Glen dreams on despite disabilities
Mon 23 April 2007
Lauren Kesby, Journalism
Glen Sheppard, 27, loves being a university student and is currently writing his third book despite having both Down Syndrome and Autism.
Glen first communicated when he was 16-years-old and since then has been shocking people with his communicative capabilities. He has written two books of poetry and is now writing his first novel.
When Glen was introduced to the Facilitated Communication Board (FC) in 1996, he said he was relieved to be able to have his say about what he wanted in life.
Glen’s first words were, “I love you mum.”
DOWN SYNDROME |
“My speech therapist came into my class and supported my hand while I pointed to letters on the alphabet board. It was the best day of my life,” Glen said.
“It was like being released from a prison for a crime I didn’t commit and this day marked the beginning of a new life for me.”
Glen’s mother, Pam, felt “total amazement and absolute shock” when Glen first spoke with the FC.
“I was so excited I went into shock for two weeks, I rang everyone I could think of and then the realisation set in. I did not have to break down every sentence I spoke to him, Glen understood everything,” Pam said.
Pam believes one of the biggest problems she faced when raising Glen was gaining understanding and acceptance from family, friends and the community.
“The constant 24/7 care for your child/adult is very demanding and draining to the parent. We must have regular breaks and emotional support, which requires more support agencies and better funding,” Pam said.
AUTISM |
Glen’s childhood was “no harder or easier than other families with children who have a disability.” On his website he explains what it was like growing up with both intellectual and physical disabilities.
“I am very lucky to have support from my mother and support workers to be able to attend university,” Glen said.
“I was in the lowest classes in special school … it wasn’t anyone’s fault that this happened, it’s just the way things are if you have a communication disability like mine.”
“It was frustrating and brought out some behavioural problems as I was angry with myself for being stuck in a body that didn’t do what it should.”
“Autism, with my Down Syndrome is a bad combination of disabilities. Trapped in a body that does not work to society’s expectations, I hate not being able to shower and dress myself,” Glen said.
“I need so much support from my family and support workers, they allow me to have a wonderful life, and they are the centre of my world.”
“After school I went to TAFE and did numeracy, literacy and art. I also finished three subjects in Year 10 in a regular TAFE course at Mooloolaba.”
“It was around this time I discovered poetry … Poetry helps me put things in perspective. It shows people what I am thinking and feeling and the context in which it was meant.”
“After 16 years of silence I was going to make myself heard … My thoughts for the future are bright,” Glen said.
“Prior to attending university it’s as if I was in a place where all this stuff called information was being poured in, but it didn’t have an order or reason for being there.” Glen said, “I guess it was like living in a soup of sorts. It took 14 years for the soup to settle and something meatier to appear.”
Glen is studying creative writing at The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).
“I really appreciate The University of the Sunshine Coast for providing such a wonderful opportunity for me to further my education and lifestyle.”
“It is difficult for me to have a girlfriend. I would love to have one but it is impossible. She would need to be quick enough on the communication board so I could express my thoughts and feelings to her.”
“… The controversial issue of the facilitated communication hangs like closed shutters between the Autistic world and society. Much work is required to open the shutters and let society see the light regarding the use of FC,” Glen said.
Image(s) designed by Lauren Kesby
Enter comments about this article
Submitted Comments
I would love Glen or his mum to contact me. I have a son who is 17. He is non verbal. attends the Gympie Special School. Where can I learn more about f.c.? Cheers, Anne (sad mum)
Anne Vetter
my sister wrote this article and its great
brendan