1. How did you find out about UyP?

I found out about UyP through looking at the events on the AQA website, and saw the free introduction session over Zoom. I thought “Why not? This looks interesting!”

2. What did you think UyP would give you before you started the course?

To be honest, I wasn’t sure what I would get out of it. I was still very nervous and apprehensive about trying something new and outside of my comfort zone. I had tried in the past about motivation and self-help books, but I found them to be irrelevant for me, as I had much smaller goals than what was described in other resources.

I think the biggest reason for jumping into this course was that it was run for people with disabilities, and was tailored to suit my needs a lot better than other resources I tried in the past.

3. Did you learn more in the group environment during the sessions, or would it have been better with a much smaller group (or 1-on-one)?

I think I learned from the group session discussions the most, as I got a lot more motivation and perspective as all of the participants were people with disabilities. I could trust that I could be more open with my thoughts and that they (the other participants) would understand what I was going through.

4. What were three things you found beneficial or enjoyed about the 1-on-1 coaching sessions?

• It was great getting personalised feedback about the course contents each week
• It gave me an opportunity to reflect and process my thoughts on the booklet questions
• I had more time to brainstorm ideas of goals with my mentor
• Bonus: it also helped that my mentor happens to run the Women’s Network, and I felt more comfortable knowing she would be there at the Museum!

5. Can you tell us about a goal you created and how you achieved it?

One of my goals was centred around my health, especially my mental health. As a lot of people with disabilities would understand – in the early stages of your disability, you are often isolating yourself and staying at home. So my goal was to get out of the home more and to socialise with others to help with my mental health.

One big step that I took towards this goal was to attend an AQA Women’s Network outing, which was to the Melbourne Museum! This was very daunting at first, as I had to navigate public transport into the city for the first time in my chair. It was a taxi, train and tram each way to the museum!

I was very proud (and physically tired haha) when I got home, but I felt accomplished, fulfilled and relieved that I did take that step, and can see myself doing similar activities in the future.