The Hailay and Tsehay Foundation is founded by Hailay Asresahagn Gebremariam and Tsehay Dinku Assaye. Both are of Ethiopian origin and citizens of Australia.

 

Hailay’s dream is to support others in their professional development journey and to foster inclusion and change through self-empowerment and leadership of people with disabilities. Since over two years Hailay has been admitted as an Australian lawyer and practitioner by the Supreme Court of Victoria. He has a Masters of Human Rights Law from the University of Melbourne, a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University, and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law in Australia and a Bachelor of Laws from the Ethiopian Civil Service College.

 

Hailay is legally blind and has gained significant experience that he wishes to apply for the benefit of others. He will draw upon his experience of being a member of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to shape the design and development of the strategy and training program of the Foundation for people with disabilities. He has also undertaken Independent Mobility and Technology Training from Vision Australia, Guide Dogs NSW and Guide Dogs VIC which will allow him to provide inputs to the specifics of the activities. He currently uses various assistive and adaptive technology for studies and everyday life which enables him to empower others to be independent.

 

Tsehay is Hailay’s wife and holds a Diploma in Accounting. She is Hailay’s carer since 2012 and has undertaken various training that enables her to perform this role. She has firsthand experience in living with and caring for people with disabilities which will allow her to empower the families and those who care for people with disabilities.

 

Both Hailay and Tsehay see the establishment of the Foundation as an instrumental step in fulfilling their determination to invest their knowledge and experiences to benefit people with disabilities. They will work with other leaders in the field to gather determination, commitment and courage to lead the Foundation to success.