The Biggest Achievement in My Life: Marion remembers the boost of achieving a goal and getting a qualification.
Our volunteer, Marion has written a blog about her experiences of studying a computing course at college while talking about how CP didn’t stop her from achieving her goal. Thank you to Marion for this wonderful blog, a perfect read ahead of World CP Day, read what she has to say:
Hello everyone, I hope everyone is well and keeping safe.
As Cerebral Palsy Day 2020 is approaching us, I thought I would share with you my greatest achievement in my life. This blog might encourage you to take up something new!
When I was 18 and when I finished school I went to my local College to do my ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) . My dad managed to get me on the course by talking to the College and they agreed to have me on the course. I loved being a student with a disability as I was in a class with mostly able bodied students.
I enjoyed going to College by myself with a support worker, I felt it was a great opportunity for me to do something independently. The College was very accessible and I liked going to the café and meeting my friend.
I got excellent help from the College’s unit for people with disabilities. The special needs advisor helped me set up my Intellikeys keyboard so I was able to use their PCs. They even fought for me to get extra time for my exams, that took time, but we got there in the end. Although I was later than all the rest of the students to take my exams, I was the 3rd top student in the class.
I had always been interested in computers so the ECDL was right up my street. I started on my first computer when I was 3 years old when my Dad set me up on a BBC B computer.
When I did this course 18 years ago, there were 7 modules which included, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, and Information and Communication.
Then after my ECDL was finished I got a lovely surprise and won The Provost’s Community Award for Special Needs Adult, The prize was a trip to London and while there I went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
I have used my skills that I have learnt from doing the ECDL to work in 2 offices, and had my own little business making stationery.
Having Cerebral Palsy didn’t stop me from achieving a European Certificate for my computer work, and my advice to anyone who is thinking of doing something that you are wanting to do is to keep at it. You never know what you can do!
Marion Burns, 29th September 2020
