Disability Employment Advocate, Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment (ADDE)
Martin’s fighting spirit literally started when he was born as one of a twin, contracted pneumonia and was not expected to live. In his adult life he has been campaigning on issues such as electric shock treatment, accessible public transport and any social exclusion area where people with a disability were not given a fair go.
Martin has been involved with many community groups including, Disability Resource Centre, National Federation of Blind Citizens and Yarra Ranges Council. He has worked in various roles including Conciliation Officer and Industrial Relations Officer for the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, Consumer Advocate at West Raid, Western Regional accommodation for intellectually disadvantaged and President of Blind Worker’s Union (Victoria) before it was disbanded.
Even after his accident in 2001 where he lost his right arm and leg, he continued to play cricket and was elected as the President of the Victorian Blind Cricket Association.
Session
Working for change
Tuesday 5th August, 2014: 1:30am - 2:30am
This session examines the issues that make it difficult for people with a disability to access employment. Geoff Crawford, the Operations Manager at Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment (ADDE), asks the panelists, who all have the lived experience of disability, to expand on what can be done to address legal and attitudinal barriers to greater employment participation.