Disability advocate leads the way for change in Caboolture

After years of bullying and discrimination, Cody Skinner is using his experiences to advocate for people with disability as the National Disability Insurances Scheme rolls out.

Caboolture disability advocate Cody Skinner has overcome a life of discrimination to help others.

Cody Skinner has been bullied and discriminated against his whole life.

But the disability advocate has a saying he uses to empower himself — ‘ability rather than disability’.

The 28-year-old, who was born deaf and lives with autism spectrum disorder, was one of the guest speakers at the two-day forum Changing Lives, Changing Communities in Caboolture late last year.

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More than 70 people came together to discuss inclusiveness and the region’s support services ahead of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which began on January 1.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data said Moreton Bay north had 58,300 people with disability (26.6 per cent of its population) in 2015.

Mr Skinner is still waiting on approval for his NDIS plan, but is buoyed by what it can do for people with disability in Caboolture.

“I am excited to see how NDIS will improve the needs and better life for those living with a disability,” he said. “I believe NDIS will help locals have more control about their life and have a voice. I believe that people with disability deserve a better life and a bright future.

“This what I am passionate about in my advocacy work.”

Mr Skinner said he has been hospitalised for mental health issues as a result of bullying he’s received about his disabilities.

“It affected me and caused me to have anxiety and depression. I was hospitalised in the past because of this, but I have recovered from mental illness,” he said.

“We need to include and acknowledge people with disability into the community. We are all equal.”

One of Mr Skinner’s ideas for greater inclusiveness is to teach all Australians Auslan (sign language). He plans to start classes in February.