Michael Quirk during his work day in a wheelchair.
Camera IconMichael Quirk during his work day in a wheelchair. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Wheels an eye-opener for City of Stirling employees

Kate LeaverStirling Times

Recreation and leisure services manager Michael Quirk and recreation facilities co-ordinator Tony Giggs spent their work day experiencing what life in a wheelchair is like.

Mr Quirk said the experience enabled him to understand how difficult it can be to do everyday activities.

“Trying to navigate through the rabbit warren of offices and get to photocopiers, all the little things you just take for granted, are actually a lot of hassle when in a wheelchair,” he said.

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Mr Quirk said the experience would help him provide more accessibility in Stirling facilities.

“We’re lucky we’ve made a significant investment in improving accessibility, but it certainly heightened my own personal awareness,” he said.

“I’ve definitely got a different perspective on things, and even just the facilities for the public and in our offices. “I was conscious that a lot of people were looking at me, I definitely sensed a lot more people were just looking because I was a little bit different.”

Mr Quirk said he had committed to raising a minimum of $1000 for Wheelchair Sports WA, an organisation that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of West Australians living with a physical disability through sport and recreation.

For more information visit http:// wheelchairsportswa.org.au/events/wheelchair-challenge.

To donate visit https:// give.everydayhero.com/au/ cwc2015MichaelQ and https://give.everydayhero. com/au/tony-48.