From the moment Cameron’s fingers glided across a keyboard, he created magic. Born blind and living with an intellectual disability, the 39-year old has been preparing to participate in Endeavour Foundation’s 70th anniversary Battle of the Bands on 25 June. But life would probably have been much different for him 70 years ago.

“Seventy years ago there was little support available for people with disabilities and children with intellectual disabilities were being excluded from Queensland’s classrooms,” said CEO Andrew Donne. “Endeavour Foundation was born from the voices of parents who started by demanding one of the most basic rights for their children – the right to an education. They began a movement that advocated for social inclusion for people with disability and while we have come so far, we know there is much more to do,” he said.

Cameron, who like Elvis before him, prefers to go by his first name, said he was proud to showcase his musical talents at an all abilities virtual Battle of the Bands. “Music has been my passion since I can remember,” he said. “Being blind, I’ve found that I am more attuned to sound, and can mimic any song I hear.”

Cameron is the lead vocalist and pianist of an all-abilities, band born out of Endeavour Foundation’s Learning and Lifestyle day service in Toowoomba. Mr Donne said Battle of the Bands began in 2014. This year’s Battle had the theme “the future is bright”. “People with disability are often told what they can’t do, and Battle of the Bands is an event that focusses on ability, empowering participants to show the world what they can do,” Mr Donne said.

More than 100 performers with disabilities across 16 acts are showing off their talents and love of music by taking on songs by music legends such as John Denver, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Presley or their original compositions. “People with disabilities can do anything we put our minds to. If people want to judge us, they should judge us the right way, on our ability to rock out,” Cameron said.

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