My background prior to working in the Disability field was in an office.In previous positions I have worked in small businesses responsible for accounts, pay (when money was placed into a pay envelope) book keeping etc. I also voluntarily managed a local community centre for the local council looking after hall bookings, maintenance, fees and keeping the books. I became interested in disability due to personal reasons. I was heavily involved in raising money for the Children's Leukaemia and Cancer Foundation and in establishing a support group in my local area for parents and families of children with cancer. I was given an award for services to the community. At this time my experiences were from the point of view of a family member. I commenced paid employment in disability in 1994 and completed a Cert 11 in Community Support which lead to me looking at further education.My experiences have allowed me to see the disability sector from a family/carer view and also from a service provider perspective. This has at times been conflicting but has provided me with a better understanding of the differences and the ability to see both points of view.