Meet Tuan

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My name is Tuan. I’m an Australia Awards Scholar from Sri Lanka, currently pursuing a Master of Disability Policy and Practice at Flinders University in South Australia. Before moving to Australia, I worked as an HR learning and development professional. My journey took a pivotal turn when I became blind a week after starting my first job, a challenge that profoundly shaped my career and advocacy goals.

In addition to my academic and advocacy efforts, I am also an avid para-sportsman. I am the National Visually Impaired Chess Champion of my home country and proudly represent South Australia in blind cricket. These roles not only keep me active but also allow me to inspire and connect with others facing similar challenges.

While studying at Flinders University, I learned about MCCSA and their Building Employer Confidence (BEC) Project. This project resonated deeply with my own vision to enhance employer confidence in hiring individuals with disabilities, prompting me to engage with MCCSA. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing my cause and helping me integrate into the Australian community and professional landscape.

My collaboration with MCCSA has been a transformative experience, significantly enhancing my professional and personal development. Through MCCSA’s support, I secured an internship at Maxima, a nationally reputed organisation, where I worked in human resources learning and development. MCCSA’s thorough preparation—from CV adaptation to interview readiness—was instrumental in easing my transition into this role in a new country.

During my internship, I developed practical tools to enhance workplace inclusivity, such as an induction checklist for recruiting people with visual impairments and an assistive technology guide for managers. These initiatives not only honed my professional skills but also aligned with my vision to empower individuals with disabilities. Additionally, working with Maxima’s reconciliation action plan provided deep insights into employability for the Indigenous community, broadening my understanding of cultural diversity in employment practices.

One of the most enriching experiences of my journey with MCCSA was participating in their culturalQ workshop. The session, expertly led by Hanaa Grave and Perrin Abbas, brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, each sharing unique cultural experiences. We explored the intricacies of cultural communication, discussing challenges like the use of first names and the potential misinterpretation of slang. This workshop deepened my understanding of cultural adaptability, which I’ve found crucial in my own journey in Australia.

Reflecting on my time here, I’ve seen firsthand how Australian culture values independence for people with disabilities. New technologies have played a pivotal role in achieving my independence, enabling me to navigate education and sports seamlessly and integrate smoothly into this inclusive society.

The culturalQ workshop and my internship experience have profoundly influenced my approach to advocating for disability rights and promoting cultural inclusivity. I’ve learned that cultural intelligence is like EQ with a passport, enabling us to traverse geographical and cultural borders. The support and opportunities provided by MCCSA have been pivotal in my development, reinforcing my commitment to both personal and professional growth within a multicultural community.

As I move forward, I carry not only the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired but also the memories of the remarkable individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’m deeply grateful for this experience and would encourage other employers to explore how they can contribute to and benefit from projects like BEC. Together, we can create more inclusive work environments for everyone.