Dr Sheelagh Daniels-Mayes is a Gomeroi woman with low vision. She is a Lecturer in Indigenous Studies and Deputy Associate Dean (Diversity & Inclusion – Disability) in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne. Her research applies an intersectional lens to the sociology of racism, Critical Indigenous Studies and Critical Disability Studies. Drawing on training in education, psychology, sociology and criminology, her publications explore a diversity of subjects.
Dr Sheelagh Daniels-Mayes is an accomplished academic and advocate whose work spans education, psychology, sociology and more. At the University of Melbourne she is a visible and influential presence- teaching, advocating in board meetings, and championing inclusion. She is especially committed to identifying and mentoring prospective postgraduate students.
I teach, sometimes I guest lecture, I cause trouble at committee meetings, I recruit students to do honours and PhDs with me, which I love doing.Dr Sheelah Daniels-Mayes
Dr Sheelagh lost her sight at a very young age and has since navigated the world with low vision, sharing that from the age of 9-16 she was institutionalised in what was then called a ‘handicapped facility'. Causing 'trouble' has its genesis in her youth, as she was expelled from the facility. Finding an academic pathway and eventually becoming a lecturer has been a long and rewarding journey, but it's not exactly the area she expected herself to go.
I fought tooth and nail not to be a disability scholar because that's what was expected of me, ‘because you have a disability, you must work in disability’, but things changed during the pandemic
Following deep conversations with Elders, Dr Sheelagh committed to advancing disability and community work guided by an intersectional approach.
I've been raised by Elders to think about downward thinking. So, what I mean by that is... I stand on the shoulders of giants that came before me. But I've also got to remember that I'm focused on the next seven generations coming through. What sort of world do we want in seven generations?
Sheelagh researches and teaches across Critical Indigenous Studies and Critical Disability Studies, and leads BlakAbility, a five-year Australian Research Council (ARC) funded project focused on improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with disability. Using culturally safe yarning, the project documents lived experience and, as Sheelagh notes, will be especially significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders pursuing higher education.
That’s what BlakAbility is trying to do, is to get this message out there that we are strong as black people. We are strong as people with physical, sensory, psychological, neurodivergent, whatever differences. We’re a whole rainbow of difference, really
Dr Sheelagh further advocates for current and prospective students who may live with disabilities by motivating them to seek support in educational spaces, with their GP, or with friends and family. She urges students to get in touch with their university's Indigenous student service, and says that if anyone faces challenges along the way or has their concerns dismissed, to keep trying to find the support they need.
It’s really important to remember that you're not dumb. University is tough and if there’s something there that hasn't been picked up before, it’s even tougher. So it's a matter of reaching out to those that you trust.
The Speak My Language (Disability) program is an initiative funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Framework. It is proudly led by ECCNSW and the primary national Partners are ECCV, ECCQ, MCCSA, MCNT, MCOT, ECCWA, and our national broadcasting Partners SBS.
Podcast Tile Artwork: Paul Constable Calcott
