The 2024 Human Rights Conference was a hit!

Every year at Aruma’s Human Rights Conference, we bring people together to hear the stories of those with lived experience of disability.

The event gets bigger and better each year while tackling a new theme.

This year, our discussions from keynote speakers and guest speakers centred around inclusion and the fantastic difference an excellent support team can make.

If you missed the live stream or want to revisit the day, view the recordings below:

Part One – Welcome to Country, MC’s Josh Hose and Nazim Erdem, Aruma Chair Candice Charles, Dean Clifford Keynote address

Part Two – Aruma participants, Sonja Van Buren and Janette Margaret McDonald

Part Three – One Voice Choir and Paralympian Ryley Batt

Part Four – Aruma Participant Greg Kooloos, Aruma CEO Martin Laverty, One Voice Choir

Our MCs for the day were the familiar faces of Josh Hose and Nazim Erdem, who attended our 2022 conference. The two gold-winning Paralympians shared stories and anecdotes from their own lives, making us smile (and keeping us on track) throughout the day.

The first keynote speaker for the day was Dean Clifford, who was born with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and has experienced several amazing wins but also hard setbacks. He shared the ups and downs of his life, and his “5 keys to life – zero negativity, attitude, dreams, believe and people” resonated with everyone in the room.

Dean shared, “Everything I do in my life, I do with 100% passion and commitment. I don’t focus on what can go wrong, I focus on the positives. I focus on what I can achieve today. Even just waking up and achieving one small thing is worth celebrating every single day.”

Next, we heard from our participant, Sonja Van Buren, who lives in Aruma accommodation at Drouin. For her, working is where she feels most included in society. She recently joined Aruma’s Human Rights Advisory Committee and works at a local Op shop, Vintage Vibes.

“It was one of my dreams since I was a small girl to have a job and be included. I was turned away from three job interviews before I found Vintage Vibes. Every day I get to work is my favourite day, and I love the people I work with because they care about me and accept me.”

For our next guest speaker, Glen Waverly resident Janette McDonald, inclusion goes hand in hand with self-expression. She is a member of the “With One Voice choir,” and music has enabled her to follow her passions, meet her idols and find a sense of community. She had some important advice for us on the day, sharing:

“Be whatever you want to be and speak up for yourself!”

We were also treated to a singing session led by the One Voice Choir. They taught everyone in the room that singing is about letting go and enjoying ourselves. It was very fitting that the group song was “Amazing” by Alex Lloyd.

The second keynote speaker for the day was Ryley Batt OAM, one of the top wheelchair rugby players globally. He shared his journey from using a skateboard to get around to finally experiencing the feeling of “feeling at home” when he embraced the use of a wheelchair.

“I am so thankful for sport. Without wheelchair basketball, I don’t think I’d be this confident or out there. Now I am proud to represent people with disability and be someone the younger generation can look up to.”

He shared, “Australia is a world leader in inclusivity, acceptance and human rights but there is always more room to learn.”

The day’s final speaker was Greg Kooloos, a resident at our Warragul home. He shared his love for cooking, baking, dancing, and basketball and what inclusion means to him.

“My family are very important to me. I moved to my current home in 2023 to be closer to my family. I love my home, especially the backyard, and get along with all my housemates. I feel inclusion at my home and with my family.”

We ended the day on a high with a final sing-along, thanks to the One Voice Choir. We hope all attendees enjoyed the event and look forward to seeing you again next year.