Photo exhibition and innovative school program visits Bathurst for International Day of People with Disability

A photo exhibit that ingeniously showcases everyday life and a school program presented by a woman this year back from World Dwarf Games in Germany will visit Bathurst as part of celebrations for International Day of People with Disability.

The two free events are organised by Social Futures, a not-for-profit organisation and NDIS partner in the community.

The event will shine a spotlight on International Day of People with Disability, a United Nations-sanctioned day that acknowledges and recognises the achievements of people with disability and promotes inclusiveness. Social Futures is an NDIS partner in the community.

Photovoice

Social Futures Community Development Coordinator Caitlin Bennett said the photos in the Photovoice exhibition were taken by people with disability from around New South Wales in online workshops.

Photovoice will be at the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery until Sunday, December 3.

“Photovoice is designed to give others more understanding into living with disability and capture the experience and daily lives of people with disability,” Ms Bennett said.

“The exhibit explores the concept of ‘disability pride’ and these talented photographers have taken snaps around themes like ‘I love being me because’, inclusion, and pride.

“I’m confident the people of Bathurst are going to love their creations. Over five weeks in photography workshops, they explored thoughts, feelings and perspectives while getting inventive taking photos.

“And every photo has a statement from the photographer explaining the concept, motivation, and link to their life.

“There are some fabulous photos on display that will prompt people to think.”

Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside

Maree Jenner, employed by Social Futures as an NDIS local area coordinator, is taking the Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside program into a Bathurst school, preschool and community library [Monday, December 4 to 6] to break down misconceptions around disability.

Ms Jenner is of short stature, commonly referred to as dwarfism, and her 40-year career includes working at diverse organisations, including the UN War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague, and the NSW State Library. Ms Jenner was also the first person in NSW with dwarfism to qualify as a nurse.

“I’m the height of an 8-year-old child and in school I wanted to be a nurse, but my school’s careers counsellor told me that I couldn’t because I was too short,” Ms Jenner said

“My careers teacher judged my ability on my disability, not my passion, determination or skill.”

Ms Jenner explains to students that people with disabilities have incredible potential and it’s everyone’s job to ensure Australia becomes a society where everyone gets a fair go and is included.

“Young people are open to new ways of thinking and have questions about disability and are curious about difference,” Ms Jenner said.

“Having contact with me and becoming familiar with disability helps to remove awkwardness and makes them feel more comfortable around people with disability. It  also prompts them to start thinking about removing barriers for people, even at their school.

“The teachers tell me they hear the students in the playground discussing how to improve their school and be supportive and inclusive. That’s when I know I’ve done my job.”

This program is funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and delivered by Social Futures. Social Futures delivers local area coordination services for the NDIS on the central coast of NSW and also northern NSW, western and far west NSW.