contributions
By Cassandra Crowe
Life
lessons
learned
My middle sister, Rosalind,
Photograph Sarah-JaneEdis.com
you are willing to look for them and
Enjoy the moment - despite
was born with a disability. embrace non-conventional methods. Rosalind’s illnesses it still came as a
She spent her life in a Those with disabilities or different shock to my family and I when she
custom-built wheelchair, challenges offer a unique perspective passed away. I was at work when my
unable to feed herself, dress through which we can gain so much. mum called with the news. It was just
Fitting in is overrated - fitting a regular day, until it wasn’t….While it
herself or hold a conversation
in the traditional way.
W
in never came naturally to me, I’ve may be a cliché, always take the time
always felt slightly awkward and to be present everyday.
when you have obvious disabilities
You don’t need a voice to be
e weren’t really sure how like Rosalind’s it’s simply a waste of heard - I was impressed at Rosalind’s
much she could take in. energy trying to be part of the crowd. funeral by the large number of
For example, I think she I’ve decided fitting in is overrated and people who attended. Many more
could see shadows or a light turning that confidence and insight comes came along to pay their respects than
on and off, and she seemed to be when you’re happy on the fringes. just immediate family and friends.
able to hear and react to familiar
Resilience - Rosalind was never
For example, there were those she
voices with a smile. She spent her able to run a marathon, swim an had gone to school with or those who
early life at home and the later part ocean swim or even ride a bike, but had cared for her while in the group
living in a group home where she to me she demonstrated courage home. I realised Rosalind had not just
could receive 24-hour care. Sadly, she and resilience every day of her life. impacted me but had touched many
passed away at the young age of 29. Rosalind taught me to be determined more. For someone who couldn’t
Despite the many challenges and to always do my best even in the speak any words her ability to
trickiest of situations. connect was significant.
Rosalind faced, she has been the
most influential teacher and role
Disability does not discriminate
While I’m the first to admit
model I ever had. I feel I have been - Rosalind was badly disabled from disability can be a challenge, in
privileged to experienced disability birth due to a series of unfortunate Rosalind’s case it was not easy to get
up close. Here are some of the things medial circumstances and events. around or to communicate. However,
Rosalind showed me: This was through no fault of her own. to me it’s clear, where communities
It reminds me that disability can are inclusive and welcome diversity,
happen to anyone. we all win.
People with disabilities have much
to offer - learnings are everywhere if
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contributions
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