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Saban is Source Kids Ambassador Riley prove lives. a teenager on a mission to im
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he 17-year-old from the Coffs coast in northern NSW uses a wheelchair after being born with quadriplegia cerebral palsy. But, with the help of technology, the self-confessed “tech head” has taken control of his own destiny and will quite possibly change the future for many other people living with similar conditions. “During my life I have had to overcome many obstacles due to my physical disability,” explains Riley, with the help of his computerised speaking device. “I am lucky enough to be surrounded by an amazing support network of family and friends who always found a way for inclusion. “I consider myself to be a tech head and love nothing more than spending time on my computers and phone. “For someone living with a disability, your life can somewhat revolve around technology. Without my equipment and my devices I wouldn’t and couldn’t be doing the things I do today.” Riley is the eldest of four children. He has a brother, Chase, 16, a sister Paige, 11, and his baby sister, Nyah, 4 months. His dad, Clint, and mum, Casey, have always supported him to take part in everyday activities with the family. “Ever since he was young, we’ve always gone through the process of making and altering equipment for Riley to make activities accessible,”
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Clint recalls. “We found that if Riley wasn’t able to do it, most often our family wouldn’t take part in that activity. We always wanted to do it as a family and I think that’s really important.” Riley believes in and promotes the message that “with the right tools you can achieve anything” and he is acutely aware of the latest innovative products available. “For me personally, I am always waiting for the next ‘big thing’. That piece of equipment, which will simply enable or compliment the skills I already possess,” Riley says. “I am in awe of the brilliant minds which design and create meaningful technology and those who think outside the box. The likes of Elon Musk, who seem to problem solve from all angles and the entrepreneurs creating technology
“We have big plan s for Poly Spi ne and are curr entl y in the proc ess of deve lopi ng a wide rang e of atta chm ents whic h will allo w som e indi vidu als to try new expe rien ces for the very firs t time .” with the aim of improving lives. “During recent years I have been extremely fortunate to experience first-hand the process of technology development. In 2016 I was lucky enough to feature in a two-part series on ABC
Catalyst called Becoming Superhuman, where I drove a buggy through an obstacle course using nothing but my eye movements.” Riley is literally making waves nationally with his latest project named
