Share Your Story calendar profiles people with a disability

A national athletics record holder, student parliamentarian, aspiring ballerina, students, parents and children are just some of the people you can read about in the 2007 Disability Services Queensland Share Your Story calendar.

Among them is Janelle Colquhoun and Bart Brameijer, a Keperra couple who share their story in the calendar, released today as part of celebrations leading up to International Day of People with a Disability on 3 December.

Janelle and Bart are helping to ensure Queenslanders have a better understanding and personal insight into their experience of disability.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt congratulated Janelle on her moving story, one of 13 featured in the 2007 Disability Services Queensland calendar.

“Their story takes us on a personal journey into their world and gives us a unique perspective on life with a disability and caring for a person with a disability.

“This free calendar is a wonderful way of showcasing a Queensland community that is comprised of people with different personalities, interests and abilities.”

The 13 successful calendar entries were chosen from more than 120 submissions received this year, as part of the popular Share Your Story initiative.

“Stories featured in the 2006 calendar touched the hearts and minds of many Queenslanders. I am confident the stories in the 2007 Share Your Story calendar will have the same appeal,” Mr Pitt said.

“I was tremendously impressed by their positive attitude and their ability to help others discover basic principles and approaches that can be used in everyday life,” he said.

“Their stories highlight the fact that people with a disability are important members of the Queensland community.

“Publishing these stories is another way to help build a more welcoming, supportive and inclusive community.”

To request a copy of the 2007 Share Your Story calendar, contact Disability Services Queensland’s Brisbane Office on 3109 7007, your nearest QGAP office, local library or ABC Radio regional office.

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280