Australia: Joslyn Polenz

Program: UW Disability Rights and Access in Australia, Summer

Joslyn’s Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

The single most influential experience I had while on my program was when we visited We Are Studios. The moment we walked through the door, I could feel the energy and passion that filled the space. What struck me most was how intuitively and intentionally staff and artists used inclusive language, it wasn’t just accessibility, but it was belonging. Hearing their stories and witnessing how the space empowered disabled individuals was truly powerful. It was at times heartwarming because you could really see how much it meant to the artists to have had a place where they were not only accepted, but celebrated. The studio wasn’t a workplace, it was a lively community built on dignity, creativity, and shared purpose. I was most inspired by the way that everyone there had a voice and helped shape the space. It was a true reminder of what inclusion in practice looks like. I will carry this experience with me as I continue my education and move into a career that includes serving diverse groups. It reminded me once again of the importance of creating spaces where people can be who they are whole, and support is strength-based, not need-based. We Are Studios didn’t just talk about inclusion—they lived it. What I learned that day has informed how I want to show up in the world: as a person who uplifts, listens, and holds space for all voices.

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?

One of the powerful Australian traditions I plan to uphold is the Acknowledgement of Country, which is a sign of respect and acknowledgment of the Traditional owners of the land. At events, meetings, and public gatherings in Australia, individuals are likely to take a moment to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original peoples of the land. It’s a powerful tradition of respect, history, and truth telling, and it left a lasting mark on me. I am also greatly inspired by Aboriginal art, which not only is aesthetically beautiful but also rich in story and cultural awareness. The symbolism, land connection, and profound spirituality expressed in the artwork provided me with a new sense of value for the way that art can express identity, strength, and heritage. I hope to incorporate more Indigenous perspectives and voices in any future projects or environments I’m part of, and to continue learning about cultures that have historically been silenced or overlooked.

What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?

I learned through this experience that I am more adaptable, empathetic, and passionate about inclusion than I was aware. Being placed in new situations—whether visiting inclusive workplaces like We Are Studios, speaking with residents at Ferguson Lodge, or learning about Aboriginal culture and history—pushed me to listen attentively, question my assumptions, and embrace perspectives very different from my own. I also left with a greater understanding of the manner in which inclusion is not just policy. It is one that requires constant effort, cultural humility, and genuine partnership. I saw the ways in which language, design, and social attitudes all have critical roles to play in enabling or disabling people’s full participation in society. Most importantly, I discovered that change often starts small, in how we speak, the questions that we ask, the space that we create. I would like to carry that sensibility with me into everything that I do. What this experience has shown me is that I do not need to wait to make a difference. We have the opportunity to start now by being more intentional, more aware, and more outspoken regarding equity and access.

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

My study abroad experience has given me valuable insight that will certainly benefit me in the future both in my studies and professional career. I was able to directly engage with disabled individuals and communities, which opened my eyes on inclusive practices and real needs for accessibility in everyday life. This kind of experiential learning has helped me move beyond theory alone and recognize how policies and services really impact people’s everyday lives. In relation to my own future professional career, specifically as a speech-language pathology student, this experience has further taught me the seriousness of communication access, person-centered care, and inclusive settings. It also again stressed the significance of fighting for enabling systems rather than disabling systems. I now more strongly have the tools of cultural humility, empathy, and active listening, which are absolutely essential traits for anyone working in health or education.