“Being born with cerebral palsy has never discouraged me. I have never known any difference. I love and enjoy my life and try to live it to the full.” Maria
The Early Years
Lindsay and his parents moved from Perth as a child to access services at the Spastic Centre in Mosman, now known as Cerebral Palsy Alliance, which weren’t available to him in WA.
“I still remember our interview with Mrs McLeod, the founder. I was very apprehensive about what lay ahead, but she won me over when she told me they had ice cream for lunch every Monday,” recalls Lindsay.
Maria also attended the Spastic Centre in Mosman, fondly recalling early years of attending school for half a day and the other half was spent in physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy.
“It was a wonderful place where we felt totally supported,” Maria says. “Being surrounded by other children with cerebral palsy created a sense of belonging and encouragement.”
After completing school, in 1975 both Maria and Lindsay worked at Centre Industries which Neil McLeod, the founder of the Spastic Centre, had opened. Lindsay recalled,
Centre Industries made parts for telecommunications, and Occupational Therapists designed machinery so that people with severe disabilities could work there. It was groundbreaking and inclusive, made up of 800 employees – half able bodied and half with disabilities.”
It was here that the couple’s paths crossed in a significant way. “Lindsay was actually my boss,” Maria laughs. “That’s how we met, and the rest is history. Now I’m the boss!”
A Life of Adventure and Fulfillment
Maria and Lindsay pursued their interests in sailing with Sailability, adventure and exploring the world when they were independent. They competed at state, national and international level, winning medals in sailing in Japan, France and Italy. Maria has been a keynote speaker at a conference in Hong Kong, they’ve climbed Australia’s highest mountain, mount Kosciusko, and sky dived (indoors). They left no stone unturned; having visited a total of 8 countries, spanning all 4 continents!
“Travel has been such a meaningful part of our lives,” says Maria. “It’s allowed us to experience different cultures and meet so many wonderful people.”
When asked about their favorite destinations, Maria’s answer was “I love London, I am an avid fan of the Royal family and a lover of live theatre, so to enjoy a tour inside Buckingham Palace and attend a performance of Les Miserable in the West End was simply a dream come true.”
“We even had seats in the Royal Box – I think because it was the only place they could fit two wheelchairs!” recalls Maria, who also noted how inclusive the city felt with its wheelchair accessible black cabs.
Lindsay’s favourite city is Rome. He enjoyed visiting the ancient ruins of the
Colosseum and ‘wheeling’ in other ancient sites.
Champions of Advocacy
Maria and Lindsay are dedicated advocates for disability inclusion and accessibility. Through their efforts and work with CPActive, CPA’s advocacy community, they aim to raise awareness and create a totally inclusive society.
“Advocacy is about ensuring our voices are part of the conversation,” Lindsay explains. “It’s about working for meaningful change, for everyone.”
Maria’s advocacy extends to her writing. Her second book, The Intrepid Wheelies, reflects on their adventures. “Writing this book was a way to share our experiences and hopefully inspire others to see what’s possible,” Maria says.
Reflections on what’s changed
So much has changed in Maria and Lindsay’s lifetime – from inclusion to technology. “Being part of Cerebral Palsy Alliance has been such a positive force in our lives,” says Lindsay. Maria adds, “It’s been amazing to see the progress over the past 80 years. The Alliance’s commitment to inclusion and support is something we deeply value.”
“As people with cerebral palsy we are no longer hidden away, where many of us never interacted with anyone except family and maybe a few friends, we are now recognised and accepted in society as PEOPLE first who happen to have cerebral palsy,” says Maria.
It’s my mission as a woman with cerebral palsy to educate the public about cerebral palsy and ensuring our individuality and right to be heard.”
“Today, it’s impossible to imagine life without technology. I’ve got the world at my fingertips. If Maria and I decide to order pizza for tea, we can’t ring and order because our speech is too difficult to understand, so we hop on the computer and order online, said Lindsay.”
Looking Ahead
When reflecting on their hopes for the future, Maria and Lindsay are clear about their priorities. “We want to see a world where accessibility and inclusion are standard,” Maria says.
“Society has come a long way towards the inclusion of people with disabilities but there’s still much more to do. I look forward to a time where vacant jobs are advertised to include people with disabilities, a time when airlines will allow passengers to travel sitting in their wheelchairs and toilets on planes are wheelchair accessible, a time when there are no more barriers faced by people with disabilities,” added Lindsay.
Maria and Lindsay’s jet-setting days are less frequent now they require a higher level of support, but life is still full of possibilities. They’re looking forward to cruising New Zealand and enjoying a leisurely sail with their club, Sailability Pittwater at Bayview.
Find out more about Maria and Lindsay’s travel tales and what’s possible for people with disabilities in Maria’s book “Intrepid Wheelies” available on Ebay, Facebook Marketplace or email: mdalmon@hotmail.com
“I am blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life who have supported me to live the best life possible.” Maria
