June 6, 2013, 10:30 p.m.
WHETHER it’s climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or joining the local cricket club Nick Gleeson knows what it means to make the seemingly impossible possible.
Mr Gleeson, who has been blind since age seven, was the master of ceremonies yesterday for the launch of Ability Links NSW.
The state government scheme has been established by Ageing Disability and Home Care.
St Vincent de Paul Society will administer the project.
It will provide people with a disability with a ‘‘linker’’ who will help line them up with local community groups and include them in society.
NSW Disability Services Minister Andrew Constance said it was another element of the self-directed care system to be established under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
‘‘Greater participation and inclusion enriches everyone’s experience of their community,’’ he said.
One of the 39 ‘‘linkers’’ in the Hunter will be Carly Britton who will help people with a disability and their families connect with the community whether it be joining a sporting club or enrolling in TAFE.
‘‘We will be talking to people about what they want their life to look like,’’ she said.
‘‘The sky’s the limit.’’
Nick Gleeson did not let his blindness stop him completing university, climbing mountains, representing Australia in sport and running the New York Marathon three times.
Mr Gleeson said people with a disability should become aware of, and work to boost their self-confidence and self-esteem.
He said even the smallest things, such as being rejected from a community group, could be a set back.
‘‘There were times when I did not believe in myself,’’ he said.
‘‘Eventually I started to know I was capable of doing things.
‘‘The program is a fantastic initiative. The greatest challenge is socialisation.’’
No comments:
Post a Comment