Oscar, aged 9, ACT, 24 hours speechless
Oscar (and his Mum and Dad) decided to go speechless for his best friend, Abigail, who has Rett Syndrome. These are his thoughts on his experience.
How has your life been touched by Rett Syndrome?
It has made me think more about how people with disabilities cope with their day to day life.
Before I met Abigail I didn't know what Rett Syndrome was and how much disabilities affect people.
Why did you decide to take on the speechless challenge?
Every year since I met Abigail I have done something to raise money for Rett Syndrome. I have busked, done the Canberra Times fun run and walked 5km a day. This year I wanted to do speechless to find out how people with Rett Syndrome feel when they can't talk to anyone.
What was the hardest part of it for you?
Not being able to tell people how I felt or what I wanted to do with them. I saw one of my friends in the park. She didn't know I was speechless, so I had to try and communicate to her why I couldn't speak to her.
Was any part of it easier than you thought it would be?
I didn't think any of it was easier.
What did you learn about Rett Syndrome through this experience?
I learnt how people must feel when they can't talk and how frustrating it is not to be able to communicate what you want and need.
Any advice for someone considering taking on a speechless challenge?
Remember that it is not a game and people are going through this everyday and they don't have a choice.
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