My journey with a disability in the workforce
Left pictured an image from a university project 2016. Right is a recent headshot this year by a local photographer back where I went to university.
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My journey is one I have wanted to share more in-depth for a long time I have had a lot of this written and more in a document for a while now. I’m most certainly not a writer in fact my sister is a professional writer so maybe I should have commissioned her to write this, haha. The reason I want to talk about impact and disability and my personal journey with the two is because I feel so often the impact of disability is forgotten. Not just by the world, my peers, the workforce but myself.
Pictured with my sister after a double Achilles tendon lengthen surgery aged 5.
I run a photography business in Geelong, why you might ask? (As you would anyone else). Mainly because If I didn’t how could I ensure my security in the workforce as someone with many physical limitations. In the past 12 years of watching my friends get their first jobs, juggle university and work and set off onto careers much greater than my body would ever allow me to achieve. My creative mind led me down an unplanned or strategically thought-out path of developing photography skills and in turn making a business of it. After a short 6 month stint in an office job that was even too physically draining for me.
I wouldn't say I grew up having influential disabled individuals in my life until after I left university I became more aware of my community. Which I would attribute to rural living and different access to social media growing up to what we have now. The main challenge I have faced and continue to face is working in a world that wasn’t made for me as a disabled person. Trying to excel at my skills while meeting so many setbacks abled body people don’t ever have to experience. Wanting to strive for independence as an adult financially while achieving rewarding goals and building a business all whilst having a physical disability is difficult and I believe not always acknowledged.
The small wins of my journey so far is more than a financial goal or measurable objective within the business. I was born with a disability called Distal Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita which affects the tendons in your body and contracts the joints, along with various other aspects. Dr’s told my parents they didn’t think I’d ever be able to walk. I spent the majority of my childhood in and out of hospital in Sydney, having intensive surgeries to improve mobility in my feet. My hands and shoulders are also impacted.
Walking around with my walking frame which was my right hand man.
In hospital with my parents taken by my sister.
My passion for my work including my photography skills and my motivation stems from my childhood. I couldn’t participate in a lot growing up so my way of having purpose and feeling included was to take photos on the sidelines of school events or at birthday parties. Every day was about achieving goals and making important decisions for the quality of my life growing up. Heavily aid and wheelchair dependent until the age of 20. It became a point where it was mind over matter. If I wanted to make my life more than just ticking off the I can walk box I had to take some risks. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone new friends taught me the only limitations you have are the ones you set yourself. Randomly picking Geelong on a map to move to start my business away from my support network is something I would have never imagined for myself.
Taking a photo holding myself up with the pole to do so due to illzarov frame on my leg.
My experience with having a physical disability and running a business has its ups and downs. Some days I have to work so much harder than an abled body person to achieve the same result. Some days I can walk, some days I can not. My life was always about proving myself to people. Not looking so far into the future but taking one day at a time allowed me to focus on growth and not be overwhelmed by what may seem like unachievable goals.
Now this is not a poor me post this is a, WOW, how have I been able to stumble my way through the past 10 years of my life and as a result have grown something during that time. I want to create a greater impact not just in my art and skill set but of my story in my community. On a daily basis representing those who struggle to do it for themselves, setting an example for those who didn’t know what was possible for our futures. I don't kick all my goals, my business on paper isn't better than another but I show up I do my best to live a stable life. I am proud of the work I create, capturing people even in a professional sense at their most authentic selves.
Those I thought I needed validation from are not the ones who will help to build me and my community a life that is fair. My determination to achieve what many have called the unachievable in my life is a strength I hold. The innovation and adaptive ability I hold as an individual have enabled me to navigate a very tough first few years of business ( which I know we have all felt the last few years). And my ability to communicate with those around me and communicate my story will continue to positively impact the community disabled and otherwise.
Growth is not always about just you as an individual it is about how you can grow with those around you. Adaptability is the key to any business and personal growth for example through the rebranding of my business and restructuring of subcontractors and other avenues to earn an income without physically having to move my body all the time. Eventually, earlier than I know I would like I won’t be able to do what I love as regularly due to my disability.
Pictured in my wheelchair 11 years of age.
Just because something changes or something new begins doesn’t mean what you once created was a failure. As a client recently told me, Amy, you are ever-evolving. That is why something is inspiring not because of what it is but because of how it came to be. Having this positive, adaptive and persistent mindset is what keeps me moving forward and growing in my career. I hope one day my story reaches the right people who see beyond my photos and see Amy the disabled daughter, friend, creator and business owner behind them. I hope to have an impact beyond just the fact I can take a photo. How, I'm not sure yet but it all starts with sharing more of my story with a different audience.
To see some of my work please head to our portfolio Carlon and Co.
Me leaning again to take the weight off of my legs (haha)