Member Profiles

Jason Anderson - Member

My name is Jason Anderson. I am a 38 year old man with a 13 year old daughter named Jessie and a 10 year old son, Bailey. Unfortunately MS was a contributing factor in our marriage breakdown so I now reside in Williamstown, an hour’s drive from my children.

In my early days, everything  that was of interest to me was physical. Sports, driving and working on cars and carpentry.

At the age of 23 I married (1994), had our first child the following April, and was busy with family life, painting our first home. Then in August (95) Jessie was only four months old when I was diagnosed with MS and my life was forever changed. Straight away I quit my work and so Rita was now the breadwinner.

Slowly but surely, bit by bit, I walked less and less, first a cane, then two and after about 7 years succumbed to giving up my license, and finally a wheelchair/scooter.

Our home had to be severely modified as the house was split level (was only four steps but it may as well been four flights). Ramps were made, bathroom was changed  and our marriage was starting to take its toll.

I have been fortunate to find a place to live that is run by the MS society. It comprises of two units, each with 5 people, with the majority being 50 years of age and under.

I say fortunate because I am currently on a committee that is dealing with approx 210 people in this state  who are under 50 years of age and living in  nursing homes.

I am currently on a committee (my future, my choice ), that is dealing with this very problem.

I have many frustrations in my life (not counting my own ), and dealing with this committee is just one of them.

I go to these meetings, not knowing much of politics, but to represent MS, speak for the people who are unable to voice their opinion (often literally). There is money from the Commonwealth to build some places that would get these people out of nursing homes and into accommodation units that would be far more appropriate for them, but there is no urgency (it would seem in their thinking, I am telling you this is a joke) …it makes me so mad!

I have now turned my attention to advocacy work, as ‘the face of MS’. To further my abilities as an advocate, I recently completed a Leadership course. Doing this course has given me the tools to promote the issue of disability among the community- challenging people’s beliefs.

And what are my aspirations? To be the face of MS – giving a voice to those that are unable to do so .

Doing the ‘Leadership plus’ course last year has shown me that not being able to walk, does not mean I have no options. ‘As one door closes, another door opens’ rings very true.

To me, this is an excellent opportunity to make the most of what I have to offer, that is to speak honestly and openly about disability and have a chance to make real ‘change’ to people’s lives when it comes to employment and disability.

I personally am looking for some paid part-time work this year, knowing what a change to my life it is going to make. It will only re-enforce for me that paid employment is possible to a disabled person and that I am a worthy part of society.