Luke
I am 24 years old and have cerebral palsy. I went to a mainstream primary school and then to a special school. After that, I went to a disability day service for five years. I did a transition education course for two years and then a work education course for two years.
When I left school that was an important part of my life, I didn't know what to do. Many of my friends went to Uni and into the workforce while I was in a day service for five years. I had trouble adjusting to my life and what I wanted to do.
I had started doing work (both paid and voluntary) in the disability industry such as sitting on Boards and committees of disability organisations. It was hard because one day I was in the day service with very little responsibility while the next day I was having high level meetings about the NDIS.
I went to a psychologist for a few months who listened to my problems and offered solutions. I couldn't decide if I wanted to be in the disability industry or not. The psychologist worked through this with me.
I lived with my parents until this year and now live independently.
I am working in the disability industry full-time rather than half-time now. I am self-employed and do a lot of different jobs such as sit on Boards, committees and also public speaking and TV and newspaper work.
I'm only 24 but people recognise me. Now when I go to conferences or meetings, people say 'hey, you're the guy in that film'.
