Release Date: 5 November 2007
NSW Minister for Disability Services Kristina Keneally today (5 November) launched the 2007 Don't DIS my ABILITY campaign to celebrate the achievements of the 1.34 million people living in NSW with a disability.
Ms Keneally also screened the Iemma Government's new Community Service Announcements (CSAs) at the launch in the Westin Sydney hotel.
The clips which are available on YouTube are an amazing example of the many achievements made by people with a disability and feature:
- an abseiler negotiating a steep cliff face in her wheelchair;
- a motorcyclist who is paraplegic whizzing along on his superbike; and
- a ballroom dancer who is an amputee moving gracefully with his partner.
Ms Keneally expressed her delight with the 21 star-studded ambassadors who are supporting the campaign from the arts, sports and business worlds.
“I am pleased to welcome the support of the Don't DIS my ABILITY ambassadors. Their personal success stories reinforce the message that people with a disability can do anything,” Ms Keneally said.
“More than 150 exciting events will celebrate International Day of People with a Disability across NSW in November and December.
“Highlights include an international murderball (wheelchair rugby) tournament which is the Oceanic qualifier for the Beijing Paralympics, an accessible Canadian film festival and theatrical workshops teaching children about disability and communication skills.
“Ambassadors are attending these events and I encourage the wider community to join the celebrations,” she said.
Ambassadors include Brad Dubberley, Australian national wheelchair rugby coach; Kurt Fearnley, seven times marathon winner; and Alex Jones former All Saints actor and current director of Heads UP! a show teaching school students about disability.
Scott Kenney, National Wheelchair Dancesport Champion who stars in a CSA clip said: “This campaign is personally significant to me. It's a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate on a world stage the rich abilities that people with a disability utilise everyday.
“I am thrilled my dance performance with my partner Joanne is on YouTube and hope it conveys a strong message that society should focus on peoples' individual skills and talents rather than any perceived disabilities,” he said.
Don't DIS my ABILITY marks International Day of People with a Disability on 3 December. For further information about Don't DIS my ABILITY events, activities, ambassadors and CSAs please visit www.internationaldayofpeoplewithadisability.com.au
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