Dear Cerebral Palsy, directed by Kyra Culloton (Australia, 2023), explores themes of cerebral palsy, achievement and inclusion through a personal and perceptive lens. The short reflects on education, family, motivation and how viewpoints shape opportunities for teenagers and young people with physical disability. It sits comfortably within the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, which celebrates the abilities, experiences and achievements of people with disability. Quietly provocative and human, the film invites audiences to reconsider assumptions about capacity and aspiration, and to celebrate the varied ways individuals pursue goals and belong in their communities.
Dear cerebral palsy, From the moment I entered the world, more than 12 weeks premature, you've been as much a part of me as my heartbeat. You have helped me focus on the beauty in the world, despite the challenges you bring. Simple everyday tasks that others take for granted require more effort, and you have forced me to rely on others to assist me with these, which sometimes imposes on my privacy. There are days when you frustrate me, when I acknowledge that life would be easier without you, but at the same time, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Society sees you as a negative thing. It views people like me as broken, incapable, unworthy. But I am proud of my identity. I am capable of almost anything non-physical, laughing, learning, and living a full life. I am worthy of equal rights to able-bodied people, and have learnt to advocate for these with dignity and respect. The situations you have forced me to experience, and the people you have connected me with, have helped teach me society's assumptions are wrong. My education assistants minimise the physical challenges of school, which would otherwise reduce my ability to express my intelligence. When the frustrations of being different to my peers overwhelm me, they often manage to put a smile on my face. My teachers help me embrace my inner nerd, and understand that I am grateful for my place in my school's academic extension program. This is largely because I know that 50% of people who live with you have an intellectual disability. Most of my teachers have been incredible at sending me work in a format that allows me to use speech-to-text to complete it. They make activities as inclusive as possible. My support workers are amazing. Whether it's a Wednesday afternoon taking me to physio, or a Saturday morning scribing my homework, helping me revise for tests, or playing very competitive card games, they always have my best intentions in mind. I've experienced the highs and lows of care in a hospital setting. You have forced me to endure unbearable pain after three major surgeries. One to stretch my over-tight muscles, and two to prevent my hips from dislocating. On top of this, I've had countless rounds of Botox injections under general anaesthetic to relax my muscles, not to get fat lips. My specialist rehab team have always gone above and beyond to ensure my health is at its best. Over the years, I've had countless therapists who have helped me increase my physical strength and become more independent at daily tasks. In 2019, I spent the year focusing on physical therapy, and deprived myself of enjoying other aspects of life. I wanted to break free of the chains you wrapped around me, confining me to my electric wheelchair, and walk like all my friends at our year six graduation. Many people tried to kindly tell me that I was being too ambitious, but I wouldn't listen. My physio at the time was super encouraging. While I managed to walk in my walker, I realised my original goal was unrealistic. A year later, my next physio gently told me I could spend the next ten years fixated on learning to walk with crutches, or I could continue to gain strength and independence while still enjoying life. I chose the second option. My current therapists continue to assist me to improve the strength and function of my body. Life is a revolving door, and it is daunting having to constantly meet and trust new people to keep me safe and assist with personal activities. This takes its emotional toll on me, but if they didn't leave, I would never know how many amazing people exist. Whether you were a part of me or not, my family would still be my lighthouse, guiding me through the darkness, and a solid structure to lean on even when I'm already surrounded by light. They, along with my friends, love me for who I am and make me smile every day. You have gifted me a unique perspective that has allowed me to feel immense gratitude for everything I have. I am surrounded by an amazing team of people who have taught me to set realistic goals, show my honest emotions, and above all, be myself. So, Cerebral Palsy, I made this to say thank you, for everything. Never forget that I am proud of you, no matter what challenges you throw my way. Without you, I would not be a warrior. Love always, Kyra We are bursting through the barricades and freezing for the sun We are warriors Yeah, that's what we do I won't let them break me down I know that there's a place for us Oh, we are warriors When the sharpest words wanna cut me down I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drive a mile I am brave, I am proof, I am who I'm meant to be This is me
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