By Stephen MacDonald

My disabilty at the time when I was born, my mum had very high blood pressure & toxemia & I was born by (emergency caesarian) due to cardiac distress which would explain my mental retardation (though there is no proof that the very low fetal heart rate did/or did-not cause my retardation). Appeared to worsen after i had my tonsils removed at 2 ½ years old. At 4 ½ years old I had to be placed on medication to control my extreme behavior that was off the rails at the time as things went from bad to worse in some cases.

I have epilepsy. I expect that I always will.

Emma is a 25 year old psychology student. A severe brain haemorrhage on Christmas Eve 2003 began her journey of hospitals, rehabilitation wards, International travel and a deep sense of support, closeness and love for her family. Emma began taking photos and doing graphic design shortly after recovering from her illness. Since then, she has developed a bumper sticker that reflects her sense of herself and has grown a very impressive photographic collection of everyday life through her eyes.

FACILITATOR: Was your disability organic or acquired?