| “When your body lets you down, work on your mind and you will come out on top” is the philosophy of Melanie Sloan. Melanie was the winner of the Attitude ACC Supreme Award, which was held last night (Wednesday 1st December), at Eden Park’s ASB Lounge.
Once again the Attitude Awards was a very uplifting night, where people freely told their stories of achievement, via paying no heed to their disability and defying self appointed experts, who dismissed their pleas to contribute. Melanie is a fine example of achieving against the odds. From the beginning of her life this 29 year old from Oamaru accepted her disability of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and just got on with making her ambitions a reality. Now days her job description is a primary school teacher but she is much more than that. At Oamaru’s St Josephs School, where she is part of senior management, she is in charge of teaching Maori, co-director of school productions, heads the Health promotion team and coaches Mini-ball, Basketball, Softball and T-ball. |
"Don McKenzie, Hall of Fame inductee"
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Melanie was in excellent company as Don McKenzie was inducted into the Attitude Hall of Fame. Don is truly a pioneer. He received mainstream education at Auckland Grammar before the term was invented and studied physio in London. When studies were completed he came back home and set up a practice in Manurewa. Outside of his practice he helped set up the “Disabled Persons Assembly” and has been an advocate for the Blind Foundation for the past 50 years. He is now an Auckland City councillor representing Waiheke Island.
A nice touch on the night was the appearance of “Chance”, a graduate from Mobility Dogs, who teamed up with Master of Ceremonies, Simon Dallow, as each award was handed out. The Cerebral Palsy Society supports Mobility Dogs who are trained to provide functional assistance with everyday tasks like retrieving dropped items and opening doors.
"Judge Barry de Geest" |
"Supreme winner Melanie Sloan" |
I had the privilege of being appointed a judge for this year’s awards. It was an impossible task as I sat at my desk, reading “Attitude” nomination forms and becoming increasingly light headed at the skills and capabilities that demanded my attention. I could say everyone was a winner but that corn would be hard to swallow. Let’s just say there was deserving winners on the night, however all nominees are contributing to their society and breaking down barriers. Thanks for the opportunity of having a glimpse of an exciting future where, hopefully, capabilities rather than disabilities rule supreme.
Ross Flood rflood@cpsociety.org.nz |
