With the right support, "people have the capacity to have an extraordinary life" - and that was evident at the Links for Life Disability Expo today.
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The event was packed with people looking to learn about the products and services they could tap into for independence and fulfilment.
Expo committee president Danielle Northey said it had been "really well-supported and -attended" with "lots of connections made".
Connections with friends, family, employers and society were also a theme when three men shared their success stories during the official opening.
Ben Plevey spoke of his experiences of working while managing mental illness.
"Getting the right qualifications and approaching employers by yourself is daunting when you have a mental illness ... I had to deal with a lot of rejection," Mr Plevey said.
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Creating a balance between his work and health took "a lot of persistence" and "lots of small steps".
With a great GP, "understanding and helpful" support from BEST Employment, and "really good employers who are beautiful people", Mr Plevey said he'd found success.
"Because I've worked even when it was hard, I have things like a car, a nice unit to live in," he said.
"Life's still a struggle, but I'm able to look at how far I've come, what I've been through and where I am now; and I'm happy to say that, with thanks to the people that support me ... I'm doing really well and I'm happy."
Mr Fenner introduced himself and gave a slideshow of recent life highlights, with Northcott's support, including a Sydney holiday, a charity headshave and social outings.
There was also a slideshow from Northcott participant Aaron Hemmings, who has been enjoying good deeds, bike rides and cooking.
Holiday options
Among the exhibitors was the Gunnedah-based Ability Care and Holiday Options, there for the first time after being established about 18 months ago.
Director Raelene Sciberras said she'd worked in the disability sector for 35 years, and had seen "people needed help in the community, but they also wanted to go on holidays and they needed that support".
Using NDIS funding under the community participation and daily activities budget, Mrs Sciberras said clients could enjoy a trip such as a holiday or a visit to family.
Support could include planning, transport and personal care.
One recent example was a client who had taken a week-long cruise to Moreton Island; she is non-verbal and had one-on-one support during the trip.
"We have a ball," Mrs Sciberras said.