My Disability Gives Me Extra Ability

McAuley Catholic College, Grafton, Year 11 student Janet Irwin won the annual ABC Heywire Competition for 2021. (14 December 2021)

Congratulations to Year 11 student McAuley Catholic College, Grafton, Janet Irwin, for winning the ABC 2021 Heywire Competition.

The ABC Heywire annual competition empowers young people in rural, regional and remote Australia to tell their own stories in their own way. Most of us find sharing personal experiences difficult, especially with strangers. Writing about personal moments can be challenging; Janet bravely shared her unique story by being vulnerable and honest about who she is and what makes her happy.

Janet’s story is titled, ‘I've got a rare disorder. But it's not who I am. I'm an artist.’ In her story, Janet highlights how celebrating the ability in her disability gives her extra drive to focus on her passion and love for art.

Janet worked closely with her English teacher Mrs Rouse to write her story expressing her love for school, sharing how she likes to talk to her teachers about their favourite things and paint them.

‘I love the feeling of joy I get when I give a painting away, especially to my teachers,’ said Janet.

Janet demonstrated excellent communication and social skill whilst developing her story and recording it at the ABC Coff Harbour Studio with assistance from the Leader of Inclusion, Mrs Bindon.

‘Our school prides itself on how Inclusion is an integral part of everyday life here at McAuley Catholic College,’ said Principal Kate Thomson.

Congratulations to Janet and her caring and supportive team at McAuley Catholic College. Listen to Janet’s Heywire story via this link: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/janet_grafton_nsw/13648502?fbclid=IwAR3k1NdJSF_OSi-3zn12E7WJ-wK518VmCSNvFEnP0LYKRMSwwnrixzfme