Dorinda is joined by Chanel & Esme as we continue our series on disability.

Chanel talks us through her journey over the last few years since she acquired a brain injury due to a traumatic event, and discusses some of the challenges she has faced, both due to her injury and the symptoms she manages, including hearing loss and balance issues, as well as the complexities navigating the health system, often out in rural areas. Chanel also talks about the successes she has had, particularly in being able to return to her work working in film production.

Esme discusses her experience as a leader and advocate in a range of sectors, including health (where she worked as a registered nurse), disability and road safety. She also shares her experience as a family member carer for Chanel and the mental and physical load that comes with this important, and often unrecognised role. She also reflects on her work as Chair of the Carers Advisory Council and the role they play advising the WA government on issues affecting carers.

Both Chanel and Esme share their thoughts on weaknesses in our society currently when it comes to engaging with people with disabilities and their carers and provide practical advice (based on much experience) for navigating not just health and disability systems, but everyday life for people with disability. A particular focus is on people with disabilities that are “hidden” that may not be visually obvious to people they come into contact with.

Read more about Chanel and her work as a Producer, Access Coordinator and Disability Advocate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanel-bowen-b629236b/?originalSubdomain=au

Read more about Esme’s work with the Carers Advisory Council: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/carers-advisory-council

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