Some of the difficulties I faced as a blind, stateless person in Australia include not being able to access government-funded disability support services like half-price taxis and guide dogs. As someone seeking asylum, you’re not eligible for any equipment to enable your independence. Luckily, Guide Dogs Victoria helped me get a guide dog, Lainie through their philanthropic program. However, Lainie’s training and expenses were not funded by the government. Because of the lack of disability support when I was on my temporary visa, I experienced additional barriers in pursuing work and education. I had a scholarship to study and didn’t have a Braille laptop. I didn’t have a software called JAWS that made computer documents accessible for me. Luckily, I had people donate some of these things to me so I could study. When I got my scholarship, I was still on a temporary protection visa and wanted to pursue my studies. I applied to Deakin College as an international student because that was the only way I was allowed to apply. I didn’t know what was going to happen; I didn’t realise how expensive it would be. I couldn’t afford to pay the fees. I went to the University, met with the school manager, and said, “You know I don’t have money.” And they said, “Why are you here?” I said, “I love education. I come as someone, as a human who is passionate about education and learning.” Luckily, I was able to secure a scholarship. Another issue I faced was when I was on the SHEV, was the Department of Immigration said, “You have to go regional to be eligible for a pathway to a permanent visa.” But it was too hard to move to a regional area. It was not easy for a blind person. There weren’t any resources there for someone like me. I’d actually love to live in a regional area. Still, if the region doesn’t have disability support services for me, it would be too hard for me there. I didn’t have an NDIS package. 96 Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness | Understanding Statelessness in Australia In addition to studying, I wanted to work. I applied for 117 jobs. I went to over 50 interviews. I knew the issue was not me. The main issue was unconscious bias. You step into the interview, and the interviewee would say, “Wow.” They would say amongst themselves, “If I was blind, I wouldn’t be able to do this job.” Perhaps it wasn’t always out loud, but they would say that in their head. When I was in the interview, they focused on my disability rather than my ability to do the job. I started a job at one organisation, and after a week, they said, “We have to terminate you—you have to resign.” I said, “I don’t want to resign.” And I never resigned. They just terminated me. I was on a Bridging visa then, and the workplace could not access government funding - Job Access- to subsidise the equipment and software I needed to do my job. I’ve now had a job for four years. I feel well respected. (May 2024)