Cassandra Embling

Background

About Cassandra Embling

There’s nothing like that feeling you get in your stomach when you talk about something you are hugely passionate about, especially when it has been a dream of yours for a long time. Is that feeling butterflies? Or a jackhammer? I’m not sure. But I know it’s addictive, and I love it when people are excited with me. I love it when people challenge me or offer a new perspective. I also know that it is exhilarating when I take a step towards achieving that dream, even if it is only a baby step for now.My dream is to create a program to enable people who are blind or have low vision to develop independent living skills. As someone who is blind, developing these skills can be difficult, the reasons for which are well beyond the scope of this bio (and a 2,600 character limit). In 2013-14, I participated in a residential program in New Zealand. I headed across the Tasman because there is nothing like it offered here. Australia needs better, and I am determined to fill this gap.This dream is the culmination of all of my passions. I am passionate about independence, accessibility, inclusion and living your best life. So while I will always have my sight set on the horizon, I am equally as passionate about the here and now.I relish playing a part in ensuring that both the physical and digital worlds can be accessed by everyone. As an access advisor, I have advised clients, including festivals, exhibitions, independent artists, giant corporations and tech startups, to ensure that their products and services are accessible. My role at BindiMaps involved working with customers to ensure their spaces are made accessible through indoor wayfinding technology. I also worked with the product team to ensure the app is optimised for people with disability.I enjoy educating people. My roles at Dialogue in the Dark and Dans Le Noir involved talking to customers and promoting positive attitudes towards disability. Guests often felt nervous or vulnerable in the dark, but I shared my experiences, explained how I do things and answered their questions, no matter how “silly” they thought they were. It was special to witness their attitudes and assumptions changing during our time together.I am invigorated by helping others and sharing information that may improve their life, whether it be a new piece of technology, a handy keyboard shortcut or a recommendation for a stella bottle of wine.I am fun, frank and feisty, and I am working towards my dream, one baby step at a time.Talk to me about #Disability #Accessibility #Diversity #Inclusion #Independence #Equality #Empowerment