International Day of People with Disability: Meet Matt

“I'm a gamer and I had a brain injury when I was nine … and I’m a one-eyed Collingwood supporter.”

Matt can do a lot of things. He has finished almost every book in his book case alongside his support worker. He’s played most of the Lego Star Wars video games and is starting Ghostbusters soon. He can drink a whole can of soft drink at lightning speed. He watches horror movies without getting scared (even if his support worker does!) He’s a loving uncle to his niece and nephew. He loves visiting the local dog park and he knows a whole lot about Tibetan Spaniels.

Matt lives in one of Healthscope Independence Services’ community homes in the leafy east of Melbourne and he’s about to get a Tibetan Spaniel to be his every day companion. It’s very exciting stuff. Matt thinks his new dog Myles will be a great video gaming companion and if he’s lucky, he might even lie on the bed.

“They’re rather placid and they’re loyal. They’ve got a sense of humour too,” Matt says.

“I’ve been chatting to the breeders and the breeders eventually got sick of me chatting to them - so we had to look into getting a puppy.”

While Myles is a puppy and still learning his manners, he’ll visit but live with Matt’s Mum. When he’s finished crate training, Myles will come to the house to enjoy the backyard and a cosy spot in the lounge room at night.

We’ve supported Matt’s goal to get a companion dog, because our role is to encourage Matt to live life to the fullest, on Matt’s terms. That’s what we think International Day of People with Disability is all about. If that means more walks to the dog park and the occasional scary movie, we’re here for it.

Today we want to thank our brilliant clients, support workers, families and friends who help create our communities - where people of all abilities are encouraged to live vibrantly and visibly.

If you think you know someone who could benefit from a supportive community like Matt’s, we’re here for them too.