Rachel
What drives me to improve disability access in my community is knowing that even though can't solve all of my own problems, I can try to help other people solve theirs. It helps my mental health. Everyone would be able to enjoy their local community more if they're able to access everything.
The most memorable community project I was involved in was getting fully accessible changing places down by the beach. It’s the first fully accessible adult changing place in Whyalla and only the 2nd one in the whole of country SA.
It’s a full adult changing place that’s accessible to EVERYONE. In the past, the “accessible” changing place was only accessible to people who could get off their wheelchairs by themselves. If someone needed to use a hoist, or assistance from support workers, they wouldn’t be able to use the bathroom!
I didn’t realise this was an issue until someone in my community told me. I’ve learnt so much from the SKILL Facebook group for my local community. I’m really proud of how we’re working together to support each other and now I can help other people to speak up and have their say.
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Rachel was named Whyalla's 2023 Citizen of the Year for her work with improving disability access and services across the community. We are extremely grateful to have Rachel as part of our Purple Orange team and can’t wait to hear what she gets up to next. Learn more about Rachel’s involvement in her community and about the Changing Places project.