Maxima Intern, Tuan lost his sight in 2013 due to Retinitis Pigmentosa and Macular Degeneration, an event that transformed him into becoming a champion for disability inclusion. After overcoming challenges in his career, he has become a national blind chess champion, earned a Master’s in Disability Policy, and now works to create more inclusive work environments. Through his advocacy, both in Australia and his home country of Sri Lanka, Tuan is committed to ensuring people living with disability have better opportunities in the workforce.
I believe in the importance of awareness and understanding regarding disabilities,” Tuan shares. “Sharing my experiences helps me connect with others who might be going through similar challenges and educates those around me. It’s an opportunity to highlight the capabilities and achievements of individuals with disabilities rather than focusing solely on the limitations.”
Tuan’s diagnosis came at a pivotal time in his life.
Just after completing his degree in Management Information Systems and beginning his career as a management trainee, he started losing his vision. “Within a week of starting my job, I began losing my eyesight,” he recalls. “My supervisor called me into his office and explained that due to my unexpected condition, I could no longer continue in my role. He suggested, ‘Tuan, try to change your career into something like teaching or even music.’ This moment was heartbreakingly sad for me, as it seemed to mark the end of the career path I had envisioned for myself.”
Despite the setback, Tuan was determined to move forward. After undergoing rehabilitation and learning to use assistive technologies, he rediscovered his passion for chess and even became his country’s national blind chess champion in 2017. “This adaptation period led me to rediscover my love for chess,” he says, “a game I learned to play using an adaptive chess board designed for people who are blind.”
Tuan’s professional life has been equally impactful. Before relocating to Australia, he worked as a HR Learning and Development professional, managing an internship program and advocating for greater inclusion of people living with disability. His commitment to this vision was recognised when he received the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship, allowing him to pursue his Master’s in South Australia.
“My goal was to empower individuals with disabilities to join the workforce seamlessly,” Tuan explains. “This achievement was recognised by the Australia Awards, which honoured me with the scholarship, allowing me to learn from and contribute to developing systems that improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in developed countries.”
At Flinders University, Tuan plays an active role in fostering inclusivity. As Vice President of the Flinders University Australia Awards Network and a Wellbeing Ambassador, he advocates for students with disabilities and provides training in assistive technologies. His efforts were acknowledged in 2023 when he received the Highly Commendable Award for Peer Support at the Study Adelaide International Student Awards. “Each of these roles reflects my dedication to ensuring that all students, especially those with disabilities, have the support and resources they need to thrive in their academic and personal lives,” he shares.
Tuan’s commitment to creating inclusive workplaces is evident in his internship at Maxima through the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia’s (MCCSA) Building Employer Confidence Project. His work at Maxima focused on disability awareness and developing resources to support individuals with visual impairment. “At Maxima, I created an induction checklist for recruiting persons with visual impairments and an assistive technology guide for managers,” he explains. “This work aligns perfectly with my future goals of creating more inclusive environments, particularly in the workforce.”
Looking ahead, Tuan plans to return to Sri Lanka, where he will use his experiences to advocate for persons with disabilities in employment. “I am committed to advocating for and implementing inclusive employment practices,” he says. “My goal is to create pathways that not only facilitate the entry of persons with disabilities into the workforce but also ensure their success and advancement within it.”
Sports have also played a significant role in Tuan’s life, serving as both a passion and a platform for advocacy. Besides representing his country in chess at the 2018 Asian Para Games, Tuan is an avid cricketer and has been selected to play for the South Australia blind cricket team in the National Cricket Inclusion Championship 2024. “Sports are a means of engagement and empowerment,” he says. “It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of individuals with disabilities.”
As Tuan reflects on his journey, he leaves a message of encouragement:
“Embrace diversity as our strength. My own experiences with visual impairment have shown me that challenges are not barriers but opportunities for creativity and understanding. By welcoming everyone’s unique abilities and struggles, we create a community where each person can fully contribute and thrive. It’s not enough to simply accept differences; we should celebrate them and use them to make our society stronger, more supportive, and vibrant for everyone. Let’s work together to turn obstacles into chances for growth and innovation. My message is simple: let’s build a world where diversity is our most valued asset.”