Hopes for Disability Week

Life hasn’t always been easy for Jason Nicol and Blake Lombardo but they are determined to ensure universal acceptance for others.

Mr Nicol, 25, and Mr Lombardo, 20, were both born with an intellectual disability and this week, as the Albany community celebrates Disability Awareness Week, they hope to increase understanding for people of all abilities.

“(I hope) They realise that in the past I should not have picked on that person with disability I should have helped them out in life,” Mr Nicol said. “I hope (it) will make people think.

“(That) I should be more polite, friendly and if they are stuck in need I should be going to help them out.

“(People) will realise it is more harder for us than what it is for everyone else.”

Mr Nicol and Mr Lombardo said school was difficult with some peers not understanding the challenges they faced.

But Mr Nicol said it had made him more determined to enjoy his life.

“I wake up and it’s just another day, I know I’ve got a disability (and) it’s a challenge,” Mr Nicol said.

The pair are employed by Activ. Mr Nicol hopes to one day complete a mechanic apprenticeship.