My name is Nidhi Shekaran and I am 37 years old. I am a person with a lived experience of disability namely; cerebral palsy and cortical visual impairment with side perception and depth perception problems. My cultural background is from India however my parents and I migrated to Australia in 2000 and I have also lived in New Zealand for almost 5 years from 1995- 1999. I speak Tamil, Punjabi, Hindi, Marathi, English. I love to sing and dance.   

 I have a diploma in inclusive education and disability studies. I am always looking at increasing my knowledge. Over the years I have attended courses in social change in leadership, accidental counselling and introduction to peer support and peer mentoring through Diversity and Disability Alliance. I have enjoyed completing my leadership training and public speaking through toastmasters and still have an ongoing involvement with them.   

There have been several projects that I enjoyed being part of. Some of these are at MDAA (Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association): 

• the community voices project
• the small stones project   

Presently I  am a member of the Sydney City Council inclusion disability advisory panel and a member of People With Disability Australia.   

As a  mentor I can  share my experience of the type of  project work that is out there in the community and could assist in employment related goals.  

My passion is in  advocacy, community access and inclusion.  

As a mentor I  feel my strengths are: 

• in problem solving
• in finding work
• how to manage time well
• being organised and structured in work tasks
• and in goal setting.
  
• public speaking

 I also like to travel and plan a holiday with you. I enjoy researching and find out about accessible holiday and community activities you may have in your neighbourhood. 

If you choose me as your mentor we will definitely be on a learning of change together! Remember slow & steady wins the race.