Turn your face toward the sun, and the shadows fall behind you.” – Tales from Earthsea (2006)

Where I am now

I am Gaby, a 19 year old disabled person. I have cerebral palsy, specifically, right sided hemiplegia. I also suffer from severe Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Due to severe anxiety and depression I had to leave school at 17 to be able to receive treatment from the Mental Health services in my local area.
I thought all hope was lost when my anxiety became too much for me to take up a much anticipated college place.

A few months passed. It was hard. I was anxious and felt of no use to society. One day I just woke up and decided to take action. Struggling from intense anxiety, I had been crying all morning, I dragged myself out and volunteered at my local Scope charity shop.

It was great, I loved it so much that I increased the number of days that I worked. It was enjoyable while it lasted but physically it was tiring for me. My legs couldn’t cope.

After a long while of horrendous pain, I decided to look for another voluntary job that would do better to accommodate my physical needs.That was when I went for an induction day at the Healthy Living Centre. This is a wonderful place in my community where everyone is welcome for subsidised food, different classes, job club and support. It supports the community in so many ways.

I was very anxious as it was still an unfamiliar place to me and I didn’t know the people there. I started out shadowing the receptionist but the staff there quickly recognised that I had good computer skills. Since then I have been asked to tutor ICT to Silver Surfers and beginners on computers. I absolutely love it! I love showing people how ICT has changed my life and helped me overcome elements of my disability. When I have to write I need a scribe, on the computer I am free. Computer literacy has opened so many doors for me, which in turn, could open doors for whom ever I tutor.

I still suffer greatly from GAD and the pain in my legs is bad but I have found something that I can do to keep my head just above the water.

I really do hope that my story can help and inspire people to achieve their goals whatever they may be.