The purpose of this week is to acknowledge the experiences of all people who have encountered disabilities or who may do so in the future. We recognise the diverse presentation of disabilities, which can be both seen and unseen, and can include physical, cognitive and socio-emotional attributes. As a celebration planned and led by students belonging to our community who identify as having a disability, we are seeking to proudly recognise the diversity of our community while promoting further education, understanding and awareness.
Disability Awareness Week in Week 10 is a student led initiave and an opportunity to build awareness of Rett Syndrome, Autism, ADHD and Down Syndrome.
For more information, please read the below by Year 12 students Giselle Hein and Brayden Duffy.
Message from Year 12 Students Giselle Hein and Brayden Duffy
Hello members of the AvÐÔ°® Christi College community, my name is Giselle Hein, and together with Brayden Duffy, we have planned the College's first-ever Disability Awareness Week.
Our aim for the week is to raise awareness around Rett Syndrome. This rare disease primarily affects girls and is caused by a gene mutation during pregnancy. While Rett Syndrome is the main focus of the week, other disabilities such as Autism, ADHD, and Down Syndrome will also be covered.
What is happening in Week 10?
During Disability Awareness Week, students will participate in engaging activities to learn more about Rett Syndrome.
Year 7 students will have the opportunity to attend a presentation on Rett Syndrome by a professional therapist who specialises in working with individuals affected by this condition.
To raise funds for the Rett Syndrome Research Centre, there will be a number of fundraising activities:
Tuesday:
Raffle for Senior School students outside the library = $1.00 a ticket or 3 for $2.50.
Wednesday:
Lolly bags for sale at the Junior School for Year 6 = $2.00
Thursday:
Sausage Sizzle at the Senior School = $3.00
Soft drink at the Senior School = $2.00
Sausage Sizzle pre-ordered through Quickcliq for Junior School = $3.00
Juice Box pre-ordered through Quickliq for Junior School = $2.00
Raffle for Senior School students outside the library = $1.00 a ticket or 3 for $2.50.
What is Rett Syndrome?
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls and leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child's life, including their ability to speak, walk, eat, and breathe. Rett syndrome is usually diagnosed in children between 6 to 18 months as they begin to miss developmental milestones or lose abilities they had gained. The disease occurs worldwide with 1 of every 10,000 female births and is even rarer in boys. The course and severity of Rett syndrome are determined by the location, type, and severity of the mutation and X-inactivation of the MECP2 gene.
What are some common misconceptions or stereotypes associated with Rett Syndrome?
Even though most children affected by Rett can't speak or use their hands, and over 50% lose their ability to walk or require mobility assistance, children with the disease are still less aware and alert but without the ability to express themselves in any way. One of the main misconceptions around Rett is that because the person has lost many motor functions, they are also not mentally aware. However, this is untrue. Many people with Rett Syndrome are completely mentally aware, meaning they can understand and keep track of conversations, read simple books, and identify their wants and needs such as knowing when they are hungry or tired.