成人论坛

Not wrapped in cotton wool

"I have never been wrapped up in cotton wool... I had a stroke before I was born and this has given me loads of problems.

All through my life I've had physiotherapy. I used to hate doing these exercises when I was small but now I'm glad that I was made to do them. Eventually I started walking and talking when I was three. From this time on I never looked back... with the help of Mrs Jean Thomas, who was my nursery nurse all through my school years.

I've been able to take part in all kinds of activities. I love music and I've even been a performer and rock climber too.

I love my dog Hamish... it took me two years to make this tapestry.

I've had awards from different things that I've done, and I felt very proud when I was able to walk down the aisle behind my aunty when she got married.

I have great holidays with my family and my friends. I'm now in Tec doing work experience in different places.

I was really excited when I was offered a job in a nursing home and I'm looking forward to starting there in August but also I'm a little bit scared... this means that I will be able to care for others instead of others caring for me."

End slide - Thanks to Family and Friends.

What is your digital story about?
My story is about myself and that having a disability hasn't stopped me doing anything.

Why did you choose to tell this particular story?
I wanted to tell this story as hopefully it will be an inspiration for other children with disabilities.

Did you enjoy the workshop?
I enjoyed doing my digital story and gained a lot of experience in different aspects of film-making. As I say in the title of my film - 'Nothing Can Stop Me Now' - and nothing can at all, not even Digital Storytelling workshops!

Your comments

"It was very good and it made me happy to see how I've changed from then to now. It changed my life. I'm still working in nursing home." Dana Rees, Crosshands (2007).

"I thought it was really good as Dana is a good friend to me we r always out and about and havin a laugh and a drink!!!!!!!!!!! I hope u understand how things can affect u when that happens." Joanne Miller, Carmarthen, Wales.

"I found this story because I have the same name, Dana Rees. I listened to the story with interest and can only imagine the challenges this difficulty brings." Dana Rees, Orem, Utah, USA.

"Dana's story made me cry, not out of sympathy or pity but because it is so inspiring. I don't suffer from a disability and yet feel I don't give as much to life as Dana does." Lisa Jones, Cardiff, Wales.

"Dana's story I found extremely touching and quite humbling as well. To see someone getting on with her life in such a positive and determined manner should be a lesson to us all." Huw Evans, Swansea, Wales.