At the age of 25, I woke one morning and was paralysed from the waist down. I had wet the bed, My vision was blurred, I couldn't speak properly and was unable to stand.  Fear set in as I was rushed to hospital. 

The next six weeks included intrusive examinations, lumbar punctures, nerve conductivity tests, isolation for expected polio and the fear of the unknown growing every day. 

I was diagnosed with remitting relapsing Multiple Sclerosis  and the MRI showed 14 lesions on my brain. Freckles as I like to call them.   

Although I was one of the lucky ones, gaining my function back, I knew that the future would hold more relapses and my lifestyle would need to change.  

At this time in my life, I was single, living independently, and had a corporate job managing 160 staff and travelling nationally four times a year to facilitate training and recruitment.  

Life was about to change drastically.  Biannual MRI scans, immune supressing injections, home help, catheter bag, walking aides and spiralling mental health.

I stepped down to a less demanding job to focus on getting support to manage my disability. 

Still wanting to work, I looked at the skills I had and moved into the wedding industry as a Commonwealth Marriage Celebrant.  As a small business owner, I could now manage my own hours and focus on my health and young family.  

In December 2022, I resigned from my 15 year career as a wedding celebrant as my disability was proving once again too difficult to manage. 

It was time to make new paths. 

I had always loved writing and it seemed obvious to take my hobby as a writer and story teller to the next level.  First Line Productions was created as multi media story platform to educate and entertain people.   

My creative projects extend to film, stage, visual art and spoken word with an award winning portfolio; reaching audiences nationally and globally.  

Being able to combine my lived experience with disability, my passion for creativity and the communication/corporate business skills I have: is something I am really excited to bring to CAPE Ability Network.

There is still such a need for change and acceptance in our community around disability inclusiveness.  Emily and I are ready to be a piece of the future in helping small business owners make a difference.                                                                                 ~ Sally Newman