Karni Liddell is one of Australia's most successful, well-respected and highly awarded Paralympic swimmers of our time and will be the keynote speaker for the second In Conversation lunch Disability Versus Ability.
Taking place at council's Venue 114 on Friday June 21 from 12pm – 3pm, Karni will be joined by MC, Seven Network presenter Jillian Whiting and CEO of the Compass Institute, David Dangerfield for an empowering conversation over lunch.
A former World Record holder, Karni represented Australia at the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996 and captained the number one team at the Sydney 2000 Games, returning from both Games with medals. Karni is now a presenter on Channel 7's The Great Day Out.
"I am honoured to be invited to speak on behalf of Sunshine Coast Council at the next In Conversation lunch and I hope to change some of the many misconceptions about what people with disabilities are able to achieve," she said.
"The most disabling thing about having a disability for me is other people's assumptions of what I can and cannot do.
"We must stop believing that people with disabilities' are 'riskier' to work with or be around as this assumption is incorrect and debilitating."
David Dangerfield is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Compass Institute. His background includes many years' experience in the fields of business, the not for profit sector and disabilities.
David studied and worked overseas in the disability sector during the eighties and nurtured the vision of establishing a leading edge service for young people with disabilities in Australia – a dream he realised through Compass in 2002.
In 2014 David was awarded Sunshine Coast Australia Day Citizen of the Year and his work in disabilities and the community has also been recognised with a number of other honours.
"Sixteen years ago Compass opened its doors in the humblest of circumstances," he said.
"While we had very few resources, what we shared with the families and the young people was a dream… a dream that if given the opportunity, people with an intellectual or physical disability could lead rich and varied lives where they would be genuine contributors to their world.
"Rather than providing a separate or special pathway for people with a disability, Compass has always focused on simply replicating the developmental pathway we all take for granted… post-school further education, skills based training and meaningful vocational opportunities.
"It's no surprise that a structured learning environment has enabled them to make their dreams a reality. I could not be more proud of their achievements".
Ticket price is $120 per person, table of eight for $110 per person and special seniors and/or students price of $80 person. Price includes grazing style lunch, beverages and entertainment. To book visit www.venue114.com.au or call 5413 1400.
In Conversation is proudly supported by Network 7, Hot FM, My Weekly Preview and The Compass Institute. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Compass Institute.
