After becoming a quadriplegic in a diving accident, I returned to
high school to finish my senior years. The encouragement and acceptance
from the school and my classmates along with minor physical adaptations
allowed me to achieve the marks required to apply to university. As a
result, I was lucky enough to receive a place at the University of
Queensland to study architecture.
During my time at university I faced a number of issues around
campus access, general acceptance and the fact my course was focused on
the ability to visually present ideas through sketching and modelling.
To overcome my initial inability to hand-sketch I went to TAFE at night
to learn Computer Aided Drafting (CAD).
Upon completing my degree, I applied and was accepted to take part
in a new Queensland Government initiative to provide six young
graduates with the opportunity and resources to establish and run there
very own architecture practice. The Architectural Practice Academy
(APA) gave me many great opportunities to experience the entire
architectural profession, from dealing directly with clients and
budgets through to negotiating the hazards of nails and tyre punctures
on building sites.
One of my most memorable projects was the renovation and fit out of
the practice’s office space. Being project leader enabled me to be
involved in ensuring the office was fully accessible. I have recently
sat and passed the Architectural registration process and moved onto a
new job with one of Australia’s largest architectural practices,
WoodsBagot.
The change of jobs was very daunting and stressful, because in the
past I have struggled to find accessible architecture firms anywhere
outside of the CBD. To gain full-time employment and reduce the travel
time to work, I have had to move into an accessible unit closer to the
city so that I can be nearer to the available opportunities. To gain
more independence I have purchased a powered chair so I can walk to
work, eliminating the need to spend time waiting for taxis.
Additionally, I have adapted my manual chair so I can tow it behind
the powdered chair to and from work, where my colleagues assist me to
transfer. Within the office environment the main modifications have
been to ensure I have a clear path of travel throughout the office.
The attitude I have taken with me during my employment and other
personal activities such as sailing, is that if you take the time to
educate yourself, think and experiment with solutions to overcome any
obstacles you face, there should be no reason why you can’t achieve
what you want to do with your life.