Written by Julie Jones, Have Wheelchair Will Travel, October 1, 2024
Over Braeden’s lifetime I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the word ‘no’. If it wasn’t ‘no’, it was a variation of it, “we’re not funded for that” or “we don’t have enough staff for that” or perhaps the most dreaded, “we’ve always done it this way and can’t change.” Over the years I’ve met roadblock after roadblock and as a can-do and think outside of the box kinda gal, I’ve lived in perpetual frustration at the lack of progressive thinking. So, you can imagine my delight when I encountered a lady who was all about ‘yes!’ It’s such a rare experience I need to share it.
Photos in this blog are general Braeden shots as I can’t share images of him with children at the preschools for privacy reasons.
Braeden’s new opportunity
Wheely Good Chats with Braeden preschool program has been going really well with Braeden visiting two preschools a week around Sydney. It keeps him busy, continues to improve his communication skills and provides him with a really lovely opportunity to connect in the community. Braeden is so much like my dad, he really seeks out connection and people. Perhaps it is the mediterranean genes passed down from my dad’s side of the family but he craves interaction and of course that’s not easy when he is non-verbal. Society often doesn’t know what to do and feels awkward in interactions. Kids, not so much. They say what they think, and most preschool kids are young enough to still have an open mind.
So, while I am happy with the preschool program as it is, I started to think about ways to build more connection and community for Braeden. I asked his speech pathologist about what she thought about us asking a preschool if Braeden could be a regular visitor but instead of doing a presentation, he join the kids in the playground or in their classroom and do what they are doing. Braeden’s speechie is a forward thinking gal that is also often frustrated by the limitations of the system and was onboard instantly. She decided to call one of the preschool directors who she felt might be open to the idea and apparently before she could even finish her sentence it was a resounding “yes!”
Last Friday I had the opportunity to meet the amazing lady who shall be named Mrs Yes and she is fabulous. I’ve never had a meeting where nothing was a problem. She had chatted to staff and they are all enthusiastic. A list of ideas had already been written for ways to make Braeden part of the preschool. Ways he could join the kids in play, opportunities for him to have a bit of a leadership role and more. I felt a tad overwhelmed at the dream-like experience I was having. And as with all inclusive and wonderful people, Mrs Yes has no idea how unusual her attitude is. Which of course makes it all the more amazing because I know she thinks that is just how it should be and she appreciates that the opportunity is a two-way street. As she said, some children will immediately be drawn to Braeden and others will go about their business and not be fussed and that’s okay. That’s real life and that’s what we strive to let Braeden experience.
Braeden starts regularly going to the preschool after the school holidays, and I am sure it will take a bit of time to know how it will work and things may need to evolve as we learn but we have the chance to give it a go. We had a “yes” and that feels incredible. Someone sees Braeden in the way we see him, a young man who has lots to offer the world if he is given a chance.
For all those seeking opportunity and meeting roadblocks, I know only too well how discouraging it is but please don’t give up. We shouldn’t have to knock on so many doors and ask so often but when there is a positive outcome it is all worthwhile. I’m excited to see what the coming months will be like for Braeden.
Please share any ‘yes’ experiences you’ve had as I love nothing more than encouraging others who are currently facing roadblocks.