Mums’ support helps Julie on her unexpected journey

Julie Fisher is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and disability advocate with a passion for diversity and inclusion. She speaks to Sarah Halfpenny.

How did the birth of your third son, Darcy, inspire you to write your first book, The Unexpected Journey?

When you receive a diagnosis like Down syndrome with your child, the path you thought you were about to travel suddenly takes a massive shift and it can be quite scary. The Unexpected Journey shares our story with Darcy from prenatal diagnosis until his age of 13. I talk about the doctors’ visits, the support I received from other mums, hospital visits, and the things we did to help him so he could thrive. When we received the diagnosis, I was fortunate to join a face-to-face support group and the mums I met were my biggest support because they were travelling the road I was. They answered all my questions and told me what I’d need for my son once he was born. Writing my book allowed me to share the journey we had travelled so far and give readers a mum’s lived experience to help and support others.

You’ve since written two more books. What are they about?

The Magic of Inclusion shares more of our story and the importance of feeling included and accepted even when doing everyday tasks like shopping. When you have a child with a disability, you unfortunately encounter lots of stares, points and comments and it does make you feel as though you shouldn't be where you are. I talk about how I’ve put strategies in place so we can enjoy our day out no matter where we are. I learnt that when I was feeling negativity from others and responded in a negative way, it ruined our day. So I started smiling at people and giving a wave or saying hello, and it shifted the whole dynamic. I learnt that sometimes what I thought was a stare was just a look, and it wasn't negative even though it felt that way. From the Hearts of Mums shares 13 stories from mums around the world and their journey from diagnosis to present day.

Tell us about the local disability expo you founded and your radio show on RPP FM.

(The expo) was a wonderful success and enfolded exactly how I envisaged. Local service providers connected and collaborated and all the families who attended walked away with support and resources. I'm so looking forward to this year's expo on October 28. It will be at a larger venue so it’s more accessible for everyone and I’ll have 50 service and support providers attending. The radio show was very unexpected. Each week, with my co-host Tina, we interview service and support providers as another way for the community to learn about what’s available and how to access them. We also share some of our stories with our kids, as Tina has a daughter with Down syndrome.

You’re also a keynote speaker on diversity and inclusion. What topics do you address in your speeches?

When I speak to groups, I share our story with Darcy as well as experiences we’ve had, both negative and positive. I engage my audience with activities such as looking at the person next to them and saying hello, then looking at the person again but staring at them. I do this so they can feel the awkwardness and negativity of the stare, and understand how important the smile and hello is. I explain the importance of Darcy being able to enjoy accessing the community like everyone else and how they can create positive change simply by giving that smile and showing support to others.

Visit www.juliefisher.com.au to purchase her books and for more information. Julie will be guest speaker at WomenConnect Frankston’s September 6 lunch at Frankston RSL, 183 Cranbourne Rd, Frankston.