Mr Speaker, I recently visited with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in St Ives, in my electorate of Bradfield.  

The Alliances hosts an awesome group of highly valued people in our community.   

In a minute I read a statement from one of the clients there.  

Firstly, I wanted to say to that I have and had family members living with CP.  

And despite what so many in our communities may think as a disability or disabling condition – I would stridently argue, that it’s our communities that are disabling.  

People living with CP could much more easily participate in communities and its spaces if provided physical access and emotional safety.   

Physical access – such as smoother footpaths and longer traffic light periods for people wishing to cross safely at the lights using wheelchairs.  

And emotional safety is something that so many in broader society need to understand.  

• When speaking, to someone with CP, it’s important to address the person and not the carer.  

• It’s important that our shopping centres offer a quiet space from the noise, lights, busyness.  

That’s why when I visited the St Ives branch,  Magsy Karvouniaris, a client of the Alliance, I was thrilled when she shared with me her perspectives of living with Cerebral palsy.   

Here’s what Magsy said:  

Cerebral palsy isn't about limitations - it's a SUPERPOWER.  

It’s a source of unique strength, courage and resilience that inspires me every day.  

Cerebral palsy is a condition that gently shapes how a person moves and experiences the world.  

lt comes from a difference in the brain that happens early on in life but does not define the beautiful and amazing spirit inside the person.  

With love and support this superpower helps me shine in my own special way and reminds me that being different is something to celebrate.” 

I was moved and inspired by Magsy and all the other clients of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.  

I congratulate the Alliance on its incredible work, and thank them for inviting me to their centre.