Getting to know Grant Cleland …

Why I understand disability so well

With a lifetime of lived and professional experience of disability, I can personally relate to the challenges that many people in the disability community face and have a wealth of knowledge to draw upon.

My Childhood and Teenage Years

I was born with a physical disability or impairment, Spina Bifida, and use a wheelchair for my mobility. My family were wonderful advocates for me and from an early age I was encouraged by my parents to have hopes and dreams.

I was mainstreamed in my local primary school in the late 1960s. Like most disabled people, I have faced many challenges along the way – having 27 operations before the age of 13, the impact of long stays in hospital on my educational achievement at school, and some peoples’ attitude towards my disability. However, with a ‘can do attitude’ and support to overcome these challenges, I have been fortunate to achieve many of my hopes and dreams.

My Career

I am a trained social worker with over 20 years experience working in education, employment, social work, recreation, private practice, community funding, auditing and the provision of regional services.

During my career I have provided services for people with physical, intellectual, sensory, other and multiple disabilities or impairments, mental illness, the Deaf community and those with long term injury or illness.

How can Creative Solutions assist you?

My company, Creative Solutions, was established 12 years ago. I provide disability-related advice and support to private and state sector organisations, disabled people, those with a long-term injury or illness and their support networks, throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Practical solutions are offered through my wide range of services - training packages, a consultancy and project management service, external supervision, group facilitation, research, service reviews, strategic planning, mentoring, conference speaking and independent advocacy.

My skills and knowledge have been enhanced by working in private practice, where I’ve been fortunate enough to have a diverse range of opportunities and experiences at different levels.

For specific examples of my work, click on the different services on the main menu. Below are some links which provide more information about my background.

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