Finding independence with service’s guidance
LIKE most 23-year-olds, Rikki Gambin doesn't want to have to worry about neighbours when he plays his guitar.
He may be the perfect gentleman and live by a "ladies first" value system which sees him opening doors, and listening when she's talking.
But he doesn't want to be told what to eat, and knows just how he likes his lamb chops and chips.
These freedoms, however, have not always been possible for the vibrant South Rockhampton man, who lives with a disability.
Thanks to the Home Support Association, Rikki has been able to live by himself for the past six years.
"I like bowling in my lounge-room," Rikki says.
He is just one of the clients of the disability support service provider, which celebrated the opening of a Yeppoon office this week.
General manager Jan Crowley said the new site was a major win for people living with a disability on the Capricorn Coast.
"When you live with a disability, the world really is an unjust place," Ms Crowley said.
"It can take you three hours to get ready for work.
"And then there's those situations when you see people slow down their speech to talk to someone with a vision impairment."
Yellow Door Books also sells pieces from local artisans and it turns 40 this week.
