Chrissy’s Book: What a Good Support Worker Means to Her

Our client Chrissy Cunneen has written a book about her life with a disability. In her own words, it is “A story of strength, resilience and never giving up. Living life with cerebral palsy, chronic pain and a big heart.”

You may remember Chrissy from her story with her partner Josh. Now she has taken on a new challenge, telling her own story in her own words.

Where the idea began

The book started on a particularly difficult day. One of Chrissy’s support workers encouraged her, reminding her that she could get through anything. They told her she had so much potential and that they wanted to see her achieve more in life.

Those words stayed with her. They got her thinking about everything she has been through, and everything she still wants to do.

Why she wrote it

Chrissy decided to write the book to share her experiences and help people understand what a person with disability needs and values in a support worker. She also wanted to encourage other people with disability to keep having fun, enjoying life and chasing their dreams, whatever challenges they face.

She spent the following month working on it. Reflecting on her life was not always easy, especially writing about her many surgeries and the ups and downs of living with a disability. Some memories were hard to revisit, but she felt it was important to share the good and the bad, because both are part of her journey.

Looking back through old photographs was the joy of the process. Remembering the fun times and happy memories, and putting those into words, reminded her how far she has come and got her excited to see her story come together.

Her message

Chrissy’s goal is to help people understand that having a disability does not mean giving up on your dreams or the things you want to do. Being in a wheelchair does not mean you cannot communicate, express opinions or advocate for yourself.

One of her biggest messages is that people should never assume what someone with a disability can or cannot do. She encourages people to speak directly to the person with a disability, ask questions, listen to their answers, and give them the chance to speak for themselves.

She hopes her story encourages others to believe in themselves, keep pursuing their goals, and never give up on what matters to them.

What is next for Chrissy

Chrissy is preparing to do some guest speaking at TAFE, where she hopes to share her experiences with students studying disability-related courses. She wants to help future support workers understand what it is like to live with a disability, and why respectful, person-centred support matters so much.

She is also hoping to keep writing, and maybe publish a sequel one day.

Read Chrissy’s book: My Life by Chrissy Cunneen

Inspired by Chrissy’s story? If you want person-centred support that listens, respects your choices and backs your goals, get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.