My Story So Far (Lisa McLeish, Australia, 2023) is a short film that highlights achievement, skill-building and everyday activities for young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, including wheelchair users. The film offers a clear, humane look at school life and personal progress without sensationalism. Warm and honest in tone, it invites viewers to notice practical skills, independence and the small victories that matter. Presented as part of the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, My Story So Far contributes to our programme by celebrating the abilities, experiences and achievements of people with disability in an encouraging and respectful way.
Hi I'm Lisa McLeish and I am awesome. I started life with a few problems but that hasn't slowed me down. I attended special school for the first few years of my life and I was captain of the swim team, basketball and cricket. Also as a kid I played basketball, athletics and ten pin bowling. Once a week I still played bowling with my brother. I moved to high school at 16 as I needed more challenges than the special school could provide. While I was at high school I was treated like any other kid. I was given the opportunity to take part in all things including my debutant ball and my year 11 formal. I am a driven person who takes life pretty serious but knows how to have a good time. I am a representative of the NDIA and I'm involved with many projects. This is something that I really enjoy as I like being able to help others in my situation that can't represent themselves. In 2015 my mum was diagnosed with cancer and in 2018 she passed away. My mum always encouraged me to be independent and how to look after myself. I miss her dearly. I learned from my little sister Kylie how to use public transport which helped me with my independence. I even got my learner's permit what was a huge achievement. One day Kylie told me she had booked a ticket for herself to go to Hong Kong. I asked if I could go too. Mum, dad and Kylie said yes. This was the first of many trips overseas. I love to travel. I have been to quite a few Disneylands. A few years back I was introduced to graphic design class. I was an actual and I loved it. I still study graphic design and I'm planning to open my own design studio. I am a mad Collingwood supporter and get to go to as many games as I can. I also support the Southeastern Melbourne Phoenix basketball team. I'm a bit of celebrity as all the players know me because of my bright pink wheelchair. I have continued on with my bowling and just represented Victoria at the 34th National Tampines Bowling Championships in Adelaide. I also travel to go see my friends bowl for Australia. I am now doing race running as a sport. It's really good fun. I reckon I'm getting pretty good at it. My plan is to represent Australia at the upcoming international events fingers crossed. In addition of these sports I also surf and indoor skydive when I can. I'm proud of all my achievements so far. My disability does not stop me for going to places and doing the things that I love.
Filmmaker
Lisa McLeish is the filmmaker behind this entry.
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Lisa McLeish.
