My name is Ariane. I am 16 years old and currently completing Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning at Belmore School, Balwyn and Media Studies Unit 1 and 2 at Council of Adult Education in Melbourne.
I am a second born twin, born 13 weeks premature. I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when I was nine months old. The youngest of six children, I have three brothers and two sisters. I am also an aunty to three nephews and one niece.I use an electric wheelchair to get around, as I am unable to walk without assistance. I have had two operations on my hips; when you have Cerebral Palsy and do not move a lot, your hips get dislocated. The recovery from these operations is very hard and often painful. Hydrotherapy is the best therapy for me post surgery. I see a physiotherapist at least once per week to help maintain my level of function. I love swimming as my body moves more easily in water. I am a member of the Youth Disability Advocacy Service steering committee, which I really enjoy. I feel like I have a voice and can represent other people with Cerebral Palsy between 12-25 years of age.
In my spare time I hang out with friends, play the drums, swim, go to the movies and lots of shopping.
I would like to be able to go wherever I want without having to think about how am I going to get there and around without help from another person. I have to think about access issues when going out to restaurants and shops. If I was more independent I would be able to dress myself, shower myself and take myself to the toilet. When I finish school I would like to study to be an advocate for all people with disabilities.
