In this episode of 'Unfiltered', host Claire sits for an engaging conversation with Andrew Fairbairn and Mel Hawkes, two prominent voices in the disability sector. The trio explores various topics including ableism, how to interact with people having disabilities, and perceptions towards 'inspiration' derived from their personal experiences. They also discuss the importance of representation and proper co-design in decision-making processes relating to accessibility, while emphasizing on creating an inclusive society.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

01:46 Understanding Ableism

05:58 Experiences with Ableism

07:17 The Impact of Ableism in Everyday Life

07:25 Debunking Misconceptions about Disability

13:53 Interacting with People with Disabilities

17:15 The Importance of Respect and Understanding

24:48 Accessibility and Inclusion in Society

25:19 Conclusion and Farewell

Join host Claire on Unfiltered as she invites Charlotte, John and Rita for an insightful conversation about disability, advocacy, and the language surrounding it. Through personal anecdotes and lived experiences, the participants address myths about disabilities and how it influences their work and personal lives. They discuss their perspectives on self-identification, either as 'disabled' or 'a person with a disability', and the importance of individual choice in this matter. The conversation further delves into disability advocacy and the motivation behind it, with two of the participants sharing their experiences in championing for disability rights. The discussion concludes with a profound takeaway message encouraging the recognition of abilities over disabilities and the importance of nurturing one's passions and dreams.

In this episode of the Unfiltered series, host Claire interviews Justin and Kyle, two entrepreneurial young men with disabilities who run their own microenterprises. Justin runs a lawn care business and advocates for affordable services for low-income individuals while facing competitive challenges. Kyle runs his coffee business and shares how he battled societal stereotypes to prove that disabilities do not hinder entrepreneurship. They discuss the ups and downs of running a business, the importance of advocacy, and the challenges and rewards of being their own bosses. They also talk about their involvement in councils to foster better understanding and inclusion for people with disabilities, with efforts directed towards changing perspectives and attitudes within the community and beyond.