Humanity Platform

 The final book in Ryan Holiday's Stoic Virtues series came out this year. The book Wisdom Takes Work  is a powerful and thought provoking addition to his phenomenal works on Stoicism.  The book's central theme is that wisdom ties together all the other virtues. There is no courage, discipline, or justice without wisdom.  Holiday breaks down the concept of wisdom into five key attributes: knowledge, education, self reflection, truth, and peace.  Knowledge and education covers both traditional schooling and learning as well as self education, the 'school of life' so to speak.  As part of the journey to becoming a wise man, or woman, there must be self reflection so that don't just memorise lessons but internalise and apply them.  Doing this self reflection leads you to look beneath the surface of life leading you to truth and peace.  If you haven't already, read Ryan Holiday's Virtues series:  Courage is Calling , Discipline is Destiny , Righ...

 Every Australian by now is aware of the horrific Bondi attack. It is time to remember that if you live in Australia we live the Australian way. The Australian way means everyone has the same rights and responsibilities; literally a 'fair go' for all.  Since Captain Cook first landed in Australia we have been a predominately Judeo Christian society but we must not forget that before European settlement there is a long history of First Nation's spirituality. When you combine this with decades of immigration and multiculturalism in our country we are now a nation of many faiths and traditions.  There is no need for antisemitism or islamophobia. It's time for us to unite for Bondi and remember that life is better when we reject the darkness and embrace the miracle of light. Miracle of Light Blood on the sand cannot extinguish the light; People of all faiths put a candle in your window tonight. The rolling waves of Bondi will forever whisper where the children lie. In celeb...

 Every year on this day the 3rd of December people around the world celebrate the achievements and abilities of those who live with disabilities.  This is important because people with disabilities deserve to be an equal part of our society.  For me though International Day of People with Disability always brings up complicated feelings. On one hand I enjoy that people finally recognise my contribution to the community; on the other I want to be recognised without my disability being a factor.  It is going to sound weird but I have fought so long to be "just Chris" that the focus of International Day of People with Disability makes my day to day struggles feel like they have a spotlight on them.  I know that there are things in my life I have achieved because of my disability but there are many more things in my life I haven't been able to do for the same reason.  This year's theme fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social prog...

 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....

 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...

 This blog post was going to be a long piece about my Lenten journey but it simply comes down to this, reconfirming that I am Christian which literally translates to follower of Christ.  Follow When life feels increasingly hollow; I make the sign of the cross and remember to follow. He cleanses me without a single drop of soap; I am born in a baptism of hope.  On Good Friday I venerate the cross with a mixture of joy and sorrow; Then I lift my head and follow. Each Lent I reflect on God's love everlasting; Through prayer, alms giving, and fasting. When Satan tempts me with a lie he thinks I will swallow; I take Christ's hand and continue to follow. When life sends me careening towards a wall of bricks; I give thanks and reach for my crucifix.  When I follow the lessons He taught; There is no need for an earthly court. He took my pain along with every sin; I pick up the cross and follow my King. Chris Van Ingen | 18 April 2025

 I have written extensively about how assistive technology helps me be independent. In blog posts such as More Than a Test Drive and Tony Stark's House (an Assistive Technology Dream) . My disability has turned the circle of life into a circle of tech.  Every few years I have to go through the assistive technology merry go round because all of my equipment seems to break down at the same time.  I am in the process of applying for a new hoist and sling, shower commode chair, bed, front door opener, and new abductor cushion.  I also am aware in the not too distant future I will have to attempt to try and get a new wheelchair. Every time I have to apply for a new piece of equipment my therapists and I have to make the case as to why that particular piece of equipment is 'reasonable and necessary'.  The frustrating thing about this is, even though it might be clear that I need a piece of equipment, one or two words in the funding form can make a difference on wheth...

 At the age of 10 I distinctly remember deciding to be the best. Ever since then I have driven myself on a journey to live a peak life.  What follows is my advice for future men. I start each year from zero. Like Batman Begins I jump off at year one. I discard what didn't work in the previous year and use only what lead me to my best self. I start each day by creating a vision of myself in the mirror as the best me. I am creative. I am strong. I am calm. I am someone my family, community, country, and even the world can rely on.  I encourage future men to put family first and be willing to to put all your effort mentally and physically to helping your family thrive and if necessary put your body on the line to protect it. Once your family is secure, guide your efforts to your community because in my opinion the best way to protect your family is to have a strong community. As a kid I grew up in a town where everyone knew their neighbours and people played for the Lara Sp...

 To start 2025 I am going to open up my disability files and talk about my experiences and other topics relating to disability.  Through opening up my disability files I will speak about person centred practice, amplifying the voice of people with a disability, disability and sexuality, the cultural impact of disability, beauty and disability, and much, much more.  When you read the history of disability rather than just focusing on each specific disability it is important to see the individual person in the centre and to focus on things like choice, rights, and empowerment.  In my early life there was a 'fix it' approach to disability. We have to make the disability better rather than empowering me and other people with disabilities to lead the life we want to live.  Last year was the twentieth year of me delivering disability education to the community. In that time I have encouraged the community to take a holistic view of the person with a disability's life....

International Day of People With Disability is here again.  The time of year where we can celebrate the accomplishments of those of us that live with a disability. This year's theme was all about amplifying the leadership of people with disabilities and there are plenty of leaders that deserve to be amplified in the disability space.  Storm Menzies is a perfect example of a leader with a disability. Her makeup line ByStorm highlights that beauty comes in all abilities. ByStorm is an accessible line that allows people with disabilities to experience the joy of wearing makeup and expressing who they really are. The question "when you're in a wheelchair do you really need makeup?" is answered beautifully by Storm and her team.  This year I was invited to attend an International Day of People With Disability event hosted by the Victorian Disability Workers Commission. The Commissioner Dan Stubbs and their entire Enablers team are yet more living proof of amplifying leade...

 In biology for the human body to work at its maximum you need to achieve a state known as homeostasis. Which in layman's terms means the body's systems and functions must be in balance and work in concert with each other. Given the current temperature of the world, politically and environmentally, I think it is time to apply this biological principle to our communities, countries, and the world.  There was a time when the art of politics was the art of compromise.  We need to revise this art again. In Buddhism there is a concept known as the Middle Way, and in Christianity and Stoicism you have the Four Noble Virtues: Courage, Moderation, Justice, and Wisdom.  We need to get back to the classic sayings like the happy medium, the golden mean, and meeting in the middle.  There should not be so much polarisation.  Russia had their country. Ukraine had their country. There was no need for aggression on either side.  Israel had every right to defend themse...

 It is twenty years this year since I was first approached by the School of Occupational Therapy to speak on the topic of transition to adulthood, disability, and sexuality. Since that time I have expanded to deliver disability education across Australia and yet disability and sexuality is still the most common topic I get asked to speak on.  With this in mind I am going to shock you all by saying I wish I had never had to speak on the topic. Sexuality is such a fundamental part of life that from the teenage years till death it should be assumed that anyone engaged in helping a human being with the occupation of life should automatically include the topic of sexuality.  Society has conflicting views when it comes to talking about and expressing sexuality. Add the word disability into the mix and people tend to run away or shut their eyes.  I started my sexual life like all young people by going through puberty. In the mid-nineties the environmental factors and condit...

Chris Van Ingen and William McInnes on set of Rhyme Time Photo credit: Charlie Kinross  For regular readers of this blog it is no secret that acting is my life, and my life is acting. I can now share with you a joyful experience I had shooting a film called Rhyme Time . Rhyme Time  is a thought provoking, sweet comedy about an old school librarian coming to terms with an ever changing modern world.  Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to be billed alongside great casts such as Rachel Griffiths, Claudia Karvan, and Matt Nable to name a few.  Rhyme Time continues my blessed luck working with Australian legends such as William McInnes from Blue Heelers , Sea Change , and NCIS Sydney fame. William is joined by Emily Havea best known for her work in Wentworth . The cast was rounded out by an amazing group of adorable and rambunctious children that completely stole the show and made the final act of the film one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. Lastly I ha...

 To succeed in life you have to be willing to do regular inventory of your goals And if necessary do a complete 180.  There’s a reason it’s called a u-turn.  I have been pursuing my acting goals for 35 years I have been involved with trying to improve the disability world for 20 years And publishing my blog for 11 years.  While it is true I have had bursts of success I have been known to have a gradual directional drift And dear readers, I always like to use my own life As an example to remind you how to chase your goals.  At least two or three times a year I stop to check my true north And consider everything from whether or not  I should shut down my blog or my YouTube channel  Or whether I should double down on my current path.  You should ask yourself every year  Is it time for a u-turn. 

 I have been thinking a lot lately about how to make the best version of the world And the best version of yourself.  I think it comes down to getting back to the basics of family, community, country.  It is time to remove any us and them mentality that exists.  Having a tight knit family strengthens the community and a strong community  Creates a better country.. I think we need to get back to creating in person social networks Instead of relying on social media.  Maybe we should even stop calling it social media and call it virtual media. That way the term social gets back to its original meaning related to real people. In 2024 domestic violence related deaths in Australia have doubled. Violence against people you love should never happen. I have an old fashioned mentality when it comes to protecting people you love It is time for men to rediscover the Jane Austen style gentility And maybe even parts of the code of chivalry. The code of chivalry says a ma...

 In the forty years of living with a disability I have seen the evolution of assistive technology for people with disabilities. Assistive technology has gone from scissors on an electric toothbrush base to now AI and everything in between.  I have written many times about my journey with assistive technology. I know I would not be the independent person I am without it. From voice activation on my phone and computer to the mobility made possible by my electric wheelchair.  The biggest challenge I face using assistive technology is things don't always work the first time and you only get short opportunities to test equipment.  For example when I am at the peak of my day I can spend up to 18 hours in my wheelchair but when I am testing a new wheelchair I might only get three separate half hour test drives. Which doesn't give me the real feel about what it would feel like to spend the whole day or go to any of my local areas where I might be expected to use the wheelcha...

 This year marks my twentieth anniversary of public speaking and disability education. In that time the subject I get asked to speak on the most is the empowerment of people with disabilities.  The two main principles I have come up with regarding empowerment are to treat each person as an individual  and take a holistic view of a person's life because in my experience it is only by doing those two things that you can truly empower a person with a disability.  In order to make these two principles a reality you have to take a person centred approach to support delivery. It starts from the CEO at the top and the great front line soldiers that are each individual support worker.  It is important to recognise that no two people with a disability have the same life and needs.  The support worker should help create an environment where the client and support worker work together and people are given the space and opportunity for choice and control in their own l...

 Every January I start the year with motivation to achieve what I want to achieve. I have half a dozen or so books I reread every January.  In 2024 my motivational mantra is shift the dial . Shift the dial towards success. Shift the dial for leadership. Shift the dial for artistic output. Shift the dial for spiritual growth.  All of us above the age of 40 remember having to tune the radio or tv into a station. That is why I am using the image of a dial to motivate myself this year.  I get to choose where I place the dial for any given goal. I know I can turn the dial up to 10 for my acting, keep it nice and central for my spiritual growth, and shift it as needed when I need to take the lead.  To help me calibrate my new dial, I have been using Ryan Holiday's books The Obstacle is the Way , Ego is the Enemy , and Stillness is the Key .  To overcome obstacles takes perception, action, and will; so you can understand when an obstacle is an obstacle.  In o...

 International Day of People with Disability is here again. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities while at the same time reminding the world that people with disabilities need access to equality.  This year's UN theme is United in Action to rescue and achieve the sustainable development goals for, with, and by people with disability.  Around this time every year I am blown away by the giants in the world who live with a disability and I am using today's post to highlight just a few.  First let me tell you about Natalie Wade, a passionate lawyer who works in the area of disability rights law. Natalie is also the coauthor of Disability Rights in Real Life Handbook  as well as being the inaugural orator for the Disability Leadership Oration . This will air at 5pm AEDT on ABC TV and ABC iview on the 3 December 2023.  The next person I wish to highlight today is Elly Desmarchelier, a brilliant disability advocate, writer...

 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...