A political first in accessibility, Pakenham MP Emma Vulin used a communication device to speak formally within parliamentary chambers.
As MPs returned to Spring Street on Tuesday to begin the sitting week, Ms Vulin used her time to make a new step in inclusivity within the lower house by becoming the first to use a text-to-speech device to address the chamber.
As Ms Vulin battles motor neurone disease (MND), the device that closely replicates her own voice will assist her contributions in a place that is highly demanding on one’s speech.
“Our Parliament has become more inclusive. We have come along in leaps and bounds,” Ms Vulin said in her statement before colleagues.
“Hopefully, now people who live with a disability can put their hands up to potentially represent their community in the years ahead, knowing that the Parliament of Victoria is a great place to work.”
While she does not require the use of the device every day at this stage, Ms Vulin explained it will assist her in making more lengthy contributions to debate.
Since her MND diagnosis, parliamentary staff have undertaken numerous measures to make Victoria’s Parliament House more accessible.
This has included the installation of handrails throughout both chambers of the more than century-old building.
Ms Vulin also took a moment to thank her speech pathologist, Rebecca Staple, who has worked with her for months on this communication device.
She also thanked her main carer, Leah David as it is currently National Carers Week.
