I am a passionate professional who is dedicated to eliminating barriers to the full and equal participation of people with disability. Losing my sight in a car accident at age 20 has opened my eyes to the level of injustice that continues to be experienced by people with disability in Australian society. This first-hand experience has motivated me to help others to develop a greater awareness of these issues.

Since losing my sight, I have gone onto hold a range of professional roles within Government and the community sector. This work has allowed me to develop expertise in the following areas:

• Individual and systemic advocacy
• Strategic campaigning
• Policy writing, policy development and research
• Group facilitation and training

Work History

My expertise on matters pertaining to disability rights, access and inclusion is best demonstrated through my previous work with the Australian Human Rights Commission, where I have held the following roles:

• Advisor to the Disability Discrimination Commissioner
• Education and Training Coordinator
• Independent Trainer on Disability Rights

I have also previously had the privilege of representing Australia at the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations – an experience which has given me a unique insight into the workings of the international human rights framework.

Paid & Voluntary Work

My current paid and voluntary work involves:

• Designing and delivering training on a range of issues relating to the inclusion of people with disability
• Providing expert advice on a range of projects aimed at advancing the rights of people with disability
• Undertaking policy writing and research for organisations within the aging and disability sectors
• Working to increase access to services for older people with disability who are ineligible to receive support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)