PERSON WITH A DISABILITY MAKES AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY!

16 April 2010

Arts Access Victoria is thrilled with the announcement from Dignity for Disability that 21 year old artist and Person with a disability Kelly Vincent has won an Upper House seat, the first person who uses a wheelchair to be elected into the South Australian Parliament and the first Austrlian Parliamentarian to be elected on a disability platform!

Kelly, a dynamic and articulate young person, is a playwright who has worked with No Strings Attached Theatre Company in Adelaide.

We wish Kelly much success and look forward seeing her make her mark on the SA Legislative Council. Her first job of course will be to assist parliament to make itself accessible for its newest member of parliament!

You can read the official media release from Dignity for Disability Inc below -

MEDIA RELEASE FROM DIGNITY FOR DISABILITY

Kelly Vincent, Dignity for Disability, has earned the 11th and final Legislative Council seat in the South Australian 2010 State election. The Dignity for Disability candidate has made Australian Parliamentary History:

• Youngest elected Upper House Parliamentarian in Australia’s history
• Youngest female elected to any Parliament in Australia’s history
• First person who uses a wheelchair elected into South Australian Parliament
• First Australian Parliamentarian elected on a disability platform

“South Australians have shouted their intentions loud and clear” said Ms Vincent. “People with disabilities, and those who love them, will no longer be silenced. I will be a voice for those without a voice”.

“Dignity for Disability congratulates Kelly on her election and we look forward to working alongside her and representatives from a broad spectrum of disability related organisations” said Dignity for Disability President Rick Neagle. “Dignity for Disability aims to provide Dignity through Choice, and Kelly’s election is our first step in bringing the often disconnected disability community together to effect real changes for people living with disabilities.”

Ms Vincent may face many challenges, but she will be meeting them head-on, and her election has ensured a voice for all South Australians living with disability, and their carers.

…….

Dignity for Disability Inc (d4d) is the political party for those who believe in ‘a fair go’ for everyone. We are a human rights based organisation that aims at ensuring representation in Parliament for people with disabilities. With strong leadership, and by bringing the often fractured disability community together, we can bring about real change. Our goal is to ensure Dignity Through Choice.

More information, and the opportunity to join the party can be found on the web at www.d4d.com.au