As a non binary queer person with physical disability, and being neurodivergent, I didn't see myself in a lot of representation and places. The complexity of all my intersectionality’s and my identity, I was kind of made to feel like it was too much or too difficult… I felt a little bit of shame asking for accommodations.Cass Best
Cass Best's personal experiences have been an important driver in their work to advocate for people with disabilities. A proud Kamilaroi Mari who grew up in Gunnedah, Cass found that the intersectionality of their needs was a barrier to participation.
It wasn't until an amazing sister girl said to me, shame is a colonial construct which has been warped for First Nation peoples, and we know it as accountability. So if you don't ask and set a standard of inclusion, how will everyone else learn? That gave me the courage to speak up and to have a few uncomfortable conversations with people and open up conversations for other mobCass Best
Learning to advocate for their own experience inspired Cass Best to work with organisations to improve inclusive practise at the organisational level. One of the most satisfying aspects of this work has been to see how change instituted at events and workplaces give mob the courage to start advocating more for themselves as well.
The Speak My Language (Disability) program is an initiative funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Framework. It is proudly led by ECCNSW and the primary national Partners are ECCV, ECCQ, MCCSA, MCNT, MCOT, ECCWA, and our national broadcasting Partners SBS.
Podcast Tile Artwork: Paul Constable Calcott
