Unlocking wisdom

For WA Young Person of the Year and Karawara local, Isabella Choate, a painful past has unearthed a powerful sense of purpose.

As an advocate for disability and mental health rights, Isabella draws upon their personal experience with mental health, disability and poverty to influence government policies, legislation and projects that benefit individuals facing similar circumstances.

“I always thought that having these experiences meant that I had to hide my struggles from the world, but working as a lived experience advocate means that my daily experiences are front and centre,” Isabella says.

Isabella’s advocacy journey began in 2021 after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder that same year, and Myalgic Encephalitis in 2015. They joined a steering group for the Youth Affairs Council of WA, aiming to gain insights into the lives of young people in Western Australia. Here, Isabella discovered a platform where their unique perspective could help break down barriers to people accessing vital services and support.

“I was hooked – I began looking into other organisations that did similar work, learning to facilitate workshops, run co-designs, sit on a governance board,” they say.

“The more I showed up for things, the more opportunities seemed to come my way.”

Having well and truly found their voice, Isabella has become an unstoppable force in advocacy. At just 25-years-old, they’ve delivered a TEDx talk, participated in numerous legislative reviews and inquiries, and have even ventured into the world of podcasting. In their new podcast, ‘Unapologetically Disabled’, Isabella and fellow advocate, Anneke Bodt, discuss all things disability, chronic illnesses and mental ill-health.

“I’m so excited to explore the world and culture of disability – and support others to show up as their authentic selves,” Isabella says.

As someone who at one time couldn’t envision a future for themselves, Isabella says they’re happy to take their advocacy journey one day at a time. However, they remain committed to building safe spaces for community and amplifying the voices of other lived experience advocates. In July, they’ll be hosting Perth’s first Disability Pride Festival.

“This work brings me so much joy and meaning – to help others feel safe, build community and build a life that works for them.”

Follow Isabella at @the_livedexperiencenewsletter on Instagram or listen to the Unapologetically Disabled podcast on Apple or Spotify.

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Mental Health Emergency Response line 24/7 on 1300 555 788 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency or life-threatening situation, call 000.