*Brenton is a person who uses alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). This story was written using AAC.
My name is Brenton Ponza and I am 25 years old. I am very involved in my community and I live with cerebral palsy (CP). It has been very challenging for me to accept my disability, but I am now happy with who I am. My CP does not stop me from being part of my community. In 2024 I was recognised for my volunteering and awarded the 2024 City of Boroondara Citizen of the Year.
I participate in the Melbourne Marathon and last year I became a blue spartan, doing my 15th mini marathon. I fundraise for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC), which I have been a part of since I was 2 years old. I also participate in a Creative Arts and Gardening program.
I am involved in research and want to help the lives of individuals with disability. Through my role as a CP Achieve Advisor, I ensure that the voices of those who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) are heard and valued in research settings. Our group efforts enabled a research paper titled, Can You Hear Us, to be published in an international journal. I am a co-author of that paper.
I volunteer at the Burwood RSPCA, Collingwood Animal Farm, and Boroondara Sports Complex (BSC) as a gymnastics coach, where I give feedback to mainstream and special needs groups. I started volunteering when I was a child as part of the Go Zone gymnastics at BSC. My coach encouraged me to apply for the volunteer position and I got it.
I give feedback to gymnasts using my Tobii electronic communication device. It has been amazing. People from Gymnastics Victoria and BSC have supported me so much to be successful at what I do. I love it!
Volunteering makes me feel excited – this is my job. I am part of my community where I give back to what was given to me. I live in the area and know so many people that attend the complex. I feel very passionate about my volunteering job, and it helps me feel good about myself and valued.
I volunteer because I like to help people. All my life I have had people helping me because I have CP. Now it is my chance to help others to achieve the best they can. Just do it, give it a go! Volunteering is so rewarding; it is the best thing I have ever done.