Remembering My Start on International Day of People with Disabilities

This Day of People with Disabilities, I am remembering how I ,was supported from the start of my education. Without that support I would never have discovered my passion for the power of words.

My parents fostered my inner drive to achieve what I could for myself. They insisted I go to a mainstream school. And so I went.

My prep teacher, Mrs Vass suspected there were capabilities within me that were yet to be expressed. She applied for a computer for me. The keyboard was accompanied with what’s called a keyguard, which is made of Perspex and sits over the top of a keyboard. It has holes for each key and the edges of the holes guide my fingers so that I hit the desired key.

Without a keyguard, I wouldn’t have the voice that I have. Not then. Not now.

This is what Mrs Vass said about me:

“It was evident to me that SO much talent was tucked inside this vibrant little girl, and I was proven correct. Once the computer came that had a grid over the letters to make it easier for her to hit the letter she wanted, she started writing amazing sentences. The process was very slow requiring so much determination and effort, we were all filled with admiration. She never gave up and was always pushing her boundaries to achieve the next physical hurdle.”

I was very fortunate to have supportive, empowering and respectful teachers and integration aids throughout my schooling.

In 2016, during a trip to Canberra to advocate for an increase in the Australian aid budget, I had a support worker who mothered me. She overrode my instructions regarding the support I needed and didn’t need. I became unusually passive and quiet.

After that experience, I thought a lot about the integration aids I had at primary school. If they hadn’t empowered me, I wouldn’t have the spunk that I do. I can honestly say that after witnessing myself withdraw in Canberra. I remember the banter between Marion and I. The song Jenni taught me; “I am H A P P Y”. Why that still gets in my head sometimes I don’t … I know how to spell it now!

Not every child with a disability has a Mrs. Vass or a Marion or a Jenni supporting them to grab their education. Parents with the courage and skills to foster their independence. As a staff member of CBM Australia I know that around the world one in three primary-aged children with disabilities are not in school. Children with disabilities who live in developing countries are among the most disadvantaged people in the world.

This International Day of People with Disabilities check out CBM’s new video calling for efforts to make the start of every child with a disability count. www.cbm.org.au/idpd

Let’s hope for more Jennis and Marions and Mrs. Vass’s throughout the world.