06/06/2026
At Ambilite Candle Co., we don't often speak about politics. We speak about community, inclusion, and creating products that bring comfort and joy. Today, however, we feel it is important to speak up.
As the founder of Ambilite Candle Co., I am autistic and regularly rely on support services to help me navigate daily life. These supports assist me to maintain my home, continue my university studies, and run this business. Without them, many of the things people see me achieve would simply not be possible.
One of the biggest misconceptions about autism and many other disabilities is that people only see us on our good days.
They see us when we are smiling at markets, attending classes, running businesses, participating in our communities, and achieving our goals. What they often don't see are the challenges behind the scenes: the exhaustion, the overwhelm, the appointments, the executive functioning struggles, the sensory overload, and the support networks that make participation possible.
It is our carers, support workers, families, and closest friends who often see the full reality of living with disability. They witness the difficult days, the setbacks, the moments of burnout, and the support required to maintain independence and wellbeing.
This is why the current public conversation surrounding the NDIS is so concerning.
Too often, people with disability are being portrayed as a cost to be managed rather than members of our communities who deserve dignity, respect, and access to the supports that allow us to participate in society. When disability supports are reduced, restricted, or treated as an unnecessary expense, the impacts are felt not only by participants but also by families, carers, and entire communities.
People with disability are not the problem. Needing support is not a failure. Accessing services that allow us to study, work, volunteer, create businesses, and contribute to our communities should never be something we are made to feel guilty about, and we will continue to fight and advocate to make sure all people, regardless of ability or disability live the life they deserve.
