Joel Wilson was open to any questions at the Amaze forum in Wodonga – as long as they didn’t involve the ‘i word’.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Just because I’ve got an autism diagnosis, it doesn’t make me an inspiration … I don’t get called an inspiration because I wear glasses and am able to speak to you today,” he told the forum.
“I’ve been through a lot in my life, but so has everyone else in this room.
“We just want to be given a chance to show our strengths, and be supported where we struggle.”
The event was held by the peak body for autism, where Mr Wilson has recently begun work as a communications and training adviser.
“I write a weekly blog and this month in particular has been heavily focused on providing tips on how to vote in the upcoming state election,” he said.
“We also go out to places like Parks Victoria and Melbourne Museum to do environment assessments, to see if they are accessible to autistic people and if not what changes can be made.
“It’s important when teaching others about autism that autistic people are present.
“It’s something that a few years ago no-one was really good at, and I’m proud to be apart of an organisation that advances towards being more inclusive.”
On employment, the qualified radio broadcaster said he didn’t have a hard-and-fast solution, but said it was important employers be flexible and that the wider community value the time of disabled people – in part by remunerating accordingly.
“I was asked at one of the roadshows if I would go speak at an organisation … but they had no intention to paying me for talking or for travelling the eight hours,” Mr Wilson said.
“I know my limit is three days of combined work and study.
“If you require adjustments it can make it really hard to get work.”
Amaze NDIS co-ordinator Pamela Gatos also spoke.
“The scheme has been around in this region for 12 months now,” she said.
“There has been lots of different feedback on what people have been able to get into their plans.
“Common themes across regional Victoria are lacks of services; people are getting plans funded, but aren’t being able to hook up to services.
“Sometimes there is inconsistencies with some planners not understanding the complexities of autism and we’re working closely with the NDIA to look at ways we can support them.
Related:
“A lot of people are up for their reviews and if you’re not happy with your plan, you should ask for a review.”
The forum came following the broadcast of Australian Story about Harrison Fischer, and Mr Wilson spoke of Harrison’s talents and also the work he became involved in with Judy Brewer, Harrison’s mum.
“When I was in a group home, there was an idea that’s where I would be forever … but I got out of that and last year bought a house,” he said.
“I got involved with the Autism Co-operative Research Centre, and that started because of Judy Brewer.
“She’s really focused on autistic people coming together and having capacity to grow.
“Each person is different … there are days I can barely get out of bed.
“I am constantly changing, we all are – our needs, capacity to function and goals are always changing.”