Challenging morning gives prominent Townsville leaders a better understanding of using a wheelchair

Today seven local civic leaders will visit a coffee shop, use an ATM, get groceries, catch a taxi or bus and use a public toilet.

But, there’s a twist….

….. these ordinary activities will take on special significance as they will be using a wheelchair to carry out these tasks as part of the Spinal Injuries Association’s inaugural Take My Seat event!

The enthusiastic participants – Matthew Lupi, Regional Executive Director, North Queensland Region, Department of Communities; Brian Edmond, Lawyer, Slater & Gordon; Mandy Johnstone, State Member for Townsville; Peter Jourdain, CEO, North Queensland Toyota Cowboys; Deputy Mayor David Crisafulli; Brian Arnold, CEO, North Queensland Small Business Development Centre; and Tracy Davis, Queensland Shadow Minister for Child Safety, Disability Services and Mental Health – will be partnered with a member of the Spinal Injuries Association, who has either quadriplegia or paraplegia, and navigate Flinders Street Mall for the morning.

Spinal Injuries Association North Queensland Manager Cathy Lengyel said Take My Seat was an important and enjoyable way to raise awareness during 2011 Disability Action Week (18-24 September).

“Our amazing group of volunteer participants will spend three hours with an Association member to gain a real insight into what it’s like to use a wheelchair and have a physical disability,” Cathy said.

“Some of the things they will notice will be how a damaged footpath or entrance to a shop can mean they can’t access where they want to go; they’ll note the way some people may look at them or speak to them; and they may realise how physically taxing it is to stay seated for long periods of time.”

Cathy said as well as gaining this first-hand knowledge, the seven participants are also fundraising for the Spinal Injuries Association, with all funds raised buying vital equipment for people who have spinal cord injuries.

Department of Communities’ Matthew Lupi, who has a team of 650 staff throughout North Queensland, has wholeheartedly embraced the event and has decided to use a wheelchair from the moment he wakes up on Tuesday until he goes to bed that evening.

“I see Take My Seat as an opportunity to better appreciate what life is like with a permanent physical disability,” Matthew said.

“As a civic leader and Director of a human services department, it’s extremely important that I fully understand the issues faced by people in our region.

“It’s also going to give me a great understanding on the impact of having a spinal injury on your family. I am sure that it will be tough for my wife and kids also. It is easy to focus just on the impact for the person who sustained the injury but it affects the whole family unit.”

Matthew said he had already thought of 100 ways that using a wheelchair would impact on his daily routine.

“From shaving in the bathroom to reaching for the breakfast cereal, Take My Seat is going to be an enormous eye opener in terms of how different life is for people who use wheelchairs,” he said.

As a personal injury compensation lawyer, Brian Edmond often represents people who have a spinal cord injury.

“Spinal cord injuries are amongst the most serious consequences of injuries that can occur in the workplace or on the road,” Brian said.

“One of the ways we can increase awareness about the challenges faced by people who have spinal cord injuries is by experiencing it for ourselves – and getting out there and talking about it.

“I’m confident that I will come out of the experience knowing a thing or two more about the courage and challenges that people with spinal cord injuries face in their daily lives.”

State Member for Townsville Mandy Johnstone said as well as gaining an insight into the challenges faced by people with disabilities, she said the experience would give her a valuable snapshot of how Government policy affects individuals who have a physical disability.

“I want to use this event as a way of gaining firsthand information which will help me inform and drive government policy, in the hope of making our community as accessible as it can be,” Ms Johnstone said.

“People of all abilities can offer something to the community and I want to do my bit to ensure they’re given every opportunity.”

North Queensland Cowboys CEO Peter Jourdain said a spinal cord injury could happen to anyone at anytime.

“Even though this is only one morning, I’m sure that it will provide an insight into the challenges some members of our community face each day,” he said.

“As an employer of young men in the most affected age group who play high contact sport, I am pleased to be involved in raising awareness of spinal cord injuries during Disability Action Week and the great work done by the Spinal Injuries Association.”

Acting Mayor David Crisafulli is looking forward to spending the day in someone else’s shoes.

“I’m certain there will be many fantastic outcomes from participating in Take My Seat – some I’m sure I haven’t even thought of yet,” he said.

Queensland Shadow Minister for Child Safety, Disability Services and Mental Health Tracy Davis was already in town on business today and was so enthused about the concept of Take My Seat that she decided to take part!

“Take My Seat will be a valuable opportunity for me to experience and reflect on the complexities and challenges faced by people with a physical disability,” Ms Davis said.

“What’s more, being partnered with someone who negotiates these difficulties each day of their life will offer some very important insights.”

Brian Arnold said he had a family member who used a wheelchair.

“I spend a lot of time as what I refer to as a ‘co-pilot’ so I’m very aware of the issues people face, but it will be great to experience it first hand,” he said.

Issued 20 September 2011.