Jim Asimakopoulos’s motto in life is to never give up, no matter what.
The Melton West man was born with cerebral palsy, meaning he has trouble moving. But he has no trouble living life to the full.
“My main message is to never give up,” Mr Asimakopoulos says. “And if you believe in yourself, that will help you to not give up.”
For the past 27 years, Mr Asimakopoulos has been working with the Education Department, visiting schools across the state and speaking with students about “what people with cerebral palsy can and can’t do”.
“I wanted to get the message out that people with disabilities are people,” he says. “When I speak with students, I’m very honest about my experiences.”
Until recently, Mr Asimakopoulos used a Traveller’s Aid assistant to help him get on and off public transport, to and from work. He says they were “absolutely fantastic”.
“While I was using them, they were fantastic. I would recommend them because they really care about us and understand how to assist all kinds of people,” he says. “What they provide is really important for the public.”
Travellers Aid Australia recently celebrated its 100th birthday. The not-for-profit organisation helps all kinds of people navigate through the public transport system.
Chief executive Elias Lebbos says the organisation helps people from all walks of life. “Over the last century, no matter what Australia has been confronted with, we have evolved and responded as an organisation to meet the needs of people in transit through Melbourne and regional Victoria,” Mr Lebbos says.
For more information about Travellers Aid, visit travellersaid.org.au
