For the last year I've been speaking up

It has been a whirlwind of meetings, speeches and outings for Self Advocate Shannon Mitchell, who has appeared on national television, presented a speech at a DisabilityCare Australia event and attended afternoon tea with the Premier Jay Weatherill.

“For the last year I have been speaking up for people with a disability. I have been saying that we need DisabilityCare to get the life that we want. To make sure we are supported and loved,” Shannon says.

The meeting with the Premier came about after sharing dinner with him at Minda community home, Kardinya. Disability Speaks Chair, David Holst helped to arranged the dinner, where Shannon impressed Premier Weatherill so much, he arranged another meeting.

“I was so excited and nervous. Never in my life did I think I’d be having tea with the Premier!” Shannon says.

This time, their meeting was captured by the ABC’s 7.30 SA, where Shannon was interviewed by Simon Royal.

When the story aired, Shannon went along to the ABC studios to watch and in the same way she charmed the Premier, she also won over everyone at the studio, even having her makeup done by one of the makeup artists at the ABC.

And there was no rest for Shannon, who also attended the DisabilityCare conference in Melbourne with another Self Advocate, Chris Bergin. This was followed up by speaking at the launch of DisabilityCare Australia at the Glenelg Golf Club.

Shannon also appeared on 891 Mornings with Matthew Abraham and David Bevan (Matt & Dave) to talk about issues facing people living with intellectual disability.

Shannon’s great work has not only been recognised in South Australia, but also on a national scale; winner of the 2012 Robert Martin Self Advocate Leader Award, Shannon was chosen from more than 1000 nominees as an outstanding person who speaks up for the rights of people living with disability across Australia.

Not only a Self Advocate, Shannon is also a Minda Laundry employee who has been working in Minda’s Commercial Enterprises for more than 20 years. She also lives in a house in the community, after moving out of her family home with Minda’s support in 2012.

“I’m happy to be speaking up for people with a disability and I’m going to keep doing it, I’m going to keep making my parents proud and helping people to get support.”

By speaking up for the rights of people living with intellectual disability, Shannon has not only made a difference in her life, but the lives of her friends at Minda.