"There is no definition as to what normal is - so to me what I am is just normal. Most of my mates are non-disabled. I just do my thing and try to make everybody else happy. I don't really worry about my disability. There are people out there who, when they see me, just cross the road, but that happens. Generally, people are good."

Mathew Ngametua is 24 and lives with his Cook Island Māori family in Auckland and participates in a variety of work. He doesn't see his cerebral palsy as a barrier to doing the things he wants to do.

I have done three years tertiary study. I plan to do a business management course because I want to start up my own business - a clothing line for disabled people. I have decided on a name and I'm gradually getting my ideas together, writing them down, and we'll see what happens!

At the moment I am doing contract work for CCS in their community development team. I do motivational speaking and anything along those lines. I do the same type of thing with Ripple Trust. I'm also working as a sales assistant in a video store. With my work in the retail sector I am dealing with people every day and the only barrier I can see is with the attitude of some customers. The staff are really supportive and help me to do my job well; not only that, they are good friends.

My disability does not really impact on my ability to earn money and live the lifestyle I choose. When I wasn't working I found it hard to have money in my pocket but since I started working it's been all good - now I can actually hold on to my money. I get involved in community work. A couple of months back I was involved in planning for a youth forum at the local community hall. I was planning how everything should be set up to make it comfortable and accessible for everyone.

Before I got involved with CCS and Ripple Trust I didn't access any services because I did my own thing - I am really independent. I got around just fine but CCS and Ripple Trust have helped me with employment and living support.

"There needs to be more information out there, whether it is through media or anywhere else, to help shift people's ideas and attitudes and to allow disabled people to do their own thing as who they are - not as so and so with impairment."

My relationships are not affected by my disability - nah! I'm cool about everything.

In 10 years I see myself as having started my own business and achieved some other endeavours. I like to do a variety of things at any one time.

I have seen a little bit of change in attitudes over the last couple of years, but it will take more than the Disability Strategy to wake up everybody's minds.