Nicolette Boele (Bradfield, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently visited the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in St Ives, in my electorate of Bradfield. The alliance hosts an awesome group of highly-valued people in our community. In a minute I'm going to read a statement from one of the clients there, but firstly I want to say that I have and have had family members living with CP. Despite what so many in our communities may think is a disability or disabling condition, I would stridently argue that it's our communities that are disabling.

People living with CP could much more easily participate in communities and their spaces if provided physical access and emotional safety such as smoother footpaths and longer traffic light periods for crossing safely at the lights when using wheelchairs. Emotional safety is something that so many in broader society need to understand. When speaking to someone with CP, it's important to address the person, not just the carer. Likewise, it's important that our shopping centres offer quiet places away from the noise, lights and busyness.

When I visited the St Ives branch and met Magsy Karvouniaris, a client of the alliance, I was thrilled when she shared with me her perspectives on living with CP:

Cerebral palsy isn't about limitations—it's a SUPERPOWER.

It's a source of unique strength, courage and resilience that inspires me every day.

Cerebral palsy is a condition that gently shapes how a person moves and experiences the world.

It comes from a difference in the brain that happens early on in life but does not define the beautiful and amazing spirit that lives inside the person.

With love and support this superpower helps me shine in my own special way and reminds me that being different is something to celebrate.