Gabriel Gervasoni's incredible passion and efforts to support the blind and low vision community have seen him awarded Vision Australia's Youth Award for 2022.
As someone who lives with low vision, Gabriel is using his own lived experience as a motivator to help those around him who have similar vision loss.
At just 22 years of age, Gabriel has already given so much back to the community. He is one of 12 Victorians accepted into the Youth Affairs Council Victoria Young Advocates Program, has taken part in numerous committees and assisted with completing accessibility audits at venues including Sovereign Hill and the Gold Museum.
Gabriel was presented his award by Graeme Craig, Vision Australia general manager national programs, and Bill Jolley, Vision Australia Deputy Chair.
Ron Hooton, Vision Australia CEO, said Gabriel is a shining example of the power of not letting your disability define you.
"Living with blindness or low vision doesn’t mean people can’t pursue their dreams or make a positive contribution to society," Ron said.
"Not only has Gabriel put himself on the path to achieving his goals, he’s playing a significant role in improving conditions and opportunities for other young people who live with disability.
"People like Gabriel are important in challenging and breaking down the perceptions that unfortunately still exist about what people who are blind or have low vision are capable of."
We can't wait to see where Gabriel's passion takes him in the future!
The Vision Australia awards were first handed out in 2006 to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who contribute their time and resources to support the work of Vision Australia and the wider blind and low vision community.