About this Short Film
No description available for this film.
Film Details
Country:
Australia
State:
Western Australia
Category:
Open Entrant Documentaries
Genre:
Informational
Festival Year:
2026
Filmmaker:
Kyra Culloton
Film Transcript
Hi, my name is Kyra. I was born with cerebal palsy, which means my brain can't tell my body how to move properly and my muscles are constantly tight. I am a full-time electric wheelchair user and need one-on-one support 24/7.
I'm not going to lie, being disabled is really hard at times. People usually associate severe physical disability with intellectual disability, so I'm often talked to like I'm a toddler. When I meet someone for the first time, I see a flicker of uncertainty in their eyes as they wonder how to interact with me. But for me, the most annoying part of being disabled is constantly having to prove that I am capable due to people's assumptions and low expectations of me, or prove that I am disabled enough to receive the supports that I need to thrive. Sometimes it feels like I'm never allowed to just live.
There are a few special people who give me the safe space I need to truly be myself, who acknowledge the complexity of my experience, help me believe that I am capable of dealing with the stigma and internalised abbleism that accompanies being disabled, and validate my emotions no matter what. These are the people who, for many years now, I have been trying to become. Recently I realised that this goal is both pointless and impossible. The only person I can and should aspire to be is the best version of myself. So, who am I? I'm still trying to figure that out. And the reality is this is probably the case for most people. That's okay.
One thing I do know is that my mission is to make people realise that it's easy to ace inclusion. All we need to do is accept people for who they are, celebrate their strengths and achievements, and empower them to be unapologetically themselves. I may not be capable of physically looking after myself, but I am capable of using my voice to advocate for the disabled community. I am capable of showing empathy and helping to create a world where everyone, disabled or not, feels accepted, celebrated, and empowered to live and thrive exactly as they are.
To any non-disabled person who thinks inclusion is too hard, too expensive, or just not worth it, let me tell you something. Disabled people exist, and we are not going away. 1.3 billion people around the world live with some form of disability. And while it is vital to recognise our limitations—as for most of us our disabilities affect every aspect of our lives—it is equally important that we are given the opportunity to focus on our abilities and reach our full potential.
Let's face it, life is messy, but we learn along the way. We think we are going to follow one path, but then suddenly turn around and go in a completely different direction. If you're a disabled person and you feel lost right now, that's okay. The world is overwhelming, especially when you can't escape how inaccessible society is and how you're not supposed to belong. Your feelings are valid and you don't have to be proud of your identity. Most days, there is still a part of me that feels guilty and like a burden to those around me, or frustrated that I have to work twice as hard as non-disabled people to prove my worth. I don't know if there will ever be a day where I don't feel these things.
I want to give you a gentle reminder. It might not feel like the storm will ever pass right now, but things will get better with time. And no matter what anyone tries to tell you, you do belong. If you're struggling, take a breath. Focus on getting through one day at a time. Remember, the most powerful thing you can do is be your authentic self. I see you, fellow warrior. Keep going. You've got this. I know every step I take I'll get this
Filmmaker
Kyra Culloton is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Kyra Culloton.
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