5 October 2018
MEDIA RELEASE
Rio Paralympic T42 Gold Medallist sprinter Scott Reardon wants to encourage Wollongong employers to see abilities, not disabilities.
In a free talk in Wollongong on Thursday, Scott will tell his personal story of having his leg amputated at the age of 12 in a farming accident at his home in country NSW. In addition to the
physical setbacks, the talented sportsman experienced mental health challenges.
“When I lost the lower half of my leg, my visions of representing Australia seemed to be destroyed in the blink of an eye. I had to make a choice, hide from the world or take it as a challenge and attack it head on.”
Now with two water skiing world championships under his belt, the Paralympic medal plus a Medal of the Order of Australia, Scott is also the Disability Employment Services Ambassador for
Sureway Employment and Training.
Scott says Australians with a disability are around twice as likely to be unemployed as those without a disability, and he hopes his story will show employers what is possible when you give an
opportunity to someone with a disability.
“Employing someone with a disability has a large flow-on effect, and has the power to make communities better as a whole,” Scott said. “It gives someone with a disability meaning and
purpose in life, and an opportunity that will change the lives of families and those around them.”
Scott is on a mission to help as many people as possible find meaningful employment, and hopes his story will encourage people with disabilities to seek out opportunities.
“I want to show job-seekers how to look for an opportunity and then take it with both hands. Whatever role you’re in, to make a difference is so fulfilling.”
“Every human deserves a chance, and I hope I can shine the light on the huge abilities that people with disabilities have. The stigma that surrounds someone with a disability is a limitation, but once it’s overcome, the possibilities are endless.”
Scott will give a free talk for people with disabilities, their carers, potential employers and the general public, at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, Thursday 11 October 12-2pm. Phone 1300 SUREWAY for information.
Media Opportunity:
Thursday 11 October, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Scott Reardon is available for interview and photographs
Media enquiries: Natalie Foxon, Foxed PR, 0414 550 278
