“The outstanding success and achievements of the Beyond Disability program getting disabled online has added a new dimension to their lives. Clearly, it has provided a wonderful opportunity for people to express their desire to communicate with others and their poetry and stories indicate that whilst they have physical limitations – their ability to express themselves is not limited.”

Former ParaQuad President in the Foreword to BDI’s 1st book “Thoughts and Feelings”

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“It does give me more than the usual pleasure to nominate the Beyond Disability program to the Paul Newman Foundation for serious consideration.

This group was the brainchild of Mr. Richard Stubbs whose own working life was curtailed by a very serious car accident. With permanent back injuries Richard is confined to a wheel chair. There are many, many persons in this and worse situations that can achieve meaningful contact with the outside world through the wonderful world of computers as mentioned below. This takes a significant amount to effort by support volunteers. These fine people could do a lot more if they had financial support that is so difficult to achieve.

I speak as a Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillor, the first Mayor of the amalgamated councils and an involved member of this community. For a number of years I have been area chairperson of the Salvos Red Shield Appeal. Most are aware of the lifesaving and caring work they do and I see BDI as being just as deserving. They do require financial support. All the clients have extreme disabilities, being confined to their homes. Any help possible would make a huge difference to their lives and all go to building a better community. Yours Faithfully, Cr. David Jarman.

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"I met Richard in 2001 and am amazed that all of his fantastic work has been voluntary. Since then I have had regular contact and been kept up-to-date with the excellent work of BDI." Christa Momot, Executive Officer. Lance Reichstein Foundation, July 02

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"The BDI project achieved all that was set out and more. What has been achieved on relatively little funding is truly remarkable and a credit to the personal commitment and enthusiasm of Richard Stubbs and his team. Mr Stubbs leadership has motivated others in his team as well as the wider community to give time, money and in-kind support. Mr Stubbs claimed no credit for himself but pointed to the courage and persistence of his clients and the dedication of his volunteer team. Clearly Mr Stubbs indomitable spirit inspires others to overcome whatever obstacles are presented."

David Williamson, General Manager, Networking the Nation, letter 23/7/01

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"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate BDI for the valuable outcomes achieved and the ongoing commitment to servicing the needs of the clients.

Your personal commitment and enthusiasm for the project enabled it to achieve what few others would be able to achieve in much more generous circumstances."

Sybil free, accessibility DoCITA 27/3/02

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I manage the Victorian State Government’s Skills.net program which provides seed funds to community organisations so they can provide Internet access and training for their communities, especially targeted at those in the community who would normally miss out on the chance to be part of the new online world. Beyond Disability Inc. run one of the most unique Skills.net projects out of the 380 currently funded. They are providing Internet access and training for the housebound mobility disabled and elderly on the Mornington Peninsula and acting as a model for other regions and states on how to provide such services to the housebound mobility disabled.

The Skills.net program provided an earlier seed fund of $10,000 to the BDI group because we could see the potential of such a project in meeting the needs of a very marginalized group, and BDI have proven us right by running a highly successful project, so much so that in a later round of Skills.net we again awarded them a second $10,000 grant. But as much as these grants are useful, this project is attempting to tackle such a massive need that it requires much more than this. If there ever was a group that deserved to gain a Community Support Fund grant then BDI is it. These funds would enable them to continue and expand their important community work. I cannot recommend

the work of BDI and its CEO, Richard Stubbs highly enough. Hence I fully support the submission by BDI.

Yours sincerely, Adrian Bates, Skills.net Coordinator