We want everyone to be heard, seen and welcomed in our community. That’s why Kempsey Shire Council has developed a new Disability Inclusion Action Plan. With your help we can create a more inclusive and accessible community for people with disability, like Clayton.
Clayton is a wonderful young man who has resided in the beautiful Macleay Valley his entire life. Clayton enjoys going to the movies in Kempsey, visiting the gym and going on outings with his friends and support workers through the week. Clayton has been working towards his NDIS goals of accessing the community more independently and engaging in activities that he enjoys, through his support services.
What do you wish people better understood about your disability?
I get frustrated when people don’t understand me, or when they just say ‘yes’ and agree because they didn’t understand what I said.
What do you like to do and where do you like to go in the Macleay Valley?
I like to go to Hat Head to get a burger and chips for lunch, go for a walk and go fishing.
Can you tell me about a time when someone made the time to talk or learn about your disability? What made it possible?
Kate, one of my support workers, listens and makes me feel happy to talk about my disability and how it makes me feel.
Where would you like to go that you can’t go currently?
I would like to go to more clothes shops close by. I can’t always travel to go to the shops because I can’t catch a bus on my own.
What is something you like to do that is accessible?
I love to play ten pin bowling with my friends and get something to eat.
What are the small things that bring you joy each day?
My pet dogs, Ellie the Pug and Mini the Maltese.
Our Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Council adopted its Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022 at the Ordinary Meeting on 17 May after extensive engagement with staff, key groups and the community.
The plan was launched by Paralympian Ellie Cole in Kempsey at an event on the morning of Thursday 26 June where staff were joined by community members with disability and disability advocates to hear Ellie talk about her life and achievements.
