It is often humbling and impressive when students on the BLENNZ roll overcome their vision impairment and out-compete their sighted peers in academic and extra curricular activities.
Oliver, a Year 5 student with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, recently landed the lead role in the Nelson Youth Theatre performance of Oliver! Rehearsals were held in the evening and spanned over 3 months, an arduous task for a student whose levels of fatigue would already be significant.
The only accommodation Oliver requested was large print in order to learn his lines, although with the glare of theatre lights and no glasses he would have been working extremely hard during performances.
Oliver has a great can-do attitude and high level of motivation and resilience. These qualities and the backing of his parents have undoubtedly led to a high level achievement in his studies, sports and music. Oliver’s proud parents commented that they “continue to support him in whatever endeavours he chooses” and they “have never said that he couldn’t do anything because he has impaired vision”.
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