LEEANNE Mackey enjoys going out for dinner, meeting new people, shopping, reading magazines and spending time with her boyfriend.

Although she has cerebral palsy, she does not let it hinder her enjoying her hobbies.

The 28-year-old has been living at Scope Victoria in Glenroy for 10 years. She is one of about 34,000 Australians living with the condition, which is the most common form of childhood disability.

This week is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week.

Scope, a leading disability service provider in the state, is aiming to raise awareness about the condition in an effort to make the community more 'inclusive', accessible and welcoming for people with cerebral palsy.

The organisation's message for the community is to focus on seeing people with cerebral palsy firstly as people, and then to work together to achieve full social inclusion.

Ms Mackey uses a wheelchair, and has limited use of her hands and legs.

She communicates with her eyes and head by indicating 'yes' and 'no'.

With a full understanding of conversations around her, she will look straight ahead if she is undecided and also has a communications book at the back of her chair to help.

Cerebral palsy causes motor disability that ranges from minimal to profound.

Ms Mackey needs assistance in day-to-day activities such as meals, transferring in and out of her chair and dressing.

Her wish to the community during the awareness week is simple: To be treated equally, not pitied and accepted and respected regardless of her condition.

Scope chief executive Diana Heggie agrees.

"National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week highlights that with the right support, people with cerebral palsy can and do reach their potential, despite the economic, physical and attitudinal barriers often faced."

Details: www.scopevic.org.au