Disabilities in media image of inspiration

Last week I was honoured to speak, and present a special scholarship, at the 2012 Attitude Awards in Auckland.

This Gala Awards Night celebrates the achievements and recognises the diversity of those with disabilities. These awards also raise awareness about disability issues and create a new norm by putting focus on the achievements and triumphs of the one in five New Zealanders who live with a disability.

The inaugural Attitudes Awards Trust Communications Scholarship is an exciting example of collaboration.

The scholarship at the AUT pays fees and provides work experience with television company Attitudes Pictures with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of people with disabilities in media and communications professions.

Olivia Shivas has muscular dystrophy and is the first recipient of this scholarship.

Her pathway of constant achievement is an example to us all.

People with disabilities are not well represented in mainstream media but this scholarship will not only help increase the number of disabled people who are visible in the media but will also challenge any negative attitudes and behaviours that may still persist.

Without a doubt Olivia is a bright young star. She has demonstrated leadership and success in her schooling. She is a Queens Award recipient, a StarJam Jambassador and now a student of the Bachelor of Communication studies at AUT.

But there is one story about Olivia that I think really makes her shine. Earlier this year, in her role in the Velvet Vocals - a workshop run by StarJam, she came up with a big idea. All the girls in the Velvet Vocals listen to Taylor Swift and love to sing her songs. So when Olivia found out the superstar herself was coming to town, she made a plan. She filmed a video of the group, edited it, and sent it off to Taylor Swift's managers. After many weeks they received a reply: Miss Swift would like to meet the Velvet Vocals in person.

Olivia's words told me everything about having the right attitude.

"Having a disability, I sometimes become so used to being the one that needs help. Whether it's reaching something on a high shelf or getting help to push myself up a steel hill. And sometimes I do get embarrassed by it. What I got most out of a being a leader was that I was the one helping someone else. Someone needed my help and expertise. It was incredibly rewarding knowing that my help and leadership achieved our goal of meeting Taylor Swift".

This story was such a wonderful glimpse into the life of a young woman - not yet 20, and yet capable of gaining an audience with a celebrity; fulfilling a project goal to the last degree and inspiring, motivating and including the wider group at every stage of the experience.

I know that Olivia will go on to make a profound difference to the lives of many. She exudes passion and determination.

For any of us struggling to make positive changes in our lives, I recommend you watch the programme Attitudes on TV One. You'll hear wonderful stories about people like Olivia, who - regardless of their disabilities - are striding forward and climbing mountains. I wish them all every success in whatever they do.