Former National Party Senator William “Bill” O’Chee has published a heartbreaking essay in the Sydney Morning Herald about the struggles faced by his son Rory, who lives with Down Syndrome..
O’Chee said the 17-year-old is one example of how people with disabilities remain locked out from main society.
The Queenslander shared how despite Rory’s achievements in both academic and creative fields, he remains plagued by a deep sense of isolation.
“Yet for all of this, his close friends can be counted on the fingers of one hand,” he said.
O’Chee confessed he fears the end of Rory’s schooling, as he believes it will mark a new chapter tainted by loneliness.
“What does the future have to offer him when the academic year ends, and all of the people who have been through school with him go their own ways?” O’Chee wrote.
The former Senator said the struggle to connect has led to Rory isolating himself further.
“He even confessed to his teacher aide that he had come home from TAFE on occasion and cried in his bedroom because nobody there wanted to talk to him,” he said.
O’Chee touched on how social progress continues to lag behind structural and institutional advancements.
“We have made enormous steps as a society when it comes to people with disabilities; we have given them financial support, anti-discrimination legislation, and even the opportunity to participate in sport,” he explained.
“However we seem reluctant to give them our friendship.”
The piece ended on the hope Rory will continue to pursue his desire for connection as powerfully as he chases his creative dreams.
Feature image via Twitter @ChildeofHaleBC
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