International Day of People with Disability is this week and the Kempsey Shire is celebrating, including Rodney.
Rodney is a proud Dunghutti man. With a little help from his sister, Rodney gives us his perspective on living locally with an intellectual disability and autism. He also shares what he loves about life and what he hopes for the future.
What do you love about Kempsey?
Kempsey has many spots where I can go driving to explore our beaches and the river. I love Kempsey because it’s where I feel connected to my family and country.
What are the small things that bring you joy each day?
Going for drives in the car, spending time with our family and my support workers.
What do you wish people knew better about your disability?
I sometimes have a hard time communicating with others and sometimes this makes me agitated and cranky. I am also very loving, helpful and caring.
I express my emotions and feelings in a different way to others. Once people get to know me, they think I’m cheeky and quirky. I really love to joke around and have a laugh.
What do you like to do and where do you like to go in the Macleay valley?
I like driving and exploring and meeting new people. When I meet people, I like getting to know them and want them to get to know me better.
Where is somewhere you’d like to go but can’t right now?
A local day program where I can go to and meet others and connect socially is something I’d like to do.
What is something you like to do that is accessible?
Most days I like to use the public sports oval to play basketball, soccer and footy with my family, friends, and support workers.
How can we create a community where we can better understand each other?
Learn more about a person’s disability so you can understand them better. We need to be patient and show kindness, respect, and compassion for each other.
What would help you live your best life?
I would love to have the opportunity to be more social and participate in the community more. Meeting other people my age who also have a disability who enjoy things I like doing would also be great.
Everyone is invited to come along to the free Big Day Out event at Riverside Park on Friday 2 December from 10am – 2pm.
