The Good Life: Joni

“Having a disability should never define someone or stand in the way of their hopes and dreams” – Joni Campbell

Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. I live by this because I have a disability, and my dream job is to work in the filming industry. I haven’t let my disability stop me from doing whatever I can to make this dream come true.

In 2015 I signed up to be a student of Bus Stop Film – an inclusive film studies program for adults with intellectual disabilities. Through this amazing course, I’ve had the most wonderful experiences. I was part of my first ever project, a short film. I shot the film alongside my class and industry professionals, who saw past our disabilities. By the end of the weekend, these people had become my second family.

In 2017, I went on to become one of three people with an intellectual disability to get an internship with Screen NSW, and I interned at the ABC – working on the children’s beloved TV show Playschool.

Before Bus Stop Films I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life career wise, and now I do. I get emotional when I think of how far I’ve come and that I have a voice. Bus Stop has really changed my life for the better, and I’ve also made so many friendships that I know will last a lifetime.

To me, a good life is filled with love, laughter, joy and surrounding myself with people who lift me up. My parents have always encouraged me to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way, live life to the fullest, and be confident. They’ve helped me to believe in myself and that I can do anything that I set my mind to. I am the woman I am today because of them.

You can follow Filmmaker, Advocate and Ambassador – Joni Campbell’s Good Life on Instagram

⁠In our social media series #StoriesOfTheGoodLife we explore what a good life means for people with disability. People from all walks of life, living rich, full and meaningful lives on their own terms.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.