Bridgeman Downs man keeps his sense of humour after accident

Robert Spencer likes to watch people’s faces when he tells them he’s a champion hurdler.

The Bridgeman Downs man has a wicked sense of humour, which he brings to his volunteer work with the Spinal Injuries Association.

Robert is one of a team of SEAT at WORK presenters who visit businesses across the state, telling their own stories about living with paraplegia or quadriplegia.

This Sunday marks the beginning of Disability Action Week (5-11 September), which embraces difference and diversity in the community.

During Robert’s presentations, he teaches employees how to communicate with customers who have a physical disability. He also encourages workers to protect their safety.

“Fail to do that and you could find yourself in a wheelchair,” he said.

Energex apprentices, Watpac construction workers and TNT employees have all been motivated by Robert’s story.

“They see us and they know we’re just like them,” Robert said. “They realise, if this can happen to us, it can happen to them.

“Everyone says goodbye to their family every morning and expects to come home nice and safe, not in a wheelchair.”

The football player certainly never expected to wake up with paraplegia 34 years ago.

The ex-Norths Rugby League team lock broke his neck during a tackle, two days before his 18th birthday.

Robert is serious about spreading the messages of the Spinal Injuries Association: Don’t cut corners with health and safety at work, don’t text or drink if you are driving and always check the depth of water before diving.

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said the SEAT at WORK program was largely focused on injury prevention and ideal for people who work in at-risk professions such as the construction, mining, building, utilities and transport sectors.

“It also raises disability awareness, showcasing how best to communicate with someone who has a disability to ensure they remain a valued customer or client,” Mark said.

“Of those who sustain a work-related spinal cord injury, up to 70 percent never return to work.

“A SEAT at WORK presentation could potentially save somebody from a lifelong physical disability.”

To book a SEAT at WORK presention, please visit www.spinal.com.au or email seat@spinal.com.au.

Issued 1 September.