Nadia Lindop, Executive Officer of the Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) Foundation, is thrilled the Foundation has been selected as a finalist for the Australian Government’s 2012 National Disability Awards.

“Everyone involved in the MJD Foundation is very excited to be recognised as a finalist in the National Disability Awards this year,” Nadia said.

“We’re only a small team but we’re very proud of the work we do – and the positive contribution we make in the lives of people living with MJD, particularly those in the very remote Indigenous communities on Groote Eylandt and other parts of North East Arnhem Land.”

The MJD Foundation is this year’s only Indigenous finalist. It was nominated in recognition of its work to improve the quality of life for Indigenous Australians and their families living with MJD in Arnhem Land and other parts of the Northern Territory.

MJD is a genetic neuro-degenerative disease, and most people who are affected will become wheelchair bound and fully dependent within 10 years of the first symptoms emerging.

“Because the disease affects every aspect of the individual’s life – it requires an all-inclusive management approach,” Nadia said.

“Since the charity was started in 2008, our goal has been to provide improved services and education, as well as further research into the disease.”

While MJD is found all over the world, Indigenous Australians living in the Northern Territory experience a prevalence of MJD 100 times greater than the international average.

“We hope that by being selected as a finalist in the National Disability Awards there will be greater awareness of MJD across Australia,” Nadia said.

“The Awards are also a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements people with disability make to our communities.”