Queensland volunteers inspire 1.2 million children with vital safety messages

Each year in Queensland 90 people sustain a devastating spinal cord injury – that’s one person almost every four days. But, a team of 14 dedicated men and women who make up the inspirational Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) are dedicated to preventing injuries and educating Queensland children on how to stay safe.

These presenters, who are all volunteers, either have quadriplegia or paraplegia, and they share their personal stories and safety messages with the aim of preventing future spinal cord injuries.

Last year in the week before Schoolies Week, SEAT presenters spoke to 6,000 students and 14,000 during November. This year the presenters are expecting similar numbers, especially with Spinal Injuries Awareness Week being commemorated from 9 – 15 November.

Brisbane-based SEAT presenter Wayne Leo has been with SEAT since the program started in 1987. He has spoken to more than 225,000 children in that time, and he does it because he says if it prevents just one child from a lifetime using a wheelchair, than all the hours of speaking are worth it.

In the past 21 years, more than 1.2 million children have viewed the SEAT program, with several presenters now sharing their message to workplaces such as construction sites.

Gold Coast presenter James Sprenger is another enthusiastic SEAT member who joined the team this year.

“SEAT has allowed me to share my story of going from being a 23-year-old trainee golf professional, to spending months in the hospital rehabilitating after I damaged my spinal cord during an accident that could have been avoided,” James said.

“I tell the kids to use common sense and think about the consequences before they try something dangerous like diving without checking the depth of the water or landing a tricky jump on their bike.

“I tell them, don’t live in bubble wrap but just take care of yourself, because you’re not bulletproof.”

Other SEAT presenters include Cairns resident Nita Carling and Rockhampton’s Sandi Small, both mothers and dedicated volunteers who sustained their spinal cord injuries in accidents that could have been avoided.

Each presenter has their own amazing story to share, and in doing so, they also raise awareness of people with a disability as a SEAT presentation is often the first time the children have seen someone using a wheelchair.

“I talk about how I go out with my friends to sing karaoke and dance, and I show them how I get into my car and drive,” said SEAT presenter Wayne Horkings.

“Children are fascinated to learn that we do and enjoy all of the same things that they do, and they’re never afraid to ask lots of questions.”

SEAT is a service of the Spinal Injuries Association, a not-for-profit organisation that began in 1960.

NOTE: If you would like to attend a SEAT visit in a particular location, a presentation can be organised.

14 October 2008.