Accessibility issues and advocacy
John’s advocacy journey began when he received his first wheelchair in rehabilitation and immediately encountered problems accessing locations or services. His struggle led him to start advocating for better access.
What began as a solitary fight for his rights soon transformed into a larger mission when John realised that many PWD (People with Disabilities) were silent, didn’t know what to do, or couldn’t advocate for themselves. He reached out to organisations, sharing his experience of being unable to access services or goods in a wheelchair, hoping to spark change. His efforts have improved his situation and inspired others to speak up and advocate for their rights.
Advocacy is an individual or group activity that aims to influence decisions within political, economic, and social institutions.
More about Advocacy
Accessibility issues included booking tickets online via Ticketek, booking accessible taxi cabs, and accessing his local post office and church. Advocacy isn’t always about a lack of physical access, and John advocates for sponsoring children in developing countries.
Most organisations listened to John, but a few either didn’t care or didn’t understand that access to goods and services is a human right and that the rights of people with disabilities are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. John reported a few organisations to the Australian Human Rights Commission, which mediated a discussion between the two parties.
Dignity Party
John’s advocacy led him to meet a few parents of PWD who formed the Dignity Party, a political movement wanting better goods and services for their children. John contested the seat of Torrens in the 2018 South Australian election to assist in the re-election of Kelly Vincent in the legislative council. Unfortunately, Kelly wasn’t returned to the upper house, but John did manage to gain over 5% of the primary vote in Torrens.
Please reach out to John here or share your thoughts below.
