Quadriplegic and chairman of the Aboriginal Disability Network of New South Wales, Jake Briggs has never let his disability stop him from achieving his goals.
"I became a quadriplegic after a diving accident but I have not let that hold me back from living my life," said Mr Briggs.
Mr Briggs is now an ambassador for the 'Don't Dis my Ability' campaign and encourages others to follow in his footsteps.
"There’s a lot of avenues and advocacies out there that are available for people with disabilities if they want to get back into the worforce and make that first step forward, just to be able to train or relearn and to be able to get into the workforce and be able to earn and feel that self-worth," said Mr Briggs.
Care agencies offer this type of training and they are urging people to sign up.
Angela Webb from AbSec says the release of a new series of videos from Fostering NSW provides a unique insight into the role of carers.
“We’re striving to get more carers, there’s a huge need, we want to keep our kids connected to their families, to their identity and grow up strong in their identity so it’s important that we do have Aboriginal carers caring for our kids,” said Ms Webb.
As part of today’s anniversary, three 21-year-olds from across Australia have filmed themselves telling their personal stories of the barriers they have overcome and the achievements they have made over the last 21 years.
They also outlined their vision for a more inclusive Australia over the next 21 years.
One family videoed for the launch, Linda and Bruce, are Indigenous kinship carers for their four grandchildren, the youngest one having severe disabilities.
Ms Webb says Aboriginal agencies recruiting families like Linda and Bruce will provide training and support for what she ensures is a rewarding task.
“To be a carer is a really valuable life long career,” said Ms Webb.
