Famed for her chicken art, Bundaberg's Summer Farrelly has been filmed by The Project for a segment on her efforts to promote inclusion for people with all abilities.
For Summer, inclusion is a number one priority and as a young innovator she has spent the best part of the year working on projects to ensure people of all abilities could take part in and access community events that are sometimes taken for granted.
Summer has now sparked national attention and spent the weekend filming with a crew from The Project after being given an Accessibili-t Award for Enabling People with a Disability 2019 by inclusive advocate Kathryn Lyons.
Summer was humbled by the award and the chance she had been given to spread her message.
She said she was excited to be part of world where changeis happening to ensure all people are included.
“It’s really exciting doing these things,” Summer said.
“I’ve been given a great opportunity to create change and I have so many feelings about that!”
Summer’s mum Cynthia was proud of all of Summer’s achievements and said it was nice she received Kathryn’s award.
“Kathryn is a big advocate for people who are in wheel chairs and about creating access to places for them; she acknowledged Summer for the inclusion she is creating,” Cynthia said.
It will be the first time the 12-year-old will reach a national audience when her segment is aired on The Project and Cynthia said she hopes it helps make a difference.
Inclusive access for all abilities
Cynthia said crewed filmed and interviewed locals who used Summer’s all-inclusive area at the Lighthouse Festival.
“Lots of people were stopping and reading Summer’s signs,” she said.
“I know it will all help bring awareness and show the community what can be done to help people who may not be able to tolerate social environments.”
Cynthia said during the Lighthouse Festival people would congratulate Summer and some families had even said staying at the festival for a long period of time wouldn’t have been possible without the inclusive areas.
“Summer had the Conversation Corner for adults, and not just those with a disability; all the barriers were down and the comments we had from people were really positive,” Cynthia said.
“It was the first time we were able to stay and watch fireworks as a family as my other children also have sensory issues, and that was just really cool!”
To find out more about Summer’s other projects click here.
Other news:
- 12-year-old Summer Farrelly shares passion for chicken art
- Summer’s project focuses on prosthetics for chickens
- Summer helps noise-sensitive people enjoy loud events
- Gardening guru’s beard inspires artwork
