COMMUNITY CHAMPION Ronan Soussa

In this edition we speak to Ronan Soussa, a 23-year-old local who has appeared in ABC’s reality show, Love on the Spectrum.

Ronan shares his story on the importance of acceptance and inclusiveness in the Georges River community, awareness of ‘invisible disabilities’ and what it’s like growing up in the area.

What do you love about your community?

I have always found the community friendly and supportive. I have met many people through different activities that I take part in and also from attending school and I have always appreciated how accepting and inclusive the community is.

Having a disability sometimes makes it hard to know where you fit in within a community but in the Georges River community, I have found many great people that have helped me and that makes me feel very comfortable.

What do you love about the Georges River LGA?

Living in the LGA has provided so many opportunities to learn, develop new skills and do many recreational activities.

Things I have needed throughout my life have been available within the area, such as schooling, therapies, post-school learning, disability support groups and many other activities.

As I am learning to travel independently, there is plenty of public transport for me to catch which has been wonderful… although, I did just get my driver’s licence so you might see me on the roads instead soon!

I love how many beautiful parks there are, plenty of great restaurants (my favourite being Italian), lots of fun recreational things to do and it’s not too far to get to the beach. I’ve lived in Georges River my whole life so I can’t really compare, but I am very happy living in this area.

How have you positively impacted your community?

Firstly, by being an upstanding citizen who cares about the area I live in and to take good care of it. I always like to be positive in my life and I try to extend that to other people too.

Secondly, I hope that my appearance on the ABC show “Love On The Spectrum” has given people an insight into autism and showcased how someone living with autism still wants the same things in life as most people do. It was such an honour and privilege to be selected for the show and I hope that I was able to shed a positive light on the importance of acceptance and inclusiveness in our communities and an understanding that people with disabilities still have hopes and dreams. People living with disabilities have so much to offer when given the chance.

Lastly, I want to continue to be an advocate for inclusiveness and accessibility especially through my role as an ambassador for Bus Stop Films. I hope to encourage communities and organisations to open doors for people with disabilities and give them opportunities so that they can feel accepted in our society.

Do you have any tips or advice to share with the community?

My tip would be to be aware that not every disability is visible; these are called ‘invisible disabilities’, because they are disabilities that cannot be seen. I would also encourage people to try and be mindful when someone might be having difficulty with something. Try to be patient and understanding because it’s possible that person has an invisible disability.

Lastly, I would like to encourage businesses in the community to continue to be accessible and to give people with a disability an opportunity for employment wherever possible to promote inclusiveness. If everyone in our community has an awareness and understanding of disabilities that would be great.

Do you know of someone who is a Community Champion?

We’re on the hunt to feature our next community hero, someone who has positively impacted the Georges River community. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please complete the submission form online here.