The City of Melville nominated Richard Hill (48) for the Count Us In Awards, presented in late November by the Disability Services Commission in conjunction with People With Disabilities WA Inc. The awards are to recognise and acknowledge efforts to create a more equitable and welcoming community for people with disability and showcase initiatives by State and local government, schools, businesses and individuals. This latest honour follows Richard receiving the City of Melville Community Hero Award in 2006.

At an early age Richard was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic, motor neuron disease characterised by wasting of the skeletal muscles, which, following several childhood years of using callipers for mobility, eventually led to him being confined to life in a wheelchair.

Richard is a voluntary Melville Cares board member, has been an active member of the City of Cockburn Disability Reference Group since 2005, and took part as a Living Book in the City of Melville Living Library Program in 2007. He has presented disability awareness training at Murdoch University, Rotary and Probus clubs, Youth Australia, Baptist Care, and Disability Services Commission Local Area Coordination training. He is also on the board of People with Disabilities and City of Melville Roadwise and Travel Smart Committee Inc.

Community Development Coordinator Veronica Clarke, who nominated Richard, said he tirelessly took up opportunities wherever possible to improve access to information and services for people with disabilities in a gentle, unassuming way. “Through his presence and great interpersonal skills, he breaks down stereotypes that some members of the community have towards people with disabilities and at the same time is a role model for others with disabilities,” she said. “The City of Melville has responded to many suggestions Richard has made over the years to improve access, from building signage, to venue accessibility, workshop format and the way information is presented.”

Richard said receiving the award was a great honour and recognition that his efforts were acknowledged by the wider community. “I spent nearly 40 years of my life enjoying ‘my world’,” he said. “I was the office manager living in the family house talking to people via phone and hiding my disability from the outside world. When my parents died I was left to look after ageing grandparents – I had to move from a position of being hidden to being relied on in the blink of an eye. I had a choice and chose to cut my own path (with my support workers) and found that doing it rather than thinking about it was rewarding and made people notice.”

Richard said his life had previously centred on his perception of what he could not do and saying ‘no’ rather than saying ‘yes’ and hence risking the opportunity to succeed or at least learn a lesson. “I think there are a lot of people who can benefit from knowing there are opportunities, in terms of technology, community awareness and government policy, which have never been as available as they are today,” he said. “Sometimes all it takes is to sit in the front of the room rather than sitting in the back row by the exit.”

Applecross Primary School was also nominated in ‘The Welcoming Communities Award for Schools’ category of the awards for its efforts in access and inclusion. The nomination was based on the school being seen as one that supported all children in a learning community and created opportunities for their life in the wider community. The nomination also stated the school aimed to increase educational opportunities by providing the support and resources necessary to overcome barriers in a way that was flexible and responsive to each student.