A recent leadership program hosted by Duke Street Community House will help Maddey Kendall lead a more independent life. 71883 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
FOR Maddey Kendall living independently has always been a dream – now it may become a reality.
The Sunshine resident suffers with the debilitating disorder cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound, but after completing a leadership program this week she may one day be able to live on her own and be gainfully employed.
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and to maintain balance and posture. It can occur during pregnancy, childbirth or up to the age of three.
Ms Kendall is among 20 Brimbank residents with a disability, who will this week graduate from a course called Leadership for Life.
Facilitator Lana Bedford said the project recognised the contribution that all people can make to the community through volunteer participation.
The course was organised by Duke Street Community House and was funded by the Brimbank City Council and Victorian State Government.
Ms Bedford said the project provided participants with an opportunity to experience activities to build self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills.
“It was amazing to see the participants grow in confidence and gain leadership skills during the course,” she said.
“Brimbank now has a pool of people with a disability who can be invited to participate in focus groups, speak to the media, and join committees of management or advisory groups.
“It is important that we continue to demystify disability and break down preconceptions about the difficulties of involving people with a disability. Unfortunately, people with a disability continue to face discrimination on a daily basis.”
Ms Kendall, 19, said the program was the first course she had completed without a carer – and it was, in fact, the first time she had done anything without a carer.
“I felt like I was independent,” she said.
“It felt great. I felt confident, and it was good to get away from all the everyday issues.”
The inspirational teenager said she felt safe and comfortable at the community house and was welcomed with open arms by the program organisers.
And it was the cooking demonstrations she enjoyed best.
With her new-found confidence, Ms Kendall said she hoped to one day become an advocate for people with a disability.
