Like many, Brad Newbound's dream was to find a home of his own.
"It wasn't easy," the Boronia resident says. "I was on a list for years and years, waiting for a place to become available. Then it was a year before I was able to move in. It's really important to me because I can do whatever I want."
Now 49, Brad is using his lived experience to help others living with disability, including about 28,000 or 17% of Knox residents.
The United Nations International Day of People with Disability on 3 December celebrates the achievements and contributions of people living with disability.
"People with disability want to be treated just like anyone else," Brad says.
"Things have improved. Years ago, people were very rude - now, people are all right.
"This day gets people thinking about disability, and not only people who have a wheelchair."
A devoted uncle, Brad's home is adorned with photos of his older brother, niece and nephew. He loves his footy, particularly the Blues, and going for coffee at local cafes.
Brad's home has been adapted for his wheelchair and has technology to support him to live independently. Some of it is the same that many able-bodied people use to make life easier. For instance, he uses a phone app to open the front door and turn on the lights or robot vacuum.
Brad's car has been adapted so he can get around when public transport isn't convenient. He uses it to volunteer with Council's meal delivery service to support others to also live independently because "I like helping others".
After serving on the Knox Disability Advisory Committee for four years, Brad worked with Council's disability inclusion team as part of his Work Education qualification.
His goals include improving access and inclusion for people living with disability and ensuring they have a say in decisions affecting them.
"I reckon it's really important because otherwise people won't listen to people with disability," Brad says.
If you are living with disability or a carer, Council support and services are available:
Accessing Knox newsletter
Access keys (accessibility guides) for over 40 venues
Information on accessible playgrounds and toilets
Support for carers
Visit Disability and Accessibility for more information.
