International Day of People with Disability 2023 – Matt Levy: From Premature Birth to Paralympic Gold

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations observed day held on 3 December each year. The IDPwD program aligns with Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 and aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.

The United Nations Theme for IDPwD 2023 is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’ This year, we introduce IDPwD Ambassador, Matt Levy OAM, Patron of the Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship at Griffith University.

In 1987, Matt Levy was born prematurely at 25 weeks. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and severe visual impairment and has undergone 40-50 surgeries on various vital organs. Matt's determination and resilience led him to a career in swimming, where he proudly clinched gold for Australia at the Paralympic Games.

Representing his nation at five consecutive Paralympic Games, Matt has won 3 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze medals. His dominance extends further, having graced the pools at five World Swimming Championships, securing an 20 international medals and holding 4 World Records.

Matt’s contributions to sport were honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2014 for ‘service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. In 2015 Matt was named Athlete of the Year with a Disability at the New South Wales Sports Awards and in 2018 he was named Swimming Australia’s Paralympic Program Swimmer of the Year. In November 2021, he received a New South Wales Institute of Sport Academic Excellence Award and was named the 2021 Sport NSW Athlete of the Year with a Disability.

Yet, Matt's achievements aren't confined to the pool. He has earnt a degree in Business Management, an Australian Institute of Company Directors qualification, and an MBA in Leadership. He is a passionate inclusion advocate, motivational speaker and holds multiple board, advisory and ambassadorial roles with sporting, community and humanitarian organisations including Ability Options, Life Little Treasures and BlindSports Australia.

Since retiring from the pool, Matt has authored 3 books, including: ‘Keeping your head above water’ (2020), ‘Brandon Dreams Big: 7 easy steps to get where you want’ (2021), and ‘Going the distance: Identify and create your own lane to success’ (2023).

More recently, Matt has turned his hand to philanthropy and supporting young people with disability to achieve their own dreams and goals through education.

“Education has allowed me to grow and enhance what I've been able to learn and, how I can use my lived experience of disability to influence others. As part of this, it was also my mission to help other people with disability to obtain a university education.”

To Matt, International Day of People Disability (IDPwD) is “about having a sense of responsibility and belonging. A chance to give people an insight into what we go through on a daily basis. Not to feel bitter, but to help raise awareness of what can be done. I know how hard it is for someone living with a disability, so I wanted to give people opportunities that I was given”.

As a result, Matt established the Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship to support students with disability to achieve their potential at Griffith University. Open to Australian, domestic commencing students (full time or part time) enrolled in an undergraduate program, the scholarship provides up to $20,000, payable over the duration of the degree.

This year the Matt Levy Scholarship supported two (2) commencing students with disability; including Lilje Schluter, who is studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

"Being a recipient of this scholarship has allowed me to afford regular access to psychology and psychiatry sessions. Not only has this greatly aided me in learning and adjusting to my first year of tertiary studies, but the support of the scholarship continues to help me move forward each and every day, which is an invaluable gift".

Matt Levy's life stands as a testament to determination, inspiring individuals worldwide to overcome adversity and achieve goals. On Tuesday, 27 February 2024, Matt will be the guest speaker at our Inclusive Futures Book Club – Author Talk event, where he will share his story, and discuss his latest book ‘Going the Distance’ with students and guests during O-Week (Nathan Campus). If you are interested in attending, please email us at inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au.

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Find out more about our Inclusive Futures Book club:

https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/inclusive-futures-book-club