May 08, 2024

IPW 4: Alex

53 minutes

Mandy and Kate chat to Alex, Pea mum of 3 sons and a very interesting person. Alex shares with us about the birth of her son Harry who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome on the same day he became very unwell and was transferred to intensive care at another hospital. During this time in hospital, Harry was also diagnosed with Hischsprungs Disease, which is a condition of the large intestine.

Once Harry was stable he came home and Alex began learning about his conditions.

Harry had early intervention and eventually went to his local mainstream primary school where he thrived and has continued in mainstream schooling for secondary school too. Harry is a community man and has played many sports for his local clubs, like his brothers and is also an athlete with Special Olympics where he has represented Victoria at the National Games in 2022. Harry was also given the honour of being in a TV ad with Kenny Jacobson in collaboration with Special Olympics and IGA. Harry loved this experience and Alex talks about the notorious Goat Curry. Watch it here.

Alex studied disability and has spent her career in the disability sector. Her current role is with the Victorian Electoral Commission and is the democracy ambassador in the education inclusion team. Her team delivers electoral education and information to priority communities including people with disabilities. They run voter education sessions and go to adult services, TAFE's and specialists schools and run incursions catered to the group's needs. They cover who can vote, why voting is important etc and run a mock election. Alex also speaks to families and carers. Alex is passionate about voting as a human right and what better person for the job!

Thanks for spending time with us Alex, you taught us a lot!

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