You know that feeling when your heart is racing, questioning if what you are hoping to say matters or if you will even get your point across. Your hands feel clammy, and your thoughts spiral into every possible way your words could fall short. You’re stagnant, rehearsing it over and over in your head, wondering if your voice will tremble and stutter as you speak. As a young adult with Cerebral Palsy, Matty deals with this everyday. But if you slow down for just a minute and create space for Matty to get his words out; through the stuttering and stiffness, you will find power and passion in what he has to say. His voice, it does matter – It always has.
Matty is more than someone living with cerebral palsy, he’s a storyteller, a dreamer, and a space holder for connection. But let’s start with a question that comes up when speaking about the capability to speak: Why do people hesitate to approach someone that is uniquely abled?
From three point of views; the interviewer, interviewee and support worker, we all agreed when Matty said he believes it often is fear. Fear of saying the wrong thing, of misunderstanding, or perhaps simply not knowing where to start. He does point out that overcoming the fear of reaching out is simpler than it seems. "I just want people to talk to me like they would anyone else," he shares, reminding us all that behind every visible difference is a person with the same need for connection, understanding, and community. Mattys advice to anyone unfamiliar with approaching someone with a disability, would be to “See the Person First”, before the disability.
In this session we took a deep dive into Matty's mind, exploring his dreams and aspirations. In just an hour of conversation we covered challenges and achievements in advocating space as a young person with cerebral palsy.
One of Matty's biggest dreams is to make the world a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone. His soon-to-be-launched blog, ‘Accessible Matty’, is his way of doing just that. Through his writing, Matty plans to share stories, experiences, and reviews of accessible spaces, offering helpful insights to others trying to navigate a world that often forgets the needs of people with disabilities. The platform aims to be a resource for those seeking accessible locations, potentially featuring a "top-rated accessible places" section in the future.
But Matty’s blog isn’t just about accessibility, it's about celebrating life, joy, and the shared human experience. It’s about looking past the wheelchair, past the labels, and seeing the person. Whether it’s the daily moments or deeper reflections on bigger issues, ‘Accessible Matty’ will be a source of inspiration for anyone willing to listen.
Currently, Matty is finishing his studies at Wintec this year before creating his website for his 2025 blogs. Seed Waikato and Matty share a connection that’s all about creating real impact and driving awareness in the community. We hope to continue to ignite his flame as he chases his dream of supporting people whose lives and memories have been shaped by overlooked accessibility needs. This is about keeping the fire alive and making sure every voice is heard.
Matty approaches life with accessibility at the forefront of his mind, shaping his values, decisions, leadership and advocacy. His mindset isn’t just talk, it’s evident in the impact he has on others. Take Beverly for example, she had dismissed the idea of studying because the campus bathrooms weren’t accessible, meaning she’d have to return home just to use them. When Matty realised this issue extended beyond his own experience, he took action. Using his own savings and securing funding, he implemented a full-coverage overhead lifting solution for the bathrooms. Matty is driven by his belief that accessibility isn’t a luxury, it’s the bare minimum.
What really stood out to me in our koorero was Matty’s unique perspective on the world. Despite the challenges he's faced, he’s never let them define him. He has this incredible ability to look at life through a lens that’s all his own, filled with humor, storytelling, and an unwavering determination to make a difference.
As if that wasn’t enough, Matty’s also building stronger connections with organisations like ‘Enabling Good Lives’ and ‘Community Living’ to spread his message of inclusivity further. "These organisations have the audience I want to reach," he tells me, and you can tell that behind his words, there’s a sense of purpose for people whose needs are swept under the rug.
Matty’s journey is a powerful reminder that real change begins with each one of us when we choose to listen, to see beyond the surface, and to take meaningful action. His story isn’t just about advocating for accessibility, it’s about bridging gaps, breaking down barriers, and showing what’s possible when compassion meets determination. Through his blog, Accessible Matty, he’s opening conversations that matter and creating a space where others can find guidance, connection, and hope.
So, if there is one thing you take away from this blog, Matty would want you to know: whether it’s starting a simple conversation, questioning the accessibility of spaces around you, or supporting Matty’s work, we all have a role to play in building an inclusive world. Matty’s voice matters, just like yours does, and together we can ensure no one gets left behind. Keep an eye out for updates on Accessible Matty, let it inspire you to be part of the change. He says his website should be out early next year hopefully!
Join “Accessibile Matty” on Spaces by Wix
Download the app and use the code: C5FTTA
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