Who is an artist working in your field that has a disability? What language do you notice they use in talking about their disability? Does the language that the media use around them differ from that language?
I know a Yolngu lady with a hearing disability. Still, she communicates with others at work or home with friends and family through sign language, not Auslan but Yolngu ancient sign languages. The language in media, which she does not take much interest in or watch, does not relate to how she speaks through sign language.
To the extent that you feel comfortable sharing publicly, what is your experience of disability? How might this affect the art you want to create or the people you seek to work with?
We need to be more educated on working collaboratively with disabilities to have respect and provide equal opportunities for all.
My experience with a disability was with my nephew, who had to use a wheelchair for aid. The family, especially one of the family members, his aunty, incredibly cared for him; he has passed away.
The work for art, especially working with disability, does not change the storylines, especially in the Northeast Arhnemland region, as our elders firmly embed the ancient stories for all Yolngu people through history and time saved into the ceremonial songs that identify all people of Northeast Arhnemland. Cultural aspects of disability are not included in the Australian disabilities societies which should be included with the rest. Yolngu rom/laws do not exclude Yolngu living with disabilities as it is forbidden culturally.
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