09/10/2026
People with disability are part of the community you come to Hall to enjoy. They are also the reason our Markets exist. Every market day raises funds for people with disability in Canberra through Hartley Lifecare.
So when Jamie Larsen, Hartley’s communications intern, talks about how people treat him, there is something for all of us to take into our next market day.
Jamie is a university student, powerchair soccer player and Dungeons and Dragons fan. Yet people often ask his support worker what he wants, instead of asking him.
His advice: "Treat them like a person first."
Whether you are shopping, running a stall or volunteering, a conversation starts the same way: say hello and speak to the person. If you think someone needs help, ask first and listen.
Thank you to Region Canberra for sharing Jamie’s words. Read “Assume the highest: Jamie’s simple advice on seeing the person first” here: https://region.com.au/assume-the-highest-jamies-simple-advice-on-seeing-the-person-first/1001401/?