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25.01.2022 Julia Hales is an artist, performer and disability advocate and a new member of the Reference Group advising The Lives We Lead social media project. She has worked for over 20 years on arts projects, including the short film Finding Love and her own play You Know We Belong Together, in collaboration with DADAA and Black Swan at the Perth Festival. Heres why she agreed to join the group: I thought it would be a good chance to meet new people and share my experiences with t...hem, and to learn their experiences. I think its important for people with disabilities to be represented fairly, and to follow their career goals & dreams. Our aim is to feature the work lives of West Australians with disabilities right around the state. If that sounds like you, or someone you know, please contact our coordinator Geraldine Mellet [email protected] Image Description: Photo of Julia Hales smiling, wearing a red dress. An orange border, with The Lives We Lead web address in the right corner. Actor, Role model, Independent woman, Adocate for people with disabilities, A leader in the Down Syndrome community is written across the image.

24.01.2022 Nang has joined a Para-Badminton team since we last heard from him and he is training for the Paralympics in Paris 2024! Who else is working towards some big goals for this decade? Nangs full video story as well as the audio described version can still be found here http://waindividualisedservices.org.au/the-lives-we-l/nang/

23.01.2022 Naomi has been keeping very busy since we last heard from her. She got a job with National Disability Services presenting at schools to talk about career opportunities for people with disabilities. During this time of physical isolation Naomi has still been able to stay connected with people by continuing with TAFE, cooking, exercising and more all from her home using Zoom. You can see all the full video stories here http://theliveswelead.com.au/

23.01.2022 Our Lives We Lead reference group know a lot about employment and disability personally and professionally. Meet Jos Franciscus, Community Awareness Strategist, and hear why the focus on work is so important to her: Im excited to be invited back this year to be a reference group member of this very exciting project and to witness it evolving. This years focus of employment and regional is very important to me on a personal level as someone who spent high school in Port H...edland, and before that regional Queensland. Ive been a strong advocate of employment for people with disability who for many years have been overlooked for work roles. I believe community perspectives need to change with a better understanding of the considerable skills and knowledge people with disability can contribute to a workplace. Jos is Community Awareness Strategist at National Disability Services ACROD Parking Campaign This Bay is Someones Day and Changing Places Have You Got Your Key campaign. If you think you have a story to tell or know someone in the regions who does please get in touch with Geraldine Mellet, the Project Coordinator: [email protected] [Image Description: Image of Jos looking off to the left smiling. There is a burnt orange coloured frame around the image. The Lives We Lead Worklife logo is on the top right corner underneath the webpage link www.theliveswelead.com.au. Across the bottom left of the page the words Mum,Wife, Juggler of Projects, Advocate & Campaigner, Social Butterfly are written.]

20.01.2022 The Lives We Lead - Workforce has input from people with lived experience from around the state, including Sandy Dann one of our reference group members. Read her words describing her background and why shes joined us. I have been a part of Indigenous Media as a Broadcaster Journalist for the last 28 years. Media is an occupation where you do not know what will happen from day to day and I have trained, worked with and met many interesting people. My favourite part of the... job is meeting all the everyday people that contribute so much and pass on community information. When I first started out, Indigenous Media was just beginning around the country with BRACKS remote broadcasting in the bush and some town radio stations growing legs as well. Back then equipment was heavy to carry, there was a lot of time editing and putting programmes together and even CDs with aboriginal music were hard to get. Now, most of the information is digital and programs are put together on the computer. The rush one gets from meeting people along with feeling creative, with touching and smelling creativity in what you are doing, is largely gone because of social media. I do four days of the week on The National Indigenous Radio Service, live around the nation, and we also have a National Indigenous Television Service out there too. I accepted the invite to be a part of the Lives We Lead reference group because media has given me the tools to continue challenging myself and it encourages others to do the same. If you think you have a story to tell or know someone in the regions who does please get in touch with Geraldine Mellet, the Project Coordinator: [email protected] Image Description: Photo of Sandy Dann in the radio studio, with a microphone up to her face and headphones on. An orange border, with The Lives We Lead web address in the right corner. Across the image the words Consistent, Committed, Courageous are written.

19.01.2022 The good stories continue... Shewani and crew are in Geelong ready to present at the VALID conference about The Lives We Lead. We will post some more photos of Shewanis presentation in coming days

18.01.2022 Jos has been staying very busy since we filmed her video story! She has started in a new role as a project lead for National Disability Services spearheading two community awareness campaigns. You will also be able to see her familys story of surrogacy featured in "The Wall of Love and Loss" at the Western Australian Museum when it reopens in November. Remember you can still see all of the video and photo stories here http://theliveswelead.com.au/

17.01.2022 Like many of us Brendo has been in lockdown for many weeks now...He has just gotten back into work and is looking forward to when things get a little more back to normal, particularly getting back into the gym. What are some of the things you are looking forward to getting back into?

16.01.2022 Drum roll!!!! We loved bringing you The Lives We Lead with stories from amazing individuals about their passions, talents and community connections. So, we are thrilled to announce that the Department of Communities, Disabilities has funded the Lives We Lead - Worklife which well be rolling out over the next 12 months. This time round we are going further afield to focus on 20 + individual employment stories in regional and remote WA, and wed so appreciate your help in sha...ring this post and the call out to find them. With another 20 videos, this time showing the valued contributions of people with disabilities at work, were aiming to show employers and the community whats possible, and chip away at some of the outdated stereotypes. Were looking for people with disabilities in WA regions who are willing to share stories of jobs where your contribution is truly valued, whether youre being employed or have your own business. Were looking to find out how youve landed or created this work, what you do and how you do it, what the best part is for you and any innovations or support that makes it doable and sustainable. If you do have a story, please email Geraldine Mellet, the new Project Coordinator, at [email protected] or ring 0466 305 652 This project is funded through a grant from WA Department of Communities, Disabilities and overseen by a reference group consisting of people with disability and partners WAiS, YDAN, PWdWA , WWDWA. and our newest member EDAC. Image Description: Square image with warm browns, orange and dark blue geode pattern surrounding a WA state logo with the same orange and blue coloured geode inside. Below that the words the lives we lead worklife are written.

16.01.2022 Earlier this year Shewani went to Geelong with the WAiS team to present her story and talk more about The Lives We Lead project. Since then, like many of us, Shewani has been taking this Covid 19 isolation time to relax, but has also been cooking, baking and walking. And she has had a great opportunity to join a new group who have been having regular video calls. ... How are you staying connected with others during this time of physical distancing?

15.01.2022 Samala has moved art studios since we last heard from her, although unfortunately Covid 19 stopped her from holding a grand opening. It shouldnt be too long before she can be back open and doing what she loves She has been keeping busy by sewing and continuing with her TAFE course from home. You can see all of The Lives We Lead stories here http://theliveswelead.com.au/

15.01.2022 Emma has really settled into her job as a massage therapist now and is still absolutely loving it. It seems she has really found her place Dont forget you can still see all of The Lives We Lead stories on our webpage using the link in our bio.

13.01.2022 Since filming her video story Grace has had some great opportunities to perform in front of large audiences across Australia. She was even able to take her performance international when she sang at Sampav festival in India!! Grace is also planning a regional tour for this year Dont forget you can see the audio described version of Graces video story here http://waindividualisedservices.org.au/the-lives-w/grace-2/

11.01.2022 We are thrilled to be able to share video from the Lives We Lead Gala Ball that was held on International Day of People with Disability! The Gala Ball was an opportunity to bring people together to meet, hear from and celebrate the achievements of the storytellers featured in the Lives We Lead project. The Ball celebrated disability as part of human diversity and, on this amazing night, the right of all people to be included was of utmost importance

11.01.2022 Each week well be introducing you to the members of The Lives We Lead Work life Reference Group. Meet Tahnee Gilmour who works at PWDWA as Peer Support & Self - Advocacy engagement officer. Heres what she said about being part of the project: Im excited to be on the reference group for The Lives We Lead, because of my own personal experience living with a disability and looking for work opportunities while growing up in a small regional town. Believing in my own ...strengths, and someone giving me a go, were two very different things. Being in a job now where my strengths and experience are valued is empowering. Im stoked to have a role that allows me to provide support and education to people with disabilities, building their capacity to self advocate. I think its important for people with disabilities to have a voice, and for their strengths and abilities to be recognised. And I want to play my part in changing perspectives, particularly those of employers, about our capabilities. I hope it changes the opportunities on offer. [Image Decription: Close up photo of young woman, Tahnee Gilmour. There is an orange frame around it. The words Daughter, Advocate, Driver of my own destiny are written across the image in white with dark blue blocks behind them.] See more

11.01.2022 We spoke to Shane about what his life has been like since filming, Right now, I keep thinking about old people and how hard it is for them now to not be able to go out. We need to look out for each other. My Nan and Pop are really important to me. I catch up with them by facetime so I can see they are doing ok. Oh and Im also thinking about what it would take to buy my own place.

10.01.2022 It is so important now more than ever that we stay connected to our community like Immy has. We have seen some great examples of positivity and people helping each other out in the community during this difficult time. Do you have a good news story from your community to share?

10.01.2022 The lives we lead dont stay still. Kathryns now at university and on track for realising her dream of working with animals Take a look at her video story to hear where this all started and how shes got to this place.

10.01.2022 Have a listen to this interview on ABC Radio with Liz Dutton, Lives We Lead Reference Group Member, discussing the immense returns in employing a person with a disability and why we need to see more of this publicly. https://waindividualisedservices.org.au//The-Lives-We-Lead Download the transcript https://waindividualisedservices.org.au//ABC-Midwest-Inter... We are still hunting for stories that showcase people with disabilities and the value they bring to different types of employment throughout regional and remote WA. If this sounds like you or someone you know please share and contact the coordinator [email protected] Image Description: Photo of Liz Dutton. Orange frame around. Top right corner has the webpage www.theliveswelead.com.au, underneath that is The Lives We Lead logo. Words over Liz in italics say Mother, Colleague, Sharer of life experience, Supreme leader of my life.

09.01.2022 More dreams being realised Post uni graduation, Lauras now running an important project with young people with disability to set them up with public speaking, self-employment, self-advocacy skills, and confidence. Shes continuing to influence and advocate for accessibility for everyone, whilst exercising her love for the arts. How about music without barriers? Laura now performs with Alter Boy - the first Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing band. She describes it as "queer-lectro pop" performed in Auslan!

08.01.2022 Josh has continued with his love of volunteering and is now volunteering at a nursing home and the Childrens Hospital. He also has a position with an organisation taking children on camps, although this wont begin until more Covid 19 restrictions are lifted. Josh also had the opportunity to present his The Lives We Lead story at Girrawheen High School which was very well received by the students. Most recently he has a new member in his family, a cute kitten called Milly

07.01.2022 Alice has been very busy since we last heard from her, she now has a very cute puppy called Kali who is training to be her assistance dog. And ofcourse she has continued with her beautiful writing and even won some awards! Alice is as focussed as ever on achieving her goal to study at the Univeristy of Oxford Dont forget you can still see all the video stories here http://theliveswelead.com.au/

07.01.2022 Graham hasnt ventured very far from the kitchen since Covid restrictions, although things for him are starting to open up and he is looking forward to getting back to the bowls club very soon! You can see all of The Lives We Lead stories here http://waindividualisedservices.org.au/the-lives-we-lead/

06.01.2022 Meet Dan Russell, a proud Goldfields resident, whose insights from his own lived experience will be an asset in showcasing employment and disability in the WA regions through The Lives We Lead- Worklife. Dan is well known around his hometown of Kalgoorlie where he works for a wholesale food distributor. Its an active job in the warehouse which he enjoys, along with the sense that he is doing something for the community. In addition, he believes he has brought an awareness... of disability and ability to his colleagues, through his own focus and persistence in getting the job done. About joining the Lives We Lead Reference Group he says I thought it would be a good idea to go out of my comfort zone and do something I havent done before. It will bring neurodiversity to the group and show its not difficult to communicate with someone on the spectrum. Dan is a very involved family member who plays a crucial role particularly with his younger sister who also has autism. Image description: A photo of young man, Dan Russell standing London, in front of a sign that says Portobello Road. There is an orange frame around the image and the lives we lead worklife logo on the top left corner. Across the image words are written, it says, International Traveller, Aspie Role Model, Communicator, History Buff, Car Driver.

04.01.2022 Jethro thoroughly enjoyed his time working for North Metro TAFE and says he felt a great privilege getting to help so many people learn. Although, as many of us do, he has decided that it is time he looks for new work opportunities closer to his home in Bunbury. He is very keen to bring both his knowledge and lived experience to help more people in a new role.

04.01.2022 We are very happy to finally let you know that you can now access audio visual described versions of all of our video stories! Just go to our website http://theliveswelead.com.au/ Watch this space! We will be resharing each video very soon along with updates to each persons story, some big things have been happening

02.01.2022 It is clear from his story Markus loves his life and his work, which he is still doing every week, but like many Australians he is eagerly awaiting the AFLs return so that he can watch his beloved Eagles play! You can see all of The Lives We Lead video stories here http://theliveswelead.com.au/

02.01.2022 We are delighted that Shewani Shilkar, one of our storytellers in the first Lives We Lead videos, is now a reference group member for our new chapter focussing on employment. Shewani is a very valued member of her community. She loves the Hindu festival experiences of being with her friends and family as they come together for prayer, food and dancing. Heres what she says about the Lives We Lead: ... I think the project gives an opportunity for people with disability to be seen and appreciated. The reference group is a very positive experience for me. I agreed to be part of it because I wanted to be known within the community . My passion is to be friendly and find ways to help other people, especially people who need help to be heard. We are still prospecting for leads to West Australians with disability and their employment stories. If that sounds like you or someone you know, wed love you to contact our Coordinator Geraldine [email protected] Image Description: Photo of Shewani smiling looking up at the camera, behing her the light is peeking through the trees. Words across the image say I like making new friends. I make people laugh with my great sense of humour. I enjoy sharing my experience to help people.

01.01.2022 Since filming his video story Junior has made the big move to Kununurra! He now lives independently in his own home. At the moment Junior is riding his bike to work, but his next goal is to buy a car You can see all of The Lives We Lead stories here http://theliveswelead.com.au/