Article
As a First Nations person with a disability in Australia, my journey is shaped by my culture, identity, and various barriers I continue to face.
I have a dual disability, including an intellectual disability and complex mental health disability. Life has been difficult, especially when searching for employment.
School was tough for me. I faced discrimination, and many teachers didn’t know how to support me. I often felt isolated and unsure about my future. To begin with they didn’t realise I had a disability and would often see me as too hard to deal with. This left me feeling isolated and alone, and unsure how to plan for my future after school.
My Indigenous background gives me pride and resilience, but it also adds to the challenges I face in finding work.
For many First Nations people with disability, including myself, finding a job is about more than just earning money; it’s about dignity, purpose, and contributing to society.
I’m also a mother and a carer for my aunt. I want to support my family, and I have interests in writing, singing, and dancing. Despite my hard work, I have never been offered a job.
I have support from organisations like SARU, where I completed the ‘Voice at The Table’ program, learning to speak up and advocate for myself. I also participated in the Attitude Foundation’s Emerging Voices program in radio broadcasting, which boosted my confidence and self-worth.
Though having a disability complicates my job search. Many people misunderstand my abilities, especially when they learn about my intellectual disability. They often say, “You seem so capable,” but then struggle to work with me.
Some see me as incapable or worry I won’t show up for work. Stigma around my disability leads employers to overlook my experiences.
I’ve realised that many workplaces aren’t prepared to accommodate people with disability, especially those with intellectual disability. Accessibility includes creating inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives, it’s more than just physical spaces, employers need to be more inclusive in how they treat you. I seem to always be treated so poorly.
I am currently on Centrelink payments. I find that job search programs for Indigenous Australians often lack a focus on disability inclusion. This gap perpetuates disadvantage and makes it hard to find meaningful employment.
My past trauma and the struggle to find work can therefore often leave me feeling isolated and hopeless.
I hope people can see beyond my disability and recognise me as talented, hardworking, and resilient.
I’m grateful to share my story to raise awareness about the challenges faced by First Nations people with disability. I hope to help change perceptions.
I believe that together, we can break down the barriers that have held us back and create a more inclusive future, where First Nation’s people with disability are valued for their contributions, and we can find meaningful employment.