Ms McCarthy has cerebral palsy and has been chosen as an ambassador for the Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign, held as part of  International Day of People with Disability on December 3.

Only 19 people in NSW have been chosen to be ambassadors for the event and, needless to say, Ms McCarthy is absolutely thrilled.

“I was very honoured and lucky to be selected to be a part of such a great day. It’s such a big thing to be selected because there’s only 19, and to even be considered as a leader of people with a disability is amazing,” she said.

Ms McCarthy works part-time at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and it was a co-worker who nominated her for the role.

The Department of Family and Community Services selected Ms McCarthy as a worthy representative from hundreds of nominations.

Her co-workers believe her selection comes because she is a true role model for this city.

Despite having cerebral palsy, she was able to finish her HSC at Orange High School in 1992 and achieve a degree in social science, and is currently undertaking a law degree.

She has bought her own home, in which she lives and cares for her 87-year-old grandmother. 

IN 1987 she won the Australia Day young citizen of the year award and, with a zest for travel, Ms McCarthy has been to the UK, Ireland, Europe, Malaysia, Indonesia as well as exploring a large chunk of Australia.

Next year, she plans to take on Africa.

These are just some achievements that Ms McCarthy believes proves she has the ability to be successful.

“I hope that I can show people with disabilities that you can achieve your goals if you want too work hard for them,” she said.

“Not only that, I hope that as an ambassador for the day I can also help raise awareness and let people know that people with disabilities can do things just as well as any able-bodied person can.”

As part of International Day of People With a Disability on December 3, Ms McCarthy will join the other 18 ambassadors at the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Sydney for a special presentation.

For further information about the day, visit dontdismyability.com.au.