My name is Meghan. I am a very happy and confident 25-year-old young lady who was born with an intellectual disability — Down syndrome. I have overcome multiple hurdles with my eyesight and hearing and learning. I attend a lifestyle program three days a week where we learn everyday skills and I also attend a young persons’ program three times a week where we do great fun things and learn community access.
My great passion is to write. I love to sing and dance and I love to make speeches whenever I can. It is something I have taught myself with my love of writing.
In April 2011 the worst thing of my life happened when my beautiful big brother Joel, who was only 27 years old, passed away suddenly. My mum and brothers and sisters and I were so upset and very sad that we will never see Joel again. I wrote a speech for Joel and Mum typed it in big letters and I practised it, then I read the speech at Joel’s funeral and spoke for our family (because everyone was too sad to speak) to say how I felt about Joel and what a wonderful brother he was, and how I will always remember how he looked after me and the great times we had. We didn’t get to say goodbye to him and we will love him always.
Everyone in the chapel cried and clapped. We gave Joel three cheers as his coffin was lowered. Mum and everyone else was so surprised and proud that I was able to write and read my speech in front of everyone at such a sad time
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