International Day of People With a Disability

Over the past four weeks the students from two of our residences have been involved in a film project with Camden Council to help celebrate International Day of People with Disability 2009, a day which highlights the strengths and achievements of people with disabilities. Here Family Resource and Residential Program staff member Rhonda Gadd writes……

"A few weeks ago, eight Mater Dei students and some staff met with representatives from Camden Council to discuss how we could be included in the project. The next step was for us to decide was what subject matter we were going to do our photography sessions on. We decided on the title 'A day at the beach in Camden '.

We all scoured shops for 'props' and found a huge blow up a penguin, a T Rex, a kangaroo, a crocodile, some snakes and other bits and pieces. In the next session we dressed our sand pit (located in the primary playground at Mater Dei) to look like a beach, complete with umbrellas, props and lots of sunscreen. Towels were laid out and the fun began.

Lots of photos later we moved to the pool. That's where the excitement began. The students didn't listen to 'cut' or 'that's a wrap', they just kept acting!!!

The next session was at Camden Library to download the 400 photos that were taken and to put music to our story. This was enjoyed by all present. Then the sound effects had to be added, with the screaming being the best sound effect of them all!

We did not get to see the finished product until we saw it on the big screen at Narellan United Cinemas on December 1 along with the six other services who were involved in the project. The students enjoyed seeing themselves on the big screen and felt that their presentation was the best of all, naturally!

The students involved have really enjoyed the learning experience and appreciate all the time and effort given by Council staff, Olev, Angela and Vanessa and the support they were offered by all involved."