A young Wauchope woman has done something amazing - she has shared the story of her life in a wheelchair with the children she cares for.
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Rosie Attard is a former Wauchope High School student who, on the morning of her Year 12 Final Assembly in 2011, was involved in a car accident, which left her in a wheelchair.
Rosie, who now lives in Byabarra, always had a vibrant, bubbly personality and this spirit has continued to shine through even on her hardest days.
Her occupational therapist , Annette Holley, has written a children's book about her called Rosie's Wheels which doesn't shy away from Rosie's accident and how her life changed.
She read the book to children at TG's Childcare in Wauchope where Rosie works. The children listened intently and then they asked Rosie lots of questions afterwards. Annette said it took years to get the story into print, but it was worth it.
Rosie is an inspiration and it's great for children to see what she can do.
- Annette Holley
"When I first met Rosie, she wanted to work in a play school with kids so we investigated if that was an option. It was, and in the pre-school environment, we saw the educational awareness, and thought this needs to be a story book," said Annette.
"Rosie is still the same girl she was before the accident. It's great for children to see what she can do."
One of the children asked Rosie about how she got hurt and how she drives.
"There was an animal in the road and I tried to miss it and I rolled my car. My back got hurt and my legs went to sleep. I drive my special car with my hands and so I don't need pedals," explained Rosie.
She told them how she has a special ramp in her car which moves at the push of a button, and how she moves her wheelchair into the back of her car, presses a button and moves in, then manoeuvres herself into the driving seat.
Anne Stephens from TG's Childcare was delighted to launch the book there, and said it was great for children to see someone familiar using a wheelchair and doing what she loves as a career.
"Rosie is an inspiration and this is a very special day for us," added Anne.
You can check out the 'Rosie's Wheels' Facebook page where you can purchase the book or email rosieswheels@gmail.com