We all have our own unique story to tell. In this section people with disability and their families and carers share their experiences of life in their communities.
Lighthouse Project personal stories
Through the Lighthouse Project, local government employees with disability and their employers shared their experiences in a series of films and stories.
This is my story – Disability Awareness Week 2016
People with disability who work in the WA public sector shared their stories for Disability Awareness Week 2016.
- Diversity supports better workplaces
A diverse workforce, that includes people with disability, makes for a better working environment, according to Business Development Support Officer Tim Hocking.
- Disability no barrier to long career
Competitive tennis, long-distance running, yoga and Pilates are tools to good health for Kalamunda father of four and grandfather of ten, Dr John Byrne.
- Legally Blonde with a difference
When Maria graduated from law school she wanted to 'pay it forward' and make a positive difference in society.
- Mateship the key to work success
The camaraderie of being part of a team makes work a great place to be for the Commission’s Chris Campbell.
- Nav fast tracks career experience
Nav Jayakumar has undertaken a number of roles at the Disability Services Commission since he began his public sector career seven years ago as school trainee.
- Respect and opportunities in the workplace
Saying yes to opportunities when they present themselves has seen Andrew Cooper gain a range of knowledge and experience at the Department of Transport.
- Policy research is a girl's best friend
Research and contributing to policy development is the next step in Erin McGlew's career at the Public Sector Commission.
- Work is part of Chloe's bigger plan
Chloe Tangaroa had a plan to find a job and get fit – and now she’s doing both. Her job as an Administrative Officer has provided her with new friends and greater financial independence.
This is my story – Disability Awareness Week 2015
To celebrate Disability Awareness Week 2015, we produced a series of short films that feature people with disability sharing their experiences.
- NZ Paralympian enjoys a new life in WA
New Zealander Jayne Parsons has been going from strength to strength since moving to Dudley Park, a Mandurah suburb, in 2014.
- Study the best medicine
Learning is high on the agenda for Claremont teenager Harry Nicholas, who aspires to one day go to university.
- Diversity supports better workplaces
A diverse workforce, that includes people with disability, makes for a better working environment, according to Business Development Support Officer Tim Hocking.
- Show respect every day, says Ellen
If Ellen Buswell could tell the world how to treat people with disability she would say to look straight into people’s faces and not talk over anyone.
- A passion for art sparks a quirky business
Daniel Pavlovic was passionate about art at school but didn’t dream that one day his designs would become the quirky artwork for T-shirts now sought after at markets and retail outlets throughout Western Australia and by overseas buyers.
- Life’s cycle is busy for Aaron
Cycling, a supermarket job and voluntary work combine to make life busy, fulfilling and active for Mandurah man Aaron Hillbrick.
- Art and music inspire Audrey’s zest for life
Audrey Warbie has a smile that would light up a room. While the 53-year-old has an intellectual disability and uses few spoken words, her body language and facial expressions clearly show her joy for life and people.
- Wayne-Carey a delight for his family of eight
Wayne-Carey brings joy, love and laughter to the Farmer family every day, says his mother Kathleen.
- Australia a sanctuary for Cambodian refugee
From a refugee camp, on the Thai-Cambodia border, to a riverside suburb in Perth, Chinda Proeung’s life journey has evolved from complex and challenging to fulfilling and rewarding.
- Disability no barrier to long career
Competitive tennis, long-distance running, yoga and Pilates are tools to good health for Kalamunda father of four and grandfather of nine, Dr John Byrne, 67.
WA NDIS personal stories
- Baylee Pes
- WA NDIS planning has assisted Marnie and James Pes and their sons Baylee (12) and Jye (7) to develop a lifestyle that suits everyone in the family.
- Ben White
Video featuring Ben White from Margaret River, who is receiving supports and services in the State Government's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) trial in the Lower South West.
- Big Plan forges path to achieving goals
An individually-tailored WA National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan, strong family support and self-determination have assisted Jordan, 18, of Atwell, to transform from a shy, retiring person to a self-assured young man who enjoys community life and is achieving his goals.
- Leadership role just the beginning, thanks to WA NDIS plan
The WA NDIS planning process has played an important role in the past 12 months for 14-year-old schoolboy Connor, resulting in him becoming more outgoing, confident and embracing a leadership role.
- Lincoln Smith
A video featuring Lincoln, a young boy benefiting from individualised WA NDIS planning, who has the support he needs to enjoy a safe, happy life with his two brothers and grandmother.
- Luther Frost-Barnes
This video features 21-year-old Luther, who benefits from individualised planning and has the support he needs to live independently and work towards achieving goals such as mastering public speaking and becoming a personal trainer.
- Mr and Mrs Junor
This video features married couple Mark and Melissa, who benefit from individualised planning and have the support they need to manage their own household and enjoy life in their community.
- Planning leads to positive outlook on life
Busselton woman Ella Criddle, 24, says that taking part in the WA NDIS planning process was probably the best decision she’s ever made.
- Teneal Smith
This video features Teneal, a young woman benefiting from individualised planning, who has the support she needs to work, start living independently, and play an active role in her community.
- A toast to public speaking goals
Colin Hughes’ public speaking dream is continuing to grow, after joining the WA National Disability Insurance Scheme (WA NDIS).
- Wendy Smith
“I have got my life back”, is how Wendy Smith describes her WA NDIS experience. Wendy, who has Multiple Sclerosis, lives in Kwinana with her husband Andrew and dog Jasper.
- Work is part of Chloe’s bigger plan
Chloe Tangaroa had a plan to find a job and get fit – and now she’s doing both. Her job as an Administrative Officer has provided her with new friends and greater financial independence.
Various
- Busselton business is out of the box
Business is blossoming for Busselton’s Bec Donald, 46, who has set up a specialty gift box service in her local area.
- Dream volunteer role for history buff
A love of military history has led to Hayden Claessens, 21, taking on volunteer roles at Albany’s Old Gaol and Museum and the Albany Heritage Park, home to the National Anzac Centre building.
- Eagles lift supporter’s spirits
The West Coast Eagles football club has proven to be a winner in the 2015 season, in more ways than one.
- Mentor program leads to strong bond
Brody Williams and Ashlie Guest have forged a strong friendship over the past five months, after taking part in a pilot mentoring program that supports youth with disability.
- Palaeontology goal digs up crowdfunding interest
Having a disability is not dissuading Eleanor Beidatsch, 22, from pursuing her dream of being involved in a palaeontology dig in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales.
- People and Communities magazine stories
While the People and Communities magazine ceased publication with its autumn 2013 edition, past issues provide stories about successes and lessons learnt by people with disability, their families and carers.
- Program delivers leadership skills to people with disability
A leadership program has given Victoria Park resident Gabrielle Trenbath, 37, a new outlook on life.
- Windows to our world video series
The Commission has funded the creation of a series of videos featuring the personal stories of people with disabilities and their families.
Palaeontology goal digs up crowdfunding interest