In this episode of Unfiltered, host Claire welcomes special guests Jane Ibbotson and Jen Harland, two inspiring advocates for women with autism. Jane and Jen share their experiences living with autism, discussing the challenges and triumphs they have faced, and their journeys toward diagnosis and acceptance. They also answer community member questions, touching on topics such as sensory overload, communication difficulties, and the stereotypes surrounding autism. With refreshing honesty and perspective, they encourage understanding and acceptance of the diversity in the Autism Spectrum.

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.