A prominent advocate for people with disability, Mark Hunter, will be part of this year’s celebrations in the Northern Territory to mark the International Day of People with Disability.
Hosted by Charles Darwin University, the National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) program targets barriers that people with disability face in gaining access to and successfully completing post-school education and training.
Mr Hunter, who is the 2009 World Champion of Public Speaking, will give an address at the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs on 3 December and at the Darwin Convention Centre, on 7 December.
He will provide a valuable insight into his own experiences overcoming discrimination and barriers in the workplace, along with information about financial assistance available to employers for workplace modifications and adjustments.
More than 30 years ago Mr Hunter had a water skiing accident, which left him with a physical disability. At the time of his accident he was working as a primary school teacher and his disability made it difficult for him to return to work.
The difficulty arose not from his thinking, but from the thinking of others who believed he was unable to teach in a regular classroom. He had to fight for his right to teach again. It was a fight he eventually won, becoming the first teacher in Queensland to teach primary school children while using a wheelchair.
CDU is committed to providing an accessible, supportive, safe and inclusive learning environment for students with disability. The CDU Office of Support and Equity provides services to students with disability, counselling services, International student support, student complaints and grievances, and information in relation to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
For more information about Mr Hunter’s addresses or to register contact: events@chambernt.com.au or Narelle Higginson (NDCO) on 8946 6288
The National Disability Coordination Officer Program presents Mark Hunter in partnership with Chamber of Commerce NT, Toastmasters International and the Office of Disability (Alice Springs).