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Alan Parsons (Caboolture)

Alan Parsons (member of Regional Disability Council) Caboolture

Alan Parsons radio (MP3 188 kB 120 s)

Here you can listen to the story of Alan Parsons who is an Indigenous Queenslander with a disability.

Introduction:

Strong and Proud - promoting awareness of the experience of Indigenous people with a disability, thanks to the support of Disability Services Queensland.

Narrator:

Parsons is an inspirational Murri man and accomplished artist who has overcome many obstacles in his life including a struggle to find his family and his identity.

Alan Parsons:

"When I was young I had some medical issues so I had to come to Brisbane when I grew up I was separated from my indigenous family and after my foster father died in 1982. It was then I was told of my Indigenous connections. So I had to put a few things in order and went looking for my mob. After three days of looking for my grandmother and all the rest of the family just came together and two brothers, two sisters, aunts, uncles - like all of us have."

Narrator:

Alan works tirelessly to raise the profile of Indigenous people with a disability and is one of the driving forces behind the establishment of a Queensland network for Indigenous people with a disability which will help people around the state to get access to the services and support they need.

Alan Parsons:

"We feel so isolated at times, if you're an Indigenous person with a disability you're extremely isolated. "But that's not necessary the truth of the matter because you only have to look a little bit into the picture and you will find that there are people there who would only be too glad to come on board and help and do what they can, but again it's a real struggle to know how."

Narrator:

A great place to start for Indigenous people with a disability who are unsure of what services and support might be available to them is the Disability Information Service, a free state-wide disability information and resource service provided by Disability Services Queensland. They can be contacted toll free on 1800 177 120, or 1800 010 222 if you have a telephone typewriter.