Being born with cerebral palsy and developing vision problems hasn't stopped Paul Stone from living life to the max.
Mr Stone has practiced and taught martial arts for 20 years, volunteered for St John Ambulance for 18 years, is a volunteer firefighter with Winmalee RFS brigade, works as an instructor with Sports Medicine Australia and is currently studying remedial massage.
His positive outlook on life and passion for inclusiveness led to his nomination and selection as one of only 19 ambassadors - and the only one from the Blue Mountains - for this year's Don't DIS my ABILITY campaign which began last month and concludes today, the International Day of People with Disability.
Last Friday Mr Stone, 43, travelled to Epping YMCA's gymnasium as part of the campaign with four other ambassadors to talk to young people about inclusiveness and also participate in martial arts demonstrations.
The YMCA was chosen as the venue as a way of highlighting its role as a workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness.
The Lower Mountains resident - who has a detached retina in one eye and impaired vision - told the Gazette he hopes to use his role to promote inclusiveness for people with all types of disability, particularly in the areas of recreation, sport and life in general.
"Awareness amongst the public is improving but there is a lot more room for people to understand that having a disability doesn't mean you can't do stuff," Mr Stone said.
"I became interested in martial arts because it was good for my health and I ended up getting a brown belt and then learning kung foo, krav maga and Brazilian jiu jitsu.
"Just as everyone has their limits, it is about working out what you can do and what you can't do.
"The biggest thing for me to work around is when I go places I've got to plan my transport because I can't drive.
"And that can play a big factor in getting a job because many jobs require people to hold a driver's licence.
"I think more education in schools would be a good thing to spread the message about the need for more inclusiveness for people with disability.
"And while I think community groups are doing their bit, I'd like to see more politicians out there getting involved.
"When this campaign ends this week I will continue to advocate [in a personal capacity] for people with disability - I don't intend to stop campaigning."
Don't DIS my ABILITY spokesperson Jim Longley - the deputy secretary of Ageing, Disability and Home Care from the Department of Family and Community Services - said the campaign is about encouraging and challenging the public to re-think the way they engage with people with disability.
"Paul is a positive role model and a shining example of people with disability achieving their goals and making a contribution to their community," Mr Longley said.
"He is passionate about educating the community about disability and reducing negative stereotypes.
"I have no doubt that Paul will help bring the campaign messages to life.
"I congratulate him for being selected as a Don't DIS my ABILITY ambassador."
The themes of this year's campaign are 'building our workforce' and 'raising inclusive children'.
For more information, visit www.dontdismyability.com.au.
