Disability advocate, Nola Buck, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to people with disability and to the community, in the Australia Day Honours.
Diagnosed with polio at age two, she has spent 40 years advocating for people with disability. As well as a director of services provider, Ability Options, she is a life member of Polio NSW. Buck led the Catholic Women’s League Australia Inc. – Parramatta Diocese, has been involved with the Walking with Refugees group and is also a life member of People with Disability Australia.
According to Buck, people with disability need to be as independent as possible. “Regardless of the type of disability, we want what any other human being wants. While there is a far better acceptance of people with disability it does feel like there is a long way to go.”
And she gave this advice to those who are feeling hesitant about speaking up for others. “Take the opportunities that come your way, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable. You may not realise the impact your voice will have on the lives of others.”