This time last year, my son finally got a place in special school and the difference it has made to all our lives has been incredible. To see him thrive in a place where he is valued rather than tolerated has hammered home to us the importance of true inclusion rather than the tokenistic version that many mainstream schools begrudgingly provide. 

With the weight of his fate finally lifted from my shoulders, I felt free to think about what I could do with myself. I thought about training as an SNA, or perhaps in social care for adults with intellectual disabilities. All noble causes that I could bring a lot to.  

It’s funny how one person can change the course of your life. My lovely friend suggested that I’d seen enough stress and hardship over the past decade to last me a lifetime. Perhaps it was time to have a bit of craic. She told me about the MND course in Ballyfermot and as luck would have it, they were having an open day the following day.  

I secured my place in BCFE and I’ve had the best year. I’ve said yes to everything – except RunAmok! – I’ve produced a podcast, I’ve been a camera person, I’ve had my own radio show, I’ve been in a short film – and the year isn’t finished yet! I’m like a poster child for what can happen when the system works.  

As this year’s offers come out, I’m so excited for my friends and their families who have been lucky enough to secure a place in special school. It’s the start of a new chapter for them all – one where anything can happen.