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Maria Dalmon’s life is a clear demonstration that physical or societal limitations are no match for determination, intellect and a refusal to accept less than what one deserves. Born in 1955 in Sydney Australia’s western suburbs and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months, one would assume that Maria’s path was set by circumstance, but she exercised her right to choose and her choice was to engage fully with life.
Her early years were shaped by the Spastic Centre (now the Cerebral Palsy Alliance), where she received both treatment and a solid education. At a time when expectations for people with disabilities were unfairly narrow, Maria’s future widened steadily. In 1973 she began work at Centre Industries, a factory that encouraged integration by employing both disabled and able-bodied people side by side. By 1990, she had secured a position in open employment at her local Returned Services Leagues club which was a significant achievement in an era when inclusion in the workplace was far from guaranteed.
Maria’s life, however, is not only marked by employment milestones. It is also rich with personal achievements, adventures and meaningful contributions to the broader community. She married in 1986 and with her husband, Lindsay, who also has cerebral palsy, live in their own home, with the support of care workers. Together, they have built a full and active retirement life, one that includes travel, social activity and sailing, a passion they share through the Sailability program.
Most recently, Maria has turned her attention to writing, having published two books. Her autobiography, Don’t Tell Me I Can’t, released in 2019, candidly lays out her personal narrative. Her follow-up, The Intrepid Wheelies, continues her literary work with the same clarity and impact. Both books have resonated widely, not just within the disability community, but with anyone who values insight and authenticity.
She writes, in part, to challenge assumptions. The persistent underestimation of people with disabilities is a theme she confronts directly. Her work encourages a shift in public perception through grounded storytelling and lived experience.
While she does not currently plan to publish a third book, Maria is far from finished. She is turning her attention to advocacy, especially around the issue of accessibility in travel. A passionate cruise enthusiast, she has noted, with growing frustration, the lack of infrastructure that allows wheelchair users to go ashore at ports where tenders are used. Cruise ships that anchor offshore leave many disabled travellers stranded on board, excluded from the very experiences they paid to enjoy. Maria plans to write to cruise lines to urge practical changes.
Reflecting on her travels, she shared “I loved London. There is so much history to see. I am an avid fan of the Royal family and a lover of live theatre. To enjoy a tour inside Buckingham palace and attend a performance of Les Misérables in the West End was simply a dream come true.” She and Lindsay are passionate travellers: “We love to travel! “We love adventure. We love to get away and experience different cultures, meeting their people and seeing interesting sights. We love going on cruises, unpack once, relax, have fun and visit different ports along the way.”
But she is concerned with the absence of accessibility information in the travel media. Travel programmes frequently showcase destinations without acknowledging whether those places can be accessed by wheelchair which is an inconvenient omission.
Despite these ongoing challenges, Maria speaks with optimism and focus. She credits much of her success to a supportive network and her own sense of purpose. “There have been many accomplishments in my life, she reflected. “In 1971, I achieved the Queen’s Guide, the highest award in Girls Guides; my marriage to Lindsay and buying our home; competing in sailing in Osaka, France and Italy; writing my two books and sailing single-handed around Scotland Island (with a support boat following).” Her message to other disabled writers is simple and powerful: Tell your story! Write your book! Help make society totally inclusive!