Ishaan
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Ishaan, mid-40s, is vision impaired.
He arrived in Australia on a temporary protection visa almost 20 years ago.
‘My early life in Australia was very isolated and lonely as a result of my vision impairment and my inability to communicate in English.’
Ishaan enrolled at TAFE to learn English but they couldn’t teach English to speakers of other languages who had vision impairment.
‘I also could not get any assistance to sit in classes and listen and learn. I was very intimidated by this whole process.’
Ishaan told the Royal Commission he felt hopeless.
‘This was a very different experience to what I hoped my life in Australia could be.’
Sometime later, he found an organisation for people with vision impairment and was able to borrow audiobooks and newspapers.
‘This is how I learnt English – slowly, and by teaching myself.’
Ishaan enrolled in a certificate 3 at TAFE.
He found it difficult to access course materials for people with vision impairment and many teachers wouldn’t let him record the classes.
He persisted, eventually finding individual teachers who helped him.
Ishaan graduated and enrolled in another course.
‘My confidence grew.’
Ishaan completed a diploma and started applying for jobs.
But every job required him to have a driving licence.
‘I grew very disappointed and went into an isolation mode. I felt all my hard work would not secure any outcome.’
A friend encouraged Ishaan to join a sports club where he met several university students.
He decided to go to university, completed a degree and got a job helping other refugees.
‘Not many people with a disability from refugee, as well as culturally-linguistically different backgrounds, have employment in Australia.’
Ishaan believes this is because the systems are so difficult to navigate.
‘I had to struggle to learn the language and relevant skills like computers and IT systems. I did not have any local connections or networks that could help me with my goals. I had no information about the places where people with a disability may find supports.’
Ishaan wants more support for people with disability from diverse backgrounds to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.