DOCUMENT

JUNE 2022 InTouch | 5 NEWS ROUNDUP My name is Ryan Leitch and I’ve written this small piece to offer myself as a mentor of sorts to anybody out there who’s perhaps a little unsure of what the future may hold. Can I help you? Going through life with a disability can be difficult and sometimes even scary. If I can do it though, I’m pretty sure almost anybody can! It’s not always straightforward and I’ve been very lucky to have a lot of help along the way. It’s that help which I now hope to pay forward. Now, that’s all well and good, but how are you supposed to know if I’m going to be any help to you? Well, a little about myself: I’m 31 years old and I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (type 2). For those who don’t know, this means I’m seriously physically impaired. I’ve used a wheelchair since I was two years old and rely on carers to help me with all my daily needs. This has led to my life being a wee bit different than most, in ways both good and bad. Fortunately, I’ve still been able to live a reasonably fulfilling life: I’ve completed an education up to and including postgraduate studies at university, majoring in geography and environmental science; I was able to move out of home in my early twenties and enjoy an independent lifestyle; and I regularly attend live concerts and sports events with family and friends. As for what I might be able to do to help you: I believe I can offer a unique insight into what it is to live with a physical disability. In particular, I believe I could be helpful to both young people and young families dealing with neuromuscular conditions. Planning for life with a disability is tricky but extremely important. I can assist by identifying unforeseen issues and lending perspective to important decisions, ranging from what to look for in accommodation to what the best subjects to do at school might be. I’ve collected a fair amount of knowledge over my life and I want to share it in the most helpful and constructive way possible. If you think you might be interested in having a chat with me about anything (and I mean literally anything), please contact MADANZ and they’ll be able to put us in contact with each other. Ryan Leitch is an MDANZ member based in our Northern Region. If you would like to contact him, please email info@mda.org.nz have the capacity to take on the role and fit it around my full-time employment and secretarial commitments. I look forward to becoming more involved with MDANZ and continuing to support and give members a voice through this platform. Rebecca Poad I have been a member of MDANZ for more than10 years, joining after my two sons were diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition at age 11. Through engagement with MDA, I found that the friendship and shared knowledge from others with lived experience, greatly benefited my family’s journey. I am passionate about supporting membership engagement and connections within the wider MDA community. I have served on the Northern and Canterbury committees, as well as being the Chairperson for the Canterbury branch. l will continue to advocate for long-term sustainable services that support members during these changing times. Continued ...