Lately, I’ve been thinking about the word participant.

If you look it up in the dictionary, it simply means “a person who takes part in something.” Straightforward enough.

But here in Australia, if you search for that word online, it almost always shows up alongside the NDIS. Suddenly, "participant" isn’t about being involved — it’s about plans, funding, and services.

And to be honest, that word has started to feel a bit strange to me.

I take part in many things in life — as does my flatmate, who doesn’t have a disability. Yet no one ever calls him a participant. So why do we label people with disabilities that way?

When I hear participant, I think about money and care — two things that are definitely part of my life, but not the whole story. It feels like being seen through the lens of what support I receive, rather than who I am.

Yes, I do need some physical support, and that’s okay. But sometimes I catch myself wondering — am I just a participant in my own life?

Because life isn’t just about being supported to take part. It’s about connecting, creating, and contributing. It’s about being part of something bigger — community, friendship, purpose.

So many people with disabilities are doing exactly that every single day — working, volunteering, caring for others, sharing their stories, making art, and showing up for their communities. That’s not just participation. That’s living.

Maybe that’s why the word participant feels a bit flat to me. It’s tied to systems and plans, when what really matters is the human part — the connection.

Maybe there’s a better word for us. Something that reflects how we connect and contribute, not just how we’re funded or supported.

Words like connector, contributor, or even simply member of the community feel warmer. They remind me that I’m part of something — not a case file or a plan number.

Because yes, money and services come and go. But connection, kindness, and belonging — that’s what really lasts.

So, am I just a participant?
No, I don’t think so.

I’m a connector.
I’m a contributor.
I’m a person living my life — fully, in my own way.

About the Author: 

Marlena Katene is Australia’s most unique entertainment journalist. Having Cerebral Palsy Marlena communicates via an ABC Board and iPad. After completing her Bachelor of Communications degree Marlena has been blessed to interview a wide range of people ranging from Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and even the Dalia Lama. While her journalism focuses mainly on music she also has written on other issues and freelance writes for a variety of magazines. Apart from her journalism work, Marlena is an avid traveller and adventure seeker. In 2016 she became the first person in the world with Cerebral Palsy to Base jump, achieving this feat by jumping off the 421 metre KL Tower in Malaysia. Addicted to travelling she is always seeking the next adventure and place to explore.