National Poetry Day 2022
To celebrate this year’s National Poetry Day, we wanted to share this poem written by one of our teenage AAC users.
My Superhero
From the first moment I opened my eyes, I saw my
superhero:
No cape, no shiny costume, no mask...
From the first moment the doctors told her that I was
disabled,
She fought ferociously for me like a lioness protecting her
cub!
From the first moment I wanted to go to primary school, she
fought for me.
No TAs, no access, no space...
From the first moment I wheeled in the front gates, I felt
welcomed,
She fought like a soldier being relentless in battles: brave
and bold.
From the first moment we went to 1 Voice, we both felt at
home.
No stress, no awkwardness, no questioning...
From the first moment we went to the disco, my mum cried
with happiness,
Me and 1 Voice opened her eyes to endless opportunities.
From the first moment I wanted to go to mainstream
secondary school, she fought for me.
No additional support, no extra time, no adaptations...
From the first moment I pressed the bright green button to
open the doors at school, I felt welcomed.
Courageous, determined, outspoken, loving, considerate,
powerful.
From the first moment I needed extra time for exams, she
fought for me.
No time, no readers, no scribes...
From the first moment I started an exam, I felt ready.
Her determination rubbed off onto me.
From the first moment I needed a bigger house, she fought
for me.
No wide doorways, no big corridors, no gaming room...
From the first moment I opened my own front door, I felt
exhilarated.
My house is the hub for all my friends.
You are my strength. You are my inspiration. You are my
sunshine.
I will always want hugs at the most inconvenient times!
Tiago dos Santos (15)