Robert Seamons has an intellectual disability.
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He can do impactful fundraising work for community organisations like the Ballan Lions while running his own mowing business and working for Ballarat Regional Industries.
He will return to study at Federation University next year to complete a certificate three in education support to become a teacher's aide.
His ultimate dream is to become the mayor.
Mr Seamons is sharing his story as part of a new campaign to allow everyone who has a disability the opportunity to shine.
Ballan-based charity Keeley's Cause is launching its campaign I Am, I Can, I Will on Sunday.
People with a disability will be encouraged to share a photograph of themselves holding the campaign logo or upload a video of themselves to Facebook or Instagram.
The post will share their name and disability, what they can do well, what their ultimate dream is and who they will become with #iamicaniwill.
If we focus on their ability the disability is removed.
- Sharon Murphy, Keeley's Cause
Mr Seamons said the campaign would help change societal attitudes toward people with a disability.
"I have had people say 'you can't do this'," he said.
"I have said 'yes I can'. I have a disability. I can do things.
"People with disabilities can do things. It is not a barrier."
Charity Keeley's Cause was started by 13-year-old Ballan teenager Keeley.
It provides iPads for children with autism or an intellectual disability.
Keeley was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at a young age and was recently diagnosed with an intellectual disability.
The idea to raise funds to provide iPads for other children with autism or an intellectual disability came after she found an iPad helped her feel less overwhelmed by information and improve her learning experience.
Keeley's Cause director Sharon Murphy said the I Am, I Can, I Will campaign would allow every person with a disability to share their dreams.
"Children and adults with a disability have big expectations and dreams for themselves, but they can't achieve them because of stigma or they are not getting the right tools, like the iPads Keeley's Cause provides," she said.
"Most people perceive if someone has a disability or an impairment that they don't have a future. This campaign gives them their moment to tell the world all about themselves.
"There may be some organisations or businesses that hear some of these stories and say we could offer that person a chance to fulfill that dream. Sometimes they just need to be given a chance."
Ms Murphy said Keeley's story was an example for the campaign to show what a person with a disability can achieve when they are believed in and the focus is on their ability.
"Academically Keeley may struggle, but ability wise she has created an organisation that has now become a recognised charity," she said.
"More people need to be aware of the futures and dreams people with a disability hold for themselves.
"Often they can never get there because they are told they can't or it won't happen, or they are not academic enough, or their brain capacity doesn't allow them to do that. But if we focus on their ability the disability is removed."
Keeley's Cause has donated 96 iPads to people with a disability across Australia since the charity launched in June 2017.
The organisation is currently looking for businesses or people to sponsor the shipment of another 13 iPads to children in Queensland.
"The iPads are changing lives," Ms Murphy said.
"We are finding their anxiety and depression is lowered after they receive the iPad.
"We gave one to a boy in Perth and in nine days his mother wrote a letter back to say he was a changed child; he wasn't having his four to five meltdowns a day and he was now able to communicate whereas he was struggling before because no one could understand him.
"I can't describe it. I am watching Keeley and the way she is changed and the confidence she is building."
Keeley's work for others with autism or an intellectual disability has been recognised Australia-wide.
She has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year in the Third Sector Awards, the Ballan and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and the Ballarat Youth Awards.
Keeley and supporters will be at Zest Cafe in Ballan from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday for the launch of I Am, I Can, I Will with Keeley's Cause merchandise available for purchase.
Visit keeleyscause.org.au/ for details of the campaign and how to share your story.
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
