“Sometimes I miss out on things when people don’t listen to me. I was glad to have this opportunity to be heard.” Kylie, participant.
Image: Three participants taking part in the "Can We Share a Word?" workshop.
Four participants from the Life Without Barriers Goodwood Lifestyle Supports group recently attended a writing workshop at the Hobart Town Hall for the Can We Share a Word? project.
This project, led by local artist and author Janelle (Nell) McMillan, is an initiative aimed to collect and publish the diverse experiences of people who face communication challenges.
Janelle, who lives with cerebral palsy and understands these challenges first-hand, shared her thoughts on why she led the Can We Share a Word project.
"Everyone loves to talk, this is the same for people with communication disabilities," Janelle said.
“We might take a while to get our point across, but it is very important to be patient and understanding. We don’t want to be rushed or spoken over by people, it is very rude but easy to do."
"People should respect us and give time to listen to our voices."
“All kinds of communication are empowering and gives a sense of belonging to everyone. People with all kinds of communication disabilities have ways and methods to get their messages across. Everyone has a voice to stand up and be heard.”
Image: Two individuals sitting at a table, engaging in the workshop.
Participants were encouraged to share stories about the communication barriers they regularly encounter, and then document their experiences in a story for inclusion in Janelle’s book.
These barriers included not having enough time to express themselves, being spoken to indirectly through a support worker, or facing resistance to alternative communication methods.
Attendees James, Matt, and Jenny all eagerly participated in the workshop and continued to develop their stories over the months that followed.
“I enjoyed writing my story, and I’m looking forward to being featured in the book,” James shared.
“Some people don’t understand what I’m saying, which can make me feel left out. But eye contact and handshakes help me communicate," said Matt.
"I enjoy using social media and appreciated the payment for my story. I’m a member of a band and I communicate through music too,” Matt added.
“I enjoyed having a chance to say how I feel,” Jenny reflected.
Kylie, who also submitted a story for the book, shared.
“Sometimes I miss out on things when people don’t listen to me. I was glad to have this opportunity to be heard.”
Image: A close-up of a participant talking.
The contributions from the participants emphasise the need for understanding and support for people with communication challenges, helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive community for everyone.
“Janelle and her team created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for the workshop, allowing time and space for each person to speak about their communication challenges in their own way," said Jane, Support Worker.
"It was a rare opportunity for our participants to voice their experiences about something that's often taken for granted."
Life Without Barriers recognises that people are the experts in their own lives. That is why we have co-designed with the people with disability a statement about what rights mean to you, and how Life Without Barriers must protect your rights. Put simply, this means for the people we support ‘nothing about me, without me’.
