Inclusive Australia (DRC Final Report)

The final revised version of the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) into violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation was published on 2 November 2023. The Royal Commission ran for four years with hundreds of people with disabilities testifying at hearings and thousands more supplying the Commission with written submissions. The final report titled Our Vision for An Inclusive Australia made 222 recommendations to improve laws, policies, structures, and practices to ensure a more inclusive and just society. That supports the independence of people with disabilities and their right to live a life free from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The report covers 12 volumes ranging from: Voices of People with Disability About the Royal Commission Nature and Extent of Violence, Abuse, and Exploitation Realising the Human Rights of People with Disability Governing for Inclusion Inclusive Education, Employment, and Housing Enabling Autonomy an...

Defend Our NDIS

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