Accessible Arts / arts + disability NSW

“The campaign has been designed to celebrate the diversity and achievements of people with a disability and will culminate in the United Nation‟s International Day of People with a Disability in December,” Mr Constance said.

“The ambassadors, who come from a range of backgrounds including the arts, business, sport, volunteering and teaching, will be sharing their stories to help generate awareness about people living with a disability and what is possible.”

The ambassadors include Tracie Sammut - a performer with Down Syndrome who has been awarded a mentorship through Accessible Arts. She is now sharing her skills in the fundamentals of acting and theatre-making techniques with students.

Georgia Cranko is a 21-year-old Newtown-based emerging artist who has Cerebral Palsy and uses Computer Assistive Technology. She received an honourable mention in the Dorothea Mackellar award for her poetry and is now building an interdisciplinary practice combining writing, photography, film-making and performance.

The business community is represented by quadriplegic Mark Bagshaw, the Managing Director of Innov8 consulting group who is passionate about demonstrating to the global business community the economic and business benefits of a more inclusive society.

From the sporting arena, Special Olympics softballer Melissa Eustace, Paralympic gold medal swimmer Tracy Barrell and wheelchair basketballers Rhys Baxter and CJ Grogan will inspire with their experiences and achievements.

The Minister said the theme for this year's campaign was technology and independence.

“These are timely themes as social networking is increasingly helping people with a disability to connect and overcome isolation and be independent,” Mr Constance said.

“It is also enabling them to access the right services to meet their specific needs, remain informed and have a say in the way disability services are delivered.”

“As part of the campaign, 100 events will be held across NSW. I encourage the community to take part in the events and meet the campaign ambassadors.”

For further information about the Don’t DIS my ABILITY Ambassadors, events and activities, visit www.dontdismyability.com.au or join in the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.

Source: Media Release ADHC