Joel Barraud
My name is Joel Barraud, I am 31 years old and I have Cerebral Palsy.
My Cerebral Palsy effects my limbs and speech but does not stop me from achieving my goals.
My interests include going to the gym, painting, writing poetry and hanging out with my friends.

I am currently employed by Scope Young Ambassadors as a Sessional presenter in Secondary schools and Tafe colleges.

My aim is to promote the “abilities” of people with disabilities, in the hope that students will see the person before the disability.

I have been employed with the program since 2006.
Students recognise me from appearing in Scope’s television commercial – “Stop the Noise”.
I appeared in the commercial to help people look past my disability.
Employment
 Being employed by Scope has provided me with a another avenue to educate students about disability. In the hope that they will assist in creating more welcoming communities in the future. 
Being employed with Scope has increased my self confidence, improved my communication skills, and the clarity of my speech. 
This position has given me real purpose and of course provided me with an income. 

My Development
As part of my employment I have been provided with professional development and during 2009 participated in Certificate III in Business for the purpose of increasing my qualifications.
The course allowed me to grow as an individual and build a rapport with my work colleagues.  
Support Requirements for Employment

•	Employment opportunities are accessible (eg: Internet)
•	Non descriminative employer
•	Equal employment conditions
•	Outline of the position and the expected outcomes
•	An Advocate
•	Training to prepare and support the position
•	Reliable transport
•	Funding (in some cases)
•	Equal employment conditions

Why do I enjoy my employment
Seeing first hand the response of the students

By this I mean: 

Students being unsure when they first meet me  to being more relaxed and accepting by the time I leave.
I can clearly see I have changed their attitudes.

This make me feel good

Plans for the Future
My plans for the future are:
To get better in my role as sessional presenter
To fine tune my current skills 
Educate as many students as possible
To get more of my articles published