Adam’s Story (Les Cope)

Adam was born in 1972 with a severe disability. Diagnosed at an early age with Tuberous Schlerosis Complex and given a minimal chance of leading a ‘normal’ life or living past his teens by a medical specialist, he defied this early prognosis. He has had to face prejudice and fight for equal rights in areas that most of us take for granted. His local community were generally supportive and embraced Adam and his family’s needs. They often gave Adam and his family support and encouragement when the going got tough.

Adam lives is a small township in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria and was included in all community activities from a young age. Together with his parents and his siblings Adam was included in many local events, such as get togethers with the towns Country Fire Brigade, Primary School, cubs and scouts and family dances in the local community hall. This community consisted of many individuals who gave support when it was needed most. Through a series of stories in Modern Australia it is intended to touch on some of the people and the events that shaped Adam’s life.

The stories trace Adams journeys in his community over a thirty-six year period. From when his disability was diagnosed, travelling to a centre for up to two hours each way in a bus every day away from his community and making it back into his community, through an integration program at his local school. He was given a voice through facilitated communication, which enabled him to express personal thoughts with poetry. The stories continue through to 2009 where Adams personal ongoing plan has been developed and included in a request for support from the Department of Human Services. An ongoing discussion with just one more bureaucracy that seems never ending.

The impact Adam had on people and their attitudes in the community was more than just an awareness of disability. He challenged peoples thinking about how the system supports an individual because he chose to take a different path and attend a regular school. Several of his teachers re-looked at how they worked with all children, thereby benefiting the whole school community. It is not possible to detail all the events that have impacted on Adams life and others in this one short story.

© Les Cope