I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia at 14 and then my mother died of cancer when I was 18. I was well and truly on a downward emotional and physiological spiral. By 23, I was confined permanently to a wheelchair. But it was also around this time, with the encouragement and perceptive advice from a close lady friend which lifted me out of a fantasy land of self-pity, that I began studying for an Associate Diploma in Accountancy at Dandenong TAFE. That inclusive and happy learning environment gave me inspiration to tackle life with vigour and it still serves as a reminder to me when, like anyone else, I develop the usual emotional itches which need scratching. That was my 1984.
By 2007 Peter had graduated with a PhD in Sociology and in that year was presented with the Emerging Disability Leader of the Year Award.
These are some articles written about Peter:
- Carers Alliance Bio written about Peter when he stood as a senate candidate for the Carer’s Alliance.
- The Doctorate of Mind Over Matter, The Age
- Determination For Excellence, DiVine
- Insider Insight: Peter Gibilisco, InfoXChange
- Political Economy Excludes Disabled – Study, University of Melbourne
- Candidate with a profound vision of disabled people’s place in society, The Age
- Peter and Debbie: Paving The Way, Grit Media
- Profile: Peter Gibilisco, Independence Australia
- Dr Who? Hard Work + Attendant Care = PhD, ParaQuad Victoria
- Campaigner On The Job, Greater Dandenong Weekly