Springfield's busiest teen

Clayton Coutis has big aspirations and won't let cerebal palsy stand in his way.

SPRINGFIELD resident Clayton Coutis manages to fit more into a week than most people would into a year.

An active community member, the 17-year-old is not only a volunteer surf lifesaver but also dedicates his time to the communications and logistics sector in the rural fire service as well as pursuing his private pilot's license.

What's more, Clayton has cerebral palsy but that doesn't stand in the way of him achieving his ambitions.

Clayton said there was never a dull moment in his life, quipping it was all a matter of time management.

“I feel like I should be giving back to the community,” he said.

“I had to accept from a young age that there are some physical things I just can't do...but there are other things I have been told I have an exceptional ability at.”

Clayton said although at times he was emotionally drained by the reactions he sometimes got from people about his disability, he had learned to live his life in a positive way.

I don't like to call them disabilities, they're challenges,” he said.

“I have that understanding that yeah I am different...but even though I might not be able to play football that doesn't mean I can't talk on the radio about it.

“That's how I've learned to live my life.”

Cerebral Palsy League CEO Angela Tillmanns has encouraged south-west residents to imagine what it would be like if they or someone they loved had cerebral palsy.

“People with cerebral palsy face barriers and challenges every day of their lives but they choose to focus on their abilities, rather than let their disabilities define them,” she said.

“People with cerebral palsy can do anything and be anything. They can become artists, athletes, teachers, lawyers, parents, financiers, chefs, volunteers, doctors, musicians and office workers.”