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Breaking Down the Barriers is dedicated to sharing the stories of people who have overcome obstacles, changed attitudes and made a difference in their communities. If you or someone you know would be interested in featuring on Breaking Down the Barriers please contact us.
I am a born optimist and in the words of Monty Python ‘I always look on the bright side of life’. I had a wonderful childhood in the Hunter Valley. I lived a ‘normal’ life with the ‘normal’ expectations of a teenager. However, even though my ‘normal’ expectations remained, my life changed significantly. I had a brain haemorrhage which initially left me totally paralysed—well not really, I could blink one eye and that was important to me as it meant I could communicate and have a ‘voice’. Continue reading
I am a 61 year old grandmother and artist. I have painted all my life and also ventured into many different areas of art and craft. My home is full of my work and I have sold a great deal … Continue reading
I am a long term member of the ACT disability and blindness community who has also been involved in a range of community activities in both the general community and the disability sector. As a person with lifelong experience of blindness I believe that chances start early and inclusive education is important. Continue reading
Katie Senior, a 21 year old woman with Down syndrome; has a passion for dance, sports and acting. Continue reading
Born with low vision I got by with minimal adaptations until my vision deteriorated in my late 20s. I then learned how to get around with a long white cane and use Braille and, in time, PC screen readers.
It is tempting to restrict this story to having a job for 21 of the last 22 years but that would leave out the most important part of my life. Continue reading