Member Profiles

Edward Manuel - Treasurer, Board Member

I came to Australia in 1972. In 1994 I was diagnosed with “Cerebella Degeneration” prior to this diagnosis I worked as an Accountant with a degree in Business Studies. I was employed in local government, before I ended up on DSP. I have two children; a boy and a girl. To keep myself busy since I’ve been on a pension, I have been involved in Disability Advocacy such as Headway Victoria, Vicnord, ACL, Darebin Disability Advisory Committee and Health issues Centre.

My experience with seek paid employment has very long, tedious, frustrating and unfruitful, there is a distinct perception that people with disability aren’t worth the worry of being productively employed, I have tried working for myself but the professional indemnity insurance and membership fees were more than the work coming in. My last job was with Vicnet a branch of the State Library, this only lasted 6 months as the position was used as a stepping stone to encourage people with disabilities back to the workforce. Therefore I am now not employed but live in hope “something will come up”