Share your stories to help See the Ability in Disability

Published on 30 November 2020

Sunraysia residents are encouraged to See the Ability in Disability as part of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) 2020.

Mildura Mayor Jason Modica said the annual event this Thursday 3 December was a chance to break down barriers and celebrate the contributions people with a disability make to our community.

"Sometimes some of the daily challenges people with disability face is the way they are seen and treated by others in our community," Cr Modica said.

"By focusing on what people with a disability can contribute and achieve, rather than the obstacles in their path, we're helping to break down the barriers to everyone in our community reaching their potential."

To help promote this potential, and in keeping with this year's theme for IDPwD 2020 - See the Ability in Disability - Council will feature the achievements and contributions of people with a disability online from Thursday 3 December.

These inspiring stories and videos will be shared on the IDPwD website and social media channels, providing a chance for Sunraysia residents to showcase their abilities to the world using #DisableStereotypes.

To share your story or experience contact Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer Amy Nash on (03) 5018 8100.

To encourage the community to share their own experiences and messages, Council is proud to share local resident and IDPwD ambassador Chris Brown's story:

Hi my name is Christopher Brown,

People call me Chris.   I am 39-years-old. I have Autism as well as a slow learning disability. I have had trouble finding employment, but I now have my own personal training business that I opened up at the end of February 2020. Unfortunately we then went into a first lockdown and it was hard at first, but I just keep on keeping on so I can make Fun and Fitness With Chris a lot stronger on the other side.

When we went into the second lockdown I learnt as a personal trainer computers and doing personal training on Facebook live for my clients. It’s not the same as face to face and since we are getting closer to COVID-19 normal it will take time for my personal training business to grow over time. But what it did not stop me from doing is exercising and keep making myself fit and healthy, and I know anyone can do it, it’s just getting out there and giving it your best.

I have had a go at doing a virtual challenge with Mallee Sports Assembly - the 10,000 steps challenge.

I've also been doing my own fitness workout at home or going for a walk around my circuit down the riverfront sound shell as well.  I am always learning different workouts for my clients every day. I am willing to keep on keeping on in the future with Fun and Fitness With Chris. It will grow and grow big for me - just give it time and anyone can do it as I love helping. People with all abilities can get fit and healthy and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Never give up on what you can do and always have a smile on your face and never let anything stop you from what you are doing.

My idea is keep active and keep exercising. It will help you and your mind to keep going and help how you are feeling. So let’s get motivated and keep moving.

You can all be happier when you achieve your goals, and success will come if you work on them for yourself. That’s what I believe in and it works for me. If you have people you can trust and work with you and support you in any way, you will get there in the long term.

My long term goal is to get more clients to come to Fun and Fitness with Chris.

For more information about International Day of People with Disability contact Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer Amy Nash on (03) 5018 8100.

ENDS