By BEN CAMERON
LOCAL children of parents with a disability can thank the work of a tireless advocate from Beaconsfield for making their lives a little bit easier.
Shaunagh Stevens, winner of the inaugural All Abilities Leader Award, was modest about her achievements when probed by the Pakenham Gazette after her emotional speech at Outlook last Wednesday morning.
However, her husband Wayne sent the Gazette a list of achievements several days later.
Achievements which have resulted in changes that can be seen in the community, like making the change rooms wheelchair accessible at Big W.
Mr Stevens also said she was the driving force behind former Member for Gembrook Tammy Lobato moving to a new electoral office that was wheel chair accessible, and important changes to local child care.
“Shaunagh changed the childcare allocation of placements procedure of before and after school care in the Shire of Cardinia,” he said.
“All parents were given a few days to lodge their placement requests instead of first in best dressed.
“And parents with disabilities were given greater priority along with other disadvantaged groups.”
Other achievements include:
Improved wheelchair access at a local tennis club in Beaconsfield.
Overturned a decision by Casey Arc Swimming Centre to allow any families to use accessible only change rooms and to remove accessible designated change rooms.
Improved accessibility in the car park at Berwick Secondary College.
Developed a Disability Action Plan at Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre and improved access.
Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre co-ordinator Lynda Smith said the list was indicative of her determination.
“I think this really illustrates the commitment of Shaunagh to lead change for equity and access in the disability field,” she said.
Mr Stevens said his wife had achieved an incredible amount despite raising two daughters, undergoing numerous surgeries, comprehensive physical rehabilitation and designing a wheelchair accessible home.
“I am in awe of her achievements and like the Energiser bunny she just keeps on going,” he said.
