“Tam” by Dee Collins

Tam’s Story (2008)

Being born with cerebral palsy is not an excuse 39-year old Tam uses when she is unable to achieve everything she would like. “I was not willing to accept my disability when I saw others with more severe disabilities. I want to push myself and do as well as possible.” she says.

At the age of eight she watched other children going off to school and started practicing writing with her one semi-functioning hand. Soon she was insisting on being given a chance at education – and her mother began carrying her on her back daily to school. Tam enjoyed school despite her writing difficulties and, with the support of helpful teachers, she took her education right through to Year 12 when her mother could no longer carry her. Even now, despite her verbal communication difficulties, her impressive grasp of English is evident in the language classes Lifestart runs two evenings a week.

After completing school Tam’s mother ferried her around by bike before her family managed to borrow sufficient money to purchase a wheelchair six years ago. This made a significant difference but it was the acquisition of an electric three-wheel bike a year ago which has completely changed her life. She could now really go places.

Having always enjoyed craftwork Tam jumped at the opportunity to work in an embroidery shop where she produces dragonflies and boats. Then on Mondays and Tuesdays she slots into the craft workshop where she forms part of the mosaic card making group. She loves the social contact of these days and relishes the opportunity to learn new skills. Tam’s lack of physical strength does not diminish her ability to plan for the future. Her goal is to eventually run her own craft shop – then she could repay the support her 84 year old mother has given her over her life.