Emily’s Journey

In the bustling halls of the United Nations in New York stood many advocates from around the world. They were attending the 17th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP17) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

One young advocate on this journey was Emily Unity (they/them). They were proudly representing Children and Young People with Disability in Australia (CYDA). Emily has been a mental health and disability advocate since age 12.

‘I’ve always believed in the power of collaboration in creating positive change’, says Emily.

‘Hearing everyone’s stories and seeing the passion they bring to the table – it was near impossible not to feel inspired. It reminded me of how we all have something to bring and something to learn.’

Emily knows that accessibility benefits everyone.

‘Even small things – ramps, captions, fidgets, adjustable font sizes can make life easier for everyone.’

‘Accessibility shouldn’t be seen as an extra or a box to tick – it should be a foundational principle and a shared goal.’

Amid the sharing of information and lived experience at the conference were moments of frustration.

‘It’s not enough to say, ‘we’ve invited everyone to the table’. It’s about asking, ‘are these voices really being heard and valued?’ and working towards equitable collaboration.’

Despite these obstacles, Emily came away feeling more determined than ever.

‘Our voices are too often left out of decision-making spaces like this,’ Emily said.

‘We’ve ensured that young Australians with disabilities are represented and heard at the international level, and that’s something I’m proud of.’

‘When advocacy becomes difficult, I often reflect on how grateful I am to all the advocates who came before me, those that paved the way for me to be here.’ Emily says.

‘I also think about future generations and how important it is that we’re fighting for a future where they don’t have to fight as hard as we did.’

Emily has intersectional lived and living experiences of disability, mental health challenges, caring responsibilities, and homelessness. They are also neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ and a refugee migrant.

The different journeys people make reinforce the importance of intersectionality and inclusion. They’re not buzzwords, but rather important elements that help drive meaningful change.

‘I’m not just autistic OR just queer OR just a person of colour. I’m all of those things at once and much more.’

‘My intersections shape how I navigate the world, and they create unique experiences that cannot be separated.’

‘To truly be inclusive, it’s important to recognise and value these intersections as unique strengths, rather than fear them as complexities.’

Emily believes in the importance of asking curious questions to help understand individual needs, because what works for one person might not work for another.

‘The goal is to ensure everyone can thrive in their own way, without feeling like they have to constantly adapt to a system that wasn’t built for them.’

‘Approach conversations with curiosity and compassion.’

‘It’s okay to ask questions, but please be mindful of the emotional labour involved in constantly explaining our lived and living experiences’, Emily says.

Emily hopes to encourage others to become more inclusive by listening, learning, and evolving together with accountability, empathy, and humility.

‘It’s not enough to just talk about diversity and inclusion – we have to ensure it’s being actioned meaningfully and sustainably.’

‘Let’s all lead with empathy, but remember to stay vigilant,’ Emily says.

‘I believe we should always try to give others the benefit of the doubt, but be ready to hold them accountable when their actions or inactions cause harm.’