"I like to feel that I can use my life experience to help others," Shelley Spencer says.
The Ferntree Gully mother of two joined the Knox Disability Advisory Committee two years ago to give people living with disability a say in Council decisions affecting their lives.
Shelley, 50, has overcome barriers to become an advocate for others and now runs a plan management business supporting other NDIS participants.
"As I was born with cerebral palsy, I have had to advocate for myself in different times in my life," she says. "I have had to educate people about my disability.
"People should treat people with disability just like any other person in our community. If someone looks like they need help, a person should ask if they need help. If they say no it is because they can do it themselves, and just allow them to do it themselves."
Established in 1999, the committee includes people with disability, carers and service providers who work with Council to ensure everyone can participate in community life with independence, equity and dignity.
The United Nations' International Day of People with Disability, held annually on 3 December, celebrates the achievements and contributions of people living with disability. The day aims to help raise awareness of and promote an accessible and inclusive community for the 17% or 28,000 residents living with disability in Knox.
"I feel like I'm helping other people who have a disability by saying what I think is wrong in our community and what needs to be fixed," Shelley says.
"I feel that my voice is heard and that everyone is being heard in the advisory committee meetings. For example, we had a staff member come to one of our meetings and we all gave him input into a project. He then took it away and brought it back with our input included.
"I find it really interesting the diversity of people that are also on the advisory committee, and we all bring our own perspectives of what we feel is important."
If you are living with disability or a carer, Council support and services are available. These include:
• A Guide to Disability and Aged Services in Knox
• Subscribe to our Accessing Knox e-newsletter
• Access keys (accessibility guides for a range of Council facilities and events)
