Today as I was scrolling FB, I saw something that sparked my interest. A bold statement that said “End segregation now” followed by a link to today's disability royal commission findings.

While we can be thankful for the many rights the disabled community now have, can we honestly say we are equal members of our communities?

Are we truly content with how things are or should we continue fighting until things improve and people with disabilities are given equal access?

As a 32-year-old woman living with cerebral palsy, I consider myself blessed that for the majority of my life, I can honestly say rarely have I experienced segregation. Like many with a disability, I have heard some very concerning stories where some in this community have not been so lucky. I believe a huge part of this “luck’ has been to have a mother (alongside others) that fought for this right of mine when was a young age. I simply knew no better and just lived my life similar to that of my non-disabled peers.  I was aware had a disability and was a ‘little different’ to the other kids but it didn't really phase me, as when you are properly included every kid is unique and different. I was doing my thing and living my best childhood life as I knew it. Life was good being part of a bigger something.

With what I know now seeing and hearing examples of segregation, I have come to understand my story is unfortunately not as common as what I thought. Many people with disabilities have had to fight for what has been the norm for me for the majority of my life. Inclusion is our basic human right however, for many with a disability, unfortunately, this is still not the reality. In this day and age, it is a hard statement to even consider when we are talking about this. It is unthinkable that this is even a debatable topic that certain demographics of people within our communities belong elsewhere or can’t be part of the bigger picture.

I sing the praises of the many who played a part in my childhood inclusive journey as at times it took some creative thinking for this to occur. I am not forever “indebted” or “thankful” this occurred though as simply put it was and is still my right to this very day. It is my human right to be around other people and be given the exact same opportunities as anyone else. Equality is nothing more but equally as important nothing less. There have been times recently when an adult. I have been segregated. And let me tell you it hurts so much. Once you have experienced segregation it leaves a profound impact and as strong as one can be makes you question your place in this world.  Without going into detail there have been times, where due to my disability, I have been “told’ I can’t be with my able-bodied peers in general settings at a concert. I have been told I should have asked permission to be “allowed” there, despite purchasing the correct ticket. When challenging this I am told to go up the back in the wheelie section with a carer. I have been told I can only have one person with me not a group of friends.  As someone who had a truly inclusive school journey, the first time I was segregated (due to my disability)I was genuinely traumatised. To this day I still get a little anxious when going to new venues for a gig where I don't know staff. I question whether tonight will be one of those nights where I am told I am not welcome to mix with my fellow music lovers in general settings. Segregation Sucks and there never is a reason to do this. Safety is never an excuse for separating people. Segregation is the most unsafe thing in the world and some of the worst abuses have occurred when the person has been “Out of sight out of mind”.

So how do we stop segregation?

There are many ways but it must start with an equal education and then continue in everyday life. A massive part of me thinks we should just rip the band-aid off and stop segregated schooling now. There are many reasons why a one-school system is the best way to move forward. If you want an inclusive life and an inclusive school sure is an excellent way to kick start this goal, right? Morally inclusive education is the right thing to do and legally there is a very strong case to suggest the time is now to challenge this. Even with the current laws around inclusive education, there are many examples where individual schools are just doing their own thing and, in some situations, blatantly disregarding them. It’s time to call out these situations and make principles accountable for upholding the current laws that exist. It is time to encourage and highlight the many schools that are doing the right thing and having major success stories. These schools are operating under the same guidelines and budget as those that are not doing the right thing. We need a shift in our thinking and how education in general is being delivered in this ever-changing and evolving world. There is no place in an inclusive world for segregated settings in our educational system.

As much as I would love to see a 100% inclusive educational system,  realistically this will not happen overnight.

As much as this hurts to say I think the common sense approach is to have a plan to move away from this. I am part of an amazing group of people who are advocating for a ten-year model to phase segregated settings out. The very first thing we need to do now is stop the funnelling of money into the two-tier system that currently exists. We need to offer parents with real options and support in inclusive educational environments. Currently, there are some in political circles that may suggest it is a parent's right to choose segregated settings. My problem with that is it really a choice if parents are not being supported in a truly inclusive experience. Would anyone who is truly included choose segregation? I doubt it strongly.

So where to from here?

I leave it with a quote from Commissioner Rhonda Galbally;

“As a commissioner, I have learnt that people with every kind of disability must be visible, present and meaningful participating with non-disabled children and adults on a day-to-day basis in every setting of their community starting with the earliest years”.

The time a now to end segregation and I look forward to people with disabilities being supported and given the opportunities to become equal and valued members of their chosen communities. Inclusion when done right will not cost more but less and all people will benefit.

Are you with me and my dream to truly be an inclusive society?

About the Author: 

Marlena Katene is Australia’s most unique entertainment journalist. Having Cerebral Palsy Marlena communicates via an ABC Board and iPad. After completing her Bachelor of Communications degree Marlena has been blessed to interview a wide range of people ranging from Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and even the Dalia Lama. While her journalism focuses mainly on music she also has written on other issues and freelance writes for a variety of magazines. Apart from her journalism work, Marlena is an avid traveller and adventure seeker. In 2016 she became the first person in the world with Cerebral Palsy to Base jump, achieving this feat by jumping off the 421 metre KL Tower in Malaysia. Addicted to travelling she is always seeking the next adventure and place to explore.