My name is Korey, and I have cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, depression and anxiety. I live in the Blue Mountains, NSW, with my partner. I am currently studying natural science part-time at the University of Western Sydney.

Having being born with cerebral palsy and about the age of 7 being diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, I have not known a life without disability and being impacted from physical pain. Despite my current declining health I consider myself fortunate that things could be a lot worse, because of intense physical and speech therapy I had as a young child the manifestation and effects of cerebral palsy on my body was limited.

Growing up as a child in the school system in Brisbane’s north was a challenge as a result of my disability. I was physically limited in participating in school sporting activities, and when I did participate I was often verbally and physically bullied from other students because of my gait and being uncoordinated. I had limited success academically at school, because I had poor concentration and memory impairment, chronic pain and fatigue, poor social skills, and I was frequently physically unwell, however, I did complete senior high school. Fortunately, I did develop some supportive friends and I did well at inter-school chess. Outside of the school environment I enjoyed some friendships and I revelled in playing lawn bowls at my local club in Deception Bay. I enjoyed the competition playing lawn bowls, and I had success at a club, local, regional, and also at interstate disability competition.

After high school, I went on to a variety of different jobs including admin, and hospitality work that involved a short stint at Hamilton Island and at a copper and uranium mine at Roxby Downs. In my early 20s I decided with a group of friends to take off from Brisbane to Adelaide for a change of scenery, however, I did not stay there long and headed off to Sydney to get work and stayed with my sister for awhile. Once I had a job in Sydney, I ended up in supported accommodation for people with physical disabilities and which was run by Northcott Society. I considered myself fortunate to stay in this accommodation for a number of years as I developed good friendships with fellow tenants, and it provided a stepping board for my life at university, and for later life outside the house.

Prior to university study I became self-employed as a massage therapist which I did part-time. I had some success with this, enjoying the challenge of the job and assisting people to achieve relaxation and healing. However, I had to give this career away as my physical health worsened. Once I gave away massage therapy, I studied at the University of Sydney, studying a double Bachelor of Arts, in which I majored in sociology, and social work studies. I completed my Arts degree, but was unable to finish my social work studies, as I found the course requirements too demanding. I then transferred to the University of Western Sydney to study natural science, where I am studying a major in nature conservation. I find the university very helpful in providing help through their disability service, in terms of academic assistance and practical support, such as being given a motorised scooter for use on campus. Once I graduate I hope to find some work in the field which I could cope with physically, but in which I could enjoy intellectually, in the hope I could contribute to making some meaningful change in society.

I continue to struggle with my health, such as with chronic pain and fatigue, and I get more and more prescription pills as time goes on to try and combat my day-to-day symptoms. I also feel the depression and anxiety disorder in which I have, stems from a life of struggles with my health and trying to adapt to society. However, I feel I am blessed in life to be in a very loving and caring relationship with my girlfriend, in which we have been together for about 5 years, and I feel she is very supportive and understanding towards the state of my disabilities.