Ambassador Profile - Audrey O'Connor
Welcome to IncludeAbility Ambassador Profile Series.
We caught up with IncludeAbility Ambassador Audrey O'Connor, an actor, film maker, screen writer and author. As part of the IncludeAbility Ambassador Profile series, we asked Audrey some questions about her life, current projects and employment for people with disability.
About Audrey
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, interests and what is important to you?
"A little bit about me. Hi, I am Audrey and I have been fortunate to have had many varied opportunities in the creative Arts. My passion is to promote inclusion and diversity by public speaking and also in my creative work which includes Story Writing, Acting and Film making and sharing my experience as a person living with an intellectual disability".
"I enjoy being employed by film and creative industries which further build on my skills to learn as much as I can to enhance my abilities. Some other interests I have are Karate, Karaoke and Pilates".
Achievements
What are some things you are most proud?
"Something I am most proud of is learning about who I am as a person and becoming stronger in my own sense of identity. This has really helped me to relate to others about what it's like living with a disability".
"I am most proud of having the opportunity to speak to others so they can understand that diversity and inclusion is a really good thing and we can all achieve. In 2018 I became a founding Committee Member for GigBuddies who are an organization that pair volunteers with people with disability for social outings. I really enjoy being part of the monthly meetings and giving input to the decision-making".
"As well as being a proud Ambassador for IncludeAbility, I am an Ambassador for Bus Stop Films which has given me countless opportunities to contribute by storytelling and making films that are inclusive. When I am encouraged and supported and able to contribute It makes me feel valued as a person. Being seen and heard is necessary for this".
"Last year I graduated from a Leadership course through Accessible Arts. This course helped me define who I am as a leader, and it came out that I am a Storyteller. I use my lived experience to write my stories and poems and through the opportunity to share these, I hope to change perceptions of people who live with disability".
Current Projects
What are some of the things you are currently working on?
"So last year I began writing a Children’s book which I hope to publish one day; it is called ‘Ellie’s Angel’ and I want it to be for children aged 7-10yr".
"Also, this year I have been cast as the Lead role in a stage play called ‘Jellyfish' and this will be shown in June 2023 in Newtown, so I am busy learning my lines for this one".
"I am really proud of my writing because words mean a lot, especially when they come from your heart. Here is a poem I wrote in September 2020:
An Ordinary Day
by Audrey O’Connor
Can you imagine every day and wonder about life
Sometimes I see it as dream in my mind
The things I see, I believe
And also hope
And there is friendship
And care
Then you can see anything through
Maybe it’s hard to have an original point of view when you don’t have anyone to share it with
I’ve noticed that some days I don’t speak
More and more your voice gets quieter and quieter and quieter
Then one day you realize you have never been heard
If you don’t see me, and you don’t hear me
Do I exist?
Be PROUD to be the Real You
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