Disability advocate shares inspiring story

Disability advocate Kate Toholka is drawing on her own experience to help realise the ambitious plans she has for her online organisation @disabledmums.

Kate, who has hearing impairment, never imagined she would travel the country public speaking about disability issues.

But the Torquay mum, who is chair of Surf Coast Shire Council’s All Abilities Advisory Committee, is doing just that and raising awareness of @disabledmums as a place for mums with disability to connect, learn and advocate for their needs.

“To be able to prove myself wrong was a huge achievement,” Kate said.

“Though I stepped back once I had my kids, I’m hoping I can get back to public speaking and bring the @disabledmums movement to all of Australia.”

Kate will share her inspiring story as part of council’s celebration of International Day of People With Disability (IDPWD) tomorrow (December 3) at 11am.

 

 

She will feature in conversation with Cr Rose Hodge during the online event and has been part of an online and advertising campaign, with fellow advocates Tim Harte, Miranda Millen and Thomas Byrne, highlighting achievements and challenges of people living with disability.

The IDPWD celebration will also include the launch of council’s Access and Inclusion Plan 2021-24 and highlight the work of the All Abilities Advisory Committee.

Cr Hodge, mum to adult son Connor who lives with autism and an intellectual disability, said IDPWD was about increasing public awareness, understanding and acceptance as well as celebrating people of all abilities from across the shire, their achievements and contributions to the community.

“I encourage people to join us to hear Kate’s inspiring story and perspectives, and to learn more about the great work of the All Abilities Advisory Committee,” she said.

“The committee includes community members with lived experience of disability and plays such an important role advising council on how to improve access and inclusion for people of all abilities across the shire.

“We are seeking new committee members and anyone interested can learn about the committee’s work at our IDPWD event.”

The Access and Inclusion Plan 2021-2024 outlines how council will make Surf Coast Shire more accessible and inclusive for all by working to achieve key outcomes:

・Built and natural environments are well designed and accessible
・Accessible, flexible, people-centric services and information
・People of all abilities actively participate, socialise and have fun
・Actively promoting the importance of inclusion for all, and
・A workforce that embraces diversity.

Community members can Zoom in to the event via Surf Coast Shire website.