This is the 21st year this day has been celebrated in Australia.
When I was just 30 days old, the doctors took Mum and Dad into a small, cold room, and told them I had brain damage. Ask Mum and Dad anything about that day, and they will tell you, because they remember the day so well.
Their dreams for me were shattered, and they were scared.
And, they were full of questions, no one could really answer.
Together, we have learned to celebrate each small step, and to enjoy every little moment. We have different goals and different dreams, but ultimately, my dreams are the same as yours.
Luckily, physiotherapy has been something Mum and Dad have been held very highly. They make sure I get as much therapy as we can. If we had millions of dollars, we would employ my Zoe, and we would work together, every day. But we can't, so... Mum makes sure she gives me exercise time, every day.
Because of that, I have achieved more than some 'professionals' thought I could.
I work hard, and I push myself, so I can learn and improve.
My Zoe is an excellent support, and we make an excellent team.
We've had a lot of set backs, and a lot of disappointments, but we've also had a lot of success, and have a lot of beautiful memories.
We have a beautiful community - both online and in our local area.
We want to thank you for your support.
At first, I was just stared at.... leered at, the crashing-into-poles kind of staring... as people tried to work out what was wrong with me... but, that seems to have been reduced, a little. Now, more and more people are coming over, touching my hand and saying "You must be Dexter. I've been reading all about you. How are you?" And, we like that.
We like that people are brave enough to approach someone who can't speak back.
Our supportive community wants me to have the same opportunities as everyone else. We can feel that, in the way you celebrate with us... when we got the beach wheelchair, when we found the high-backed swing and the bird's nest swing, when I got my walker, and whenever I achieve a little goal. We feel it, in the way you worry and care, when I am sick or have to have surgery.
We're so grateful, because I live in this community, and I really, really want to be a part of it... and, I want my sisters to feel loved and protected, not stared at and questioned, when they walk down the street with me.
I don't have my words, but I do communicate.
I can't tell everyone much about my vision, but Mum and Dad make sure I get lots of things to look at... clear backgrounds, solid bright colours, and flashing lights.
I'll end up in a wheelchair, and we're ok with that, now.
That took a long, long time, to come to terms with.
A wheelchair makes everything so, so much harder.
I drool, and I spit, and I have to be fed (though, I picked up a bit of playdough, and brought it to my mouth, this week!)
My bed is a hospital-styled bed, and I have hoists for lifting and carrying.
My disabilities are severe, and lifelong, but I have such positivity around me.
I feel very protected. I feel very loved. And, I work hard, every day, to do the very best I can. I don't like limits, and I love every opportunity I am given.
Today, on International Day of People with a Disability, I want to give a big shout out, to every one of my friends with a disability. There are many of you!
My Music Maker friends went to Sydney, today, to perform in front of over 5000 people... because one of them kept asking and asking, until the organisers said they could. Never give up, right? No limits, right?
Today is like a celebration... a celebration of how far we have come in terms of building an inclusive Australia... A celebration of the way we see the person first, and their disability second... and, it's a day of hope, for the progress we will continue to make.
Go to the International Day of People with a Disability webpage, to read stories from 21 years olds, with a disability.
Their hope, is that in another 21 years... Australia will be "a place where access for all is not an issue, there are equal employment opportunities and that society has shifted in sentiment and realised a person with a disability is no different to you."
You can click on the bottom right hand corner of the videos, to make them larger, and easier to see.
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And, here are lots more links, to lots more of Dexter's stories:
Leave your Disability At The Door
Aunty Carol Remembers - My story
Beach Wheelchair
Meet Zoe
The Brace
We Nearly Lost Him This Time
Dexter's cancer
Cerebral Palsy - A Dexter Day
Learning to See
Who is Dexter?
Conductive Education Therapy
Dexter's days
Dexter's Classification
Its A Good Time to Have CP
You Look Funny
My Sister Knows
Today, I Just Want To Be A Mum
Cerebral palsy Awareness
Cerebral Palsy Doesn't Stop Me Understanding Stuff
Equal Love
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