Living Your Truth Out Loud: Disability, Queer Pride & Power with William Ward-Boas

In this moving episode of Navigating Disability, we sit down with William Ward-Boas, an Autistic, First Nations, gay self-advocate and deputy chair of VALID. Diagnosed as non-verbal with intellectual disability and written off by professionals as a child, William's story is one of incredible resilience, transformation, and purpose.William opens up about the harsh realities of growing up in a segregated education system, surviving stigma, internalised ableism and homophobia, and the trauma of being underestimated. He shares how community, therapy, and fierce advocacy helped him reclaim his identity and find pride in every part of who he is. From non-verbal beginnings to speaking at the United Nations, William's journey will leave you inspired to rethink what’s possible when people are given love, support, and the right tools to thrive.This episode is a must-listen for families, educators, and allies who believe in potential over prediction.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses self-harm, trauma, and mental health struggles.If you or someone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.🎧 Listen now and share this story of courage and change.