We must think beyond the idea of being just a recipient and become leaders of our own affairs, in our own environment. For some time now we have been pushing for a say in what happens to us. This is summed up in the maxim, “Nothing about us, without us.” Now we need to go beyond this and determine what a good life actually means for us.

These are some of the notes I hastily penned from an inspired speech by Mike Gourley, at the first session of the Disability Leadership forum series, entitled “Stepping Up,” held at Auckland’s Western Springs Garden Community Hall.

Mike is a former president of DPA New Zealand from 2003 to 2008 and now producer and presenter of Radio New Zealand's weekly disability issues programme, One in Five. With his background and passion his speech was destined to be pensive, and he didn’t disappoint

Mike went on to say that the disabled image must be re-framed. We are far from the lifelong victims of dependency, far too often, historically portrayed, in the media.

Our disability has taught us to be resilient, flexible, and innovative, with a strong ability to adapt to change. These are pretty good skills, I would have thought,” said Mike.

He also recommended the disabled should embrace uncertainty.

“Without pushing through the fear, good opportunities will not happen, he said.

The “Stepping Up” series is all about having a conversation on what leadership means for disabled people and their wider communities.

After the three part, stage 1 forums, participants will nominate up to 25 people from the wider group to represent their interests. Those nominated will go forward to contribute to the development of a strategy and plan that provides a guide for ongoing leadership development. At the conclusion of the stage two workshops, the 25 participants will be assisted and facilitated to come up with a plan and guide for the ongoing development of leadership in the disabled community. This plan will be brought back to the original group at the final session, where it will be presented, discussed and further developed. The outcome will be a plan that guides the actions of those who are committed to work together, to make effective leadership a reality.

The forums are off to an exciting start. Hopefully the momentum will continue.

Ross Flood
Editor
rflood@cpsociety.org.nz