Dr Zuleyka Zevallos

#Disability panel on #QandA includes 3 actually disabled experts, Paralympic gold medallist Dylan Alcott OAM, actress Kiruna Stamell, & lawyer Graeme Innes AM. Catia Malaquias (lawyer/ NFP board member) & Bruce Bonyhady AO (Director Disability Institute) have disabled children.

Half of tonight's #QandA audience identify as disabled. Studio has accessiblity & Auslan interpreter. All great! Should be standard practice always. It seems the panel does not have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disabled people, other #POC & LGBTQIA representation.

Panel discussed media representation of disabled people remains negative. Disabled people are just as diverse as the rest of society. Hope that #QandA can continue to be inclusive of various disabled people in future shows. Disabled people have just as much to say about #auspol

NDIS reforms are welcome but there are many gaps in this early stage. For example, people with non-apparent disabilities struggle. Or to contribute to society, people of short stature need modifications, but they're being told they don't qualify for support under NDIS. #QandA

NDIS were offered a place on the panel but declined. #QandA While NDIS needs to engage with the public & invest in education for practitioners & wider society, Graeme Innes notes 15% of NDIS staff are disabled - far higher than average for most government agencies (2.8% or 2.9%)

NDIS has problems but it is the opportunity of a lifetime we must seize as a nation. - Graeme Innes #QandA

NDIS - support for people with mental health issues is leading to 'almost unbearable pressure for this scheme.' - Bruce Bonyhady #QandA

Audience member Fiona has a BA, Masters & postgraduate diploma cannot get a graduate position in government departments. How can disabled people get a fair go in the job marketplace, even when they are overqualified, let alone starting out in their early careers? #QandA