Forum to tackle ableism

A PUBLIC forum to be held later this month will focus on understanding the discrimination against people with physical, intellectual or psychiatric disabilities and building more inclusive communities across Bendigo and its outlying districts.

The From Ableism to Allyship – Bendigo & Surrounds Inclusive Community Forum will gather people with disabilities, leaders and service providers to encourage open, constructive conversations about these issues and what needs to change.

It will be headlined by broadcaster, lawyer and disability advocate Sam Drummond, the chair of Monash University’s campus cohesion advisory committee.

Drummond sits on a number of other national advisory bodies including the Justice Equity Centre’s NDIS strategic advocacy working group, the Australian Human Rights Commission’s equality at work expert advisory panel, and the Ad Standards community panel.

He has also contributed to publications including Growing Up Disabled in Australia and We’ve Got This: Stories of Disabled Parenting.

His memoir, Broke, recounts his experiences growing up with disability in Central Victoria.

Rights Information and Advocacy Centre CEO Dr Sandy Ross said Drummond’s involvement will strengthen the forum’s focus on lived experience and community-led change.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sam to the forum and to bring community leaders, services and local people with disability together to ensure lived experience shapes a more inclusive Bendigo,” Dr Ross said.

Women with Disabilities Victoria CEO Dr Trishima Mitra-Kahn said his unique perspective will play a vital role in shaping the tone of the day.

“Sam brings a powerful combination of lived experience, legal expertise and advocacy to this forum,” she said.

“His voice will help ground the conversation in both human rights and the everyday realities of ableism in our communities.”

The forum takes place on Monday 18 May at the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre in Golden Square.

Register your attendance at Humanitix.